The Arizona Cardinals enter Week 3 with the No. 1 and No. 2 selections in the 2024 NFL Draft
The 2024 NFL Draft is approaching, and football fans are already buzzing. With the Arizona Cardinals at the bottom of the NFL after week two and holding the Texan’s number one pick, who are also 0-2, there is much speculation about who they will choose with possible and probable first and second-overall picks.
This week, let’s look into the top prospects for the Cardinals in the 2024 NFL Draft, analyzing their skills, strengths, and potential impact on the field.
The Cardinals are still high on quarterback Kyler Murray.
Murray is recovering from a knee injury that will keep him out most of the season. He is expected to take as much time off to heal, work on his call of duty play, and be 100 percent healthy and focused in 2024.
"“I tore my ACL 8 months ago,” Murray wrote. “This is the only major injury I’ve had. I’ve never missed the game like this. I’m itching to get back. You learn a lot about yourself in these types of moments. To those of you who ride with me, support me, speak up for me, I appreciate you more than you’ll ever know. I won’t let us down. Soon.”"
The Cardinals will most likely avoid taking a QB with the No. 1 and 2 picks and use them to surround Murray with talent and weapons.
Let’s look at who should be on that draft board.
WR Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State
Marvin Harrison Jr., the wide receiver from Ohio State, is another standout prospect in the 2024 NFL Draft. Son of NFL Hall-of-Famer Marvin Harrison Sr., Harrison Jr. has inherited his father’s talent and is making a name for himself on the football field.
Marvin Harrison Jr. has been turning heads with his exceptional performances for Ohio State. His ability to catch passes and his size and speed make him a nightmare for defenders. He has demonstrated consistent playmaking ability, and his knack for making big plays in crucial situations has not gone unnoticed.
At 6-foot-4 and 210 pounds, he possesses the ideal size for a WR1. Harrison Jr.’s precision and calculated approach to the game are evident in his hands and footwork. He excels at releasing off the line of scrimmage, especially against press coverage. His exceptional hands are showcased by his impressive contested catch percentage of 60.0 percent last season. Additionally, Harrison Jr. led all wide receivers in the FBS with 36 explosive plays in 2022. He is the complete package and one of the top receivers in recent college football history.
In 2022, Harrison Jr.’s performances were nothing short of spectacular. He recorded excellent stats, including an impressive 77 catches, 1263 yards, and 14 touchdowns. His fantastic performances have been instrumental in Ohio State’s success, making him a standout player in the team, but that wasn’t enough for Harrison Jr., who said watch my 2023. Three games into the season, he has 14 catches, 304 yards, and three TDs.
If the Cardinals select Harrison Jr., which they should, they would add a lethal weapon to their passing game. His ability to make contested catches would provide an excellent target for quarterback Kyler Murray, especially in the red zone.
Furthermore, his speed and agility would add another dimension to the Cardinals’ offense, making them even more difficult to defend.
TE Brock Bowers, Georgia
Tight end Brock Bowers from Georgia has been turning heads with his performances on the field. Drawing comparisons to George Kittle, Bowers has the potential to become one of the highest-drafted tight ends in history. His impact on the offense as both a receiver and blocker is undeniable.
Bowers’ receiving grades of 92.2 and 90.5 in 2021 and 2022, respectively, highlight his ability to make an impact in the passing game. He consistently recorded explosive plays, with 24 passing plays of 15 yards or more in 2022, the most for any tight end in the FBS. Bowers’ prowess in contested catches is also noteworthy, with a contested catch percentage of 76.5 percent last season. Bowers is expected to be one of the highest-ranked players in the draft, regardless of position, as he continues to develop.
So, yeah, Brock Bowers is tough to tackle. pic.twitter.com/82Su65HEoR
— CBS Sports College Football 🏈 (@CBSSportsCFB) September 16, 2023
So far in 2023, he has 13 catches and 135 yards through Georgia’s three games. Adding this type of security blanket to complement and learn under Zack Ertz would be a game change for Murry. With his ability to extend plays, having two solid safety valves would open up the Cardinal’s offense to something straight hazardous.
CB Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alabama
Kool-Aid McKinstry, the cornerback from Alabama, has garnered attention for his exceptional skills on the field. Standing 6-foot-1 and 195 pounds, McKinstry has the ideal physical attributes to excel as an outside cornerback.
McKinstry’s mirror ability and recovery speed in press coverage are NFL-caliber. His hips are fluid and explosive, allowing him to stay with receivers down the field. His instincts and ball skills are evident in his 18 forced incompletions, showcasing his ability to make plays on the ball.
https://twitter.com/DiehardsAlabama/status/1594030947825057795
While he needs to improve his strength to mitigate separation and penalties, McKinstry’s overall skill set makes him a projected first-round pick.
T Olumuyiwa Fashanu, Penn State
The weapons are nice to have, but a quarterback really needs protection. Enter Olumuyiwa Fashanu, the offensive tackle from Penn State, who is a player with immense potential and a first-round grade from the NFL draft advisory board. Standing at 6-foot-6 and 319 pounds, Fashanu possesses the ideal height and weight for an NFL offensive tackle.
