Arizona Cardinals Needs - 2023 Pre-Draft

Arizona Cardinals Needs – 2023 Pre-Draft

Ron Guerrero

April 26, 2023

It’s important to understand what schemes the Cardinals plan to be in on both offense and defense before addressing the needs of the team.

On the offense side of the ball, I see a complete 180, there will be a heavy amount of running the ball. I think the usage of the tight ends will increase as well. Just like any other team wide receivers will be important especially when they trade DeAndre Hopkins but I think solidify the offensive line and running back room will be a higher priority.

On defense, I do see a possible switch from a 3-4 to 4-3, but I don’t see a complete switch as the Eagles defensive played in 3-3-5 scheme 63% of the snaps last season. Which means 3 down lineman and 3 linebackers with 5 secondary which means an extra corner. This could be where Isaiah Simmons lines up but time will tell.

The four tiers I use to describe the needs of the Arizona Cardinals before the NFL draft on Thursday is simple. Tier 1 is starter, straight to the point the team has no one currently on the roster that is a starter caliber player. Tier 2 is the need of priority rotation, and the team will need help in the future filling this position. Tier 3 is just backup and depth needed, and lastly tier 4 which means the team is fine at that position.

TIER 1 – LG, C, CB, DT/3T, ED/SAM

Left Guard

This is by far the biggest need in my opinion, now I understand Josh Jones could play this season at left guard, but I’m sorry Josh is tackle not a guard. Doing this would be just setting him and the team up for failure. There are plenty of great guards in this draft that the Cardinals could draft in the second and third rounds.

 

Center

If it wasn’t for Hjalte Froholdt this would be number one, but don’t get me wrong the Center position is not too far behind when it comes to need. In my opinion, its 1A and 1B. At best, Froholdt is a backup and not even a solid backup, just a backup. The Cardinals must not go into the season with Froholdt at Center, and I would deeply concerned if he was the primary backup. So like I said, Left Guard and Center, is 1A and 1B.

 

Cornerback

When it comes to needs what Left Guard and Center is to offense is Cornerback is to defense. Marco Wilson is the only worthy starter, Antonio Hamilton is great depth corner back having to rely on him to cover other teams starters is a disaster to watch.  Then after Hamilton there is no depth, they will need to at least pick up two quality corners from now until the start of the season.

 

Defensive Tackle/3-Technique

The interior defense line is pretty bad, if you can’t get to the quarterback at least stop the run. But, when you can’t stop the run or get to the quarterback there is a problem. I like Leki Fotu and Rashard Lawrence but at best they are depth and rotational players not starters. The Cardinals need to find someone who can replace Fotu for the future and maybe a depth player as well.

 

Edge/Sam

Right now, who now’s who play the Sam linebacker position if the Cardinals decide to move to a 4-3 defense. Right now, if Simmons is going to fill that role as more of slot corner that fifth secondary person in 3-3-5 scheme then maybe they put Dennis Gardeck. Recent reports this week during voluntairy camp, Zaven Collins has been working with the outside linebackers, maybe he could fill that position, or draft Will Anderson.

 

TIER 2 – RB, WR, ED/5T, MLB

Running back

Trey McBride said this week that the offense is completely different then last year. This shouldn’t be a surprise for anyone, as I see a complete 180, relying heavily on running the football. This means a healthy James Conner is important, but honestly that is something that is feasible. Currently the only viable backups are, last year’s rookie Keaontay Ingram and veteran Corey Clement. They need to add at least one more back.

 

Wide Receiver

DeAndre Hopkins is mostly going to be gone by the end of the weekend, which will be a massive hit for the wide receiver room. This need would be much higher if it was last years team. But, since I see a massive scheme change I think rely on receivers will not be as depend on as much as past schemes with Kingsbury and Arians, (I don’t care the one year with Steve Wilks at the helm). If this does end up being a really bad season as being predicted by many “experts” next years draft might have the next big time receiver in Marvin Harrison Jr.

 

Edge/5-Technique

This type edge position is different then the Sam linebacker postitoin. This is the 4-3 defensive end. Right now I see starters as Cam Thomas/Myjai Sanders and maybe L.J. Collier on the other side. Honestly I wouldn’t be too upset if this ends up being the case. I have high hopes for Thomas, and Collier is serviceable. Maybe next year offseason the can improve the starters, but depth is needed for this season.

 

Middle Linebacker

Originally my concern was who is behind Zaven Collins most likely Josh Woods, but I see Woods best on special teams doesn’t really bring much when it comes defense. But, reports this week of Collins working with the outside linebackers. This could leave a massive hole in the middle of the defense that will need to be addressed with veteran signing or early day 2 to pick, which would very excite Arizona Cardinals fans.

 

TIER 3 – QB, RT, TE, RG, NT, FS, SS

Quarterback

Kyler Murray is the Cardinals quarterback this season when returns from injury, he will be the quarterback next season and many more. The fans asking for the team to trade him is ridiculous. The issue here is not Colt McCoy’s gameplay but his health status. Colt was injured during the 2021 and 2022 seasons, making the Cardinals have to rely on third strong quarterbacks for some games. This year is too concerning since it’s going to be a down season, but I think drafting a suitable back should happen to compete with McCoy, and no David Blough and Jeff Driskel isn’t the answer even if it’s a down season.

 

Right Tackle

The difference between the left tackle and right tackle is simple there is no future on the roster for this position. Kelvin Beachum could hold down the fort for possible two seasons, but if not this draft definitely next years draft need to find the future at right tackle.

 

Tight End

Depth, that is all, Zach Ertz and Trey McBride will definitely be on the field a lot this season but if one of them goes down there is no one behind them. Since I believe the Cardinals will be doing a complete 180 on offense this season rely much heavier on the run, it’s important to find that depth behind Ertz and McBride.

 

Right Guard

I am huge fan of Will Hernandez, I understand his time with the Giants was no bueno, that’s no good for you non-Spanish speaking folks. But,

 

TIER 4 – LT

Left Tackle

What! The Cardinals don’t need a left tackle? The answer is no, nor do they need worry about the future of that position. Right now, they have a starter in D.J. Humphries and if they do decide to go separate ways after this season, Josh Jones is very capable of taking over. I also understand that this is his last year on his rookie contract, but the Cardinals can resign him without breaking the bank.