Cardinals have drafted three wideouts in last two drafts

Zach Gershman

Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort had 12 picks in the 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: 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: Wide receiver

Previous primers:OL, QB, CB

Players under contract: Marvin Harrison Jr., Michael Wilson, Greg Dortch, Zay Jones, Simi Fehoko, Quez Watkins, Andre Baccellia, Xavier Weaver, Tejhaun Palmer, Trishton Jackson

The Cardinals' situation: From the moment he was drafted last year, Marvin Harrison Jr. had WR1 pressure on his shoulders. While he acknowledged 2024 had its challenging moments, even while recording 62 receptions for 885 yards and eight touchdowns, there's more room to grow. Michael Wilson took a major leap, staying healthy for 16 of the Cardinals' 17 games, and the team brought back Greg Dortch and Zay Jones. Simi Fehoko and Quez Watkins were also added. The Cardinals have talent at the wide receiver position, but might benefit from another speedy wide receiver that could create another worry for opposing defenses.

The draft class: The best athlete in this draft class is Travis Hunter as he hopes to play wide receiver and defensive back in the NFL. With where the Cardinals sit in the draft, there is zero shot Hunter is available. If there's a run of offensive and defensive lineman selected ahead of the Cardinals, it opens the door for players like Arizona's Tetairoa McMillan and Texas' Matthew Golden to be available. Multiple mock drafts have the Cardinals spending their first round pick on a wide receiver in back-to-back seasons.

The conclusion: While there are plenty of talented wide receivers in the draft class, the Cardinals might look to select one of them later in the draft or search the market for a veteran piece that could contribute. It's less likely to happen in the first round.