Note: These results are based off a simulation I did on Fanspeak's mock draft game.
First Round: Justin Gilbert, Cornerback, Oklahoma State
Arizona might have signed Antonio Cromartie to a one-year contract last week, but its still going to need to find a long-term option to suit up next to Patrick Peterson at cornerback. Tyrann Mathieu is more of a nickel guy when he's not roaming around at free safety and Jerraud Powers belongs nowhere near an NFL starting lineup.
Gilbert is a man-coverage corner that doesn't rely too much on safety help. If you noticed Oklahoma State's defensive scheme, it was usually one-man high down the center of the field, leaving the cornerback on an island by himself. Gilbert dominated in this aspect of the game in 2013. Moving forward, that would help Mathieu be able to roam other parts of the field as a dynamic playmaker that he is. This is a perfect fit.
Second Round: Stephon Tuitt, Defensive Line, Notre Dame
Tuitt can be an eventual replacement for the aging Darnell Dockett, but until then he might fit more of a 5-tech role, which is something tha the Cardinals could use in 2014 and moving forward. His 304-pound frame suggests an ability to not only stop the run, but fill gaps, much like what we see with ends in a 3-4 scheme.
If not for a down 2013 season and injury concerns, Tuitt would be a sure-fire first-round pick. Arizona gets a steal here at a position of need in the second.
Third Round: Martavis Bryant, Wide Receiver, Clemson
I am not buying into the hype of Bryant being a first-round pick and it appears that Fanspeak isn't either. These late risers at skill positions tend to fall back down to Earth when the draft comes along. I don't envision that being much different with Bryant.
As a complementary receiver to Sammy Watkins at Clemson, Bryant drew a ton of single coverage. In this, he was able to use that 6'4" frame to beat defenders at the point of contact. His initial acceleration is impressive for someone of that size, and if he starts to use that frame to beat press at the line, Bryant could be a dynamic playmaker at the next level.
While the Cardinals need a true slot receiver, that's something that Bryant could eventually fill if he his strength becomes functional at the line. Just imagine Larry Fitzgerald, Michael Floyd and Bryant lining up for the Cardinals over the course of the next season or two. That's scary.
Fourth Round: Bryan Stork, Center, Florida State
Arizona has done a solid job building a strong offensive line. After adding Jared Veldheer to the mix, the left side of the line should be solidified, especially with the return of 2013 first-round pick Jonathan Cooper from injury. It's now time to build the rest of the line.
Stork was the best center in the nation last season and would be called on to be an immediate replacement for Lyle Sendlein, who Pro Football Focus graded out in the bottom half of the NFL last year. This would also help the Cardinals save $4.1 million against the cap in 2014.
Fifth Round: Aaron Murray, Quarterback, Georgia
If Derek Carr or Johnny Manziel is there in the first round, Arizona might very well pick one of them up as a long-term replacement for Carson Palmer. Carr was on the board in this specific mock, but I decided to hedge my bets that either Zach Mettenberger or Murray would be here later on. Murray was.
The former Georga standout tore his ACL as a senior last season and hasn't been able to take part in any postseason activities. He was considered a second-day pick prior to the injury and has upside of a prolific pocket passer with a strong arm. He still tends to struggle with mechanics, dropping his shoulder when he throws and progressing through reads. This makes him a project quarterback at the next level.
Sixth Round: Dri Archer, Running Back/Wide Receiver, Kent State
A jack-of-all-trades type of player, Archer would add an immediate threat in both the running and passing game. He reminds me a great deal of Dexter McCluster, which is something the Cardinals could use on offense.
Next Up: St. Louis Rams