Way-too-early Arizona Cardinals 2024 NFL Draft preview

The 2024 NFL Draft is April 25-27 in Detroit. Here is the first-round order, per Tankathon.

With a new general manager (Monti Ossenfort) and new head coach (Jonathan Gannon), the Arizona Cardinals underwent major chances in 2023. The first year of their rebuild was difficult, but they believe they have their quarterback (Kyler Murray) and with two first-round picks in the 2024 NFL Draft, Arizona has the ammo to rebuild around him.

2023 record: 4-13 | First-round picks: No. 4, No. 27 | Team needs: WR, EDGE, OL, RB

Potential first-round picks | Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State; Malik Nabers, WR, LSU; JC Latham, OT, Alabama; Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame; Chop Robinson, EDGE, Penn State

With the Cardinals committed to Murray, the focus must be on surrounding him with a great receivers and a strong offensive line. Fortunately for Arizona, the draft is loaded with quality options at both positions. 

The Cardinals will have a chance to make their biggest splash with their first pick (No. 4 overall), when they should have their pick of the top wide receivers available. The only thing that might throw a wrench into those plans would be if the New England Patriots – who have the third overall pick – pass on a quarterback and take Harrison Jr., who some consider a generational talent.

The worst-case scenario at that point would be the Cardinals "settling" for either LSU's Malik Nabers or Washington's Rome Odunze. That is not a terrible position to be in, because either player would probably be the top wide receiver in most draft classes. But because this year's position group is so deep, those players may have to wait to hear their names called. 

With Marquise "Hollywood" Brown set to leave in free agency, the Cardinals do not have a returning wide receiver who caught more than 40 passes in 2023, so the position clearly needs improvement.

With D.J. Humphries' future in doubt at offensive tackle due to his ACL injury, the Cardinals should strongly consider fortifying the O-line with their second first-round pick. 

Thanks to a draft-day trade with the Houston Texans a year ago, the Cardinals also own the No. 27 overall pick, putting them in position to draft Latham, who would instantly improve an O-line that allowed 42 sacks in 2023 (16th in the NFL). 

On the other side of the line, Cardinals pass-rushers produced just 33 sacks, the third-lowest total in the league. Robinson, one of the best athletes and pass-rushers in the draft, could also be an option.