The 2020 NFL Draft is just about a month away, which means that The Game Haus will be doing draft profiles for every team. Each NFL team will be looked at heading into this year’s draft including what their needs are and who they could be targeting. The Arizona Cardinals will be the eighth team evaluated.

Summary

Arizona started their rebuild in 2019. They had a new head coach in Kliff Kingsbury and a rookie quarterback in Kyler Murray. Despite rebuilding, they finished the season with a 5-10-1 with an impressive win over Seattle. While the rebuild still has some things to work out, the Cardinals can be much improved next season.

Their offense will once again be led by the electrifying Murray, who had 3,722 passing yards, 20 touchdowns and 12 interceptions on 64.4 percent completion. He also rushed for 544 yards and four touchdowns. The Cardinals transition-tagged running back Kenyan Drake after trading for him last season. Drake had 643 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on the ground in eight games. He added 171 receiving yards as well. Larry Fitzgerald has been convinced to come back after leading the team with 75 receptions for 804 yards and four touchdown catches. This offseason, the Cardinals made a trade to acquire DeAndre Hopkins, who is one of the best receivers in football. If the Cardinals can address the offensive line adequately through the draft, they have a chance to make huge leaps on offense in Murray’s second year.

Last season, the Cardinals had one of the worst defenses in the league, allowing 27.6 points per game. They ranked 31st in passing yards allowed and 23rd in rushing yards allowed per game. They have added Jordan Phillips to their defensive front to go along with Corey Peters. Those two should be able to help improve the rush defense. Devon Kennard and De’Vondre Campbell were added to their linebacking core. In the secondary, Patrick Peterson returns and will be joined by Byron Murphy, Robert Alford, Budda and Jalen Thompson. With some additions and stars returning, the Cardinals could improve a decent amount in the 2020 season.

2020 NFL Draft Picks

The Cardinals will have six picks in the 2020 NFL Draft.

First Round (one pick)- No. 8

Second Round (no picks)

Third Round (one pick)- No. 72

Fourth Round (two picks)- No. 114, No. 131

Fifth Round (no pick)

Sixth Round (one pick)- No. 202

Seventh Round (one pick)- No. 222

Team Needs

Offensive Tackle- The Cardinals have to protect Kyler Murray, as he is the future of the team. D.J. Humphries was re-signed, but they need more from their tackles.

Offensive Guard/Center- A.Q.Shipley is a free agent from last season and Arizona already needed depth on the interior before he went onto the market.

Linebacker- De’Vondre Campbell was signed, but they really need to get linebackers who can cover.

Cornerback- Patrick Peterson is still solid and Byron Murphy is still growing, but the Cardinals could use more corners behind them.

Edge Rushers- Chandler Jones is one of the best pass rushers in the league and Kennard was signed, but the Cardinals need to get more pressure on the quarterback next year.

2020 NFL Draft Targets

First Round:

Pick No. 8: Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa

Tristan Wirfs is a talented tackle who was able to display his athleticism at the NFL Combine. He played right tackle at Iowa, but could play either tackle spot at the next level. His athleticism will help him keep up with some of the better pass rushers in the league. Getting one of the many good offensive tackle prospects in the draft is imperative for the Cardinals.

Third Round:

Pick No. 72: Tyler Biadasz, OG/C, Wisconsin

With A.Q. Shipley gone, the Cardinals need to find a new center. Biadasz had a good 2018 season, but struggled in 2019, which might make him drop in the draft. He is an experienced run blocker and is one of the best centers in the class. With the double-down on the offensive line, the Cardinals are ensuring Murray has ample resources to succeed.

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