POD Community Mock: With the 27th pick, the Cardinals select…

With the 27th pick in the POD Community Mock, the Cardinals select…

It’s nearly the Detroit Lions’ turn in the 2024 Pride of Detroit Community Mock Draft, with the Arizona Cardinals on the clock with Pick 27 (the Lions are at 29).

The Cardinals have a bonus first-round pick after allowing the Texans to trade up last year. With the fourth overall pick, the Cardinals have already selected receiver Rome Odunze to help out their depleted offense. Will they help out the other side of the ball with the 27th pick?

That’s up to commenter katmandoo122, who is acting as Cardinals general manager in this mock. But before we get to the pick, don’t you want to know who has already been taken off the board? If so, check out our POD Community Mock Draft tracker here, which is up to date through the first 26 picks.

With the 27th pick in the Pride of Detroit Community Mock Draft, the Cardinals have selected Byron Murphy, defensive tackle out of Texas.

Here’s katmandoo122 explaining the pick;

“The draft unfolded largely as anticipated, save for a twist at pick 23. In this business, predictability can be a boon, though it meant fewer surprises awaited us by the time we arrived at pick 27. Prior to the draft, we had assigned first-round grades to 18 players, aware that we might need to broker a trade or opt for a second-round talent as the first round wore on. Fortunately, three players carrying first-round grades remained available—Brian Thomas, Jr., Cooper Beebe, and Byron Murphy.

“Our commitment to selecting the best available talent was unwavering; had Brian Thomas, Jr. topped our board, we would have chosen him without hesitation, despite having already secured Odunze at the fourth pick. Yet, while Thomas is undoubtedly a promising prospect, it was Byron Murphy who captured our attention as the premier interior defensive lineman in this draft, ranking near the top among all defensive linemen regardless of position.

“Murphy’s play is characterized by impressive strength at the point of attack, enhanced by his violent hands and quick reflexes, which allow him to exert significant pressure from the interior. His proficiency in the 3-technique, coupled with his ability to disrupt plays by shouldering through the 2-interior gap, makes him a tough assignment against any offensive line. Though T’Vondre Sweat, his teammate, often garners more attention from fans, Murphy’s contributions were pivotal in propelling the Longhorns to standout performances this season.

“Sporting lean muscle and an impressive ability to maneuver, Murphy is almost as versatile as a defensive end. Yet, with his robust build and seasoned expertise, he is perfectly suited as a 3-tech tackle, possessing elite skills in engaging and disengaging blockers. What excites us most is his relentless drive—a trait that is palpable and infectious. Despite critiques about his size, he weighs nearly 30 pounds more than Calijah Kancey, last year’s 19th pick, and given the choice, we’d still opt for Murphy without a second thought.

“We were thrilled to submit our card for Murphy at the podium. Looking ahead, if either Thomas or Beebe falls to us in the second round, we are well positioned to ascend once again to the top of the NFC West.”