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The Arizona Cardinals came into the 2024 NFL Draft with a boatload of picks thanks to trades in last year’s draft. They needed every one of those picks. The roster needs a huge boost in young talent as they rebuild around their young core. How much did the Cardinals improve in the 2024 NFL Draft?
Arizona Cardinals 2024 NFL Draft Class
Draft picks
- Ohio State WR Marvin Harrison Jr. (No. 4 overall)
- Missouri DT Darius Robinson (No. 27)
- Rutgers DB Max Melton (No. 43)
- Florida State RB Trey Benson (No. 66)
- Illinois OG Isaiah Adams (No. 71)
- Illinois TE Tip Reiman (No. 82)
- Boston College DB Elijah Jones (No. 90)
- Texas Tech DB Dadrion Taylor-Demerson (No. 104)
- Clemson LB Xavier Thomas (No. 138)
- Texas OT Christian Jones (No. 162)
- UAB WR Tejhaun Palmer (No. 191)
- Miami DB Jaden Davis (No. 226)
The Arizona Cardinals loaded up on talent on both sides of the ball. They picked 12 players and seven of them were in the top-100. There is potential that these players, especially Marvin Harrison Jr., become franchise cornerstones for years to come.
Best Pick Of The Class: DB Max Melton
The obvious answer is Marvin Harrison Jr. but we all know what he brings to this team. Max Melton is an awesome pick for the Arizona Cardinals. Melton didn’t get much air time in college due to playing at Rutgers but his ball-hawking nature and electric athleticism are exactly what Jonathan Gannon wants for his defense.
The defense was an issue last season. Offensively, Kyler Murray, Harrison Jr., Paris Johnson, James Connor, and Trey Benson are a talented group. While the Arizona Cardinals might not win many games next year, the offense will be fun. Melton hopefully brings the dynamic playmaking every NFL defense needs.
Most Questionable Pick In The Draft: DT Darius Robinson
It is hard to find a questionable pick for the Arizona Cardinals. Robinson isn’t questionable because of where they got him. I’ll admit my bias here. I didn’t like Robinsion going into the draft. He is somewhat of a hybrid of a defensive tackle and defensive end. While this sounds cool, it often makes fits difficult. Remember when Isaiah Simmons was taken in the top ten and lauded as a player who could play either linebacker or safety? That didn’t work out so well.
I think Robinson will have a fine career and I’ll admit having to be picky for the purposes of this article. However, I think the Arizona Cardinals got scared of the lack of high-quality edge rushers in the class and reached in order to get one.
Most Interesting Pick: DB Dadrion Taylor-Demerson
Getting Taylor-Demerson at 104th overall was a downright steal for the Arizona Cardinals. The Texas Tech corner is an above average slot defender with great quickness and tackling ability. There is a very real chance he is one of their starters in week one. If he and Melton develop, they could cause problems for offenses for years to come.
I give the Arizona Cardinals a standing ovation for their draft. They added a lot of talent and there is potential for multiple franchise cornerstones in this draft. This year may still bring a lot of losing but these are the types of draft classes that can lay the foundation for winning seasons down the line.
Arizona Cardinals Draft Grade: A
