Cardinals likely to trade down in NFL draft according to ESPN

GLENDALE – The first round of the NFL draft is two weeks away, and the Arizona Cardinals are still weighing their options. The franchise is in its best position in years, with a successful offseason of reinventing the defense filled with former Pro Bowlers. General manager Monti Ossenfrot has the draft ahead of him, where Arizona will select at 16th overall.

Before free agency, the Cardinals were inked to draft a pass rusher in the first round. However, that might’ve changed with the signing of edge Josh Sweat and Calais Campbell, which is a good problem for Osenfort. The Arizona GM discussed with AZCardinals.



com that it feels good not having to force a pick. The lack of urgency with selecting a day one starting because of the stellar signings during the offseason has given the franchise some flexibility in what to do with the 16th pick, including trading down, according to ESPN’s Matt Miller. Miller on Cardinals strategy ahead of the 1st round.

“With only six selections right now, don’t be surprised if the Cardinals trade back in Round 1 to get more picks,” Miller said. Other NFL scouts believe Arizona will still go defense early, but it might towards the end of the first round, in hopes to recoup the franchise’s draft stock. Head coach Jonathan Gannon insinuated the possibility of the team not selecting at 16th during the NFL combine.

Mock drafts around the internet have had the Cardinals drafting in different directions, some going front seven or even offensive line, both of which are in need of improvement heading into 2025. Regardless of Arizona’s selection, Ossenfort doesn’t feel the pressure of selecting at 16th and could take advantage of a deep draft by racking up a haul that helps the franchise’s present and future. This article first appeared on Burn City Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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