Cardinals 7 rounds 2021 NFL Mock Draft after JJ Watt landing

Congratulations, Arizona Cardinals fans. Your team is now a candidate.

Steve Keim has shown that he and his team are ready to take the next step in becoming a candidate, by pulling off an upset and signing JJ Watt. Watt’s deal was not a simple one: a two-year deal worth $ 31 million and $ 23 million guaranteed. While it remains to be seen if Watt is worth the price, Cardinals fans must feel good about their team’s position.

Former first draft pick Kyler Murray appears to be the franchise quarterback Arizona hasn’t had in a few years. DeAndre Hopkins has been a fan favorite since joining the team in a volley from a trade for David Johnson.

Arizona Cardinals: contenders?

Chandler Jones is a top passer. Budda Baker and Isaiah Simmons are the building blocks of defense. Adding Watt to the roster adds an entirely different dimension to this team. The Cardinals are here to make a claim on the NFC West, and maybe more.

Steve Keim deserves a ton of credit for making a move of this magnitude, especially after the Los Angeles Rams improved their quarterback position by trading for Matthew Stafford. With Russell Wilson potentially out of Seattle and questions about Jimmy Garappolo’s future with the 49ers, this division could be a two-way race between the Cardinals and Rams before you know it.

Before we get a head start on ourselves, let’s take a look at what other needs the Cardinals need to meet this offseason and the 2021 NFL Draft.