Multiple mocks have corner selection with pick 16

Zach Gershman

Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort had 12 picks in the 2024 NFL Draft, the most by an NFL team since 1992. This year, the Cardinals' six selections will slice that total in half, the least amount of picks since Ossenfort took over in 2023. Their first pick is slotted at No. 16. Arizona addressed some of their needs during free agency, but the identity Jonathan Gannon and Ossenfort have built resembles a draft and develop team.

Primer Schedule: Wide receiver April 7; Inside linebacker April 9; Tight end April 10; Safety April 11; Defensive line April 14; Running back April 16; Outside linebacker April 18

Draft primer: Cornerback

Previous primers:OL, QB

Players under contract: Sean Murphy-Bunting, Garrett Williams, Starling Thomas V, Max Melton, Elijah Jones, Jaylon Jones, Darren Hall, Kei'Trel Clark, Jaden Davis, Ekow Boye-Doe

The Cardinals' situation: Revamping the secondary has been a priority for the Cardinals since Jonathan Gannon, a former defensive back, arrived. Since 2023, the Cardinals have drafted five cornerbacks: Garrett Williams, Max Melton, Elijah Jones, Kei'Trel Clark, and Jaden Davis. Starling Thomas V was signed after going undrafted in 2023. The room did an impressive job in 2024, especially at State Farm Stadium. In three straight home games, the defensive did not allow a touchdown. Still, more than half of the unit has no more than two full seasons in the league under their belt. Considering his background, it's a room that Gannon will continue to highlight.

The draft class: With the Cardinals sitting at 16, most mock drafts have them focused on defensive tackle or EDGE. However, as the draft process has rolled along, there's been an increase in mock drafts projecting the Cardinals to select a cornerback. Michigan's Will Johnson has been the cornerback the experts have sent to the Cardinals. Jahdae Barron from Texas is a physical zone corner that some have projected the Cardinals to have interest.

The conclusion: It makes sense for the Cardinals to look at the trenches, but nobody would complain if the Cardinals added a talented cornerback in the mix, especially if it's one of the two aforementioned defensive backs. Monti Ossenfort could also use one of his other five selections on the position.