RADIO
In the latest installment of our NFL Draft 32 for 32 series, we will now look at the Arizona Cardinals - a team with the arrow pointing up in terms of fantasy scoring potential thanks to the surprising addition of one of the league's best receivers in DeAndre Hopkins.
As you may know, the intent of this series is to dive into each NFL team's needs to forecast their possible draft picks in late April. I will predict the first three selections and give fantasy football owners perspective on how this affects fantasy value. Whether it be a positional player or players on the defensive side of the ball, all selections made can help in some way when it comes to fantasy scoring.
As we have seen in recent memory, some rookies can enter this league and make an immediate impact. Based on the appropriate landing spot, this year's crop of prospects has the potential to create some very fantasy-friendly situations. When you're done here, look back on our previous installments covering the Bengals, Lions, Redskins, Dolphins, Giants, and Chargers.
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2019 Review
The initial year under Kliff Kingsbury and Kyler Murray brought back mixed results. Sure, Murray finished the season inside the top-10 among fantasy QBs (QB9). He came out of the gates hot, with much of his statistics coming late in games as the team was trailing. The up-and-down play continued throughout the season until he faltered late (two of his worst performances coming during the fantasy playoffs).
We saw the rookie growing pains from Murray, but hopefully, those will be coached up for the 2020 season. Murray provides the upside that many fantasy owners salivate over as he excels as a passer but even more important as a runner (he finished second to Lamar Jackson with 544 rushing yards). Look for Murray to ascend into the top-five discussion at the position this season.
The acquisition of Kenyan Drake not only made the Cardinals' offense multi-dimensional, but it also saved Drake's career. Playing in only eight games in the desert, Drake rose to finish inside the top-20 at the position. With David Johnson now dealt to Houston, the potential is there for Drake to become a fringe RB1 in fantasy. Unless moves are made to add to this depth chart, expect the team to lean on Drake both as a runner and also as a receiver. This will only add to his value in PPR formats.
On the receiving end of things, the Cardinals depth chart has quickly improved. The trade for DeAndre Hopkins gives this passing attack a legitimate threat that was not there a year ago. His stock could take a hit initially with fantasy owners, but he'll still maintain WR1 production. Christian Kirk can now slot into a more comfortable role as the team's WR2. Larry Fitzgerald is seemingly in his final year, and behind them is a supporting cast of low-value targets (Andy Isabella, Damiere Byrd, and KeeSean Johnson. These are players who weren't a threat to opposing defensive backs.
Heading into the draft, The Cardinals will likely focus much of their attention on the interior of both lines. For Kingsbury's offensive system to truly work, the blocking up front must become more consistent. Far too many times we saw Murray under duress quickly after the snap. I expect some attention to also be paid to a defensive front that found some success rushing the passer a year ago. The more the defense improves on this team, the more it will help Murray and the offense, who was playing catch-up far too many times last season. Now, let's look at who the Cardinals may be targeting and how it will increase the team's fantasy fortunes in 2020.
Arizona Cardinals - 2020 Outlook
TEAM GRADES
Offense: 69.7 (23rd)
Defense: 62.4 (27th)
Overall: 71.3 (27th)
TEAM NEEDS
DL, OL, LB
First Selection (1.08)
Andrew Thomas, OT Georgia
The Cardinals could go in a variety of ways with this initial pick, but settling in on a tackle who could help anchor their offensive line is a smart decision. Thomas was a three-year starter for a line in college that was perennially one of the best in the nation. He has the flexibility to play either tackle spot for this team due to his talent.
Thomas is a powerful blocker with the lateral agility to release and get outside to help in the run game. He does an outstanding job at maintaining his base and has great recovery if he gets out of position off the snap. With the Cardinals running plenty of RPO plays, Thomas's quickness could be vital to opening lanes for Drake and the running game.
Second Selection (3.08)
Rashard Lawrence, DT LSU
Lawrence gives the Cardinals an inside presence that plays with a dog mentality. But he also brings leadership and toughness that can only help the evolution of this defense. He has good snap quickness and hands that also him to release off of blockers to make plays.
His hustle and pocket push can allow linebackers to get behind the line as well. There are a few things that he will need to clean up on the technique side of things at the next level, but with the proper coaching, Lawrence will be a steady contributor for the Cardinals Defense moving forward.
Third Selection (4.05)
Josh Uche, LB Michigan
Uche will be an interesting prospect to bring into the fold. His skill-set and athletic potential outweigh his inexperience and lack of instincts. He'll find more playing time as a run defender, but with more coaching, he could also improve and find success as a pass rusher.
He has an excellent burst to close in on a ball carrier and he can tackle and play in coverage in certain situations. He'll be a little bit of a project coming in, but the tools are there for Uche to develop into a solid linebacker for this Cardinals defense.
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