What a weekend it’s been! The Arizona Cardinals came away from the 2024 NFL Draft with all of the pieces needed to have an extremely competitive season. Some are even saying that the rebuild is now complete! I know that I’m excited to see how it all comes together after ending the 2023 season on a high note. Let’s dive into each of the picks and get familiar with your new and improved Arizona Cardinals!
BREAKING NEWS:
The Arizona Cardinals have signed three rookie undrafted free agents today (4/29/24):
- North Carolina defensive lineman Myles Murphy
- N.C. State long snapper Joe Shimko
- Colorado wide receiver Xavier Weaver
Arizona Cardinals Draft Results: Round One
With the fourth pick in the first round, the Cardinals chose Marvin Harrison Jr. It wasn’t the most surprising pick, although there were plenty of rumors to support a potentially Earth-shattering trade. No trade came though and the Cards ended up with the most coveted wide receiver coming out of this 2024 class. MHJ managed back-to-back 1,200-yard, 14-touchdown seasons during his final two years at Ohio State. Fans are hoping for the same top-notch production from him in the Valley of the Sun. His biggest fan might be quarterback, Kyler Murray. They two met during MHJ visit to the Cardinals Tempe facility. It was reported that Kyler was so excited that he burst into a live interview just to congratulate Harrison Jr.
The Cardinals were one of three teams with two picks in the first round. With their second pick (27th overall), the Cardinals chose Darius Robinson, a defensive tackle out of Missouri. The 6-foot-5, 285-pound lineman is a much-needed addition to the Cardinals defense. In his last season at Missouri, Robinson finished as first-team All-SEC and led the team in sacks (8.5) and tackles for loss (14). Robinson was one of the most present names at this pick for the Cards in various mock drafts. Coach Jonathan Gannon says they already have a plan for him when he arrives for camp.
Arizona Cardinals Draft Results: Round Two
In round two, the Cardinals made some moves, trading pick 35 to the Falcons. The trade details included not just the 35th overall pick, but also a 6th round pick and moving back eight spots to the 43rd overall pick. In exchange, the Falcons gave up the 79th overall pick in the third round. This was a really smart move for the Cardinals. They only gave up 8 spots and a late sixth-round draft pick, but they gained an additional third-round pick. I’m not sure what the Falcons were thinking, but hey… it worked out for us!
Now the Cardinals are on the clock at pick 43, when they chose Max Melton, a defensive back out of Rutgers. Melton ran a 4.39-second 40-yard dash at the combine. He has a vertical jump of over 40 inches and a long jump of more than 11 feet. Translation- the guy is an outstanding athlete. Many fans were anticipating a pick like Cooper DeJean or Kool-Aid McKinstry prior to trading down, but there was a run on cornerbacks prior to the Cardinals pick. In the end, Melton is a great choice. He visited the Cardinals facility just before the draft and was hoping to land in Arizona. GM Monti Ossenfort added that he was «a guy we have targeted for a while.».
Arizona Cardinals Draft Results: Round Three
The Cardinals had the overall 66th and 71st pick early in the 3rd round. It’s here that they picked up running back, Trey Benson (Florida State), and offensive lineman, Isaiah Adams out of Illinois. Benson didn’t meet with the Cardinals for an in-person visit in Arizona, but he did have a Zoom call and met with them at the combine. Benson also had the opportunity to meet Cardinals running back, Michael Carter a few months ago at a 7-on-7 tournament in Tampa. He calls Carter one of the best human beings he’s ever met. Speaking of good humans and good vibes…
«Every time I spoke with the Cardinals, there was always great vibes,» Benson said.
The 71st pick, Isaiah Adams, had an interesting path to the NFL Draft. He initially played ball for two years at his local community college in Canage. Then he finished with 2 years at Illinois. It was a trip to the Senior Bowl that really solidified things for Adams. He had the opportunity to work with Chris Cook, the Cardinals Assistant Offensive Line Coach. Adams says that it was then that he learned more about the Cardinals system and how much he liked it. Good thing, because what we really needs is some additional support on the offensive line going into the 2024 season. I can’t wait to see these improvements in real time!
On the clock at pick 79, the Cardinals made another trade, moving back to 82. Here, the Cards ended up with another Illinois alumni, tight end, Tip Reiman. Many fans didn’t seem to understand the need for an additional tight end, with Trey McBride doing so well. I understand though! One of my favorite offensive sets is a 2 tight end set. The Ravens are a team that does this quite well with Isaiah LIkely and Mark Andrews. With Geoff Swaim moving on during the free agency period, Reiman is just what the Cardinals needed. At 6-foot-4 and 271 pounds, Reiman says that one of his favorite things to do is «maul somebody».
«I like putting my hands on somebody and doing what I want. Move them exactly where I want against their will. It’s fun. I feel like it’s a gift the Lord gave me and I am honoring Him in doing that.»
Well… Praise the Lord, I guess!
With their last pick in the third round, the Cardinals picked defensive back, Elijah Jones from Boston College. There is a bit of mystery surrounding this pick. In 2023, Jones missed 4 games due to a situation that he did not want to discuss. He did discuss it with the Cardinals prior to the draft, so they must feel comfortable for the reason. Jones is one of the older rookies in the draft, being in college for six years and playing football as a four-year starter. The Cardinals were impressed with Jones knowledge of the of the game. It’s been reported that the team was going to review some tape, but before the footage even got going, Jones already knew the exact sequence. While he might be lesser-known than some of the other picks, it sounds like he’ll fit in just fine.
Arizona Cardinals Draft Results: Round Four
There was just one pick for the Cardinals in round 4. Say «hello» to Dadrion Taylor-Demerson, a defensive back (safety) out of Texas Tech. His childhood nickname was «Rabbit» because of the way he would run and play on the field and it’s stuck with him. He’s played the position of running back his entire life until he got to college at Texas Tech. He may be on the smaller side at 5-foot-10 and 200 pounds, but in 2023, he was named All-Big 12 and the Shrine Bowl’s defensive player of the week in January of this year. Taylor-Demerson attended voluntary workouts with the Cardinals earlier this year. He feels as if he has a lot of attributes like fellow safety, Budda Baker, and really hoped to to end up in Arizona to play. Welcome to the Valley of the Sun, Rabbit!
Arizona Cardinals Draft Results: Rounds Five, Six, and Seven
In the last 3 rounds of the Arizona Cardinals Draft, they walked away with four additional draft picks.
5 Thomas, Xavier LB Clemson
5 Jones, Christian T Texas
6 Palmer, Tejhaun WR Alabama-Birmingham
7 Davis, Jaden DB Miami
Arizona Cardinals Draft Results: Conclusion
All of the twelve total draft picks coming to Arizona have some tings in common. There was definitely a theme. The Cardinals have spent a great deal of time repairing a toxic work environment and building a more positive and uplifting culture. From what we’re hearing from players, they’ve succeeded in doing that. During the free agency period, veteran players stated in their interviews that they hoped they would end up in Arizona.
We heard much of the same from the new incoming rookies. The sentiment we heard from rookies coming to the Cardinals was one of positivity, empowerment, kindness, and generosity. There was a running theme of deep knowledge of the game and still a desire to learn. I think these twelve picks were made very intentionally with this new and improved culture in mind. This will only strengthen what’s being built here in the desert.
What are your thoughts on these moves? Let me know @KellyInPhoenix on Twitter/X. Want more updates? Check out the work our staff has been doing!
