We have another mock draft in which the Arizona Cardinals land a pass rusher. Largely viewed as the Cardinals’ biggest need this offseason, it should not be a surprise.
The Athletic had its team beat writers project the picks of the teams they cover.
Doug Haller’s pick was Tennessee pass rusher James Pearce Jr with the 16th pick of the draft.
Since GM Monti Ossenfort arrived in 2023, the Cardinals have built a solid foundation and improved from four wins to eight. It’s time to make a move. Before making this pick, we had discussions with Cleveland for elite pass rusher Myles Garrett, but could not work out a deal. That’s OK. The explosive Pearce produced 17.5 sacks and 28 TFLs over his last two SEC seasons and fills Arizona’s biggest need. Perhaps the most exciting thing about Pearce is his upside.
Pearce’s projections vary wildly right now. Some project him to go in the middle of the first round and some don’t expect him to be selected until Round 2.
Right now, with Pearce’s size (6-foot-3, 243 pounds) and his production, it is a pick that makes sense at a position the Cardinals drastically need more from.
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