We have arrived at draft week, and by the next time a mailbag hits, the Cardinals will have a handful of rookies to add to the roster -- and we can finally stop speculating about whom and just know. But there is this mailbag first. Questions have been edited for length and clarity. Don't forget to send a question for a future mailbag with at least a first name and last initial.
From David B:
"Hi Darren. Great mailbag this week (as usual). No question, but an opinion on the draft. I believe we should take the top OL at 16. Hopefully Kelvin Banks is available, but Tyler Booker, Wyatt Milum or Gray Zabel wouldn't be bad options, in that order. Since this will appear after the draft, let's see if Monti and coach Gannon agreed."
Obviously David, you were misjudging when the draft was coming, since you sent this well before the draft takes place. Consider this calling your shot. Interesting you have Milum; I haven't seen him projected higher than the third round so I don't know if grabbing him at 16 makes a lot of sense. An offensive lineman does make a ton of sense, especially a guard who can be a long-term starter. But again, we will see how the draft board plays out; you can't leave someone you think can be special at another spot just because you want an OL that might not be special.
From Michael T:
"Hello Darren. We finally reached the point in the offseason when our team adds young talent. As fans we all have our choice who the selection should be. Who is your selection for our first pick and why? Since Kyler is our most important player protecting him and adding to our potent running game the offensive line is the key. Therefore, Tyler Booker without hesitation should be our 2025 first draft pick."
I'm glad you feel so sure about this. I certainly would have no issue with Booker, a guy that seems to be universally seen as plug-and-play. But as I note every year, I want to know a) who is on the board and b) more importantly, what scouting says about my choices. I want a good guy for the locker room. If there is a dude they think can get 15 sacks a year but they see Booker, for instance, as just a solid add, you have to seriously consider the defense.
From Tyler D:
"Since defensive line play was a weakness last year and the draft is deep in D-line, some experts have suggested you can get a starter in the third round. Is it a need or a want to load up with rookie (salary controlled) talent at that position? Could we see D-line/edge go to Cardinals in rounds 1,2, and 3?"
All three rounds you mean? Or somewhere in those three rounds? If it's the former, no way. It feels like offensive line is going to be a pick somewhere in there, and if the right receiver/cornerback/linebacker is there, that is going to attract attention. But will they be taking an Edge or defensive lineman? I'd be shocked if they did not. It isn't so much the salary control as much has making sure they have a player or two that will be under contract for a couple of seasons for roster certainty.
From Bardo from Peoria:
"Hi Darren, enjoy the mailbag. Just want to give my take on the secondary and in particular the cornerbacks. Three years ago it was the worst I've ever seen. But I like what I see now. Starling Thomas is a gem and he just makes big plays. Max Melton is getting better and Garrett Williams is the best of the bunch. They did the best they could with an ineffective pass rush last season. I remember a lot of plays that other teams had all day to pass the damn ball. I don't think they need another starting CB. I'd like to roll with these guys for 2025. What do you think?"
I think if the Cardinals think Barron or Will Johnson is really good, especially compared to the other players they see at 16, they need to seriously think about the pick. I don't think it's likely, but I think it'd be dumb to rule it out. The same goes for the ensuing rounds, although as we go through the draft, I'm not sure you are finding anyone outside the first round that necessarily is an upgrade. I absolutely want to see what Elijah Jones -- a third-round pick, remember -- brings to the table too. He's like an extra choice this year since he missed the season.
From Don P:
"Hi Darren. with the Pat P retirement I have to wonder why the Cardinals didn't allow David Johnson to retire as a Cardinal. I understand he wasn't here a long time but we drafted him, he gave us a couple really exciting years and he is a good person. It's not like we are talking Ring of Honor. He stated publicly he wanted to retire a Cardinal. It seems kind of petty not to give that to a player you drafted."
Well, David has done a bunch of things with the organization for the past season so while you might feel some kind of way, he clearly does not. David did have a couple of great seasons. He is a fantastic human being, and a quality person to be part of the alumni "legends." I don't think you want to be having come-back-and-retire ceremonies for every player that wants one and/or was drafted by the Cardinals. That makes no sense to me. Peterson's career is going to be considered for Canton one day.
