NFL mock draft: Peter Schrager predicts the Arizona Cardinals' pick
Peter Schrager's mock draft doesn't have the Cardinals taking an O-lineman, and there is a potential surprise.
ESPN's Peter Schrager is one of the more dialed-in NFL insiders when it comes to the Arizona Cardinals . So when he releases a mock draft, while the specific player might not be perfect, you have to pay attention to the position. He released the first of two mock drafts he will do before the actual draft, and the Cardinals don't take an offensive lineman as many people expect.
Cardinals take pass rusher After he has the Las Vegas Raiders selecting Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza first overall and the New York Jets taking Texas Tech pass rusher David Bailey second overall, Arizona takes the next potential impact pass rusher — Ohio State's Arvell Reese. As part of the loaded NFC West, Arizona has to face three of the NFL's best teams twice every season, and the defense was frankly not very good last year, allowing 28. 7 points per game (29th).
Reese fills a need in Arizona as a potentially elite pass rusher, and I've heard rave reviews on what he can bring off the field from coaches. With the changing of eras in Arizona, the Cards should be seeking out new cornerstone pieces like Reese this month. This would be a perfectly Cardinals pick.
He has elite athletic traits. He is from Ohio State. If he is viewed as an edge defender, it is a premium position.