The Arizona Cardinals are poised to make a pivotal decision on Thursday’s NFL Draft when they wield the No. 4 overall pick. The team, which also boasts the No. 27 selection, is reportedly open to exploring trade options for the highly coveted pick. ESPN’s Adam Schefter has indicated that Cardinals GM Monti Ossenfort will not finalize any trade decisions until the moment of truth on Thursday.
While pursuing a trade could potentially yield a substantial return for Arizona, the team could also opt to stand pat and select Ohio State’s Marvin Harrison Jr., widely regarded as the premier wide receiver in this year’s draft class. Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray’s recent $230.5M contract extension adds another layer of intrigue to the Cardinals’ draft plans.
Trading down from the No. 4 spot could allow Arizona to acquire additional draft assets while still addressing their need at wide receiver. The New York Giants, who hold the No. 6 pick, and the Minnesota Vikings, who possess the Nos. 11 and 23 selections, have reportedly expressed interest in moving up to secure a quarterback.
A trade with the Giants could net Arizona the No. 6 pick, which could be used to select LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers, who some view as a superior prospect to Harrison. Additionally, the Giants may be willing to part with a second-round pick or more.
Alternatively, a trade with the Vikings would likely involve both of their first-round picks, giving the Cardinals significant flexibility in the mid-to-late stages of the first round. This would enable Arizona to target a second-tier wide receiver prospect, such as Washington’s Rome Odunze, or address other roster needs such as pass rusher or offensive lineman.
Despite the potential benefits of a trade, ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. has high praise for Harrison, comparing him favorably to NFL greats Calvin Johnson and Larry Fitzgerald. Kiper believes Harrison possesses an exceptional combination of size, athleticism, and route-running ability.
Despite opting out of workouts at the NFL Scouting Combine and Ohio State’s Pro Day, Harrison has drawn comparisons to some of the most impactful wide receivers in recent memory, including Justin Jefferson, Ja’Marr Chase, and Odell Beckham Jr.
Our recommendation is for the Cardinals to select Marvin Harrison Jr. with the No. 4 overall pick. While trading down could net Arizona additional draft capital, the opportunity to acquire a talent of Harrison’s caliber is too enticing to pass up. The Cardinals are in dire need of a reliable No. 1 wide receiver, and Harrison has the potential to be a generational talent at the position.
