Cards used fourth-rounder on safety in 2024

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: Safety April 18; Outside linebacker April 19

Draft primer: Safety

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

Players under contract: Budda Baker, Jalen Thompson, Dadrion Taylor-Demerson, Joey Blount, Jammie Robinson

The Cardinals' situation: The conversation about the safety room starts, continues, and ends with Budda Baker. The seven-time Pro Bowler continues to play the game at a high level, being deployed by Nick Rallis in various roles. Baker signed a three-year contract extension before the season ended, keeping him in Arizona through 2027. Jalen Thompson had a quieter season than the year prior in terms of splash plays yet finished the campaign only two tackles shy of 100. Sitting behind Baker and Thompson, Dadrion Taylor-Demerson had to be patient, but flashed plenty throughout his first season.

The draft class: There aren't many safeties in this year's draft class that have first-round grades attached to their name. Malaki Starks from Georgia and South Carolina's Nick Emmanwori might be the only two safeties to hear their names on Thursday. Kevin Winston Jr. was projected to be a first-rounder, but a partially torn ACL this past season has the Penn Stater likely sliding into a Day Two draft night.

The conclusion: Thompson is going into the final year of his deal with the Cardinals. Regardless of whether this is his last season in the Valley, the Cardinals have Taylor-Demerson champing at the bit for his opportunity. Plus, there is some intrigue as to what Jammie Robinson can bring to the table. He was claimed after he had been released by the Panthers in December.