The Cardinals began the 2023 regular season without quarterback Kyler Murray as he rehabbed from a torn ACL. Arizona only won four games, giving the front office the fourth overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Head coach Jonathan Gannon showed potential in his first season with the franchise. Although the wins didn’t pile up as planned, Gannon kept his team competitive most weeks.
The offense began clicking when Kyler Murray returned, but the lack of options in the passing game was apparent. Furthermore, the offensive line was a revolving door for pass rushers.
On defense, the unit fought valiantly to stay afloat. However, the talent gap showed up frequently. The group simply doesn’t have the juice to be an above-average defense as presently constructed.
Malik Nabers joins the Cardinals in latest mock draft
Now, it’s up to general manager Monti Ossenfort to put the right pieces around Murray to get Arizona back into contention. In today’s three-round mock draft, the Cardinals build a strong foundation for the future by getting Murray a go-to target at wide receiver.
Round 1, Pick 4 — Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
Marvin Harrison Jr. receives the most hype, but Malik Nabers is right on his heels ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Are you “Team Malik Nabers” for the Arizona Cardinals at pick #4? pic.twitter.com/HExJC0knMT
— PHNX Cardinals (@PHNX_Cardinals) February 21, 2024
Nabers is an explosive weapon capable of taking any play to the house. His route running is flawless, and few can match his competitiveness at the catch point.
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Round 1, Pick 27 (via HOU) — Chop Robinson, EDGE, Penn State
Gannon is a defensive-oriented head coach, so addressing the pass-rushing group will take precedence. In this mock draft, Chop Robinson, a bendy, natural edge rusher, is the choice.
DE Chop Robinson*Snap timing*1st step explosiveness*Two-handed speed swipe pic.twitter.com/JMIse7N0cp
— Erik Turner Cover 1 (@ErikJTurner) February 16, 2024
Round 2, Pick 35 — Jordan Morgan, OL, Arizona
The offensive line must be overhauled this off-season to get the most out of Murray. Jordan Morgan played his college ball in Arizona, making it a seamless transition to the NFL for the cornerstone left tackle.
#Arizona LT Jordan Morgan faced 3 UCLA edge rushers w/NFL futures (Grayson & Gabriel Murphy, Laiatu Latu), didn’t allow a sack and gave up minimal pressures.His patient hands allowed him to be in position to counter and replace. His recovery speed is impressive as well. pic.twitter.com/GoEvyx6Cf7
— Devin Jackson (@RealD_Jackson) November 7, 2023
Round 3, Pick 66 — T.J. Tampa, CB, Iowa State
Gannon got a pass rusher earlier in the mock draft, but now it’s time to target a cornerback. T.J. Tampa is a scheme fit for Arizona, as the physically imposing defender is a magnet to receivers.
HIT STICK from TJ Tampa 😤 pic.twitter.com/ZEL9UuXQc8
— Cam Mellor (@CamMellor) September 9, 2023
Round 3, Pick 71 (via TEN) — Sedrick Van Pran, C, Georgia
Morgan will immediately slot in as a starter, and center Sedrick Van Pran will do the same. Van Pran won back-to-back titles at Georgia, bringing a winning pedigree to the league.
Georgia IOL 63 Sedrick Van Pran is another talented OL that could become a plug-and-play starter for a team. Listed at 6'4" & 310 pounds. 40+game starter at Georgia. Threw shot put, discus and javelin for his HS track team. + Good overall athleticism for the position. + Shows… pic.twitter.com/H65kKfyJAR
— Russell Brown (@RussNFLDraft) February 21, 2024
Round 3, Pick 90 (via HOU) — Braelon Allen, RB, Wisconsin
Murray is a deadly runner, but he’s better off with a ball carrier capable of setting the tone. Braelon Allen is only 20 years old, and his blend of size and speed will appeal to the Cardinals.
Braelon Allen is 6’2” 240lbs with feet like this…. #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/ZI6pkZ6ZQu
— Ryan DePaul (@RyanDePaul) February 18, 2024
Check back next week for our seven-round mock draft for the Los Angeles Chargers. In the meantime, you can check out our past mock drafts for the Bears, Commanders, Patriots, and Falcons.