{"id":1312,"date":"2025-04-26T09:43:25","date_gmt":"2025-04-26T09:43:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/1312\/"},"modified":"2025-04-26T09:43:25","modified_gmt":"2025-04-26T09:43:25","slug":"cardinals-2-nfl-drafts-under-current-regime","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/1312\/","title":{"rendered":"Cardinals&#8217; 2 NFL Drafts under current regime"},"content":{"rendered":"<\/p>\n<p>The Arizona Cardinals\u2019 current regime led by general manager Monti Ossenfort is set to embark on its third NFL Draft this week.<\/p>\n<p>But before the first round gets underway on Thursday, why not take a look back at Arizona\u2019s 21 picks from the past two NFL Drafts?<\/p>\n<p>A full recap of the Cardinals\u2019 most recent draft hauls, how they\u2019ve panned out and where they\u2019re headed:<\/p>\n<p>The Cardinals\u2019 2023 NFL Draft haul and production<\/p>\n<p>Round 1 (No. 6 overall): Offensive tackle Paris Johnson Jr.<\/p>\n<p>It didn\u2019t take long for the Ohio State product to insert himself into the starting lineup, logging 31 starts across the past two seasons.<\/p>\n<p>After getting his feet wet at right tackle as a rookie, he moved over to the left side and didn\u2019t miss a beat.<\/p>\n<p>Outside of ending the season on injured reserve, there hasn\u2019t been many negatives to Johnson\u2019s game at the NFL level.<\/p>\n<p>Current trajectory: Long-time starter<\/p>\n<p>Round 2 (No. 41): Pass rusher BJ Ojulari<\/p>\n<p>After logging 17 games and four sacks as a rookie, all signs pointed to Ojulari earning a starting nod in Year 2.<\/p>\n<p>Instead, a torn ACL during training camp wrecked his sophomore campaign before it even began.<\/p>\n<p>The LSU product has the potential to be a game changer within the outside linebackers room that also includes Josh Sweat, Zaven Collins and Baron Browning.<\/p>\n<p>That being said, his health will be something to monitor as the Cardinals get closer to training camp.<\/p>\n<p>Current trajectory: Potential starter<\/p>\n<p>Round 3 (No. 72): Cornerback Garrett Williams<\/p>\n<p>Johnson gets a lot of love as Arizona\u2019s top pick in the draft.<\/p>\n<p>Williams, however, deserves his fair share.<\/p>\n<p>After an abbreviated rookie year due to rehabbing a torn ACL, the Syracuse alum has turned into Arizona\u2019s unquestioned nickel corner.<\/p>\n<p>In 16 games (11 starts) last year, Williams recorded 58 tackles, two interceptions, nine passes defensed and a forced fumble.<\/p>\n<p>His impact on the defense cannot be denied, with safety Budda Baker and others within in the unit excited about what Williams brings to the table.<\/p>\n<p>An argument can be made that Williams, who can play just about anywhere in the secondary, is the Cardinals\u2019 CB1.<\/p>\n<p>Current trajectory: Long-time starter<\/p>\n<p>Round 3 (No. 94): Wide receiver Michael Wilson<\/p>\n<p>Wilson\u2019s path to the Cardinals is an odd one.<\/p>\n<p>Due to settling tampering charges surrounding the hire of head coach Jonathan Gannon, the Cardinals and Philadelphia Eagles underwent a third-round pick swap.<\/p>\n<p>Arizona shipped off No. 66 in exchange for No. 94, which the Cardinals used on the Stanford product.<\/p>\n<p>Regardless of how he got to town, Wilson has seen plenty of action as one Arizona\u2019s top receiving options the past two years.<\/p>\n<p>In 29 games (25 starts), the wideout has recorded 1,113 yards and seven touchdowns on 85 catches. The only Cardinal to have more receiving touchdowns than Wilson (four) in 2024 was Marvin Harrison Jr. (eight).<\/p>\n<p>The biggest positive from Wilson in 2024, though, had to be his health.<\/p>\n<p>After missing time in college and the pros due to injuries, Wilson nearly turned in a full season of work. The only game he missed was Arizona\u2019s season finale win over San Francisco.<\/p>\n<p>All signs point to Wilson recapturing his WR2 role behind Harrison in Year 3.<\/p>\n<p>Current trajectory: Starter<\/p>\n<p>Round 4 (No. 122): Interior offensive lineman Jon Gaines II<\/p>\n<p>Gaines appeared in 13 games last year after missing the entirety of his rookie year due to a knee injury.<\/p>\n<p>Despite seeing just 3% of offensive snaps (22 reps) in 2024, the UCLA alum serves as an interior depth piece who can play both guard and center if need be.<\/p>\n<p>And with the Cardinals\u2019 current IOL situation, he should be in the mix to compete for the starting guard role opposite Evan Brown.<\/p>\n<p>Current trajectory: Depth piece<\/p>\n<p>Round 5 (No. 139): Quarterback Clayton Tune<\/p>\n<p>Many will remember the Tune selection <a href=\"https:\/\/arizonasports.com\/cardinals-corner-podcast\/clayton-tune-says-hes-best-qb-in-draft-class-gives-cardinals-extra-option\/3522309\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">for his comments<\/a> after being drafted in the fifth round.