Arizona Cardinals: 2018 NFL Draft grades for Day 2 and 3 picks

The Arizona Cardinals traded up for their quarterback in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft, then worked to build more around him on Days 2 and 3.

Things couldn’t have worked out better for the Arizona Cardinals in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft. They needed a quarterback for the future and they found themselves in position to trade up for Josh Rosen, which they did. Where they went from there, however, remained to be seen.

As it turned out, the regime in place wanted to build around the premium investment Rosen. That meant going offense often throughout Days 2 and 3 of the draft.

How did they fare with those selections?

Round 2: Christian Kirk, WR, Texas A&M

Christian Kirk is a well built receiver at 5-11, 200 pounds who runs savvy routes and gets open excellent quickness at the top of his routes. He’s like a running back with the ball in his hand, able to make defensive backs miss and run away from defenders.

His tenacity and playmaking ability is similar to Cleveland Browns receiver Jarvis Landry. Together, he and Josh Rosen could be what Carson Palmer and Larry Fitzgerald was to the Cardinals as the new dynamic combination, along with David Johnson to form a great trio. 

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Round 3: Mason Cole, C, Michigan 

Cole has experience playing left tackle (2014-2015) and because of his athleticism he could play as a zone or pulling guard. However, the consensus is he’s a center who can start from day one. 

Round 4: Chase Edmunds, RB, Fordham 

Chase Edmunds is a small school wonder with great explosion and a compact build. He’s a lot more explosive than some of the other backs on the roster. At 5-9, 210 pounds, his skill-set is reminiscent of Ray Rice and Edmunds could be a great spell back for David Johnson, who is returning from injury. 

Round 6: Chris Campbell, CB, Penn State 

The Cardinals needed a corner, but opted to wait until the sixth round to address the need. Chris Campbell is a 6-1, 195 pounds is long corner who does his best work in off coverage because of his length. He fits the current mold of guys already one the roster who all possess great length and trying to the Robin to Patrick Peterson’s Batman. 

Next: NFL Power Rankings 2018: Post-draft edition

Round 7: Korey Cunningham, OT, Cincinnati 

Korey Cunningham is an athletic tackle, but lacks functional strength, which contributes to inconsistencies with balance and injuries. 

Grade B+