2021 NFL Team Draft Page

Big moves were needed. And big moves were made.

In case you live under a rock, the Arizona Cardinals signed premier pass rusher J.J. Watt to a two-year deal worth $31 million and $23 million guaranteed. A large chunk of change and maybe even an overpay with the shrinking cap and Watt's recent injury history. But the signing may officially open the Cardinals' Super Bowl window, and GM Steve Kevin and Head Coach Kliff Kingsbury appeared to have gone all-in for the next two years. Arizona, who came into this offseason with the highest percentage of snaps to replace, certainly still has positions that need addressing. But with a few more weapons and holes to fill, as well as Russell Wilson possibly on his way out, the Cardinals are now real contenders in the NFC.

Now for the mock draft. The Cardinals become early offseason champions stealing away a legitimate weapon in tight end Kyle Pitts. The 6-foot-5, 239-pound target became the focal point of a top Florida offense last year, using his unmatched size and catch radius to haul in 12 total touchdowns in a shortened 2020 season. Pitts is exactly the target needed to round out an Arizona offense that should be primed for a big year.

- Dylan Rudolph, Cardinals Analyst

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With the front of the defense addressed with J.J. Watt, the secondary now takes priority. Both starting cornerbacks Patrick Peterson and Dre Kirkpatrick will see what they're worth in free agency, leaving big holes outside. Elijah Molden can become a solid corner at the next level with his ball-tracking skills and elite speed. He is a little undersized and has more experience at nickel corner, but he can play anywhere in the secondary, including at safety, where Arizona also sees Chris Banjo's contract expire. Kicking Byron Murphy and slotting in Molden at the slot might add more speed to a young Cardinals defense.