A minimum of six groups are believed to have mentioned the No. 3 total choose with the Cardinals. On draft morning, the NFC West staff has obtained a number of presents for the choice, Dianna Russini of ESPN.com stories.
Looking for to bolster their draft arsenal, as they’ve a longtime quarterback in Kyler Murray, the Cardinals have shopped the choose. However they haven’t but traded it. The staff appears prone to maintain onto the selection till tonight, seeing because the Texans’ resolution at No. 2 figures to affect groups’ ultimate presents. With Houston leaning towards deciding on
C.J. Stroud at 2, nonetheless, Arizona’s choose figures to generate curiosity with the Ohio State-developed passer nonetheless on the board.
The Playing cards have been related to this draft’s high offensive linemen, and ex-Stroud protector Paris Johnson is believed to be one of many staff’s targets. Johnson, whom ESPN’s Scouts Inc. charges because the Twelfth-best prospect accessible, would make extra sense as a choose later within the high 10 — versus No. 3 total. Arizona has its deal with tandem of the previous three years — D.J. Humphries and Kelvin Beachum — below contract, although Beachum goes into his age-34 season. Aside from re-signing Will Hernandez, who was initially a Steve Keim addition, the Cardinals haven’t made a notable O-line funding this offseason
As for the groups fascinated with coming as much as three, the Titans could also be within the driver’s seat. New Cardinals GM Monti Ossenfort came to visit from the Titans, the opposite staff to rent a GM this offseason. The Ran Carthon– and Mike Vrabel-led staff, which at present holds the No. 11 total selection, has been talked about as a staff to watch relating to a trade-up maneuver for weeks. Vrabel, an Ohio State alum, and Buckeyes HC Ryan Day are shut. And Ryan Tannehillis believed to be accessible through commerce. It could not be a lock that the Titans transfer on from their four-year starter in the event that they acquired the choose (and a quarterback), however one season stays on Tannehill’s contract. The staff has not touched Tannehill’s 2023 wage but, through a restructuring, both.
Just a few outstanding mock drafts have pegged the Titans because the staff that can commerce as much as No. 3. They’re believed to be fascinated with deciding on Stroud. They aren’t the one staff seen as a suitor. The Raiders have carried out in depth homework on this yr’s QB class, whereas the Falcons — their assist for Desmond Ridder staying at QB1 however — are additionally believed to be lurking right here. Atlanta will not be in buying and selling up for anybody however Stroud, seeing as Bryce Youngeris extensively anticipated to go No. 1 to the Panthers. The Lions, who maintain two first-round picks, joined the Falcons and Raiders in internet hosting Stroud on a pre-draft go to. A transfer to No. 3 could be designed round leapfrogging the Colts, whose need to pick out a QB — be it Stroud or Will Levis — at No. 4 is just not a secret.
The Playing cards maintain 5 picks within the high 105, possessing two third-round selections, and have a bevy of must fill as they transition to a brand new regime. Whereas the O-line could also be an early focus, Arizona has wants at edge defender, on its line of defense and at cornerback. Over the previous two offseasons, the Playing cards’ protection has misplaced J.J. Watt, Zach Allen, Byron Murphy and Chandler Jones. Security Budda Baker has additionally requested a commerce, although the staff stays in contact with the disgruntled defender.
