Arizona Cardinals 2022 NFL Draft Grades: The Best Player Available

Round 7, 244th Overall: Christian Matthew, CB, Valdosta State

Grade: B

Arizona finally picks a cornerback and shrewdly chose one with some height (6’4” 200). Christian Matthew instantly becomes the tallest cornerback on the Cardinals roster and is the only one over six feet tall. Matthew suited up for NCAA Division II’s Valdosta State last year, which is located in southern Georgia just 15 miles north of the Florida state line.

Matthew also played at Samford and Georgia Southern in his college career. Matthew is a physical corner with good size and good hands due to his previous work as a high school wide receiver. He excels when the action is unfolding in front of him. Arizona Cardinals defensive coordinator Vance Joseph has stated that he likes to play press man.

But that proved untenable at times last year and the Cardinals were forced to resort to some zone coverages. Matthew would likely fare well in zone coverage, especially in nickel, dime, or quarter personnel packages. He could also contribute on special teams.

Round 7, 256th Overall: Jesse Luketa, OLB, Penn State

Grade: C-

The Cardinals go back to the well a third time for an edge rushing defender. This is likely a pick based on potential as Jesse Luketa has good size (6’3” 253) and plays hard. He plays the run well, but has a ways to go as an edge rusher, only recording half a sack over four years.

Arizona may try to play him on the inside, but there’s a logjam there, as Arizona’s past two first round picks (Isaiah Simmons and Zaven Collins) are already slotted as the starters at both inside linebacker spots. There’s a case to be made there’s no such thing as a bad pick this late in the NFL Draft, but I’d argue that this is pretty close.

Round 7, 257th Overall: Marquis Hayes, G, Oklahoma

Grade: B

I like this pick for the same reasons I liked the Lecitus Smith pick a round earlier: the Cardinals need help along their offensive line. Marquis Hayes is 6’5” 316 and according to scouts has an “NFL body” despite lacking elite athleticism. He’s a tremendous run blocker and with some coaching and technique refinement, could be a solid backup or even challenge for a starting spot a year or two down the line.

The only reason this pick isn’t an A is because this selection means that Arizona didn’t select any offensive tackles in the 2022 NFL Draft. I would have liked to see them address that position so that Kyler Murray isn’t running for his life on 20% of his dropbacks. But a solid guard can help shore up the offensive line and that’s what the Cardinals are hoping for with Lecitus Smith and Marquis Hayes.