If Mel Kiper Jr.’s latest mock draft is correct, the Arizona Cardinals are loading up on offense in the first two rounds.
It’s a bit of a surprise, since defense, defense, defense, was where the Cardinals were expected to lean heavily, especially early in the draft. At least with one of their first two picks.
Texas wide receiver Matthew Golden will be Arizona’s first-round pick at No. 16, according to Kiper. Alabama offensive lineman Tyler Booker will go to the Cardinals at No. 47, according to Kiper. Golden also was the Cardinals’ choice at 16, according to ESPN’s Mike Tannenbaum’s mock draft. Tannenbaum is a former Jets general manager.
We suspect Kiper, the best known of ESPN’s mock drafters, was sold on the Cardinals' free agency moves on defense. If Kiper is correct, Arizona must feel comfortable with its defensive acquisitions -- even if the Cardinals’ fan base might not feel as confident.
Arizona had the 11th-best overall offense in 2024, but was 18th in passing. Arizona was seventh in rushing, and 12th in scoring. The Cardinals’ offense was adequate but 10 of the 11 top-scoring teams made the playoffs (the Bengals were the exception).
Mel Kiper must believe the Cardinals need more firepower
“Despite using the No. 4 pick on receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. last year, the Cardinals’ 2024 offense leaned on its explosive run game. If Arizona can find another top-tier pass catcher to help the aerial game catch up, this offense would be hard to stop," he wrote.
“Golden is a great route runner, and he has 4.29 speed to run underneath some Kyler Murray deep balls. He had 58 catches for 987 yards and nine TDs last season, and he’d give the Cards a solid 1-2-3 punch in Harrison, Golden and tight end Trey McBride.”
In an earlier mock draft, Kiper had Booker slotted to the Cardinals at 16. According to Kiper, Booker has fallen 31 spots.
“No one gets by Booker in pass protection, and he is also a solid run blocker thanks to his power,” Kiper wrote. “He allowed one sack over three seasons at Alabama. This is strong value in the middle of Round 2, and Booker could start as a rookie at right guard.”
Earlier mock drafts and evaluations had Booker listed as the best guard in the draft.
This is expected to be Kiper’s final mock draft before the draft, which will be held April 24-26 in Green Bay.