Peter Schrager Mock 2.0: Cards trade up again!

Does Peter Schrager know something we don't know?

The answer to that questions is undoubtedly yes, on several fronts, but let’s just focus on our Arizona Cardinals.

For the second consecutive mock draft, Schrager has Arizona trading up with the Detroit Lions to select an SEC pass catcher.

In his first mock draft, it was All American TE Kyle Pitts that was the apple of Steve Keim’s eye. In this most recent mock draft, however, it’s Alabama receiver Jaylen Waddle.

“The Cardinals continue their uber-aggressive offseason by acquiring yet another weapon for Kyler Murray to help the franchise emerge from the gauntlet that’s the NFC West. Waddle, whose ankle has fully healed, is seen as tough as nails and an instant-impact player at both WR and on special teams. In the swap, the Lions pick up No. 16 overall this year, as well as the Cardinals’ 2022 first- and third-rounder.”

There’s a lot to dissect here, the first of which being the price tag for a player not named Pitts of Ja’Marr Chase. Also, he has the Cardinals passing on Waddle’s running mate at Alabama, DeVonta Smith, for the smaller/less productive (college) player.

Yes yes, Waddle is seen by many as the prospect with the higher pro upside. In this mock, Smith takes a tumble all the way to pick 12 (New England trade up).

Let’s focus on the fact that Schrager himself, admittedly, doesn’t do mock drafts for scheme fit. He has said on record that he doesn’t “grind tape”.

Peter Schrager is on the record in saying that his mocks reflect what he’s hearing from league sources and insiders. Which means, with roughly nine days to go until the big show, he still sees Arizona trading future picks to come up and secure a big time pass catcher.

That’s the biggest takeaway from this entire exercise.

If you’re curious as to who Schrager had Arizona taking last year, in his final mock draft:

Isaiah Simmons

“Is he a safety? Is he a linebacker? The Cardinals have a history of taking “positionless players” on D. Here’s their latest. Love this pick for Arizona.”

Perhaps we should all begin preparing ourselves for a big move come draft day...