The Arizona Cardinals should have it very easy in the first round of the 2024 NFL draft. With three quarterbacks expected to be selected with the first three picks of the draft, the Cardinals can simply select Ohio State receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. and not stress.
However, general manager Monto Ossenfort loves to make deals and the Minnesota Vikings both have a need at quarterback after Kirk Cousins departed in free agency and have, after a trade last week, two first-round picks in this draft.
In a new mock draft by Doug Farrar for Touchdown Wire, The Cardinals agree to move back from the fourth overall pick and get the Vikings’ picks at No. 11 and No. 23, giving Arizona three selections in the first round.
Here is how that scenario might play out.
Pick No. 11: Iowa CB Cooper DeJean
The Cardinals have youth at cornerback but DeJean is an athletic freak. Whether he ends up playing safety, nickel or corner on the outside, he should make an impact.
Pick No. 23: Texas DL Byron Murphy II
The Cardinals have made a conscious effort to beef up the defensive line, adding Justin Jones, Bilal Nichols and Khyiris Tonga in free agency. Adding Murphy to the group should set them up to be a very tough team up front.
Pick No. 27: UCLA EDGE Laia Latu
The Cardinals desperately need help on the defensive edge and Latu was the most productive pass rusher in the class. He comes with medical concerns, as he once medically retired before getting cleared and transferring to UCLA.
Thoughts
While this scenario builds up the Cardinals’ defense, any draft that does not include a receiver (not that they can’t get a talented receiver in the second or third rounds) is highly questionable.
The Cardinals’ most accomplished receiver on the team right now is Zach Pascal, who had four receptions last season.
A trade to give the Cardinals three picks in the first round might be tempting, but it would almost be getting cute.
They need a receiver. A potentially great one is on the table and they instead go for more picks. That just feels like a repeat of 2003 when they passed on Terrell Suggs to trade back and get Bryant Johnson and Calvin Pace.
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