In a division with offensive weapons-galore with the likes of Deebo Samuel, D.K. Metcalf and Cooper Kupp, if the Arizona Cardinals look to stop the passing offenses of the NFC West, they are going to need a young corner to build a defensive backfield around. Luckily for Arizona, there are numerous aggressive, young corners that could turn last season’s -1 turnover ratio into the Cardinals favor.
According to Fox Sports, the Cardinals were near the league average for passing defense with 212.5 yards per game allowing 32 touchdown passes in the 2023 campaign. These statistics were good enough for a 13th overall ranking in the league, but the turnover ratio can certainly be improved upon with the aggressive play style that is abundant in this season’s rookie class.
While many agree that the fourth overall pick should be used on a wide receiver, some have said that there is a possibility that Monti Ossenfort and company trade away their pick if Marvin Harrison Jr. is not available at four.
If this plays out, there are some first-round talents that could peak the interest of the Cardinals front office. However, with three third-round picks, Ossenfort could certainly look to improve his defensive backfield with one of these young talents.
1. Terrion Arnold, Alabama
After only his sophomore season, Terrion Arnold has declared for the draft looking to put his name in the long list of Alabama defenders making an impact at the next level. Arnold has played and fit into many different schemes the Crimson Tide have run during his tenure at Alabama and his natural athleticism makes him useful in both man and zone coverage.
Arnold has shown that he is fundamentally sound and demonstrated great natural instincts when breaking on the ball. His natural athleticism also allows him to recover well when he finds himself out of phase.
This past season, Arnold tallied 63 total tackles, 12 passes defended and five interceptions for the Crimson Tide.
Arnold is a naturally sharp player that relies on his preparation and football IQ to be impactful in both the pass and run game.
Being a good zone coverage corner, if Arnold can improve his presence at the line of scrimmage and in man-to-man coverage, he can find himself being a well-rounded and versatile corner in the NFL.
2. Ennis Rakestraw Jr., Mizzou
Ennis Rakestraw Jr. is an interesting prospect that has turned some heads as the draft has approached. Rakestraw is a physical, and aggressive defender that could be a great route disrupter as a nickel corner right now. With a great presence at the line of scrimmage, Rakestraw could not only improve the pass defense, but also come down and help out the run game off of the edge.
While he may not have blazing speed like some of the defensive backs on this list, Rakestraw’s ability to disrupt timing of routes at the beginning of the route, can equal the playing field between some of the offensive weapons found in the NFC West.
In 2023, Rakestraw had 35 total tackles with 24 of them being solo tackles. Unfortunately, with only one interception in his collegiate career, he could improve on his ability to continue his physicality at the top of routes and create more turnover opportunities. With his current play style, Rakestraw would find himself helping out a Cardinal run defense that is in much need of help from the secondary.
3. Quinyon Mitchell, Toledo
After the Senior Bowl, Quinyon Mitchell has found himself in the conversation as one of the best corners of this year’s draft class. According to NFL’s NextGen Stats, his total score of 87 is the the top of the draft class.
With his blazing speed, it is possible that Mitchell could run a 4.3 40-yard dash in the upcoming combine. His speed and natural athleticism makes him a great fit for a zone scheme where he can freely roam and use his closing speed to break on routes.
Mitchell boasted 32 solo tackles and 18 passes defended last season for the Rocket defense. Mitchell also holds the school record for career passes defended with 46 showing his disruption at the top of routes.
Even if he is not utilized on the Cardinals Defense right away, Mitchell could be an impactful gunner on the special teams unit creating havoc and potentially creating turnovers.
4. Nate Wiggins, Clemson
At 6’2” 185 lbs, Nate Wiggins is a lengthy corner that is able to use his hands and footwork to keep opposing receivers close. He has shown an ability to jam well in press coverage with the ability to switch to zone in the middle of a play.
Wiggins' size also allows him to keep up with large outside targets that could be impactful in the redzone breaking up passes or defending jump balls in the endzone.
In coverage, Wiggins is very similar to the Dallas Cowboys’ Trevon Diggs, with his aggressive tendency to jump on routes. As a natural risk taker, Wiggins likes to play downhill and get involved in short wide receiver screen or swing passes on the perimeter.
In 2023, Wiggins recorded 28 total tackles, six passes defended, two forced fumbles and two interceptions.
With the aggressive risk taking style, there may be some growing pains but if Wiggins’ ability to play downhill can turn into turnovers, he can grow into a true CB1 for the Cardinals.
5. Cooper DeJean, Iowa
In many mock drafts, Cooper DeJean has been rated as a potential first round selection. If the Cardinals do choose to trade down from their 4th overall pick, Cooper DeJean could find himself falling in the Cardinals lap late in the first round.
DeJean played a pivotal role in one of the best defenses in the country due to his natural instincts and ball-hawk abilities. The junior out of Iowa moves well from zone to zone and is versatile in a defensive backfield.
DeJean also plays very well in the run-support game and even as a delayed blitzer. As a good zone defender, DeJean needs to improve in his man-to-man abilities and keeping quick twitch receivers close while remaining in phase.
DeJean’s versatility could find him playing as a safety in the NFL that is quick to come barreling downhill in run support. If he does play safety, he could often be seen spinning down in cover 3 allowing him to play big around the box and assist in the run game.
While it may be a stretch to see DeJean in Cardinals red, if he is available late in the first round or falling into the second round, Monti Ossenfort may take a shot on the defensive back from Iowa.