Don't look now, but the Arizona Cardinals are in the thick of the NFC Playoff race. They currently sit one game behind a few different teams for the final spots heading into Sundays action.
This team is loaded on the defensive side of the ball with a ton of young stars. The Cardinals also possess a damn good receiver group and some solid young running backs.
No matter what happens moving forward this season, the Cardinals are going to have to hit on their draft picks to close the gap between themselves and the top-two teams in the division, both of whom are legit Super Bowl contenders. It's all about combining need with value.
Here is eDraft's in-season 2014 Arizona Cardinals mock draft.
First Round: Austin Seferian-Jenkins, Tight End, Washington
Both Jim Dray and Rob Housler leave a lot to be desired as pass-cathing options from the tight end position. They've combined for just 26 receptions for a bit over 200 yards and one score this season.
No matter who is under center for the Cardinals in 2014 and beyond, he is going to need a consistent tight end to go with what is a deep and talented receiver group.
Up to this point, Seferian-Jenkins is my No. 1 overall tight end in what is going to be a solid draft class at that position. At 6'5" and 275 pounds, the Washington star has the size and physicality to be a dominating performer.
His core in-line strength off the snap makes it difficult for defensive backs to jam him at the line and he utilizes that size to beat defenders to the ball.
In addition, Seferian-Jenkins is one heck of a run blocker, which would help Andre Ellington and Co. on the ground. Despite off-field issues, he's a lock to go in the first-round.
Second Round: Aaron Murray, Quarterback, Georgia
Your prototypical drop-back quarterback here. Murray has been in Athens for what seems like this entire century, which has it's advantages. He's going to come into the NFL as a polished product and could start from day one. Murray has completed at least 60 percent of his passes in two of his first three seasons and is on pace to do so again in 2013. He's thrown at least 35 touchdowns in each of the last two seasons. Armed with a strong arm and pretty good accuracy on intermediate routes, Murray has the potential to be a franchise quarterback. While his ceiling isn't as high as a Teddy Bridgewater or Brett Hundley, Murray should make a good pro.
Needless to say, Arizona is going to have to plan for the future at quarterback with an aged Carson Palmer under center. It could sit Murray behind the veteran for a year and move on to the younger option in 2015.
Third Round: Seantrel Henderson, Offensive Tackle, Miami
Unfortunately for the Cardinals, neither Eric Winston or Bobby Massie has worked out thus far this season. In fact, head coach Bruce Arians has made Massie a healthy scratch for a majority of Arizona's games this season. Outside of that, the Cardinals essentially have nothing as it relates to exterior offensive linemen. Bradley Sowell is nowhere near the long-term solution at left tackle and Nate Potter is likely nothing more than a rotational sixth offensive lineman.
On that note, Arizona could easily spend a higher-round pick on offensive tackle, but it's a darn deep crop of tackles heading into the 2014 draft. I fully expect the Cardinals to take full advantage of that.
At 6'8" and 345 poinds, Henderson is a beast of a man. His strength at the point of contact makes him a dominating run blocker against smaller defensive linemen and extends his arms when engaging the opponent, which is a rarity for young tackles. Where Henderson may struggle at the next level is against speed rushers from the outside. He also struggles with technique issues and will find himself pushed back when engaging. That's surprising for someone his size. As it is, Henderson could translate into being a guard in the NFL, which would enable him to partner with 2013 first-round pick Jonathan Cooper.
Fourth Round: Aaron Lynch, Defensive End, South Florida
From a pure talent standpoint, Lynch should go in the top five of the draft, but he struggles making a consistent impact and giving a consistently strong effort.
The 6'5", 244 pound defensive end has an electric first step and causes a ton of mismatches against both offensive tackles and tight ends who attempt to block him on the outside.
He can play outside linebacker in a 3-4, but is more naturally suited to play in Arizona's hybrid scheme as a defensive end with his hands down and as a situational pass rusher from the linebacker position.
In short, the Cardinals can utilize his talents by moving him around. If Lynch gives his full effort at the next level, he will easily rack up 10-plus sacks on a yearly basis.
Fifth Round: Devin Street, Wide Receiver, Pittsburgh
Sixth Round: Deion Blue, Cornerback, Alabama