King: Deep Wide Receiver Draft Benefits Cards

The sexy choice for the Arizona Cardinals and the eighth pick in next month’s NFL draft, by many accounts, involves a marquee wide receiver to add to Kyler Murray’s arsenal but one long-time insider believes depth and value at the position allows for the Cards to address a more glaring need early.

“To me Arizona has a major need on the offensive line long-term,” NBCSports.com columnist Peter King said via Skpye to Sports360AZ.com’s Brad Cesmat Monday morning. “Imagine just sitting there and getting one of the tackles. That would be great for them.”

Most mock drafts project Louisville’s Mekhi Becton, Tristan Wirfs from Iowa and Jedrick Willis, Jr. from Alabama to be selected in the top 10 depending on individual team’s preferences. 

If GM Steve Keim elects to go offensive line in the first round instead of add outside skill talent, like Murray’s college teammate at Oklahoma CeeDee Lamb, or Alabama’s Jerry Jeudy – there will still be plenty of receivers left for Arizona to add. 

“Maybe the best wide receiver crop ever.” King emphasized. “If you’re Arizona, look what happened last year. Look at D.K. Metcalf – second round. A.J. Brown – second round…Deebo Samuel – second round. At least going into [the draft], this crop is seen as better by scouts. I’d take a receiver in the second or third round if I were Arizona because I think their needs are bigger at other positions right now.”

The draft is scheduled for April 23-25 in Las Vegas.