The closer we get to the 2023 NFL Draft, the more the Cardinals face a question similar to the one posed to the Bears: Stay put, or trade back?
The Cardinals have the No. 3 overall pick, a position that could allow them to take the top non-quarterback with Kyler Murray still under contract (though recovering from a torn ACL). Otherwise, general manager Monti Ossenfort and coach Jonathan Gannon — both in their first year on the job — may consider trading down to build draft capital for a team with multiple needs.
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The latter option is reportedly becoming a bigger consideration as Arizona fields trade proposals. Whether the Cardinals use the pick or move back will be predicated on numerous factors, not least of which is what they would get in return.
The consensus is that, should Arizona stay a 3, it will draft Alabama EDGE defender Will Anderson Jr., assuming the Texans don't take him at No. 2. Not only is Anderson one of the best defensive players in the draft, he also is a player at a position of need for the Cardinals. Trading back would almost certainly cost Arizona the chance to draft a premium player, though it could address other areas of need depending on how far back it moves.
It's a good problem for Ossenfort and Gannon to have. Until then, here's the rundown on Arizona's current draft picks, positions of need, and more to know:
Cardinals draft picks 2023: When does Arizona pick?
- Round 1, Pick No. 6: OT Paris Johnson Jr., Ohio State
- Round 2, Pick No. 41: EDGE B.J. Ojulari, LSU
- Round 3, Pick No. 72: CB Garrett Williams, Syracuse
- Round 3, Pick No. 94: WR Michael Wilson, Stanford
- Round 4, Pick No. 122: G Jon Gaines II, UCLA
- Round 5, Pick No. 139: QB Clayton Tune, Houston
- Round 5, Pick No. 168: LB Owen Pappoe, Auburn
- Round 6, Pick No. 180: CB Kei'Trel Clark, Louisville
- Round 6, Pick No. 213: DT Dante Stills, West Virginia
LIVE: Grades & analysis for every pick in 2023 NFL Draft
Cardinals 2023 NFL Draft order
| Round | Pick (overall) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 6 (from DET) |
| 2 | 41 (from TEN) |
| 3 | 72 (from TEN) |
| 3 | 94 (from PHI) |
| 4 | 122 (from DET) |
| 5 | 139 (from DET) |
| 5 | 168 (from ARI via DET) |
| 6 | 180 |
| 6 | 213 (Compensatory) |
Cardinals NFL Draft needs
- EDGE: Arizona last season was tied for 24th in the NFL with 36 sacks, with two players producing half of those: J.J. Watt (12.5) and Zach Allen (5.5). Both are gone in 2023, with Watt retiring and Allen leaving via free agency for the Broncos. The pass rush hasn't been the same since Chandler Jones left after the 2021 season, but adding a premier edge rusher in Anderson would be a tremendous step forward in the right direction. Another potential move would be to trade back with teams such as the Lions, Raiders and Falcons inside the top 10; that would likely cost Arizona the chance to draft Anderson, but it would still leave other options available, such as Texas Tech's Tyree Wilson or Clemson's Myles Murphy.
- Cornerback: The Cardinals lost Byron Murphy to the Vikings via free agency, leaving behind a group composed of Marco Wilson, Antonio Hamilton and free-agent addition Rashad Fenton. None is a shutdown corner, which makes the position a must-have in this draft — especially considering the team ranked 24th in passing defense (230.3 yards per game) and 28th in passing touchdowns allowed (29) last season. Oregon's Christian Gonzalez is a potential option at No. 3, though it's more likely Arizona will trade back just far enough to draft him later. He's considered the top player at his position in the draft, with tremendous speed, fluidity and size.
- Wide receiver: DeAndre Hopkins is considered a potential trade candidate. If the Cardinals can't find a team willing to trade for him, then it's possible he could be released. Either way, Arizona will be down one of its top targets in 2023, creating a need in the receiving corps. If Arizona drafts a receiver first, it almost certainly won't be with its first-round pick. Multiple mock drafts have their respective top receivers going no higher than 11th, suggesting a relatively weak class. The Cardinals can make some quality depth additions in the middle or late rounds.
Cardinals mock draft 2023
Here's how the Cardinals' draft could unfold in 2023, according to TSN's Vinnie Iyer's seven-round mock draft:
| Round | Pick | Player | Position | College |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3 | Will Anderson Jr. | EDGE | Alabama |
| 2 | 34 | John Michael Schmitz | C | Minnesota |
| 3 | 66 | Eli Ricks | CB | Alabama |
| 3 | 96 | Colby Wooden | DT | Auburn |
| 4 | 105 | Kobie Turner | DT | Wake Forest |
| 5 | 168 | Myles Brooks | CB | Louisiana Tech |
| 6 | 180 | Luke Haggard | OT | Indiana |
| 6 | 213 | Bryce Baringer | P | Michigan State |