What is Cardinals Worst-Case Draft Scenario?
ARIZONA -- There's not too many scenarios where the Arizona Cardinals could walk out of the 2024 NFL Draft as losers, though Pro Football Focus recently highlighted their worst-case scenario: Passing on a wide receiver at No. 4.
"The Cardinals are sticking with Kyler Murray at quarterback, and they are in the perfect position to draft a top target for him," wrote Gordon McGuinness.
"Quarterbacks will come off the board with the first two picks — and very probably the first three — which means the Cardinals likely get one of Marvin Harrison Jr. or Malik Nabers, who led the draft class in yards per route run in 2023."
Failing to draft a wide receiver was a common theme for other NFL teams, as seven other clubs also had their "worst case" scenario tied to drafting either a wideout or playmaker early.
Not grabbing a guy such as Harrison at No. 4 might be disappointing for fans and the marketing department who would love to sell jerseys - but would it really be the absolute worst-case scenario?
PFF didn't exactly elaborate on why passing on a receiver would be the worst thing, but they're most likely tying Arizona's need for a top wideout directly to the pick.
While it's highly likely they add a talented pass-catcher at some point, not grabbing one at No. 4 wouldn't be the worst thing in the world.
Say the Cardinals end up adding an offensive tackle such as Joe Alt Jr. or Olu Fashanu - although it's not a sexy pick, Arizona would beef up their offensive line with two cornerstone tackles (whoever the pick is and Paris Johnson Jr.) to protect Murray moving forward.
That's an absolute win.
Even if the organization is set on taking a receiver - It's also possible the Cardinals have multiple wideouts graded together so closely they're comfortable with moving back to collect more draft capital while still getting a guy they would have liked at their original spot.
Yes, a guy like Harrison would be tremendous, but teams don't operate off name value. They operate from player evaluations and boards. If a receiver grades out as the top player, the Cardinals will happily make the call - and the same goes for another spot, too.
Arizona also has six picks in the first three rounds of the draft - and with so many holes, there's bound to be some sort of position that's not upgraded to satisfaction when the dust settles. With so many defensive woes last season, who could blame them for wanting to inject top-end talent on that side of the ball early and often?
As to what the actual worst-case scenario for Arizona is - that's tough to tell, as really any route the Cardinals go would be successful.
There's been a few mock drafts suggesting the team could select Alabama EDGE Dallas Turner at No. 4 - which would widely be viewed as a reach.
Some NFL executives apparently believe that's a real possibility, too:
