The Arizona Cardinals are poised to make a strategic move with their No. 4 overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. Armed with three additional picks from Rounds 1-3, the Cardinals have the flexibility to trade down and accumulate more draft capital.
With three quarterbacks likely to be taken in the top three spots, the Cardinals hold the gateway for a fourth quarterback to be selected. This would mark the first time in NFL history that the draft starts with four quarterbacks taken consecutively.
Multiple teams have expressed interest in trading up for a quarterback, including the Minnesota Vikings, New York Giants, Denver Broncos, and Las Vegas Raiders. The Vikings are eager to find a long-term replacement for Kirk Cousins, while the Giants have been exploring quarterback options despite expressing confidence in Daniel Jones. The Broncos are still considered a potential candidate to move up despite acquiring Zach Wilson for a low cost. The Raiders have been linked to Jayden Daniels, but a reunion between Daniels and former coach Antonio Pierce is unlikely.
The Cardinals are not obligated to trade their pick until it goes on the clock, but they are hoping to work out trade parameters beforehand. Teams often set up trades based on draft board expectations, making it easier to finalize deals on draft night.
Trading down would benefit the Cardinals’ rebuilding process, especially if one of the teams vying for a quarterback, such as the Vikings, Broncos, or Raiders, enters the fray. The Cardinals could potentially acquire a future first-rounder, which could come in handy if they stay in the top 10 or move back up the board for a wide receiver.
Marvin Harrison Jr. of Ohio State has been linked to the Cardinals, and many expect him to end up in Arizona if they stay at No. 4. However, the team’s decision will ultimately depend on the quality of the trade offers they receive and their desire to add a top receiver in this draft.
The Cardinals’ pre-draft talks have sparked intrigue, and teams are wondering if they will trade down and then move back up for a wide receiver. The Cardinals made a similar move last year, trading from No. 3 to No. 12 and then back to No. 6 to select Paris Johnson. Adding prime assets for No. 4 this year would give the Cardinals that opportunity if they are set on acquiring one of the draft’s top receivers.
