We are nearing the trade deadline and we have already seen some crazy trades around the NFL world, led by Christian McCaffrey headed to the Niners.
Not only that, but we are also getting closer to draft season.
In the latest mock draft from The Draft Network, Penn State cornerback Joey Porter Jr. heads to the Arizona Cardinals.
Let’s break this one down.
The Cardinals have struggled to find their identity in their secondary since losing Patrick Peterson. Porter Jr. brings plenty to the table that the Cardinals really need.
Porter Jr. has the prototypical size you want in an NFL cornerback. Compared to the other corners in this draft, Porter Jr. might not have the immense experience coming into this season. However, his talent and athleticism put him in the conversation to be one of the best corners in this draft.
If there is one position the Cardinals desperately need, it’s cornerback. They took Florida cornerback Marco Wilson in the 2021 draft, who the Cardinals have liked since day one. They also have Byron Murphy, a 2019 second-round draft pick. But other than that, the Cardinals don’t have a lot of depth at the cornerback position.
Porter Jr. would come in and immediately take over a starting role. It’s also worth noting that Murphy will be an unrestricted free agent after this season. So, what better replacement than a guy like Porter Jr., who has done nothing but turn heads in the NFL draft world. However, whether Murphy is a Cardinal next season or not, taking Porter Jr. in the first round would still make a ton of sense for a team that is looking for an identity and more depth at that position.
The Cardinals have also drafted guys with crazy athleticism. Clemson’s Isaiah Simmons is a great example of that. However, they also struggled to really know how to use him for a while. Sometimes it even seems as if the Cardinals don’t really Simmons’ athleticism to their advantage.
Porter Jr. can come in and start right away for the Cardinals. If there is one thing they loved about Peterson, it was his grit and toughness. If there is one thing we know about Porter Jr., it’s his physicality and his toughness. The Cardinals need a player that can be a key focal point in their cornerback room. In their secondary room, Budda Baker is the guy. But they need more than just one player.
Not only that, but the Cardinals add another playmaker to their defense. It is usually the same three to four players that are productive for them. Baker was the team’s top defensive player against the Vikings on Sunday, ahead of guys like Simmons and Jalen Thompson. Porter Jr. would be just the player the Cardinals are looking for on their defense.
If there is one team in the first round, it’s the Cardinals. Joey Porter Jr. would make a ton of sense for them.
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Story originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire