Breaking down how many draft picks Arizona Cardinals will have in 2023
By Sion Fawkes
Thanks to Steve Keim’s relentless trading away draft picks for veterans, the Arizona Cardinals only have five picks so far in the 2023 NFL Draft.
The Arizona Cardinals aren’t in a desirable situation at the moment, with only the following draft picks at the time of this writing:
- Third Overall
- 35th Overall
- 67th Overall
- 105th Overall
- 179th Overall
The good news is that they could receive compensatory picks during the spring owners meetings. It is also a given that this team will trade star receiver DeAndre Hopkins, something I saw coming as early as October 2022, even when the City of Phoenix was in denial about it.
Either way, if you want a logical prediction regarding Hopkins, look for the Cardinals to pick up a few compensatory selections, and a second first round pick when that trade occurs. Hopkins has a no-trade clause, meaning he will dictate where he lands, and that will most likely be a contender who will only be too happy to give up a first for the 30-year-old’s services.
Arizona Cardinals could wind up with even more picks
Tight end Trey McBride came on strong late in the 2022 season, snagging in 26 receptions for 241 yards and a touchdown in the Cardinals final eight games. This emergence has transformed McBride into becoming a regular contributor on Sundays.
When you’re looking to give a team a (near) complete rebuild, it will leave some players, like Zach Ertz, expendable. Despite sustaining a torn ACL in November, Ertz could end up being ready for the 2023 season or shortly thereafter. He proved to be productive with 47 catches, 406 yards, and 4 touchdowns in 10 games last season, and a contender could also wind up vying for his services.
Ertz won’t warrant anything near what the Cardinals would get out of Hopkins. But a would-be contender in need of a tight end could end up giving away a mid round pick for Ertz’s services. Given the tight end’s age and ACL injury, even a Day 3 pick would be worth swapping, since McBride looks ready to take over TE1 duties.
Related Story. Cardinals would gain ample space by trading star wideout. light
Right now, the Arizona Cardinals have five measly picks. But compensatory selections and two potential trades could warrant them between six and eight selections when April 27th rolls around.
Want your voice heard? Join the Raising Zona team!