With the NFL Draft just five days away, Monti Ossenfort and the Arizona Cardinals appear poised to make a deal.
Sources tell PHNX Cardinals that Ossenfort has already engaged in early trade discussions with GM Brett Veach and the Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs, who own the ninth overall pick, would likely target the top available pass rusher in either Texas Tech’s David Bailey or Ohio State’s Arvell Reese. While initial trade details remain vague, the NFL Trade Value Chart projects that pick #3 is worth roughly 2200, while pick #9 is worth #1350.
“I think the fans will be in for a treat next Thursday,” Veach told the media on the team’s YouTube page last week. “I think it should be an entertaining night…there will probably be a lot of trades.”
To complete any trade would almost certainly need to include pick #29, which was acquired earlier this offseason in a deal that sent All-Pro CB Trent McDuffie to the Los Angeles Rams. This draft remains a buyer’s market, so while Ossenfort would likely demand more compensation, it’s questionable to assume he’ll get it. Especially when you consider the fact that the Cardinals have largely made it known that they’d prefer to trade down.
“I think some of that will become more clear next week,” Ossenfort told the media when asked about trade interest from other teams. “I can’t speak with what’s going on in other rooms.”
Perhaps the Cardinals would also be able to swindle pick #74 away from Veach, but that’s likely the ceiling for any deal. There’s also the possibility that Ossenfort is able to finagle the interest of a second team, with most assuming the Dallas Cowboys have similar interest to that of Kansas City. The general thought process for most teams is that there are only 14-16 true first-round caliber picks this draft, with even less worthy of the label of “blue-chipper”. Dallas, owners of pick #12 and #20, appear less willing to part with both first-round selections.
Regardless, the Cardinals are in a unique position compared to these other pick-heavy teams. While most clubs would prefer to secure 2027 draft capital or one of the few elite talents within this year’s class, Ossenfort and company appear to have a different goal. All signs continue to point to the team aiming to secure an offensive tackle with their first selection, while remaining trade assets would be used to supplement their dire need for a developmental quarterback.
As first reported on PHNX Cardinals, University of Miami offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa made a top 30 visit with the Arizona Cardinals this past week. Mauigoa is largely seen as the draft’s top tackle, but is likely too rich for the third overall pick. Securing the standout offensive linemen while netting a bevy of additional picks in the process would be reminiscent of Ossenfort’s 2023 draft class that featured franchise cornerstone Paris Johnson Jr.
the arizona cardinals temptation to draft Notre dame running back Jeremiyah Love with the no.3 pick
This plan, should Ossenfort followthrough, won’t be without criticism. While most understand the need for added help upfront, the large majority of the fandom appear committed to the idea of selecting Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love third overall. There is also a fatigue within the fanbase of Ossenfort’s relentless need to acquire more picks, especially considering the GM has just 15 wins in three seasons.
Love would represent an immediate boast not only to the Cardinals on-field product, but also one that’s in desperate need of a facelift off the field. For an NFL franchise that is currently being strong-armed by backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett in an effort to secure a new contract, Love would represent a much needed palate cleanser for an otherwise nightmarish offseason. The biggest obstacle for any Love selection remains Ossenfort’s early aggressiveness in free agency to solidify his running back room. Following a revised contract with franchise staple James Conner, Ossenfort inked veteran RB Tyler Allgeier to a two-year deal while also bringing back the versatile Bam Knight.
While all are certainly capable of their own levels of contribution, none should be confused with having the kind of impact Love would provide to this struggling franchise.
Perhaps the combination of fan (and owner?) appeasement along with the general need for a surefire win will force Ossenfort’s hand come next Thursday. Yet, if there is a true desire to acquire a second, first-round pick with an eye on Alabama QB Ty Simpson, the decision of securing a trade down may have already been made.
