If the top three selections produce quarterbacks in tomorrow’s first round – a scenario which remains the expectation – the Cardinals will have plenty of leverage. Retaining the No. 4 pick would leave the door open to adding a high-profile receiver, while a trade down the board would give the team substantial additional draft capital. 
To no surprise, teams have made offers to Arizona general manager Monti Ossenfort, who moved down (and then back up) the Day 1 order during his first draft at the helm last year. A repeat of that maneuvering is firmly in play, and The Athletic’s Dianna Russini notes the Cardinals do not want to move far down the board (subscription required). She adds Ossenfort and Co. are believed to be comfortable staying in place and having their pick of the class’ top receivers.
On that note, Arizona is believed to be high on Ohio State’s Marvin Harrison Jr. The Cardinals could certainly stand to add a No. 1 receiver after Marquise Brown departed in free agency. Much of the team’s actions, of course, will depend on the value of offers received from squads eager to move up the order and add a signal-caller in the process.
While discussions on a trade will continue into the start of the first round tomorrow night, Bleacher Report’s Jordan Schultz notes the Cardinals are “driving a hard bargain” for the fourth selection. As a result, Russini’s colleague Jeff Howe adds teams around the league are not currently prepared to pay the price to move up (subscription required), although quarterback Drake Maye still being on the board after the Patriots’ selection – third overall – could lead to better offers. Armed with 11 selections, including six of the draft’s first 90 picks, Arizona can certainly afford to hold firm at a high asking price and turn aside interest.
Harrison delivered 14 touchdowns in 2023 while averaging just over 18 yards per catch. Some teams have LSU’s Malik Nabers rated higher, though, and Washington’s Rome Odunze is another WR option viewed as being a lock for the top 10. Each member of that trio will be highly sought-after, and in Harrison’s case in particular the Giants (set to pick at No. 6) are a potential suitor. For now, though, the Cardinals possess the ability to control the top of the receiver draft market as they continue to weigh offers.
Great to be Monty tomorrow
Cardinals are in a great spot. Reminds me of when the Colts moved from 3 to 6 and took the guy they wanted all along (Quenton Nelson). Meanwhile, the Jets took Darnold.
In all the simulators I’ve had the cards trade back and get a boat load from the vikings. Hehhehe
And the Vikes end up with the 4th highest grade QB for even more humor!
Arizona will trade down with someone the only question is who
Absolutely. They could get a haul for the number 4 this year. I’m fairly certain the top four picks will see the top 4 QBs come off the board. Like the article mentions I could see them trading out of the fourth and trading back up if Harrison is still available but if not there’s plenty of talented WRs in this class. You have your QB of the future already you don’t pass up an opportunity to get a haul of prospects to build around him for years to come.
Chargers hoping Harrison is there at #5.