2022 NFL Draft: Grading Every Team’s 2022 NFL Draft Haul

Cardinals (8 picks):

2:23 – Trey McBride, TE, Colorado State

3:23 – Cameron Thomas, EDGE, San Diego St.

3:36 – Myjai Sanders, EDGE, Cincinnati

6:23 – Keaontay Ingram, RB, USC

6:37 – Lecitus Smith, OL, Virginia Tech

7:23 – Christian Matthew, CB, Valdosta State

7:35 – Jesse Luketa, EDGE, Penn State

7:36 – Marquis Hayes, OL, Oklahoma

Cardinals fans look away because you’re really not going to like what I’m about to say. The team traded out of the first round, acquiring Hollywood Brown and a third-round selection for the No. 23 pick on day one.

I acknowledge how explosive Brown is, and how fun it is to imagine him in a Kliff Kingsbury offense, but I would not have traded out of round one for him. When the Cardinals did come up to pick in round two, they selected another weapon for Kyler Murray. In principle I agree with loading up on pass catchers, but with Zach Ertz re-signed and Maxx Williams on the mend, I don’t believe it was smart to take Trey McBride so early. There are far too many questions at cornerback and at edge rusher to justify this pick.

Cameron Thomas and Myjai Sanders are Senior Bowl guys, and they both have starter qualities but are nowhere near enough. The only cornerback coming off the board in round seven is inexcusable. Loading up on offense is great for your young quarterback, but not if he’s going to be on the field all the time playing catch up.

Grade: D+