Draft gives Cards a chance to revamp sputtering offense

When NFL free agency ramps up in the coming weeks, fans should expect to say goodbye to a large segment of Arizona Cardinal offensive stalwarts.

Per sources, wide receiver Christian Kirk is expected to have a robust market that could include as many as eight teams vying for his services. A.J. Green is hoping to secure a multiyear deal, something the team was hesitant in giving the soon to be 34-year-old last offseason. Lastly, it’s fair to expect the Cardinals to slow play any negotiations with both James Conner and Chase Edmonds, as GM Steve Keim has been reluctant on paying free agent running backs following the David Johnson snafu.

Given all of this, combined with the team’s already limited cap space, Arizona would be wise to take advantage of what appears to be a loaded crop of offensive difference makers via April’s NFL Draft.

“Would I like to stay in the Valley? I mean, I like Arizona a lot,” said former Arizona State running back Rachaad White in front of a sea of media at the NFL Combine. “They’re a pretty good team. They’ve got a great coaching staff. I have spoken with them.”

A local product, White could act as a more cost effective replacement for someone like Conner. At 6’2 and roughly 210 pounds, the departing senior made the most of his only year as a starter, rushing for over 1,000 yards with 15 touchdowns. Combine that with his keen ability to catch the football, which included nearly 500 yards receiving, and White could be an ideal choice for the Cardinals come Day 2 of the draft.

“I feel like I’m an every down back…I would pride myself on being a playmaker,” said White.

Certainly the Cardinals could use an infusion of playmakers, as their skilled group was largely exposed last year following the season ending injury to All-Pro DeAndre Hopkins. In fact, Cardinals’ coach Kliff Kingsbury admitted as much when he spoke to the media earlier in the week.

An easy way to remedy another Hopkins’ injury would be for Keim to consider investing a first-round pick on a receiver, which is something the nine-year general manager has never done. Potential options for pick 23 at the receiver position for Arizona include Ohio State’s Chris Olave, Arkansas’s Treylon Burks and USC’s Drake London. Each receiver is projected to play outside on the perimeter at the NFL level, something that Kirk never mastered during his time in the desert. Finding size and speed on the edge should free up Hopkins to see more single coverage during the latter years of his career.

It would also be in the Cardinals best interest to find Kyler Murray a true deep threat in an attempt to take advantage of the quarterbacks truly spectacular arm talent.

Even with a plethora of skilled players to choose from, the most talented group of players regardless of position may reside on the offensive line. While Arizona does appear set at offensive tackle, at least in 2021, you can never go wrong doubling down on blindside protectors. Especially when you consider that D.J. Humphries is set to become a free agent come 2023. Mississippi State standout Charles Cross is currently racing up team’s draft boards given both his size (6’5, 310 pounds) and athleticism. Holding up against the SEC’s premiere pass rushers is no easy task, but Cross often made mincemeat of those who lined up against him.

“I definitely would like to play with Kyler Murray,” an elated Cross exclaimed when asked of his opinion of the Cardinal quarterback.

As far as the interior goes, there’s no denying that the Cardinals need to upgrade at one or both guard positions. While Justin Pugh is expected back (at a reduced salary), the right guard spot is wide open with internal candidates likely leaving the team underwhelmed. Perhaps a serving of size and strength via the National Champion Georgia Bulldogs is in order? Projected third-rounder Jamaree Salyer confirmed today that he has already met with the Cardinals.A fixture upfront for Georgia, Salyer is menacing especially as a downfield blocker. While his pass protection needs refinement, what better mentor than All-Pro center Rodney Hudson to learn from?

“I know everyone likes to put me in that box as an inside guy because of “lack of athleticism” but I’ve played in the SEC for four years…good four years,” said Sayler. “I think I’ve only given up two sacks.”

After back-to-back defensive heavy drafts, which included two first-round inside linebackers, the Cardinals have an opportunity to revamp what has become a stagnant and sputtering Kingsbury offense. If the Cardinals expect a jump in production from Kyler Murray, significant investments must be made with premium picks. Free agency remains a necessary resource, but it’s not a logical place to construct a team that’s built for longterm success. Outside of Hopkins and second-year receiver Rondale Moore, there isn’t one key offensive player that Arizona could classify as a building block for this Cardinal team.

If you look around the NFL, it’s easy to classify those who are consistently racking up victories. Of the eight division winners a season ago, six of them were led by offensive coaches. In the league’s two conference title games, all four teams were represented by guys who specialize in offense. For Kingsbury, Murray and the Cardinals to reach that next level of success as a team, they’d be best served investing draft picks on the side of the football that currently dominates the league.

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