3 likely scenarios for the Cardinals first-round draft pick in 2022
By Sion Fawkes
Cardinals remain at pick No. 23
In this scenario, Steve Keim will (finally) draft for need over glamor. He went the glamor route (again) and failed last season. And while there is still time for Collins to develop, the Cardinals still had more pressing needs elsewhere.
The glamor over need route failed Keim the last two drafts, so expect the Cardinals to zero in on either a corner or an edge rusher if they stay put. Okay, perhaps glamor PLUS need works here, considering the number of blue-chip prospects at both positions.
A receiver is also an option if they fail to re-sign any of their pass catchers. But for a moment, let’s assume either Christian Kirk or Zach Ertz return to the desert. Ideally both, but just assume one does. In this case, edge and corner are still the team’s biggest need unless they re-sign Chandler Jones.
However, the only way the Cardinals stay put and take a receiver is if they don’t re-sign a pass-catcher AND go after edge and cornerback in free agency. If they re-sign Jones, they’re good to go at edge for at least another season.
What if they re-sign their current talent and upgrade needs in free agency? Then the offensive line needs to be fixed.