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5 players the Cardinals reportedly will consider with their 1st-round pick

Who do you think the Cards will pick?
Derwin James #3 of the Florida State Seminoles reacts after a play against the Alabama Crimson Tide during their game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sept. 2, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo: Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

The NFL draft is this week and the Arizona Cardinals will have the 15th pick in the first round. On his radio show Monday afternoon, Arizona Sports 98.7 FM’s John Gambadoro revealed the five names the Cardinals are expected to target with their first-round pick, assuming they do not make a trade to move up or move down in the draft.

The draft is Thursday night and no one knows exactly what directions the Arizona Cardinals will go with the 15th overall pick. However, the names have been limited, according to Arizona Sports 98.7 FM’s John Gambadoro.

S Derwin James, Florida State

James has elite athletic measurables and is not expected to be on the board when the Cardinals make their pick at No. 15. He is a big-time safety prospect, much like Jamal Adams last year. Arizona loved Adams. He is versatile, able to play high or near the line of scrimmage.

S Minkah Fitzpatrick, Alabama

The next name on the list is another player who most assuredly will not be on the board at No. 15. Fitzpatrick is another big-time defensive back, but his value is in versatility. He can play cornerback and safety. He probably will be asked to play the role Tyrann Mathieu had during his tenure in Arizona, playing safety and lining up in the slot as a nickel corner.

LB Roquan Smith, Georgia

There is some great linebacker talent for the first round of the draft. Smith is one of those players. He also is not expected to be available when the Cardinals make their pick. He is 6-0, 235 pounds, fast and extremely strong. He is a Luke Kuechly-type prospect.

CB Mike Hughes, UCF

This is the surprise of the group of names. Hughes was considered an early favorite in mock drafts for the Cardinals. However, he doesn’t exactly fit the ideal physical mold the Cardinals prefer at cornerback. He is a little shorter than ideal at 5-10 and doesn’t have top-end speed, having run the 40 in 4.53 seconds. He has not started long and de also has had some off-the-field issues. However, he is a dynamic returner and he picked off four passes last season.

He doesn’t really match what the Cardinals traditionally have looked for in a player, especially at that position. He will be available, but it will raise questions if they take him.

WR D.J. Moore, Maryland

This is the one player of the five that makes sense. Three won’t be on the board and Hughes just doesn’t match. Moore is a very realistic selection at No. 15. The Cardinals need a receiver and Moore offers a little more than Alabama’s Calvin Ridley. He has some size and great speed. He has great hands and was still incredibly productive last year despite four quarterbacks throwing him the ball.

Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Stitcher Radio.

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