Presuming the Bears replace Justin Fields with Caleb Williams and the Commanders and Patriots keep their respective places in the draft order, three quarterbacks could very well hear their names called with the first three picks in April. That would leave the Cardinals’ top draft slot as one worth monitoring. 
Arizona has made repeated commitments to Kyler Murray as the quarterback of the present and future, so the team will not be looking for a starting-caliber addition this spring. Regardless of how the first three picks play out, though, teams further down the draft board could be inclined to move up to secure the next available signal-caller. For that reason, Dianna Russini of The Athletic reports the Cardinals are “open” to trading down (subscription required).
After a 4-13 campaign, Arizona’s roster certainly has a number of holes to fill. Adding further draft capital would assist in the effort on the part of second-year general manager Monti Ossenfort in taking the organization’s rebuild to its next step. Ossenfort proved willing to maneuver on draft day last year, moving out of the third overall slot before ultimately trading back up from 12th to sixth in the order. That process landed the Cardinals Houston’s first-rounder in 2024; as such, Arizona is set to select fourth and 27th as things currently stand.
A top-five selection would provide the Cardinals a chance to add a much-needed No. 1 wideout. The status of pending free agent Marquise Brown is uncertain, but even if he were to be retained, a noteworthy addition at the position would be welcomed. For much of the season, the most common prospect linked with Arizona was phenom wideout Marvin Harrison Jr. If Ossenfort were to elect to stay put, the former Ohio State star would represent a logical target.
In the event a trade-down was executed, though, several other high-profile receiver options could still be within reach. Malik Nabers (LSU) and Rome Odunze (Washington) have both drawn considerable praise in the build-up to the draft, and Arizona could select either one with a slightly lower top-10 pick. Adding an impact offensive tackle (such as Notre Dame’s Joe Alt or Penn State’s Olumuyiwa Fashanu) could also be an option in the back half of the top 10.
The Cardinals ranked 31st in scoring defense in 2023, so improvements in that regard will no doubt be an offseason priority. Most of the 2024 class’ top prospects are on the other side of the ball, though, and an addition helping Murray and Co. remains a likely outcome. Whether or not that comes at the No. 4 slot will be interesting to watch as the draft approaches.
There’s no way
It wouldn’t surprise me if ARZ trades the pick for a haul, but ARZ is already in place to have a great draft if they can get the picks right.
7 picks in the first 105 is really impressive. Probably better to grab as many talented players as they can get. At #4 they can get MHJ or if NE takes him ARZ can select Malik Nabers and just build from there.
With you completely. I can see a case for trading down slightly, but they have a lot of picks already and a clear shot to take a number one wideout. I’d take Harrison or Nabers, too.
MHJ could be their next Larry Fitzgerald. I’d say keep the pick if they’re truly invested in Murray for the future and get him the weapons and line he needs.
To me this feels like cards want to do exactly what they did last year. Drop down from the top of the draft pick up a 1st rounder next year and then trade back up to draft another OT.
I could see it, but I think the opportunity to get a truly elite receiver prospect is too much to pass up here. It’s a deep tackle class and I wouldn’t be surprised to see them do that with one of their next two picks.
What’s the Cards definition of elite WR talent is the question I guess. MHJ is elite but I think there is a 50% chance Harrison Jr gets taken especially if the Baker Mayfield to the Patriots rumors has any legs. So from there are they happy with Neighbors that high probably not. If Harrison Jr doesn’t get taken then sure draft MHJ. But coming from his Patriots background trading down just feels like a very Monti Ossenfort move.
I think Nabers would be the top receiver in a lot of drafts and think there are three very legit top ten picks among the receivers in this class. I get what you’re saying about Ossenfort, and he showed it last year, but they already have two first round picks and six picks in the top 90 and 11 picks overall, so if anyone doesn’t need to trade back, it’s Arizona this year.
I understand what you’re saying as well and this does depend a lot on MHJ is there. If he’s not I just feel like Ossenfot will trade out and then come back up if he needs to get one of the other two WRs or one of the 2 OTs. I guess it really just depends on their board and how the separation they have amongst the individual players. I also feel like Ossenfort wants to double down on his draft from last year because his plan on half way worked. He got 2 first round picks for this year but the Texans were way better than expected which made the pick not nearly as valuable.
You have to think Harrison is the pick if he’s available. If not…. Then one of the big 3 QBs will be and then it’s a likely trade down.
Unless Harrison has given vibes he doesn’t want to play in AZ, then I don’t see how you pass him by (sorry).
I do not see a difference between MHJ and Malik Nabers in terms of value. If Harrison is not available and Nabers is, then the Cardinals should run to the podium with that selection.
3 WR’s can go in the top 10. Rome Odunze out of Washington is and absolute beast as well. This is a year for WR’s, CB’s and a surprising amount of QB’s with high upside. Last years WR class was shallow, but this year it is rather deep. If ARZ believes in Kyler then they need to get him a stud WR early in Round 1 (passing on any of these WR’s would be foolish).
Yep. Don’t think they come off that pick unless Harrison is already gone.
This year is crazy with how many teams are willing to trade their pick if the right offer presents itself. These are some strange times we’re living in folks.
You must be a newer fan, this happens basically every year. Anyone with the first 1-5 picks gets constantly talked about moving down in the draft.
Yeah, I was just being sarcastic.
Maybe, just maybe….Bears could get that #4 pick for MHJ after taking Williams?
Even if that was a possibility, how much of the cap would the Bears have to use 3 years down the road to extend those 2 guys? Would there be anything left for players needed on defense?
You wouldn’t draft a potential superstar because you may need to pay him in 4 years if he does turn out to be a superstar? What?
Would be savvy for AZ to do this. They can move a few spots down and still grab a great edge or WR depending the route they want to go.
There are zero great edges in this draft. Some potentially really good ones….but nothing close to great. Not a great edge or LBer draft at all.
I don’t disagree but I think the difference in great vs really good is semantics.
AZ would do well to move down this year either way.
I could see this scenario where if New England would take Harrison (WR) at three, would not surprise me if Atlanta would try and work a deal with AZ for the 4th pick for one of those top three QB’s. Then AZ try and work out a deal with the # 6 pick team NYG and then grab there WR.
I see no way. If NE doesn’t like Daniels at the #3, and I could understand that, then they can trade back to a team that does like Daniels. If NE still wants a top-tier WR, Odunze and/or Nabers should still be available later in the top-10.
NE has too many holes to be too choosy.
I see Williams gone to Chicago, Commanders grab Maye and Pats getting Marvin Harrison.
Then at 4, if I’m the cardinals I’d trade back with the Raiders who want Jaden McDaniels and load up on more picks.
Grab the 13th pick and a future first round pick.
Either way you’ve got 7 picks in the top 105 and on top of that you’d have an extra first for next year too.
Then at 4, if I’m the cardinals I’d trade back with the Raiders who want Jaden McDaniels.
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Are you insane? No one in the Raiders organization will pick up the phone if you misspell Daniels as McDaniels. Raider fans will be showing up with pitchforks and flamethrowers. I feel like you people do this just to extend my FB agony.
But that said, as a Raiders fan, that would interest me. I’d prefer to see Maye drop instead of Daniels, but both are solid, imvho.
It was a deliberate mistake hahaha glad it got someone
if there is a trade down, it won’t be for an OT – it’ll be for Dallas Turner – the kid is a beast off the edge.
No one wants their pick unless one of the top QBs is at that pick. If Daniels is there, the Raiders will do that deal in a heartbeat. That’s clearly who Pierce wants despite trying to be understated about it. Maye is going to be scrutinized too, and he might fall out of favor. He has some issues as a player on tape.