3 likely scenarios for the Cardinals first-round draft pick in 2022

Cardinals trade down in the first round

Suppose the Cardinals, for reasons unknown, let more players walk than anyone anticipates during free agency. At the same time, they sign role players in March and look to the NFL Draft to build. This isn’t Steve Keim’s style, but it still needs to be discussed in the event he throws everyone a curveball.

In this case, it’s best the Cardinals trade out of the first round, accumulate draft picks, and draft the best need available. Note the keyword: Need. We’re talking cornerbacks, edge rushers, receivers, offensive line, and running backs. And yeah, let’s throw in a tight end since Zach Ertz should have shown Keim how valuable the position is in 2021.

This scenario would come as a shocker since the Cardinals were threatening for a deep playoff run after starting the season 10-2. But, we also saw that same team collapse. Either way, the likeliest scenario is that Keim stays pat and does what he often does: Drafts the best player available regardless of need. Let’s just hope the player meets expectations.