2018 NFL Mock Draft: Opening Weekend Edition
By Jon Dove
17. Arizona Cardinals- Vita Vea, DT, Washington
The Arizona Cardinals are in an interesting situation with their roster. They have enough talent to realistically challenge for a Super Bowl title, but have an aging quarterback in Carson Palmer. Arizona has been willing to stick with Palmer and improve other parts of the roster to this point.
If they continue this path the Cardinals could target someone like Vita Vea. He would provide them with a physical force along the defensive line. Vea is a massive individual who dominates in the trenches.
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He would serve as the team’s nose tackle and help occupy blockers. However, Vea features surprising athleticism which makes him a more versatile defender.
His short-area quickness allows him to penetrate the pocket and make plays away from his frame. This makes him a threat to make plays behind the line of scrimmage and rack up a high number of tackles for his position.
It also gives him some potential as a pass rusher. The Cardinals need someone to anchor a defensive line that is lacking a difference maker after the loss of Calais Campbell. Vea has the tools to be that type of player as quick as his rookie season.