Cardinals have deep room already, making for little need

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: Tight end April 17; Safety April 18; Outside linebacker April 19

Draft primer: Running back

Previous primers:OL,QB,CB,WR,ILB,DL

Players under contract: James Conner, Trey Benson, Emari Demercado, DeeJay Dallas, Michael Carter, Bam Knight

The Cardinals' situation: James Conner signed a contract extension during the season, keeping him in the Valley through 2026. He remains the standard in the room, with young players like Trey Benson and Emari Demercado learning behind the nine-year veteran. The room's depth was put to the test towards the back end of the season after the aforementioned players sustained injuries, opening the door for offensive snaps from DeeJay Dallas and Michael Carter. Each are under contract heading into the season.

The draft class: Ashton Jeanty as a first-rounder is about as certain as it gets during the unpredictable draft process. The Boise State running back, who finished his season as the Heisman Trophy runner-up, continues to be mocked as a top selection, going as high as No. 5 to the Jaguars. However, local fans are invested in Arizona State's Cam Skattebo. Skattebo caught the attention of many as he helped take the Sun Devils to the College Football Playoffs. He's projected to be a late Day Two, early Day Three option.

The conclusion: It'd be a fascinating story if the Cardinals only change Skattebo's commute by 15 minutes. The team reportedly hosted him for a visit. While it'd be special, it's not the Cardinals' top priority. Benson is a third-rounder with room to grow, and coach Jonathan Gannon likes the guys on the roster.