LATEST UPDATE: 4 highly talented players the cardinals must select in the 2024 NFL Draft

4 highly talented players the cardinals must select in the 2024 NFL Draft
The Arizona Cardinals hope to bolster their roster and present a strong challenge in the upcoming season as the 2024 NFL summer develops. After a dull 2023 season that had a depressing 4-13 record, the Cardinals now have the responsibility of finding untapped talent in the 2024 NFL Draft. This piece examines four comparatively unknown possibilities who could spark the Cardinals’ comeback.

The 2023 Cardinals Season

The Arizona Cardinals’ first season under new general manager Monti Ossenfort and head coach Jonathan Gannon was in 2023. The Cardinals had a disappointing season, even though they defeated the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 17 to tie their 4–13 record from the previous season.

After losing to the Houston Texans in Week 11, the Cardinals were headed for their second straight losing season. The following week, they suffered yet another defeat to the Los Angeles Rams, sealing their second straight season with ten or more losses. The Cardinals’ dreams of making the playoffs were shattered with a defeat to the San Francisco 49ers in Week 15. They missed the playoffs for the second year in a row.

The Cardinals’ Draft Situation for 2024

Arizona has numerous gaps to address and $42 million in available cap space. As such, the Cardinals have the means to shore up their roster. The potential release of running back James Connor and linebacker Kyzir White could bolster the available funds to $66 million. That’s alongside the decision to decline the team option for safety Budda Baker. Marquise Brown, the team’s primary receiver, faces unrestricted free agency as well. This presents an opportunity for the Cardinals to utilize the increased cap space to retain him. Armed with 12 picks in the 2024 NFL Draft, including eight within the first four rounds, the Cardinals are poised to capitalize on opportunities to strengthen their lineup around Kyler Murray. He remains a cornerstone of the team’s future.

Here we will look at the four sneaky good players whom the Arizona Cardinals must take during the 2024 NFL Draft.

Christian Haynes, UConn OL
DJ Humphries provides stability while Paris Johnson maintains his composure during the tackle. On the other hand, there are obvious shortcomings in the inside offensive line. That’s a serious worry considering our 5’9″ quarterback’s stature. The club produced 42 sacks in 2023. Choosing Christian Haynes of UConn takes care of this problem.

At 6’2 and 318 pounds, Haynes demonstrates skill in both run blocking and pass protection. In 1,538 snaps during his time at the University of Connecticut, he gave up just one sack. He’s so good at the run game that he can complete primary blocks before moving on to secondary assignments. Pro Football Focus also acknowledged him for his outstanding 80.1 pass blocking and 82.5 run blocking ratings from the previous season. Haynes has untapped talent that is ready to be developed with the right guidance.

JJ Colson, linebacker, Michigan
The linebacker position is another area that the Cardinals could improve. For this reason, they ought to choose Michigan’s Junior Colson. Comparing himself to players of the caliber of Pete Werner and Jack Campbell, Colson is an excellent tackler. He is also quite good at pursuing the ball. He is agile for his size, standing at 6’3 and weighing 247 pounds. Many predict that he will run the 40-yard sprint at the combine in about 4.50 seconds.

Colson’s performance in 2023 is still impressive even though he had less tackles overall than the year before—95 tackles in 2023. He has been a mainstay in run defense for the last two seasons, totaling 58 stops. That just serves to highlight how skillfully he can read counters and disengage blockers.

Colson’s blow is like a natural force. Frequently, he breaks out from groups of players holding the ball carrier. Despite his strong closing speed, he doesn’t get much of a chance to rush passes. This may result in sporadic inclinations toward over-pursuit.

Booker, Austin, EDGE, Kansas
The Cardinals might add Kansas’ Austin Booker to their pass rush in the middle rounds. With his quickness and technique, Booker, who is 6’4″ and 240 pounds, is a dangerous player on the field. In 2023, he also recorded some noteworthy stats, like as eight sacks and 34 quarterback pressures. With his ability to sabotage opposition offenses, Booker may be a useful defensive addition for the Cardinals.

Utah’s Sataoa Laumea, OT
The Cardinals choose depth above strength on the offensive line by moving Sataoa Laumea from tackle to guard. Laumea is a good possibility for inner line play because of his stature and mobility. He is quite good in the run game, yes. Having said that, he still needs to improve his endurance and pass protection in order to play consistently in the NFL.

Gazing Forward
In conclusion, the Arizona Cardinals have specific goals and thoughtful considerations as they head into the 2024 NFL Draft. They must improve the pass rush, strengthen the linebacker corps, and solidify the offensive line. Every choice is made with these areas of team improvement in mind. After a difficult 2023 campaign, the Cardinals want to forge a route to redemption with a combination of experienced players and exciting possibilities. Excitement grows as the draft draws near. The next generation of Cardinals, who are expected to have a significant influence in 2024, are eagerly anticipated by their supporters.