Arizona Cardinals NFL Draft Picks: 2018 Round-by-Round Results, Grades
The Arizona Cardinals were mediocre in almost every way last season, leading to the team's 8–8 record.
The franchise is pretty much starting over with the retirements of coach Bruce Arians and quarterback Carson Palmer.
Former Panthers defensive coordinator Steve Wilks has taken over for Arians and veteran Sam Bradford was brought in to stabilize the quarterback position.
The offense will get a boost with the return of running back David Johnson who was missed of the season with an injury.
The Cardinals were involved in the second big trade of draft day, giving up a third- and a fifth-round pick to the Raiders in order to move up five spots in the first round to pick No. 10.
How will they use their picks in the NFL draft? We’re listing every selection below.
Here's the full list of picks the Cardinals hold in the 2018 draft, which will be updated as each selection is made.
Round 1, Pick 10 (No. 10 overall) [via Oakland]
Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA
Andy Benoit's grade: A-
The Cardinals reportedly decided near draft time that they wouldn’t be trading up for a quarterback, but that was before they knew the most polished QB in this draft would still be available this late in the draft. Rosen was an acute field-reader at UCLA and plays a timing-and-rhythm brand of football, which usually translates well to the pros. It’s one reason he’s known for his ability to throw receivers open. He is a great fit for offensive coordinator Mike McCoy’s multifaceted passing game.
Scouting Report: A pure passer with advanced feel in the pocket and impeccable ball placement, Rosen is probably the most pro-ready of the QBs in this year’s class. He won’t make plays late in the down like Sam Darnold does though, and durability is a question mark. He also has the kind of beat-of-a-different-drum personality (hit the Independent Thought Alarm) that will surely cause some evaluators to bristle.
Round 2, Pick 15 (No. 47 overall):
Christian Kirk, WR, Texas A&M
Andy Benoit's Grade: B
People don’t realize that Arizona has one of the six or seven best defenses in football—the team just needs enough offensive weapons for the defense to not have to hold opponents to single-digit points each week. Josh Rosen is the most ready-now QB in this draft. With the lack of depth behind Larry Fitzgerald at wide receiver, Kirk will have to contribute right away.
Round 3, Pick 33 (No. 97 overall) *compensatory selection:
Mason Cole, C, Michigan
Andy Benoit's Grade: B+
A.Q. Shipley is in the final year of his contract, and after drafting Cole, it’s possible the Cardinals have now found their future long-term starting quarterback, wide receiver and center.
Round 4, Pick 34 (No. 134 overall) *compensatory selection: Chase Edmonds, RB, Fordham
Round 6, Pick 8 (No. 182 overall): Christian Campbell, CB, Penn State
Round 7, Pick 36 (No. 254 overall) *compensatory selection: Korey Cunningham, OL, Cincinnati
