The Arizona Cardinals entered the 2022 NFL Draft with a relatively straightforward set of picks and needs. But after Brock Purdy was announced as Mr. Irrelevant as the last pick of the draft, Arizona fans should be concerned. The Cardinals filled two of their biggest team needs but seemingly ignored the rest.
Arizona Cardinals draft picks in 2022
- Round 2 | Pick 55
Trey McBride, TE, Colorado State - Round 3 | Pick 87
Cameron Thomas, EDGE, San Diego State - Round 3 | Pick 100 (from BAL)
Myjai Sanders, EDGE, Cincinnati - Round 6 | Pick 201
Keaontay Ingram, RB, USC - Round 6 | Pick 215
Lecitus Smith, G, Virginia Tech - Round 7 | Pick 244
Christian Matthew, CB, Valdosta State - Round 7 | Pick 256
Jesse Luketa, LB, Penn State - Round 7 | Pick 257
Marquis Hayes, G, Oklahoma
The Cardinals sent their first-round selection (No. 23) to the Ravens in exchange for WR Marquise Brown and a third-rounder. Some have questioned whether Brown was worthy of a first-round pick, but the additional draft capital lessened the blow. With receivers flying off the board before them, Arizona decided to trade for a veteran deep threat who shined with QB Kyler Murray while at Oklahoma.
Arizona then went and took TE Trey McBride in Round 2. Zach Ertz re-signed, but he is 31 and not the athlete he used to be. Nabbing Cameron Thomas and Myjai Sanders in the third round will help make up for the loss of Chandler Jones, and Thomas has been compared to J.J. Watt in the pre-draft process.
Keaontay Ingram is a solid running back who should factor into the rotation behind James Conner. Lecitus Smith and Marquis Hayes provide depth at guard, where there was little behind Justin Pugh and Will Hernandez. Jesse Luketa is an athletic hybrid LB/EDGE and was an excellent value in Round 7. At 6’4″ and 200 pounds, Christian Matthew has the size and raw tools to be a solid zone corner, but he is more of a project than a contributor early on.
Arizona Cardinals 2022 NFL Draft team needs
Entering the draft, the Cardinals’ biggest needs were as follows:
- EDGE
- Cornerback
- Offensive Tackle
- Defensive Tackle
- Wide Receiver
The Marquise Brown trade addressed receiver, and Arizona nabbed two EDGEs in the top 100. However, they neglected cornerback (outside of Matthews in Round 7), offensive tackle, and defensive tackle. Drafting for need isn’t always the best strategy, but ignoring key areas is a bold move. Currently, the Cardinals are set to trot out Marco Wilson and Jeff Gladney as their CB2/3. 2020 third-round pick Josh Jones is the only OT under contract through next season. And the DT room lacks top-end talent and depth.
Brown and McBride will help the offense reach new heights, but the offensive line is shaky, and the defense still leaves a lot to be desired.