Will the Arizona Cardinals Trade the Third Overall Pick?

4.6/5

DraftKings Review

Bet $5 Get $150 Instantly

T&Cs apply, 21+

Visit Site

4.6/5

FanDuel Review

Bet $5 Get $150 in Bonus Bets

T&Cs apply, 21+

Visit Site

4.5/5

BetMGM Review

up to $1,500 back in Bonus Bets

T&Cs apply, 21+

Visit Site

The Arizona Cardinals find themselves in a very interesting spot in this year’s draft. They currently hold the third overall pick in a draft where teams are clamoring to get a top pick to find their future quarterback. Arizona does not fit this mold as they are locked into Kyler Murray as their starter for the next six seasons.

There are two ways in which they could move forward with this pick. They could either hold onto it and select a player to help build up their defense, or they could trade down and potentially pick up two picks in the first round this year.

Recently, Murray stated that he was a big fan of Ohio State’s left tackle Paris Johnson Jr. He would be an incredible addition to Arizona’s roster. Murray is coming off of ACL surgery and a torn meniscus that will likely cause him to miss the beginning of the season. It should be the top priority of the team to find a player that can protect him. Johnson Jr. would do just that.

If they are able to find a deal with a team that holds a top-seven pick, they would have a chance to pick up Johnson this season, and also get another first-round pick that would allow them to find an elite edge rusher next season.

All signs point towards the top of the 2024 NFL draft also being quarterback dominant. As a result of this, trading with a team that will once again have a top pick next year will set the Cardinals up perfectly to have their cake and eat it too.

New head coach Jonathan Gannon is coming off of a job as the defensive coordinator of the Philadelphia Eagles. This could lead him to holding onto the pick and selecting a player like Will Anderson Jr., however, it is in the team’s best interest to build up their offensive line and keep their franchise quarterback protected.