Analyst Outlines What Cardinals Should do in Draft

The Arizona Cardinals need a playmaker, according to NFL.com.

ARIZONA -- The Arizona Cardinals have a variety of needs to fill as the 2024 NFL Draft approaches, though NFL.com's Adam Rank believes the team should only take one route when making their first selection of the night.

Going through a mock draft where Rank picks what each team should do, the Cardinals are destined to add a dynamic receiver to the fold.

After Marvin Harrison Jr. goes No. 3 to the New England Patriots, Arizona lands the talents of LSU WR Malik Nabers.

"Again, if the Vikings, Broncos, Raiders, etc. are calling, answer the phone. A robust offer for this one pick could boost your draft currency for years to come. But if you ultimately stay put, you need to get a big-time playmaker for Kyler Murray. Marvin Harrison Jr. is an obvious choice if the Patriots go quarterback. And they very well might -- just not in this simulation. That said, my second receiver, Nabers, is a fantastic consolation prize. It's like ordering fries at Portillo's and they mistakenly give you the onion rings. That's a win." - Adam Rank on Arizona's first pick

Arizona - next picking at No. 27 - land the talents of Illinois defensive lineman Jer'Zhan Newton:

"You all have plenty of roster needs in Arizona. After supplying the offense with playmaking extraordinaire Malik Nabers at No. 4, I'd like to give the defense a game-wrecker up front. Newton's good value at this juncture." - Rank on Arizona's second pick

Arizona has done plenty of work on receivers in the build up to the draft, and if the Cardinals managed to walk out of the first round with either Harrison or Nabers, that could be considered a win for the organization.

Pair that with landing arguably the best defensive lineman in the draft with Newton? Keep the chef hat on Cardinals GM Monti Ossenfort.