Arizona Cardinals (Last Year: 4-13)
NFL Draft Team Grade:
C GradeGoals Entering the 2024 NFL Draft: The Cardinals have lots of holes, so they need more resources. They also lack top-end talent, so trading up after moving out of No. 4 makes a lot of sense as well. Reports indicate that the Cardinals would love to move down, so we’ll have to see if they end up being the first team on the move.
2024 NFL Draft Accomplishments: Arizona did not trade down after all. The team remained at No. 4 and selected the best non-quarterback in the class. Though trading down and acquiring more resources may have been the better decision, there’s no arguing that Marvin Harrison Jr. will have a massive impact on the franchise, including Kyler Murray’s continued development.
It was all downhill from there, however. Daris Robinson was a solid pick at No. 27, but Max Melton and Isaiah Adams were slight reaches. Dadrion Taylor-Demerson was more egregious, while the worst pick was Tip Reiman, who was a late-round prospect chosen in the third frame. He didn’t even fill a need, so it’s unclear why Arizona made that choice.
The Cardinals had so many picks, so they squandered lots of opportunities. It wasn’t a horrible draft because Harrison was added, and there were some good picks, but given how great this class could have been, it was an underwhelming result.
NFL Draft Individual Grades:
4. Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State – B+ Grade
No trade for the Cardinals is lame because they could have acquired more assets and then drafted a top receiver. While they can’t get an “A” grade because they didn’t get a deal done, they should be praised for getting a superstar receiver for Kyler Murray, which is something they needed after DeAndre Hopkins left the team.
27. Darius Robinson, DT, Missouri – B+ Grade
The Cardinals wanted Jordan Morgan or Darius Robinson with this pick. Morgan was off the board, so Robinson it is. Robinson will help fill a huge need for the Cardinals, who lost so much talent on the defensive line in recent years. Robinson is effective at rushing the passer, so he’ll help stop the Rams and 49ers passing offenses.
43. Max Melton, CB, Rutgers – C Grade
I like that the Cardinals moved down to select a cornerback to help fill a need, but this seems like a bit too early for Max Melton. I also have to question Arizona eschewing some of the talented offensive linemen available to protect Kyler Murray.
66. Trey Benson, RB, Florida State – A- Grade
James Conner is coming off an excellent season, but the Cardinals needed to add another running back as an insurance policy and a future starter. I thought there was a good chance Trey Benson would go toward the middle of the second round, so I like this value.
71. Isaiah Adams, OT/G, Illinois – C+ Grade
The Cardinals made a big mistake by passing on Jackson Powers-Johnson earlier, so it’s no surprise to see them finally address the offensive line. Isaiah Adams was considered a fringe second-day prospect, but he’s a needed piece for a team that needs to protect its brittle quarterback.
82. Tip Reiman, TE, Illinois – MILLEN Grade
We had Tip Reiman slotted as a round 5-7 prospect. Reiman doesn’t fill a need either. What the hell is this pick?
90. Elijah Jones, CB, Boston College – C Grade
The Cardinals are reaching once again, though this pick isn’t as egregious as the Tip Reiman selection. Elijah Jones was slotted in the round 4-6 range, so Arizona should have considered moving down or taking him a bit later. Still, I don’t hate this pick because addressing the secondary is a must.
104. Dadrion Taylor-Demerson, S, Texas Tech – D Grade
The Cardinals are having a rough draft. This is another underwhelming pick. Dadrion Taylor-Demerson is a late-round prospect who projects as a career special-teamer. This pick could have been made in the sixth round.
138. Xavier Thomas, DE, Clemson – B+ Grade
Xavier Thomas is a project, so this is the right time to select him. He’s very fast and athletic, but didn’t produce very much at Clemson. Perhaps the Cardinals can turn him into something good. There isn’t too much risk here in the fifth round.
162. Christian Jones, OT/G, Texas – A+ Grade
Finally. Christian Jones was expected to go in the third round, but he inexplicably fell to the bottom of the fifth. Christian Jones blasted open big lanes for Bijan Robinson and can be a terrific run blocker in the NFL. Jones, who can play right tackle or guard, should provide Arizona with solid blocking depth to begin his career, and he could eventually emerge as a starter.
191. Tejhaun Palmer, WR, UAB – C Grade
Tejhaun Palmer was a productive player at UAB, but he wasn’t predicted to be a drafted player by us or any publication I’ve seen. This is a reach, but we’re in the sixth round, so that’s no a big deal anymore.
226. Jaden Davis, CB, Miami – C Grade
We didn’t have Jaden Davis as a draftable prospect, but reaches don’t really exist in the seventh round. Davis is a nickel cornerback who will have to make the roster on special teams.
Season Summary:
The Cardinals effectively had a year off from competing because Baker Mayfield tore his ACL during the prior December. This past season was all about developing young players, and now the Cardinals can bolster their roster with two first-round picks.
Offseason Moves:
Team Needs:
- Wide Receiver: The Cardinals have a bunch of solid receivers, but they don’t have a No. 1 option at the position. Marvin Harrison Jr. at No. 4 will help solve that.
- Three Cornerbacks: It was extremely easy for teams to pass on the Cardinals last year, as the team had the worst group of cornerbacks in the NFL. Signed Sean Murphy-Bunting
- Defensive Tackle: Arizona had one of the worst run defenses in the NFL this past season, so adding a monstrous body in the trenches is a must. Signed Bilal Nichols and Justin Jones
- Defensive End: The Cardinals were able to generate more pressure than expected last year, but they could still use a dynamic threat on the edge.
- Guard: Arizona has a solid offensive line, but there’s a weakness at one of the guard spots.
- Linebacker: There are some impending free agents at linebacker that’ll need to be replaced.
- Backup Quarterback: Kyler Murray has yet to play a full season, so Arizona needs a viable insurance policy. Traded for Desmond Ridder
- Running Back: Arizona’s offense took a huge hit last year when James Conner was injured.
Follow me @walterfootball for updates.
2024 NFL Free Agent Signings:
Arizona Cardinals Free Agents:
Salary Cap: TBA.
NFL Free Agent Tracker:
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