2016 NFL mock draft: Robert Nkemdiche headed to Arizona Cardinals

The Arizona Cardinals are fully in win-now mode. Veteran quarterback Carson Palmer is in the twilight of his career, and and star wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald may not be far behind him. With that in mind, the Cardinals made a big move this offseason, sending guard Jonathan Cooper and a second-round pick to the Patriots for pass rusher Chandler Jones, who has just a year left on his contract.

With those things in mind, Arizona's big needs in the draft are at center and cornerback. If they address those successfully, the Cardinals could be a Super Bowl favorite heading into the season.Wholesale Atlanta Falcons Jerseys Cheap But in the SB Nation NFL writers mock draft, Jess Root of Revenge of the Birds has a few options at those positions.

Root: The Cardinals are in a pretty good position overall. They see themselves as a team with a roster that can win a championship the way it is currently constructed, and with the acquisition of Chandler Jones, their biggest hole is already taken care of, especially with Markus Golden already developing on the other side and Shaq Riddick full of potential.

So, what do the Cardinals do? The top center in Ryan Kelly is off the board, the best edge rushers are off the board. The best cornerbacks are off the board, too. While some might want Arizona to grab Paxton Lynch to develop the QB of the future, I have my doubts and don’t like the idea of taking a player in Round 1 that isn’t likely to play in his first two seasons in the league.

Enter Nkemdiche. There is no doubt the talent is there. Assuming his off-the-field thing is behind him,Nike Atlanta Falcons Womens Jerseys he would be the elite defensive line talent to infuse youth and explosiveness to a group led by an aging line in Calais Campbell, Frostee Rucker and Red Bryant. Not only would he set up Arizona very nicely for years to come, pairing him with the promise of Rodney Gunter, he would also probably be the most talented player on that line right now.

The veteran group would keep him in line in practice and on the field. His talent would take a great defense and make it even more physical and athletic. Arizona would be a great landing place for him and he would be a great fit in Arizona.