The massive first-round mistakes Arizona Cardinals must avoid in the 2024 NFL draft
By Brandon Ray
2) Trading up in the first round from the 27th pick
Ossenfort cannot afford to trade away the Cardinals' draft capital for one player.
Unless a player who was expected to go earlier in the first round drops, the Cardinals must avoid trying to trade up. If anything, they should focus more on attacking the biggest positions of need or trading back and getting future draft picks. Unless Ossenfort is able to identify a player who could put himself in the Rookie of the Year conversation (like the Houston Texans did with edge-rusher Will Anderson Jr.), the Cardinals need to play the draft safely and get the best value possible.
If Ossenfort decides to stick with the 27th pick, it would be important to utilize it on defense (assuming Arizona drafts Harrison at fourth overall). Specifically, a defensive tackle who can help stop the run would provide a tremendous boost and allow for a fifth-year option on that player three seasons from now.
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