He has established himself as one of the top offensive tackle prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft. His combination of size, strength, and quickness make him a formidable blocker, and his performances for Penn State have certainly caught the attention of NFL scouts.
Fashanu’s impressive performance in pass protection sets him apart. He allowed zero sacks on 299 true pass-blocking snaps in 2022, with a pressure percentage of just 3.0 percent. His movement skills, balance, and understanding of offensive line chemistry make him a top prospect at the tackle position. With his youth and maturity, Fashanu is poised to impact the NFL significantly.
If the Arizona Cardinals select Fashanu, they will get a player to bolster their offensive line immediately. His pass-blocking skills would be a significant asset, providing better protection for Kyler Murray. Furthermore, his run-blocking abilities would help create more opportunities for the Cardinals’ running game.
QB Caleb Williams, USC
If the Cardinals want to throw in the towel on Murray, then USC star QB Caleb Williams is a name that has been on everyone’s lips. As the 2022 Heisman Trophy winner and a dynamic dual-threat quarterback, Williams has captured the attention of scouts and fans alike. His exceptional performance last season earned him a 91.7 overall grade, with impressive passing and rushing grades of 90.1 and 82.8, respectively.
What sets Williams apart is his ability to thrive under pressure. He recorded a 78.9 passing grade on pressured dropbacks, the best in the FBS last season. His big-time throw rate also increased drastically when faced with pressure, showcasing his composure and talent in challenging situations.
With his skill set and potential, Williams has all the makings of a particularly special NFL quarterback.
Joe Alt, Offensive Tackle, Notre Dame
Protection is key whether you go with Murray or shock the NFL and take Williams. Joe Alt from Notre Dame is another top offensive tackle prospect in the 2024 NFL Draft. Alt has shown great potential as both a pass protector and a run blocker, making him a highly coveted player for teams needing offensive line help.
Alt’s 2022 season was impressive. He consistently performed on Notre Dame’s offensive line, excelling in pass protection and run blocking. His performances earned him recognition as one of the top offensive tackles in college football.
Joe Alt again dominated in the win Saturday, besting Central Michigan, 41-17, as the Fighting Irish (4-0) put up 578 total yards. Alt helped pace a 236-yard rushing exhibition and protected quarterback Sam Hartman perfectly, setting him to throw for 330 yards and three touchdowns. In return for his dominance on the line, Alt earned the Outland Trophy National Player of the Week honor for games during the weekend of Sept. 16, as the Football Writers Association of America selected.
Alt’s biggest strength is his versatility. His ability to excel in pass protection and run blocking makes him a valuable asset for any team. His size and strength, combined with his quick feet, allow him to block both speedy edge rushers and powerful defensive linemen effectively.
If the Cardinals select Alt, they would add a versatile offensive lineman who can contribute in both the pass and run game. His addition would help solidify the Arizona Cardinals offensive line, providing better protection for Murray or Williams and opening up more running lanes for James Connor.
Laiatu Latu, Edge Rusher, UCLA
Laiatu Latu is one of the top-edge rusher prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft. His size, speed, and power make him a disruptive force on the defensive line. His performances for UCLA have certainly caught the attention of NFL scouts.
Latu had a standout 2022 season, consistently disrupting opposing offenses with his pass-rushing abilities. He recorded an impressive number of sacks and tackles for loss, showcasing his ability to make big plays in the backfield. Latu’s biggest strength is his pass-rushing ability. His quick first step allows him to get off the line of scrimmage quickly, and his power enables him to push back offensive linemen. Furthermore, his speed and agility make him a threat to get around the edge and sack the quarterback.
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If the Cardinals select Latu, they would add a dynamic pass rusher to their defense and team captain. Leadership on the defensive side of the ball is a desirable need in the 2024 draft. Then, the ability to disrupt the opposing team’s passing game would be a significant asset, helping to create more opportunities for the Cardinals’ defense to finally make big plays and get the ball back into the offense’s hands.
The 2024 NFL Draft promises to be an exciting event, with a talented pool of prospects vying for their chance to make an impact in the NFL.
With the 2024 NFL Draft drawing closer, the Arizona Cardinals have much to consider. Whether it’s a dynamic wide receiver like Marvin Harrison Jr., a dominant offensive tackle like Olumuyiwa Fashanu or Joe Alt, a disruptive edge rusher like Laiatu Latu, or a shutdown cornerback like Kool-Aid McKinstry, the Arizona Cardinals have the opportunity to add a game-changing talent to their roster.
These players not only bring exceptional skills to the table, but they also have the potential to make an immediate impact and help propel the Cardinals to new heights. Keep an eye on these players as they embark on their NFL journey and make their mark on the league.
Next week, we will look at the Chargers/Vikings loser from Week 3. One of those teams will be 0-3 and high on the draft pick board.