The buzz around the possibility of the Arizona Cardinals trading away their fourth overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft persists as the event draws nearer.
During the owners’ meeting on Monday, Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton added momentum to the speculation, implying that it must be an exciting time for Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort given the widespread interest across the league.
Interestingly, ESPN analyst Matt Miller’s latest seven-round mock draft, published on Wednesday, suggests that Payton’s Broncos could be the ones making a move to secure Arizona’s top pick, particularly targeting Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy. However, such a maneuver wouldn’t come cheap for Denver, likely necessitating a substantial package of draft picks, including the 12th overall selection, a first-rounder in 2025, and another in 2026. Despite the hefty price tag reminiscent of the 49ers’ trade for Trey Lance in 2021, the acquisition of a potential franchise quarterback would outweigh any concerns about the cost for Payton and the Broncos. Meanwhile, the Cardinals would benefit from acquiring multiple first-round picks in consecutive years.
On one hand, this scenario would provide General Manager Ossenfort with additional draft assets as he enters his second year in the role. On the other hand, it would mean abandoning the idea of selecting Marvin Harrison Jr., who Miller predicts would instead join the Los Angeles Chargers as the fifth overall pick. However, Miller doesn’t overlook the Cardinals’ need for a top wide receiver, suggesting LSU’s Brian Thomas as a viable option with the 12th overall pick. Thomas’s impressive stats from the previous season, including leading the nation in receiving touchdowns, make him an enticing prospect to bolster Arizona’s receiving corps, especially with Marquise Brown’s departure in free agency. With his combination of vertical speed and size, Thomas could complement Michael Wilson and Greg Dortch as the team’s starting receivers, offering quarterback Kyler Murray a reliable downfield target.
Miller’s mock draft extends beyond the first round, addressing various needs for the Cardinals across different positions:
- No. 27: Graham Barton, Interior Offensive Lineman (Duke)
- No. 35: Jer’Zhan Newton, Defensive Tackle (Illinois)
- No. 66: Bralen Trice, Defensive End (Washington)
- No. 71: Max Melton, Cornerback (Rutgers)
- No. 90: Jermaine Burton, Wide Receiver (Alabama)
- No. 104: Mekhi Wingo, Defensive Tackle (LSU)
- No. 138: Ray Davis, Running Back (Kentucky)
- No. 162: Cedric Gray, Linebacker (North Carolina)
- No. 186: Drake Nugent, Center (Michigan)
- No. 226: Javion Cohen, Offensive Guard (Miami)
Not stopping with Thomas, Miller envisions further offensive reinforcement for Arizona in the first round by selecting Duke’s Graham Barton, a versatile interior lineman, at No. 27. Barton’s ability to play multiple positions along the offensive line, coupled with his solid performance in college, could make him a valuable addition to the Cardinals. Subsequently, Miller focuses on bolstering the defense with the team’s next three picks, starting with Illinois defensive tackle Jer’Zhan Newton at No. 35.
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