After an impressive free agency period, the Arizona Cardinals don’t have any glaring needs as they enter the 2020 NFL Draft.
Many pundits believed the Cards would target one of the top tier receivers in this year’s draft, but after trading for All Pro wideout DeAndre Hopkins, receiver is no longer a huge need for this team. They could still snag one in the third or fourth round since this draft class is deep at receiver, but they certainly won’t take one at No. 8.
One area they could use some help in is their offensive line. They re-signed left tackle D.J. Humphries for another three seasons, so they’re pretty solid there, but right tackle is a different story.
As of right now, Justin Murray is the projected starter at right tackle. He ranked as the 53rd best tackle in football last season according to Pro Football Focus, as he didn’t earn a grade over 60 in either his run blocking or pass protection.
At the eighth overall selection, the Cardinals will be in a prime spot to snag one of the best tackles in this year’s draft class. One name who should be in play for Arizona is Iowa’s Tristan Wirfs.
Considered by some as the best tackle prospect in this draft, Wirfs would slot right in as the starting right tackle from day one in Arizona.
Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing in at just over 320 pounds, Wirfs is extremely mobile and athletic for his massive frame. He’s stellar in both the running and passing game, but he really stands out in his pass sets.
According to PFF, Wirfs graded out as the best tackle in this draft when it comes to pass protection. in 182 true pass sets last season, Wirfs earned a grade of 84 in his pass blocking. That’s better than both Georgia’s Andrew Thomas and Alabama’s Jedrick Willis Jr., two consensus top 10 tackles in this draft class.
Scouts believe Wirfs could be a top five tackle in the NFL by year three, which makes him one of the can’t miss prospects in the draft this year.
If he’s available at No. 8 when the Cards are on the clock, there’s no reason they should pass up on him.
