NFL draft grades: Arizona Cardinals get more high marks

[ASFN Admin]

After the NFL draft come quick grades. Yes, it is too early truly grade a team's draft, but these grades are always based on perceived value, need and who else was available at the time.

NFL.com's Chad Reuter gave grades to all 32 NFL teams for their draft classes.

The Arizona Cardinals get high but not perfect grades.

Arizona Cardinals draft grade: A-minus​

Reuter gives the Cardinals' selection of defensive lineman Walter Nolen an A.

They get an A-minus for their two Day 2 picks — cornerback Will Johnson in Round 2 and EDGE Jordan Burch in Round 3.

On Day 3 with the selection of linebacker Cody Simon, cornerback Denzel Burke, offensive lineman Hayden Conner and safety Kitan Crawford, the Cardinals earn a B-plus.

Arizona focused on defense on the first two days of the draft, taking two potential stars in Nolen and Johnson. If Nolen can put it all together and Johnson can stay healthy, they will lift the Cardinals' defense to a new level.

Simon just seems to find the ball. He'll make plays inside and outside for the Cardinals. His fellow Buckeye, Burke, has the athleticism to stick on the roster. They found a needed offensive lineman in Conner, and I expect Crawford to surprise as a nickel safety his rookie season. Arizona should be looking to sign multiple undrafted free agent receivers to compete for a roster spot.

His prediction of Crawford getting playing time on defense is bold, considering the Cardinals already have Rabbit Taylor-Demerson, who played some nickel safety as a rookie.

But the Cardinals continue to get solid grades for their work in the draft. Now the actual work begins and we can see what their actual performance can be, rather than just projected.

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This article originally appeared on Cards Wire: NFL draft grades: NFL.com gives Cardinals A-minus for draft class

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