What EDGE Prospects Will Cardinals Target in Draft?

The Cardinals really should be taking an edge defender in this draft - shouldn't they?

Rutgers v Penn State / Scott Taetsch/GettyImages

The Arizona Cardinals struggled to get to the quarterback at the end of last season - managing one sack over the last handful of games. One would think that they would prioritize pass rushers in the upcoming draft yes? They did not seem to prioritize the position in free agency, but here are some options in the upcoming draft:

Pick 27

• Chop Robinson, Laiatu Latu, Jared Verse, Darius Robinson

Analysis: If any of Chop Robinson, Laiatu Latu or Jared Verse is there at even in the early 20s , expect the Cardinals to be active in calling up to see if they can grab of the three edge players. That being said, it's highly unlikely any of those three would be there. To put it simply, Robinson is too athletic, Laiatu is too pro ready (despite the medical concerns) and Verse is too...well powerful

“An NFL ready edge rusher with hands that are heavier than a heavyweight boxer.”

My one-liner about Florida State EDGE Jared Verse. He was phenomenal last night. pic.twitter.com/EodEHU8UxO

— Jordan Reid (@Jordan_Reid) December 3, 2023

This feels early for Robinson, but he's risen over the past couple months, so it's within the realm of possibilities, though it's far likelier they would take the versatile Missouri captain at pick 35 (I've listed him at edge but he would far more likely play a base 3-4 end type role at his size in Arizona's scheme).

Pick 35

• Chris Braswell, Adisa Isaac

Tennessee v Alabama / Kevin C. Cox/GettyImages

Analysis: If there's a spot they are likely to not select an edge player, it may be here, unless one of the above falls to them. The two best options are this point are the "other" Alabama edge, Chris Braswell, and the "other" Penn State edge, Adisa Isaac. Given both of their makeups and strengths, Braswell would seem more likely, though Isaac fits the type of player they like with his effort given.

Round 3

• Bralen Trice, Marshawn Kneeland, Jonah Elliss, Austin Booker

It does not appear to be a deep edge class according to most experts, but there are lots of interesting options for Arizona should these be available. Bralen Trice in particular is a pressure machine and has been mocked anywhere from the end of round 1 to the top of round 3. If he's available at 66, Arizona should be interested.

Bralen Trice is built different👀 pic.twitter.com/Uat1amxwfK

— PFF College (@PFF_College) November 1, 2023

Marshawn Kneeland has very good size and attributes and showed well at the Senior Bowl where the Cardinals had a lot of staff. If they like him, the small school concerns shouldn't be a problem. Austin Booker is a traits heavy player out of Kansas - not likely someone Arizona would look at given their roster but he does fit their type.

Jonah Elliss would seem to not fit their type (he's a bit smaller for an edge at 6'2 and 247) but given his background (his father played in the NFL) and production (12 sacks and 16 tackles for loss), the Cardinals have done well with Dennis Gardeck and Elliss would be a natural upgrade.

Day 3

• Mohamed Kamara, Javon Solomon, Gabriel Murphy, Grayson Murphy, Nelson Ceasar, Xavier Thomas, Solomon Bryd, Khalid Duke, Brennan Jackson

Colorado State v Utah State / Chris Gardner/GettyImages

Analysis: There are a lot of intriguing picks here, so I will mention only two names. Mo Kamara may go higher with his production at Colorado State (21.5 sacks in the last two seasons to go along with 33 tackles for loss). Arizona found a steal with Dante Stills on Day 3 last season with productive traits like this.

Brennan Jackson is on my radar if nothing if not for effort alone, as most of what you see about him is that he does the little things well:

Brennan Jackson, EDGE, Washington State

Beats the tight end across his face. Squeezes down and makes the stop near the goal line. Jackson does a lot of the little things that go unnoticed by fans, but not coaches. pic.twitter.com/Q2Kc8UQ8ja

— Ryan Roberts (@RiseNDraft) March 25, 2024

Prediction: Of all positions this off-season, perhaps the most curious one is edge. One would think, given the lack of sacks late in the year, they would have signed one in free agency. That being said, given all their draft picks, it would be extremely shocking to not see them pick one of the above players. I'd love to say they pick Chop Robinson for selfish reasons, but I'll say someone like Mohammad Komara or Marshawn Kneeland at the very least could be a Cardinal after the draft.