There is one move the Arizona Cardinals should absolutely *not* make in the NFL Draft’s first round on Thursday.
The Cardinals should not use their 16th overall pick on a wide receiver. Don’t be tempted by Tetairoa McMillan’s athleticism and the fact that, at 6-foot-5, he would be a huge and welcoming target for quarterback Kyler Murray.
Don’t be enthralled by Matthew Golden’s 4.29 40 speed. Don’t be captivated by how a first-round pick would look lining up on the other side of Marvin Harrison Jr.
This isn’t to say a speedy or tall wide receiver wouldn’t help the Cardinals. Many highly successful teams have wide receiver tandems, each player separately a threat to defenses. Such a player would help any team.
But Arizona has greater needs. The correct choice at offensive tackle would pay greater dividends than a wide receiver, now and in the future. A good defensive lineman could have the same benefit.
Daydream about what an offensive lineman, with a nasty streak, could mean for Murray. Daydream about how a quick and powerful edge rusher, teamed with free-agent acquisition Josh Sweat on the other side, could disrupt an opponent’s passing game.
Protect the quarterback and get after the other team’s quarterback — that is a successful formula in the NFL these days.
Cardinals can draft receiver in later rounds
The Cardinals can and should get another wide receiver, and they should get him in this draft. Look hard in the second round, previously a fertile source of NFL wide receivers. The Cardinals’ second-round pick is the 47th overall.
Recently drafted second-round wide receivers have been prolific. Such as:
- D.K. Metcalf (Steelers)
- Christian Watson (Packers)
- George Pickens (Steelers)
- Michael Thomas (Saints)
- A.J. Brown (Eagles)
- Davante Adams (Rams)
- Deebo Samuel (Commanders)
Talent is generally available outside of the first round. How would any of them look in a Cardinals uniform?
The Lions’ Amon-Ra St. Brown was a fourth-round pick. The Texans’ Nico Collins was a third-rounder.
A first-round wide receiver might be more talented than a second-rounder or third-rounder, but draft picks don’t come with a guarantee. Which team wouldn't want St. Brown?
Every team wants a sure thing in the draft. But avoiding risk is impossible. Quality players are available throughout the draft. You need a top-notch scouting department and some luck, too.
Selecting a speedy, top-ranked wide receiver in the first round is glamorous and grabs the fans’ attention. But drafting one of the big boys playing a position that is obscure by nature might not be flashy on draft night, but that lineman might be the right pick for a successful future.
Go big.