Monti Ossenfort and the Arizona Cardinals had the opportunity to turn their franchise around with the 2024 NFL Draft. Armed with 12 draft picks (including seven through the first three rounds), they needed to bring their A-game.
And they did.
Despite being bottom dwellers for the last couple of years, the future seems to be shimmering in Arizona. In his first two drafts, Ossenfort has received loads of praise.
Best Pick: Marvin Harrison Jr. (Round 1, No. 4 Overall)
This was an obvious choice. Throughout the entire process, there was always the possibility of a trade-down that threatened the opportunity to watch a Kyler Murray to Harrison connection. In the end, Ossenfort rightfully decided to hold the line. Not only did the Cardinals obtain the best player in the class at No. 4, but they also filled a huge void left by DeAndre Hopkins a year ago.
Harrison is one of the most pro-ready receivers in recent memory. He has insane athleticism for his size, elite ball skills, nuanced route running, and knows how to get off of the press. Getting Murray a dominant WR1 was a priority and they got the guy they’ve wanted from the start.
Grade: A+
Never forget that as a freshmen, Marvin Harrison Jr. COOKED Utah for three touchdowns in the Rose Bowl. pic.twitter.com/GcI8W9Nd7T
— Johnny Venerable (@JohnnyVenerable) April 28, 2024
Worst Pick: Tip Reiman (Round 3, No. 82 Overall)
Reiman drew a lot of eyes in the pre-draft process. After he delivered an imposing Shrine Bowl performance and posted a 9.92 RAS score, he impressed the Cardinals enough to spend a Round 3 pick on him. However, with Trey McBride emerging as a star, selecting a backup tight end on Day 2 just doesn’t seem worth it, especially considering the Cardinals had several other needs.
Reiman is a great athlete and should primarily be used as a blocker. He’s even been called a third offensive tackle. However, a pure blocking tight end doesn’t warrant a third-round pick.
Grade: D+
The Cardinals select Tip Reiman with the 82nd pick in the draft. A true Y-TE with straight line athleticism, but his rawness and lack of Day 1 impact make him a slight reach.
Grade: D+#NFL #NFLDraft #NFLDraft2024 pic.twitter.com/k18janB8Ym
— Charlie Prio (@CharliePrio1) April 27, 2024
Sleeper Pick: Isaiah Adams (Round 3, Pick 71)
Just because I don’t like one of their Illinois picks doesn’t mean I can’t like the other. This pick has drawn criticism as Adams was widely expected to be a Day 3 pick. However, this fit is perfect. Adams fills their biggest hole on the offensive line as a left guard and has the chance to start from Day 1.
Adams shines as a run blocker, causing displacement to create rushing lanes and effectively block in space. The Cardinals love to use pullers in their run game. Adams thrives when he’s a puller and lead blocker. The Cardinals are starting to become a run-heavy offense and Adams fits the mold perfectly.
Grade: A-
It's hard to see Adams here but this was my favorite rep from him. (#78)
This was in 2022, he pulls from his guard position, connects to #37 and basically carries him inside to seal off the outside. Creates a big rushing lane & displays elite core strength here.
(7/11) pic.twitter.com/u4jnbVbGFL
— Breaking Fantasy Football (@Breaking_FF) April 28, 2024
Cardinals Draft Summary
The Cardinals walked into this draft with a boatload of picks and a boatload of needs. They walked away having addressed all of them.
Some will criticize this draft since the Cardinals selected players higher than their consensus rank. However, they picked players that attacked their needs and fit their schemes. Trey Benson, Darius Robinson, and Dadrion Taylor-Demerson were all terrific picks that I didn’t even get to mention.
All Cardinals draft picks are electrifying athletes (9.0+ RAS scores) that fit their schemes.
It was clear Ossenfort had a type. The Cardinals enjoyed a great draft.
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