2017 NFL Draft: 5 Second-Round Options For The Arizona Cardinals
By Tyler Olson
2. Sidney Jones, CB – Washington
This is a matter of does Keim pull the trigger strictly on what Sidney Jones could be in the future, or does he pass due to the torn achilles he suffered during his pro day.
The Cardinals secondary last year was less-than adequate when you look at who played across from Patrick Peterson. Looking to 2017, things look no different with running back-turned cornerback Brandon Williams currently slated to play second fiddle to Peterson next season. But that may be Keim’s plan. After all, he drafted Williams in the third round of last years draft.
It’s unlikely that Jones steps on the field prior to the end of the 2017 NFL season. Actually, it’d be nothing short of a miracle. He may be healed by the end of the season, but there wouldn’t be a chance he’s in game shape both physically and mentally. That’d be the issue at hand for Arizona heading into the season. Keim would have to feel comfortable as far as job security goes to pull this move off (this high) for a player that won’t play this next season.
But if Jones can come back in 2018 and be who everyone thinks he can be, then the Cardinals get a steal.
1. Davis Webb, QB – California
Ah, the quarterback question everyone wants an answer to. Does Arizona take one in the first round? Maybe. A first-round quarterback has more pressure on him than anyone in the league. A second-round quarterback, though, some people forget and move on from a lot quicker.
If Keim does go quarterback in Round 1, then he’ll have pressure lifted off his shoulder, at least for his rookie season. I, however, believe there’s bigger holes that can be filled with safer picks in the first.
That’s why Davis Webb is a great choice in the second round. A big quarterback that fits the mold that Arians loves, Webb needs time to learn behind a professional like Carson Palmer. Replaced by Patrick Mahomes at Texas Tech, he only has one full season of play under his belt in three years and that was with the Cal Bears this past fall.
Next: Can Andre Ellington Make The Cut In 2017?
Luckily the pressure wasn’t too much taking over for the 1st overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, Jared Goff. Webb passed for over 4,200 yards and 37 touchdowns this past year providing little drop off at the quarterback position. Webb says he can throw the football 75 yards with ease (per Bleacher Report). Players like John Brown, JJ Nelson and Andre Ellington would love to have Webb throwing them the ball one Palmer retires.