What positions could the Cardinals target before the draft begins over all 3 days?
The Arizona Cardinals have a unique opportunity in 2024.
With 6 picks in the first 90 and 11 picks in total, including a top 5 pick, a first-rounder and the 3rd pick of the 2nd round…there’s opportunity for a fast rebuild if they do it right.
I took a stab at a mock draft using the PFF Mock Draft Simulator.
(Use it while you can today—it’ll be updated for picks tonight and set in stone after Saturday!)
Here’s how I came away in addressing all 7 rounds, including a trade or two:
Round 1, Pick 4: Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State
Been talked to death but ultimately without 3 first round picks (and even then given how the Texans pick worked out) the perfect player for what AZ’s offense needs at the perfect spot.
Round 1, Pick 27: Jer’Zhan Newton, DT, Illinois
With a shallow Edge rushing class and a weak defensive draft overall, I believe that the Edge rushers go early and while Arizona may have a chance to move up…I think that the run on offensive tackles is pretty fierce and Newton’s not a lock to go in the first. I think his slide stops here at Arizona before he gets to Detroit as they grab one of the best defenders in the draft whose injury hampered his pre-draft process.
Round 2, Pick 35: Kool-Aid McKinstry
He might never be a true shutdown corner but he answered all the questions about his speed and Arizona needs bodies at the position who can cover. He helps “complete” Arizona’s three biggest needs in receiving, pass-rushing and coverage for the draft.
He’s gotten knocked down but wouldn’t be shocked if he still goes in round 1 and is an outside corner that AZ doesn’t truly have thus far.
Round 2, Pick 57: (Traded Round 3 and 4 picks to move up)
Marshawn Kneeland, Edge, Western Michigan
After the top 2 edge rushers, there’s questions. Injuries with Laiatu Latu, Production with Chop Robinson. The level of competition is a question for Kneeland but when he set on the field he blew guys up and looks to be a productive, athletic edge at the next level if he can catch on quickly. The defense is looking better already.
Round 3, Pick 71: Brandon Coleman, OT, TCU
I think he can play tackle or guard and my pick WOULD have been G Zak Zinter here given that Monti Ossenfort’s previous year took on two injured, young defensive players but either of these guys is a “bring the lunchpail to work” kind of guy. And I looked at addressing guard a bit later…
A defensive tackle or inside linebacker would have been possible here also to add to their crew.
Round 3, Pick 90: Mason McCormick, OG, South Dakota State
I could see Taner Bortolini be a solid center for a decade but the Cardinals have a chance for some very athletic interior OL if they can bring back a healthy Jon Gaines II. They’ll need to replace the contract (or maybe player) of Will Hernandez next year with someone younger and have no starting caliber left guard on the roster besides Evan Brown as it stands.
The commitment to the lines is strong and I didn’t like the defensive linemen or linebackers who were here with this pick. I’d prefer Bortolini, honestly myself but don’t know if Arizona will add anyone versus roll with Hjalte Froholdt another year.
Round 5, Pick 138: Jordan Magee, LB, Temple
Smart, disciplined and sounds a lot like Kyzir White. Temple provided Arizona with one good linebacker already, here this time they actually play one at the position to start with
Round 5, Pick 162: Steele Chambers, LB, Ohio State
Cardinals love them some Ohio State players and Chambers is a larger, bigger linebacker than Magee. Gannon has made a living with adding later round linebackers and turning them into starters and that trend could continue here with Chambers.
Round 6, Pick 186: Josh Proctor, Ohio State, Safety
Another defensive back and adds depth both with special teams but also with Budda Baker being in the last year of his deal (there’s an option for 2025) and aging they might need to add a backup if they don’t take an early pick on a guy to either sit a year or rotate in.
Round 7, Pick 226: Bub Means, WR, Pitt
Cardinals add one receiver with a top 5 pick and also add someone from Larry Fitzgerald’s alma mater…with some serious speed. Means is 6’2 and ran a blazing 4.43 at the Combine and gives Arizona a vertical threat in addition to an already decent room of Harrison, Wilson, Dortch, McBride as well as some size.
He’ll get most of his time on special teams but if Harrison (or Wilson) misses time for whatever reason, the offense won’t fall apart because there’s no large target for Kyler Murray to throw to—a problem in 2023.
Full mock is below, sound off in the comments!
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