The Arizona Cardinals have used a lot of capital to improve their defensive secondary. They drafted two cornerbacks last year and claimed another off waivers. They drafted three cornerbacks this year and a safety. They signed Sean Murphy-Bunting to a three-year deal.
They already have a six-time Pro Bowl safety in Budda Baker and a quality safety in Jalen Thompson.
Even still, in Pro Football Focus’ secondary rankings entering 2024, the Cardinals are dead last.
General manager Monti Ossenfort recognized the lack of talent in the secondary and threw a ton of resources at the unit, as the Cardinals selected three cornerbacks and one safety in the 2024 draft. Highlighted by second-round CB Max Melton from Rutgers, this group needs some rookies to step up into big roles and will hope safeties Budda Baker and Jalen Thompson have career years.
Even if understandable, it is harsh. They don’t have an issue with their safety play. Murphy-Bunting is a fine player. Garrett Williams enters his second season looking promising. Someone else should emerge from the group of last year (Kei’Trel Clark, Starling Thomas) and their Day 2 picks (Melton and Elijah Jones).
They have to prove it on the field, but they probably are a little better than the worst group in football.
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