From Lonnie K:
"Hi Darren. I think it's time for the NFL to address fake injuries that stop play. With all of the delays, the games are getting longer every year. If play is stopped for an injury the player should have to stay sidelined for four snaps of the ball before being allowed to return to the playing field. It would be for safety of the player if the injury was real and would make a player think twice before faking an injury just to stop play. Maybe you could use your enormous clout in the industry to make change happen, lol."
College, I get. I have never noticed fake injuries being an issue with the NFL. Am I missing something? And the game actually is not getting longer. A decade ago the average game in 2015 was three hours, 10 minutes. Last year it was about 3:12, and the time has stayed in that tight range the whole time, so it's not getting longer every year.
From Jack W:
"Can you share what draft prospects you've seen on their top 30 visits? Any impressions? It's not top secret or anything. There is a public list who has visited the team. I'm just curious if you've seen any of them."
I am in a different building most of the time so I haven't seen hardly anyone, and you are assuming I would recognized these college players out of uniform when I have never covered them. Even if I saw one, I wouldn't be able to tell you who most were. Also, it is top secret at least to the team; I would guess Monti Ossenfort isn't thrilled when someone (*coughagentscough*) lets out where these guys are going. Finally, not top 30. Just 30.
From Carey Ballantyne:
"Hey Darren, not a question. I must pushback on your response to the 'we don't need an offensive tackle' draft comment. You say it's always good to add depth and churn the roster. I think there's nuance and context missing there. Would we spend our first-round pick on a QB this year? For depth and to churn the roster? Of course not. Point being, when you have established starters, that's considered a non-need. The same point stands for OT (specifically RT). We have three pretty good RTs, and one clear franchise LT. Why on earth would we spend No. 16 on an OT so he can sit on the bench? You absolutely draft based on need."
I'd like to have you jump into a room with those who wanted Adrian Peterson in 2007, and, you know, see what happens.
Generally, of course need filters in. I wish you would've provided more of your own context of where/when I said this. In your argument, I could say the same thing about defensive line or even edge; yes, the new guy could get rotation time, but he won't be a full-time player given the roster. Personally, I don't think they take a tackle (unless it's a guy like Banks, who some project as a guard) but if Will Campbell were to fall to them, how dumb would passing on him be, just because you feel full at the spot?
From Tim Tekulve:
"Darren, thank you for the mailbag, I read it every week. As a longtime reader, I have seen two recurring subjects that just keep popping up until something is/was done about it: new uniforms and Daryl Washington. Like them or not, the uniforms have been addressed. And I believe it's time to get Daryl's carbon copy replacement with our 16th pick. Jihaad Campbell is about the same size with crazy athleticism that can rush the QB and cover the RB or TE out in coverage. With the Kyzir White hole, Campbell fills the spot and represents the type of flexible player that Gannon loves. Goodbye Daryl and hello Jihaad! What are your thoughts on this?"
Tim, I can't believe you didn't ask about the Budenholzer firing or what will happen with KD, but I will give you a pass. And props to weaving in our D-Wash meme into a real question. My thoughts are these, starting with I appreciate the drawing the straight line from Washington to Campbell but I have to admit, if anyone has waited until now to say goodbye to D-Wash, we gotta talk. Campbell (or Jalon Walker) has been thrown around as someone the Cardinals may want to consider. I'll say that I might still be impacted by taking Isaiah Simmons and Zaven Collins back to back years as off-ball linebackers; the way the game is played I don't know if that's what Monti values in that spot. However, if Campbell is Washington, or a Fred Warner, or a Patrick Willis, it has to be considered. One note: Campbell had shoulder surgery, and reportedly could start training camp on the PUP list.
From Adam E:
"Hey Darren, is Larry Fitzgerald a good choice for the next Pope? Heard they're looking at Cardinals for the position, and that man is definitely the best Cardinal I've ever seen. Thoughts?"
I see what you did there, Adam.