<\/p>\n<p>Aside from the confidence, Tune has appeared in 13 games across the past two seasons.<\/p>\n<p>The Houston alum\u2019s one start in 2023 when Arizona was biding time for Kyler Murray\u2019s return is one to forget, though the young signal caller has found a role in short-yardage situations.<\/p>\n<p>But how much does that change in Year 2 with Jacoby Brissett coming aboard this free agency?<\/p>\n<p>Current trajectory: Depth piece<\/p>\n<p>Round 5 (No. 168): Inside linebacker Owen Pappoe<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe Freak\u201d has found a home as a special teamer in his two years with the Cardinals.<\/p>\n<p>As a defender? Not so much.<\/p>\n<p>Seeing no more than 13% of available defensive snaps, Pappoe has 39 tackles, two passes defensed and a forced fumble in 32 games played (two starts).<\/p>\n<p>The Auburn product\u2019s role could change in Year 3, though, as the inside linebackers room has undergone quite the change.<\/p>\n<p>Kyzir White remains unsigned, while Arizona brought in outside additions Akeem Davis-Gaither and Mykal Walker.<\/p>\n<p>Does that open up the door for more Pappoe in the middle of the formation alongside starter Mack Wilson Sr.?<\/p>\n<p>Current trajectory: Depth piece<\/p>\n<p>Round 6 (No. 180): Cornerback Kei\u2019Trel Clark<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s been a bit of a roller coaster for Clark.<\/p>\n<p>The Louisville alum quickly found himself in the starting lineup as a rookie, making seven starts in his first 10 games played.<\/p>\n<p>By Week 15, though, his defensive snaps were nonexistent.<\/p>\n<p>He hasn\u2019t seen the same type of reps since, making one start and seeing no more than 21 defensive snaps in a game last year.<\/p>\n<p>Clark figures to be a depth piece in what is shaping up to be a crowded cornerbacks room.<\/p>\n<p>A couple more additions and he very well could be the odd man out.<\/p>\n<p>Current trajectory: Practice squad<\/p>\n<p>Round 6 (No. 213): Defensive lineman Dante Stills<\/p>\n<p>Stills has been one of the biggest value picks for the Cardinals\u2019 current regime.<\/p>\n<p>Despite his sixth-round standing, Stills has registered at least 3.5 sacks in each of the past two seasons filling in along the line due to injuries.<\/p>\n<p>Zaven Collins was the only Cardinals defender with more sacks in 2024 (five) than Stills (4.5).<\/p>\n<p>Stills also showed off his abilities <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/41040723\/2024-nfl-win-rates-top-teams-players-rankings\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">against the run<\/a>, finishing 10th in run-stop win rate (38%) among NFL defensive tackles.<\/p>\n<p>Even after the Cardinals brought in free agents Dalvin Tomlinson and Calais Campbell this offseason, Stills has more than earned a role inside a DL room that also includes Darius Robinson, L.J. Collier, Justin Jones and Bilal Nichols.<\/p>\n<p>Current trajectory: Rotational piece<\/p>\n<p>The Cardinals\u2019 2024 NFL Draft haul and production<\/p>\n<p>Round 1 (No. 4): Wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr.<\/p>\n<p>Harrison may not have flashed the consistency many expected him to have in Year 1, but the wideout still got to work behind a team-leading eight touchdowns to go along with 885 yards and 62 catches.<\/p>\n<p>Only tight end Trey McBride put up a better year as a Cardinals pass catcher than Harrison.<\/p>\n<p>So, for those worried about his production, take a deep breath. He\u2019s going to be just fine.<\/p>\n<p>There is clearly room to grow for the young pass catcher, but he\u2019s far from being a bust or anything close to it.<\/p>\n<p>Getting a full NFL offseason and more time with Murray should have the Ohio State product hitting another level come Week 1.<\/p>\n<p>Current trajectory: Long-time starter<\/p>\n<p>Round 1 (No. 27): Defensive line Darius Robinson<\/p>\n<p>A calf injury ahead of the regular season really derailed the Missouri product\u2019s rookie year.<\/p>\n<p>Appearing in just six games in 2024, Robinson recorded a sack, one tackle for loss and a QB hit.<\/p>\n<p>Despite the limited showing, the defensive lineman appeared to take the necessary steps forward.<\/p>\n<p>Robinson has the makings of a long-time starter within Arizona\u2019s defense, though needs to consistently stay on the field to earn that title.<\/p>\n<p>Current trajectory: Starter<\/p>\n<p>Round 2 (No. 43): Cornerback Max Melton<\/p>\n<p>It was a year of growth for Melton.<\/p>\n<p>Appearing in all 17 games (three starts) for the Cardinals as a rookie, the cornerback out of Rutgers recorded 51 tackles, five passes defensed and a forced fumble.<\/p>\n<p>And while the backend of the year didn\u2019t go Arizona\u2019s way by any means, Melton took a step forward in his role.