Cardinals Draft Primer 2020: Cornerback

Big Red

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Mar 16, 2019
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General Manager Steve Keim did an impressive job filling needs to begin the league year, as there are no longer any glaring holes in the starting lineup. He will aim to supplement the roster in the draft, beginning with the No. 8 overall selection. The Cardinals are without their second-rounder because of the DeAndre Hopkins trade, but did pick up an additional fourth in the deal. We will break down each position group heading into the draft, which will be held April 23-25.


Draft primer: Cornerback


More draft primers: OL I DL I WR


Need: Medium


The Cardinals' situation: The Cardinals didn't add any cornerbacks early in free agency, as the big upgrade is expected to be the return to health of Robert Alford. The veteran broke his leg in training camp and missed the 2019 season, but is projected to play outside cornerback opposite Patrick Peterson in 2020. Byron Murphy is slotted to play nickel cornerback after an up-and-down rookie campaign, while Chris Jones is the most experienced reserve.


The draft class: Jeff Okudah is the top-rated cornerback in the draft. Few expect him to last until No. 8, but if he is there, it could be an enticing option for Steve Keim. Florida's C.J. Henderson and LSU's Khristian Fulton are among the next tier of cornerback prospects, although it would likely take a trade back for either to be in play for the Cardinals in the first round. There are a handful of cornerbacks projected for Day 2, although the team only has one pick, No. 72 overall, on that day.


The conclusion: The Cardinals have three clear-cut starters, so there isn't a huge need at the position in 2020 if they stay healthy. However, more depth would be beneficial, and both Alford and Peterson will be north of 30 when the season begins, so adding a young player with potential at the position could help for the future. There is no such thing as having too many cornerbacks in the NFL, so it's a spot that will likely be considered closely in the draft.

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