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The Arizona Cardinals had a solid 2015 season as they went 13-3 and met the Carolina Panthers in the NFC Championship Game. Unfortunately, Bruce Arians‘ club laid an egg in Charlotte as they took a 49-15 defeat at the hands of the Panthers. As the Cardinals head into the offseason, they will be looking to the draft and free agency in order to improve their chances to win Super Bowl LI. Here is a seven-round mock draft for the team heading into the 2016 NFL Combine.
Round 1, No. 29 Overall - DT Jarran Reed, Alabama
Credit: Getty ImagesRound 1, No. 29 Overall - DT Jarran Reed, Alabama
Corey Peters played nose tackle in the Cardinals' 3-4 scheme last season and did a nice job. That being said, he's not the same type of explosive player like Reed. Reed has the ability to plug up the running game and also rush the quarterback.
Round 2, No. 61 Overall - OLB Jordan Jenkins, Georgia
Credit: Getty ImagesRound 2, No. 61 Overall - OLB Jordan Jenkins, Georgia
The Cardinals desperately need a pass rusher or two after finishing 2015 tied for 26th with only 27 sacks as a team. While his Georgia teammate Leonard Floyd gets all the attention, Jenkins should excel in the NFL with his ability to rush the passer.
Round 3, No. 93 Overall - C Nick Martin, Notre Dame
Credit: Getty ImagesRound 3, No. 93 Overall - C Nick Martin, Notre Dame
Starting center Lyle Sendlein is a free agent which makes adding a center a priority for the Cardinals. Martin doesn't come with quite the grade his brother Zack did, but he'll be a solid starter in the NFL, possibly right away.
Round 4, No. 129 Overall - G Avery Young, Auburn
Credit: Getty ImagesRound 4, No. 129 Overall - G Avery Young, Auburn
Right guard Ted Larsen is a free agent this offseason which could leave the Cardinals looking for interior offensive line help. In steps Young, who made 34 starts at Auburn over the last three seasons playing both guard and right tackle.
Round 5, No. 167 Overall - CB Rashard Robinson, LSU
Credit: Getty ImagesRound 5, No. 167 Overall - CB Rashard Robinson, LSU
There's chance that Robinson could've been a high pick in this draft had he not been suspended indefinitely by LSU in 2014. He has all the talent in the world, so it will be interesting to see if Arians takes a chance on Robinson like Tyrann Mathieu.
Round 5, No. 170 Overall - ILB Steve Longa, Rutgers
Credit: Getty ImagesRound 5, No. 170 Overall - ILB Steve Longa, Rutgers
Since losing Daryl Washington, the Cardinals have never really found the answer in the middle of the defense. Longa is a bit undersized, but he recorded three straight 100-plus tackle seasons at Rutgers and started 37 of 38 games on campus.
Round 6, No. 208 Overall - DE D.J. Pettway, Alabama
Credit: Getty ImagesRound 6, No. 208 Overall - DE D.J. Pettway, Alabama
Calais Campbell isn't getting any younger, and Pettway is a guy who has the talent to start but will have to answer questions after being arrested for second-degree robbery in 2013. Arians isn't afraid to take chances, and Pettway could be worth it.
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