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2017 NFL Draft: 5 Second-Round Options For The Arizona Cardinals

By Tyler Olson

Oct 1, 2016; Iowa City, IA, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Desmond King (14) returns a punt against the Northwestern Wildcats during the first quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 1, 2016; Iowa City, IA, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Desmond King (14) returns a punt against the Northwestern Wildcats during the first quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 17, 2016; Oxford, MS, USA; Mississippi Rebels tight end Evan Engram (17) runs the ball during the game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Alabama won 48-43. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2016; Oxford, MS, USA; Mississippi Rebels tight end Evan Engram (17) runs the ball during the game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Alabama won 48-43. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Evan Engram, TE – Ole Miss

The tight end position is one of the strongest groups in this years draft. It’s one of the strongest classes in most recent years. And Evan Engram is on the fringe of being the best. O.J. Howard and David Njoku are clear-cut Round 1 options. Either could easily be top-20 selections. Engram could make his way into the first round, too, given a team at the tail end of the round falls in love with him.

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I think the former Ole Miss Rebel falls to Round 2, though, and will be available at 45th overall. He finished his career with 162 catches for 2,320 yards and 15 touchdowns. He really came onto the scene this past season catching 65 passes for 926 yards and eight touchdowns.

Engram is going to be a force at the next level playing out of the slot. At just 234 pounds, he’s  a bit undersized. He needs to bulk up and learn to be a better blocker in the NFL, but he’d have an opportunity to learn from Jermaine Gresham.

3. Zay Jones, WR – East Carolina

What are the Cardinals going to do once Larry Fitzgerald retires? Keim is lucky he didn’t retire after the 2016 season, otherwise Arizona would be in trouble come next fall.

Wide receiver is a top priority in the 2017 NFL Draft. Fitzgerald might still be productive, but he’ll be sitting next to his eventual replacement in film study come training camp. While there a couple great options in the first round in Mike Williams and Corey Davis, Zay Jones is a great option in Round 2.

The all-time career leader in receptions in FBS history, Jones grabbed the attention of scouts and experts throughout the Reese’s Senior Bowl. He had two touchdowns, one of which was called out of bounds and another called back due to a penalty. He showed up against the draft’s top senior defenders and made them look amateur all week long.

Jones’ 158 catches in 2016 alone catapulted him into draft discussions. The strong Senior Bowl along with a 4.45-second 40-yard dash and 133-inch broad jump have solidified him as a second-round lock and possible first-round surprise. He’s a solid, safe pick for Keim at 45th overall.

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