Quote:While you are right about Carolina and K.C. definitely needing more picks, IMO Arizona at #20 would be key to trade back into the 1st for a QB.  They (Cardinals) don't really have any other glaring needs, so I see them taking the last remaining top 4 QB at #20 (probably Bridgewater, who I would not give up ANY picks for if I were Caldwell).

 

I see Minnesota trading up to #2 or #3 to take Bortles if Houston does not take him at #1.  Manziel and Carr go some place in the top 10.  Then Bridgewater is snagged by Arizona at #20.  The new idea mock I just did had Mack going #1 overall after Houston can't trade down:

 

1. HOU - OLB K. Mack (Clowney just does not fit their system and Mack is perfect for their 3-4...scared of QB at #1 overall)

2. MIN - QB Blake Bortles (Vikings don't take a chance to see who is left at #8 and trade up to get first pick of QB's)

3. JAC - DE J. Clowney (ideal situation to take Clowney here and a QB in 2nd, or trade down if right offer is there)

4. CLE - QB J. Manziel (Browns then take big WR K. Benjamin at #26to pair with Manziel, Gordon and TE Cameron)

5. OAK - QB D. Carr (rumors keep coming back to the Raiders loving Carr and they pull the trigger here)

6. ATL  - OT G. Robinson (Falcons "settle" for best OT in the draft after their main target K. Mack goes #1)

7. TAM - WR S. Watkins (Watkins falls in their lap after run on QB's and pass rushers, could take Bridgewater here)

8. STL - OT J. Matthews (trade works perfectly fot Rams as they get the starting Left OT Fisher want anyways)

9. BUF - WR M. Evans (must have playmakers for E.J. Manuel, and Evans too good to pass up with Stevie Johnson in decline)

10. DET - OLB A. Barr (could go CB here, but I think they choose to add more pass rush and go CB later)

**20. ARI - QB T. Bridgewater (perfect situation for Teddy to physically fill out one more year then take over in 2015)

 

So.... no to trading up.  If anything we trade down in the 1st so we have 4 picks in the first 3 rounds (all starters).  We take a QB in the 2nd (Garoppolo) or later if the situation is not right.

 

Houston might be the team to trade with Arizona at #20 so the Texans can get Clowney/Mack and a QB. 

 

I understand your point about Arizona, but I take a bit of a different approach to them.

 

In a very competitive division, they barely missed out on the playoffs by a tiebreaker.  They actually beat Seattle in Seattle.

 

If things go right for the Cardinals, they could contend for home field advantage.

 

With that in mind, I think they would be more inclined to go for a more immediate impact player at 20, and take a developmental QB behind Palmer later.

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