Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort had 12 picks in the the 2024 NFL Draft, the most by an NFL team since 1992. This year, the Cardinals' six selections will slice that total in half, the least amount of picks since Ossenfort took over in 2023. Their first pick is slotted at No. 16. Arizona addressed some of their needs during free agency, but the identity Jonathan Gannon and Ossenfort have built resembles a draft and develop team.
Primer Schedule: Inside linebacker April 9; Tight end April 10; Safety April 11; Defensive line April 14; Running back April 16; Outside linebacker April 18
Draft primer: Wide receiver
Previous primers: OL, QB, CB
Players under contract: Marvin Harrison Jr., Michael Wilson, Greg Dortch, Zay Jones, Simi Fehoko, Quez Watkins, Andre Baccellia, Xavier Weaver, Tejhaun Palmer, Trishton Jackson
The Cardinals' situation: From the moment he was drafted last year, Marvin Harrison Jr. had WR1 pressure on his shoulders. While he acknowledged 2024 had its challenging moments, even while recording 62 receptions for 885 yards and eight touchdowns, there's more room to grow. Michael Wilson took a major leap, staying healthy for 16 of the Cardinals' 17 games, and the team brought back Greg Dortch and Zay Jones. Simi Fehoko and Quez Watkins were also added. The Cardinals have talent at the wide receiver position, but might benefit from another speedy wide receiver that could create another worry for opposing defenses.
The draft class: The best athlete in this draft class is Travis Hunter as he hopes to play wide receiver and defensive back in the NFL. With where the Cardinals sit in the draft, there is zero shot Hunter is available. If there's a run of offensive and defensive lineman selected ahead of the Cardinals, it opens the door for players like Arizona's Tetairoa McMillan and Texas' Matthew Golden to be available. Multiple mock drafts have the Cardinals spending their first round pick on a wide receiver in back-to-back seasons.
The conclusion: While there are plenty of talented wide receivers in the draft class, the Cardinals might look to select one of them later in the draft or search the market for a veteran piece that could contribute. It's less likely to happen in the first round.
A look at some of the top wide receivers entering the 2025 NFL Draft.
FILE - Colorado wide receiver Travis Hunter (12) runs after catching a pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Central Florida, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack, File)
Arizona wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan (4) runs away from West Virginia linebacker Tyrin Bradley Jr. in the first half during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, in Tucson, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Texas wide receiver Matthew Golden (2) runs against Kentucky defensive back Maxwell Hairston (1) after a catch during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Austin, Texas, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Missouri wide receiver Luther Burden III (3) catches a pass for a 37-yard touchdown during the second half of an NCAA college football game against South Carolina Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Artie Walker Jr.)
Ohio State wide receiver Emeka Egbuka (2) runs the ball during the Rose Bowl CFP NCAA quarterfinal college football game against Oregon, Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025, in Pasadena, Calif. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Iowa State wide receiver Jayden Higgins runs a route during the Big 12 Conference championship NCAA college football game between Arizona State and Iowa State, in Arlington, Texas, Saturday Dec. 7, 2024. Arizona State won 45-19. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Mississippi wide receiver Tre Harris (9) catches a pass in front of Florida defensive backs Bryce Thornton, left, and Dijon Johnson (obscured at rear) for a 43-yard touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Iowa State wide receiver Jaylin Noel (13) catches a pass under pressure from Kansas safety Devin Dye (11) to score a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Kansas Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
TCU wide receiver Jack Bech (18) pulls in a pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Arizona Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Fort Worth, Texas. (AP Photo/LM Otero)
Texas wide receiver Isaiah Bond (7) runs for a touchdown past Florida linebacker Shemar James (6) during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Austin, Texas, Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