<\/p>\n<p>Now, it\u2019s about stacking heavier snap counts on a consistent basis and improving on his 57.3 Pro Football Focus grade as a rookie.<\/p>\n<p>Current trajectory: Starter<\/p>\n<p>Round 3 (No. 66): Running back Trey Benson<\/p>\n<p>With James Conner running the show and inking a contract extension last year, the Florida State product\u2019s role is pretty solidified as Arizona\u2019s RB2.<\/p>\n<p>Similar to Melton, Benson started figuring things out in the second half of the season on his way to 291 yards and one touchdown on 63 carries. He also caught six passes for 59 yards.<\/p>\n<p>Conner is closer to the end of his career than the beginning.<\/p>\n<p>Is Benson truly the heir apparent? A strong sophomore season could help make that a reality.<\/p>\n<p>Current Trajectory: Up and comer<\/p>\n<p>Round 3 (No. 71): Offensive guard Isaiah Adams<\/p>\n<p>After not seeing many offensive reps across his first four games as a pro \u2014 six snaps to be exact \u2014 Adams found himself inserted into the starting lineup the final five games of the season.<\/p>\n<p>He\u2019ll definitely be in the mix for starting left guard and is currently a frontrunner, especially if Arizona doesn\u2019t bring back Will Hernandez.<\/p>\n<p>Current trajectory: Starter<\/p>\n<p>Round 3 (No. 82): Tight end Tip Reiman<\/p>\n<p>Reiman isn\u2019t going to wow many with his stat line.<\/p>\n<p>Take a look at his blocking ability, though, and most would come away impressed with the tight end.<\/p>\n<p>And given the team\u2019s concerted effort to lean on the run game, he\u2019ll get plenty of run helping others break loose.<\/p>\n<p>Current trajectory: Starter<\/p>\n<p>Round 3 (No. 90): Cornerback Elijah Jones<\/p>\n<p>Jones was forced to take in his rookie season from the sideline after picking up a heel injury in the preseason that placed him on injured reserve.<\/p>\n<p>Despite being designated to return late in the season, he didn\u2019t check enough boxes to be activated off IR.<\/p>\n<p>Once healthy, Jones presents another option in a cornerbacks room led by Williams and Sean Murphy-Bunting.<\/p>\n<p>Current trajectory: Depth piece<\/p>\n<p>Round 4 (No. 104): Safety Dadrion \u201cRabbit\u201d Taylor-Demerson<\/p>\n<p>Rabbit wasted little time flexing his violence and speed in the backend of the secondary.<\/p>\n<p>While he had to find his spots behind Budda Baker and Jalen Thompson, Rabbit still managed to log 258 defensive snaps on top of 286 as a special teamer.<\/p>\n<p>As a defender, he registered 37 tackles, five passes defensed and a forced fumble in 17 games played (two starts).<\/p>\n<p>It feels like a matter of when, not if, Rabbit will slide into a starting role, especially if Arizona opts to create some cap space with the release of Thompson.<\/p>\n<p>Current trajectory: Up and comer<\/p>\n<p>Round 5 (No. 138): Pass rusher Xavier Thomas<\/p>\n<p>Thomas flashed his abilities in the preseason, though didn\u2019t see consistent playing time when the games counted.<\/p>\n<p>In 14 games played, Thomas recorded 2.5 sacks and four tackles for loss playing behind Collins and Baron Browning, among others.<\/p>\n<p>Current trajectory: Depth piece<\/p>\n<p>Round 5 (No. 162): Offensive tackle Christian Jones<\/p>\n<p>Jones only appeared in two games (one start) for the Cardinals as a rookie after landing on the IR with an ankle injury on roster cutdown day.<\/p>\n<p>He now enters his second season looking to move up the depth chart, with Paris Johnson Jr., Kelvin Beachum and Jonah Williams positioned ahead of him.<\/p>\n<p>But with Williams coming off an injury-riddled season and a free agent in 2026, there\u2019s a potential opening for Jones in the near future.<\/p>\n<p>That being said, there could be new blood coming in via the NFL Draft.<\/p>\n<p>Current trajectory: Depth piece<\/p>\n<p>Round 6 (No. 191): Wide receiver Tejhaun Palmer<\/p>\n<p>Palmer spent his rookie season on the Cardinals practice squad after being among the initial 53-man roster cuts.<\/p>\n<p>He signed a futures contact with the team this offseason.<\/p>\n<p>Current trajectory: Practice squad<\/p>\n<p>Round 7 (No. 226): Cornerback Jaden Davis<\/p>\n<p>Like Palmer, Davis was a practice squad member after missing the initial 53-man roster.<\/p>\n<p>He too signed a futures deal this offseason.<\/p>\n<p>Current trajectory: Practice squad<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"twitter-follow-button\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/Tdrake4sports\" data-show-count=\"false\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">Follow @Tdrake4sports<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/arizonasports.com\/arizona-sports-newsletter-signup\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img 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