The Cardinals can use their two first-round picks to assemble a youthful, competitive squad.
Compared to many predictions, the Cardinals’ season was marginally better. They were picked to have the worst record going into the season, especially since Kyler Murray would be sidelined for the majority of it. The team acquired Joshua Dobbs from the Minnesota Vikings in a trade just prior to the start of the regular season.
After settling in, Dobbs played admirably and lost two close games against the Commanders and Giants. When the team faced the 2-0 Dallas Cowboys in week three, they were unexpectedly up for the majority of the contest. The Cowboys suffered their first double-digit loss of the season to Arizona after being caught completely off guard.
The Cardinals only had a 4-13 record at the end, but they had victories over several postseason teams en route. Arizona pulled off yet another upset over an NFC-East team in a “must win” game for the Eagles near the end of the season, diminishing the Eagles’ chances of winning the division.
How Cardinals Can Make Use of Both First Round Draft Picks.
The Cardinals traded their top pick from the previous season to the Texans in a significant draft day transaction that took place in the 2023 draft. The Texans’ first round selections in 2023 (Paris Johnson Jr.) and 2024 went to Arizona. The Cardinals now own both their original selection, number four, and their current number, number 27.
Wide receiver should be the aim with the fourth overall selection. For Kyler Murray, the Cardinals require more playmakers. Marvin Harrison Jr. might still be there at 4, and if so, this is the draft’s best steal. If not, Arizona ought to consider reverting to the eighth or ninth choice, where they might choose to take a stab at Malik Nabers of LSU.
Nabers, who is 6’0,” may not be the tallest of the first round predicted receivers, but he offers good speed and route running. The Cardinals should focus on strengthening their defense with the 27th pick; cornerback is a need here. Though Kamari Lassiter of Georgia is expected to go early in the second round, his tough play on receivers makes the Cardinals want to choose him if he is available.
Will the Cardinals Make the Playoffs in 2024?
Although the most likely answer is “no,” the Cardinals can still get better the next year. Nabers is a receiver who can make plays, therefore having him would considerably enhance Kyler’s offensive capabilities. Murray would benefit greatly from having someone like Harrison or Nabers to get open because the offense struggled and appeared stuck throughout the season.
With the QB1 receiving some offensive support at last, Arizona can now concentrate on defense for the remainder of the draft. The Cardinals have been more of a seller in recent years as they’ve begun the rebuilding process, but 2024 is the year they should make a wise draft choice and start looking like buys.