Coming into the 2024 NFL Draft, the Arizona Cardinals were noted as a team that were going to be heavily busy with their massive haul in draft picks that they acquired going back to last year’s draft. With many needs across the roster on both sides of the ball, general manager Monti Ossenfort had his hands full with finding various ways to improve this roster. The Cardinals were mocked to two different receivers with the 4th overall pick but then the rumors started to swirl that Arizona may trade down to acquire even more picks.
Ossenfort made it clear that the Cardinals were open for business but nothing was going to be official until they were on the clock. At the start of the draft, they needed to see what the Bears, Commanders and Patriots would do with their picks and then Arizona would have a better understanding of what to do with their first, first-round draft pick.
Then once that pressure was taken off, Ossenfort and the front office seemed like they knew what they were doing and they delivered a solid draft to Cardinals fans.
Here are the final grades and analysis for Cardinals’ 2024 draft class.
#4: Marvin Harrison Jr., WR - Ohio State
We all know that this was going to happen for the Cardinals and the eact scenario played out. The top three picks were all quarterbacks which landed Marvin Harrison Jr. with the Cardinals. The back-to-back 1,000+ receiving yard receiver was the best non-QB prospect in this draft and he will be catching passes from Kyler Murray.
This expected pick was the best pick for the Cardinals and they avoided pressure of trading down and potentially losing him.
Grade: A+
#27: Darius Robinson, DE - Missouri
Rather than trading up or down for the 27th pick, the Cardinals decided to draft defense and acquire defensive end Darius Robinson out of Missouri. Robinson was a First-team All-SEC player last year with 8.5 sacks and a great upside to his game. Arizona needed to boost their pass rush and acquiring Robinson late in the first to have the fifth-year option to work with in his rookie contract was smart for Ossenfort.
Grade: B
#43: Max Melton, CB - Rutgers (after trade down with Atlanta Falcons from #35)
The Cardinals decided to start their Day 2 adventure by trading down with the Falcons and acquire the 43rd pick, as well as a third round pick (#79). With the 43rd pick, the Cardinals addressed the secondary by selecting Max Melton, cornerback out of Rutgers. It should be mentioned that when the Cardinals traded down, they left Cooper DeJean and Kool-Aid McKinstry on the board. So either the Cardinals took a risk and lost both of them, or did not have high grades on them to begin with.
Overall, Melton is a better fit for this defense in Arizona. The Cardinals get a guy who is patient with his footwork and has can rush to the ball once it is in the air. As a second round pick, it would not be shocking to see Melton on the field a lot, but like any other player, Melton will need to earn it.
Grade: B
#66: Trey Benson, RB - Florida State
There is an argument to be made that outside of Harrison, Trey Benson will be one of the best draft picks by the Cardinals in this draft. He was the second running back taken off the board and he will serve as a complimentary piece in this Arizona offense. With James Conner coming off of a career year (and going into a contract year), the Cardinals addressed a position that many thought was set. However, Ossenfort had different plans.
Benson has rushed for back-to-back 900+ yards and had double digit touchdowns last season with the Seminoles. He can now come in and take some pressure off of the offense and eventually transition into the starter for the future.
Grade: B+
#71: Isaiah Adams, OL - Illinois
Five picks later, the Cardinals decided to stick on offense and add a great run blocker in Isaiah Adams who should be able to compete for a guard spot on the Cardinals' offensive line. Pro Football Focus had Adams ranked as a top ten run blocker in the nation. He is physical upfront and both Benson and Conner should be happy to have Adams being a lead blocker down the field in running situations.
Grade: B
#82: Tip Reiman, TE - Illinois (after trade down from #79 with Indianapolis Colts)
While the stats on the sheet are not high, Reiman is a physical football player who can play tight end and fullback. While Trey McBride will be out in the field catching passes, Reiman will be doing the dirty work of getting physical to protect Kyler Murray or opening up a running lane. If the Cardinals put more of a focus on the run game, then this will be a great pick if Reiman pans out.
Grade: C+
#90: Elijah Jones, CB - Boston College
To end the second day of the draft, the Cardinals opted to take their second cornerback in Elijah Jones out of Boston College. Much like Melton, Jones has great pass coverage skills and knows when to attack the ball once it is up for grabs. The only thing that is concerning about Jones is his run support which will need some work, especially going up against backs like Christian McCaffrey, Kyren Williams and Kenneth Walker.
However, Jones will be able to compete in Arizona and will more than likely end up as a future starter for this defense.
Grade: B
#104: Dadrion Taylor-Demerson, S - Texas Tech
To kick things off on Day 3, the Cardinals picked up where they left off from the night before and selected yet another defensive back in Dadrion Taylor-Demerson from Texas Tech. The former Red Raiders safety walks into a room that already has Budda Baker and Jalen Thompson, but can learn from this duo and he provides versatility. He can play inside and outside in the secondary don't be surprised if he plays in the nickel at times this upcoming season.
Grade: B+
#138: Xavier Thomas, DE - Clemson
It is not surprising to see the Cardinals address the edge spot again here with Xavier Thomas. In his time at Clemson, he was not as productive but he always did find a way to be near the ball by the time the whistle blew. With Arizona ranking near the bottom of the league in sacks, Thomas has the chance to be a deent rotational guy, but more than likely will only see playing time if there is an injury.
Grade: C
#162: Christian Jones, OT - Texas
The Cardinals get an absolute steal here with Christian Jones in the 5th round. Jones has fantastic pass-blocking skills where since 2021, Jones has one of the lowest pressure rates allowed, according to Pro Football Focus, which should be making Kyler Murray smiling. While the Cardinals already have Paris Johnson and Jonah Williams, Jones can learn from them two and Williams only has a two-year contract. So, that gives Jones an advantage knowing that he has the opportunity to see some playing time beyond his rookie year.
Grade: B+
#191: Tejhaun Palmer, WR - UAB
It is surprising to see the Cardinals take a second wide receiver so late in the draft, but they end up getting a guy in Tejhaun Palmer who can potentially work his way up as a number three option if he grows in his game. Palmer did not reach 1,000 yards receiving in a season in his college career, but with better quarterback play (if given the chance), Palmer could see some success.
Grade: C-
#226: Jaden Davis, CB - Miami
Arizona took their third cornerback here with Jaden Davis after a career at both Oklahama and Miami. This might just be the best value pick for the Cardinals, but it is interesting that it comes in the secondary once again. However, Davis will have an uphill battle if he is looking for a roster spot come Week 1 of the season. He can tackle all over the field, but his game still needs polishing.