The Arizona Cardinals have the 16th pick in the 2021 NFL Draft and there are a number of great prospects in tonight’s 2021 College Football Championship Game between the #3 Ohio State Buckeyes and the #1 Alabama Crimson Tide.
The game is on ESPN at 6:00 p.m. Arizona time, but more than that, here are the prospects to know for the 16th pick.
#3 Ohio State Buckeyes
Justin Fields, QB – No, the Cardinals are not interested in Fields, but if Todd McShay is right and Fields falls to the middle of round one, then they are in prime position to be a trade down partner. The Cardinals have holes all over, so maybe getting another second or third could be big.
Wyatt Davis, OG – Davis will end up being my favorite interior offensive line prospect in the draft I am guessing. I have a type, and Davis fits the bill with his style, movement skills and willingness to get into the mess. Davis may end up going before the Cardinals pick, but when I watch him play, you see a guy who can come in immediately and help the Cardinals offensive line.
Chris Olave, WR – The Cardinals need help at wide receiver, and maybe this is the draft to find one on day one. If not, Olave could be an interesting fit, as a guy who is an established route runner, who has great hands and has been really productive. He’ll be a high 4.4 to 4.5 type, but on day two, he could make sense.
Trey Sermon, RB – The big, athletic back the Cardinals have needed. Sermon played with Kyler Murray at Oklahoma and ran for nearly 1,000 yards (947) on only 164 carries. He also scored 13 touchdowns. He also has a ton of tread on the tires. He could be a great fit on day two.
Shaun Wade, CB – Wade is another versatile defensive back who has struggled a bit this year, but he has the ability to play a variety of roles in different schemes. He may project more as a strong safety, so not sure he would fit in Arizona.
Josh Myers, C – Another one of the great offensive linemen from Ohio State, Myers has the size and ability to be a cornerstone on any offensive line. He is a big man with good feet, but he also loves to mix it up inside. Not sure what the Cardinals plans at center are, but Myers is a great player and could be a good fit in AZ.
#1 Alabama Crimson Tide
Patrick Surtain II, CB – Big, physical corner that loves to mix it up. He knows how to be physical without drawing penalties. Surtain offers a great upside as a potential All Pro type of cornerback.
DeVonta Smith, WR – Heisman trophy winner and one of the best and smoothest wide receiver prospects in a while. Smith is lean, but outside of that, he has every trait to be an alpha at the wide receiver position.
Jaylen Waddle, WR – Dynamic, athletic and productive. Waddle has some Tyreek Hill in his game, making him a must watch every time he touches the ball.
Mac Jones, QB – See Fields above.
Najee Harris, RB – One of the most versatile and productive backs in college football history, Harris has lived up to all the hype he came in with. Harris reminds me of prime Le’Veon Bell with his style.
Alex Leatherwood, OT – Dominant, physical starting offensive tackle with the best offense in college football history. Leatherwood is one of those guys who gets overlooked simply because he is consistent with his work. He has the look of a guy who can stay outside, but move inside if needed, he’s that good.
Christian Barmore, DT – Barmore may end up being the next Bama defensive tackle to go in round one. He is a massive body inside with some good upfield burst, but looks like a great anchor in the middle of a defense. Could be a nice fit in the Cardinals 34 as a defensive end.
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