I am looking to give the Cardinals a grade, but first I want to give you some analysis of how teams work the Draft to accrue the greatest Draft Capitol, now and down the road. Just like most of us might try to find investment opportunities which enrich our financial portfolios teams try to use their current Draft capital to increase their number of selections and/or the positioning of that capital. So, I want you to take a look at not just the Picks they made last weekend but also what they banked for next season.
The sad reality of the status of the CARDINALS franchise is that they probably had what might be considered the weakest roster in the NFL at the end of 2022. Because of that sorry situation the team also went into the Draft with predominantly new people manning many key positions with the team, including new GM MONTI OSSENFORT and HC JON GANNON. Such a new hire, or a team with such a poor record also means the allegiances to any current CARDS players is tenuous at best, depending upon the state of some guaranteed contracts, and no trade clauses. But by and large the current roster members are not OSSENFORT guys, so he is very likely to wheel and deal and purge that roster as he sees fit. I fact I am pretty sure that was what Owner Michael Bidwell wanted him to do. So in reality the Cardinals phone lines were open and ready to do business during the 2023 Draft.
The CARDS came into this year’s Draft with 8 Picks with their name on them. The trading began in earnest as soon as the Draft began, with the Cardinals trading back, and gaining future Draft Capital as they did so. They ended up with 9 Picks in the 2023 Draft and used then as follows:
Round 1, Pick 6 PARIS JOHNSON OT OHIO ST 6’6/315 MY RANK #20, but I have no problem with this selection. Like most of the team their OL has been an issue and this guy should start right away, with upside to improve under pro coaching. A true potential Franchise LT.
Round 2, Pick 41 B.J. OJULARI ER/OB LSU 6’2/250 MY RANK #56, but OJULARI is a high rev guy with speed to pressure the pocket and pursue the ball. Hopefully this new staff will find his best position and leave him in it. This team already has too many good athletes who play multiple positions rendering them like “jacks of all trades, masters of none”. He could be a steady edge-rush force.
Round 3, Pick 72 GARRETT WILLIAMS CB Syracuse 5’10’190 MY RANK 125, but I had injury concerns that likely were passed on by Combine medicals. Had worked his way up to being the best CB in the Syracuse program. At full health he is a potential starting CB as a pro.
Round 3, Pick 94 MICHAEL WILSON WR Stanford 6’2/215 MY RANK 116, and I had concerns about a lack of speed, and seemingly nagging injuries at Stanford. But he really put on a show during Senior Bowl week. In a year of “undersized” wideouts he is a full sized guy who will battle for the catch.
Round 4, Pick 122 JON GAINES OG UCLA 6’4/205 MY RANK 136, and climbing. Versatile and athletic enough to play any/all IOL spots. He might start out as a game day multi-position back up, but has long term starter traits.
Round 5, Pick 139 CLAYTON TUNE QB Houston 6’3/220 MY RANK 165, and was just a bit behind HAENER as the top Day 3 QB. He has good size, an above average arm and mobility to move the pocket with 4.60/40-speed. He got better each season and reduced his INT totals accordingly.
Round 5, Pick 168 OWEN PAPPOE LB Auburn 6’/225 MY RANK 112, because I was not scared off my his lack of height or bulk. In today’s pass happy NFL I was more interested in his 4.65/40-time which makes me believe he can cover over the middle of the field. Productive reliable player.
Round 6, Pick 180 KEI’TREL CLARK CB Louisville 5’10/180 MY RANK 257, just in my draftable range where everybody who can run a bit has a chance to among 10+ DB on every NFL roster. Might be best as a Nickel CB but worth a look or two in Camp.
Round 6, Pick 213 DANTE STILLS DT West Virginia 6’4/290 MY RANK 151. I felt like he really came on in 2022. Perhaps someone found the magic words to inspire him to play up to his physical talent level. If the new coaching staff can find that button in Arizona he could hold down a spot in their DL rotation.
Based on the guys above I would give the team a B-. But then I have to look at what all that trading around netted for the next Draft in 2024.
They currently hold all but their own Round 6 Pick. But they have added…
TEXANS Round 1 and Round 3 Picks
TITANS Round 3 Pick
EAGLES Round 5 Pick
League awarded Round 4 Compensatory Pick
So they are now due to make 6 Picks in the Top 3 Rounds of the 2024 NFL Draft, and 11 Picks overall. Double digit loss teams are seldom able to fix their rosters based on 1 Draft. But when you double down by being smart and trading back and deferring some of those Picks into near future years you can hasten up the improvement process. And for doing so during the the 2023 NFL Draft proceedings I round that CARDINALS team Draft grade up to a B+/A- range.
Good, smart work in the Valley of the Sun! Be encouraged Cards fans but also be patient.
Cheers
Pigskin
