The whole football world awaits to see what the Houston Texans will do with the second-overall pick on Thursday during the 2023 NFL Draft. That includes the Arizona Cardinals, who sit right behind the Texans at No. 3. The Cardinals’ phoneline will be open for business whether or not Houston takes a quarterback, but who might move up to three?
NFL Draft Rumors: Who Might Trade up to 3?
There are plenty of quarterback-needy teams in the NFL, and there are five quality QB prospects that could go in Round 1. The Cardinals don’t need a quarterback after committing long-term to Kyler Murray, but there are several other team needs, as we’ll touch on later. Arizona needs as much draft capital as possible to add an influx of youth to a bad roster around Murray.
Earlier this month, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that “at least six teams have inquired” about acquiring the selection from Arizona.
But which teams could new general manager Monti Ossenfort make a deal with?
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The Tennessee Titans, who hold pick 11, is a popular connection. The Titans need a quarterback, regardless if they keep Ryan Tannehill or not, and that’s where Ossenfort served as director of player personnel before taking the Arizona job.
Pro Football Network’s Tony Pauline wrote on Sunday that the Las Vegas Raiders would be the floor for C.J. Stroud at No. 7 overall. Would the Raiders move up if Houston goes defense to ensure they get Stroud over the Indianapolis Colts at No. 4?
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Minnesota Vikings in the latter half of Round 1 could be options as well, but it’d take a massive haul to do and feels too rich for those teams.
Who Are the Cardinals Targeting at Offensive Line?
If the Cardinals do find a dance partner, who would they want to draft to beef up the offensive line? In ESPN’s Todd McShay’s 2023 NFL Draft buzz piece on Monday, the first name he mentions is Peter Skoronski. Skoronski, who is seen as a guard by some, could start inside and move to left tackle when it comes time to move on from D.J. Humphries when the time comes. Skoronski would bulk up the line wherever he plays.
What if Arizona can’t move out of its draft spot? Don’t rule out offensive line as an option.
Pauline mentioned that teams have had an interest in trading with the Cardinals to possibly select Ohio State left tackle Paris Johnson Jr. But wouldn’t it make sense for Arizona to consider him at pick 3 if other teams see him worthy of it? It sounds like they are.
Albert Breer of Monday Morning Quarterback mentioned that Johnson would be a “curveball,” but Arizona loves him. NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo quote tweeted Breer’s article saying, “Kyler Murray likes Paris Johnson a lot and has let that be known inside the Cardinals’ building.”
If the plan is to build around Murray — who’s been plagued by injuries — the Ohio State tackle makes sense. Depending on if the Cardinals are able to move down and how far, Georgia’s Broderick Jones and Tennessee’s Darnell Wright could also be options.
What Are the Cardinals’ Other Draft Needs?
The case could be made that any position is a need for Arizona. The Cardinals arguably have the worst roster in the league heading into 2023, even before they potentially move on from wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins and safety Budda Baker.
First-year head coach Jonathan Gannon will have his hands full rebuilding the defense. Arizona desperately needs edge rushers and cornerbacks. Luckily, this is a deep class for cornerbacks. The Cardinals could be in a position to take the likes of Georgia’s Kelee Ringo or South Carolina’s Cam Smith.
MORE: 2023 NFL Draft Order | NFL Draft History
The Cardinals without Hopkins will also need a wide receiver with height. TCU’s Quentin Johnston would fit if he falls out of the first round. Tennesse’s Cedric Tillman and Ole Miss’ Jonathan Mingo could slot in as well.
At pick 34, in Round 2, Alabama running back Jahmyr Gibbs is an option, if he’s there. With James Conner turning 28 this season and his contract expiring after 2024, grabbing Gibbs at the top of Round 2 may be a wise choice.