Arizona Cardinals 2018 Draft Class Review

With the 2018 NFL Draft behind us, it’s time to begin the review process on how each team stacks up with the selections they’ve made. The Cardinals have had some significant change going into this offseason including a new head coach and starting quarterback to try and bring this team back to levels the fan base has grown accustomed too. Having no fifth round selection in this draft, Arizona was one pick short of a full draft board while adding great numbers with a plethora of undrafted free agents, let’s review… 

Arizona Cardinals 2018 Draft Class Review:

Round 1 – Pick 10 (10)

Josh Rosen (QB)

While the Cardinals have been putting Band-Aid solutions on the most important position for years now, 2018 was finally the time to address the long term quarterback need for the team from the desert. In witnessing Josh Rosen fall as other quarterbacks were selected, the opportunity was clear to trade up with the Oakland Raiders to secure the tenth overall selection. It appears the Cardinals hit the lotto getting perhaps the most NFL ready signal caller in this year’s class.

ADF is a huge fan of Rosen and his abilities on the field and what his potential could be with some time to sit and learn the game. With Sam Bradford planted as the starter at this point of the offseason, Rosen has a perfect opportunity to perfect his craft while learning form a solid career starter in this league. Much like the other top choices at the position in this year’s draft class, Rosen possesses the true NFL size and toolkits that could make him a success. While Rosen didn’t overwhelm with his statistics from his time in UCLA, it was clear he was able to get the ball to his receivers with poise and precision. Almost all scouts praise the footwork of the potential star which is extremely important in navigating his way in the pocket with side-steps and step-ups. A lot could be said for the talent (or lack thereof) around him in his time in UCLA. The amount of dropped passes from his receivers could’ve easily lifted his completion percentage to heights that would’ve made the argument valid as the clear-cut number one overall selection.

The greatest concerns on Rosen seem to stem from his attitude and durability throughout his time in college. While again the blame could be placed on a subpar offensive line for Josh taking far too many hits, his inability to get rid of the ball appropriately is also in question. Even with these red-flags attached, ADF firmly believes that Josh Rosen is in the perfect situation to begin his career and has every opportunity to succeed. Having an all-star run game behind him, with an improved offensive line, and a receiving core that could bail him out while playing in a dome, this is the perfect place for the young talent.

ADF Prediction: Very high upside.   

Round 2 – Pick 15 (47)

Christian Kirk (WR)

The hometown boy comes back to Arizona to begin his pro career with the Cardinals. Christian Kirk is a fantastic addition to a receiving core that’s in desperate need to add playmakers in knowing the retirement of the future hall of famer in Larry Fitzgerald is on the horizon. Kirk has all the intangibles to become a very good wide receiver in the NFL with probably the most valuable aspect, learning from the great Fitzgerald. Kirk has great traits that include size, speed, and great route running ability, with above average hands. Kirk impressed in his time at Texas A&M hauling in a nice 234 receptions, 26 of those going for touchdowns, not too shabby. Christian also possesses a great first step off the line which gives him the opportunity to out class the opposition. ADF is a believer in Christian Kirk as he will undoubtedly refine his skills behind one of the best to ever play, lots to like here.       

ADF Prediction: Potential day one starter.

Round 3 – Pick 33 (97)

Mason Cole (OL)

The Cardinals understand one of their greatest weaknesses and have addressed it through free agency and now the NFL draft. Mason Cole has prototypical size that unquestionably led to the Cardinals moving him up their board and selecting him in the third round. What’s most impressive about Cole is how versatile he was in his college career. Having the ability to play all over the line affords the Cardinals the opportunity to mix and match finding the best fit for Mason and the team. Cole will have to come in and compete for a starting spot with the interior of the line looking rather impressive after some key additions. Mason is a great depth addition with the potential to steal a starting role.  

ADF Prediction: Moderate potential.

Round 4 – Pick 34 (134)

Chase Edmonds (RB)

Chase Edmonds is an ADF favorite with his skillset showing great ability as an all-around running back that could easily translate to success in the NFL. It’s rare to see runners with great one cut ability, teamed with fantastic acceleration and power, which are all traits Edmonds possesses. Not used much in the passing game, Chase was the primary workhorse in Fordham raking up an impressive 5862 rushing yards while adding an astonishing 67 rushing touchdowns over his four year career. An injury caused him to lose much of his senior season to which his statistics could’ve been that much more inflated then what was shown.

If the thought process is to protect David Johnson in spelling carries to not overwork the super-star back, Chase Edmonds will in fact be the perfect choice to form a dominate one-two punch. Clear knocks on Chase could involve the reliability of his hands in the pass game, and a clear need to improve in his blocking ability. 

ADF Prediction: Fantastic talent, good upside, great asset.  

Round 6 – Pick 8 (182)

Chris Campbell (DB)

In a draft class stacked with defensive back talent, the Cardinals chose to wait until the sixth round to help shore up a unit that is looking mighty thin after the Honey Badger (Tyrann Mathieu) skipped town. Campbell has the height and size to compete at the next level but should remain as a project player that may never reach the potential the Cards brain trust hopes he can. His opportunity is great to observe and learn the craft form Patrick Peterson, but time will tell if he’s a viable NFLer.   

Round 7 – Pick 36 (254)

Korey Cunningham (OL)

Sticking to form in this draft addressing the greatest needs might get the Cardinals into trouble in the future, as the mantra should always remain in taking the best overall talent on the board, while it’s clear that filling needs was the primary objective for the Cardinals this year. Filling more depth on the offensive line, Arizona chose Korey Cunningham with their last selection. Standing 6’6” tall weighing in at just over 300 pounds, shows a great frame capable to produce in the NFL. His overall talent can be put into question but should compete for a roster spot. Depth is very important and it’s something the Cardinals lacked in previous seasons.      

2018 Undrafted Free Agent Signings

Chad Kanoff, QB, Princeton

Elijah Battle, CB, West Virginia

Frank Ginda, LB, San Jose State

Alec James, DE Wisconsin

Deatrick Nichols, CB, South Florida

Dennis Gardeck, DE, Sioux Falls

Matt Oplinger, LB, Yale

Jonathan Owens, DB, Missouri Western

Tavierre Thomas, DB, Ferris State

Matthew McCrane, K, Kansas State

Trent Sherfield, WR, Vanderbilt

Austin Ramesh, FB, Wisconsin

Zeke Turner, DB, Washington

Will House, OL, Nazarene

Jalen Tolliver, WR, Arkansas-Monticello

Alec Bloom, TE, Connecticut

A.J. Howard, DB, Appalachian State

Mike Needham, LB, Southern Utah

Owen Obasuyi, DT, Hampton

Austin Olsen, OL, Southern Illinois

Jonah Trinnaman, WR, BYU

Andrew Vollert, TE, Weber State

Brant Weiss, OL, Toledo

Corey Willis, WR Central Michigan