{"id":863414,"date":"2026-04-10T20:57:34","date_gmt":"2026-04-10T20:57:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/863414\/"},"modified":"2026-04-10T20:57:34","modified_gmt":"2026-04-10T20:57:34","slug":"bold-choice-for-the-best-draft-pick-in-cardinals-franchise-history","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/863414\/","title":{"rendered":"Bold Choice for the Best Draft Pick in Cardinals Franchise History"},"content":{"rendered":"

\t\t\t\t\"Monti\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGetty\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

Looking at who an NFL insider chose as the best draft pick in Arizona Cardinals franchise history.<\/p>\n

With the 2026 NFL<\/a> Draft less than two weeks away, Arizona Cardinals<\/a> fans are hoping to find a franchise-altering pick. The kind of pick who could become the key player the Cardinals<\/a> rebuild around for years to come.<\/p>\n

The NFL Draft is a chance to dream about the future. It\u2019s also a good time to look back on the history of a franchise, and that\u2019s exactly what Matt Verderame of Sports Illustrated did, picking out the best draft pick<\/a> in the history of each NFL franchise.<\/p>\n

Larry Wilson Was Named as the Greatest NFL Draft Pick in Arizona Cardinals History\"Arizona<\/p>\n

GettyArizona Cardinals NFL Draft<\/p>\n

The Arizona Cardinals were founded in 1898 in Chicago, making a stop in St. Louis before the move to Arizona. That foundation was decades before the first NFL Draft even took place in 1936. So, there are more than a few picks in franchise history to choose from there.<\/p>\n

Verderame decided to go with arguably the best player in franchise history, who opened a new era for the franchise in St. Louis, Larry Wilson.<\/p>\n

\u201cDespite being an original member of the NFL, the Cardinals don\u2019t have as many terrific selections as more than 100 years might suggest,\u201d Verderame said. \u201cHowever, they nailed their seventh-round choice in 1960, selecting Wilson from the University of Utah. Inventor of the safety blitz, Wilson was a five-time first-team All-Pro and an eight-time Pro Bowler, credited with 52 interceptions and (unofficially) 21 sacks.\u201d<\/p>\n

Larry Wilson was a seventh-round pick, going No. 74 overall. At the time, there were just 12 picks per round, with a much smaller league. So, with 20 rounds in total, that was still a relatively early pick.<\/p>\n

All Wilson would turn around and do was have a Hall of Fame career as a safety. That included winning Defensive Player of the Year in 1966 and being named an All-Pro player in six different seasons.<\/p>\n

Wilson was considered an innovative player at the safety position. In particular, for how he was used as a blitzer. Defensive coordinator Chuck Drulis was the coach credited with the innovation, which Wilson was the ideal player for. At the same time, he was a phenomenal ballhawk, with a 10-interception season in 1966. He is even noted for intercepting a pass while wearing casts on both hands due to broken wrists. Wilson is still the franchise\u2019s all-time leader in interceptions.<\/p>\n

Following his playing career, Wilson would work as a scout, VP, and general manager for the Cardinals until 2002.<\/p>\n

Given all of that success, it\u2019s no surprise that he\u2019s now in the Arizona Cardinals Ring of Honor and had his No. 8 jersey retired by the team. It\u2019s also no surprise that he was named the best draft pick in franchise history.<\/p>\n

Arizona\u2019s Plans for the 2026 NFL Draft\"Mike<\/p>\n

GettySeveral Arizona Cardinals players have shared their thoughts on Mike LaFleur and his attempt to challenge them at the start of offseason activities.<\/p>\n

The Arizona Cardinals now have a major decision to make as they look to begin a rebuild. That\u2019s what to do with the No. 3 overall pick this year. Back in 2004, the Cardinals were able to use that same pick on a franchise-altering player in Larry Fitzgerald, but making that decision this year is going to be difficult.<\/p>\n

There have been some rumors that the Cardinals could be trading down, looking to stockpile draft picks. ESPN NFL Draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. has even publicly advocated for a trade down.<\/p>\n

\u201cArizona holds the key to this entire draft after the first two picks in my opinion,\u201d Kiper said<\/a>.\u00a0\u201cBecause they, to me, are a trade down option. I think Arizona is going to be a team I\u2019m going to look at and say \u2018That was a little too high for an offensive tackle.\u2019 Or, do they take somebody else and throw a little curveball in there?\u201d<\/p>\n

If Arizona does decide to hold onto the pick, there are a few different questions about how they could use that pick. Offensive line and edge rusher are both clear positions of need. As is quarterback, though that may be a stretch at No. 3 overall this year.<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tDan Morrison<\/a> After graduating from UMass in 2019, Dan Morrison quickly began a career in sports journalism and digital media. That has seen him work both as a contributing writer at several publications, as well as spending time on the National News Desk at On3. During that time, he has spent the majority of his time covering football, both at the college and NFL levels. Currently residing in Central Florida, his focus with Heavy is on the NFL. More about Dan Morrison<\/a>\t\t<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tMore Heavy on AZ Cardinals\n\t\t<\/p>\n

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