With the first few waves of free agency in the rear view, the Cardinals are in the midst of their annual draft prep. GM Steve Keim will lay the groundwork to bring in a new class of rookies to supplement the roster already built and forge a direction upon which a few more free agents are likely to be signed.
Here is the next position group breakdown.
The Cardinals’ situation: The Cardinals re-signed Zach Ertz last month before free agency officially kicked off, keeping the veteran in Arizona for the next couple of years. Maxx Williams also re-upped with the Cardinals this offseason on a one-year deal. The team now has one of the league’s best tight-end combinations heading into 2022. The team signed Los Angeles Chargers’ tight end Stephen Anderson this offseason to provide depth to the position.
The draft class: The upcoming draft doesn’t project to have a playmaking star-like Atlanta Falcons’ Kyle Pitts, Kansas City Chiefs’ Travis Kelce, San Francisco 49ers’ George Kittle coming out the gate But the group does feature solid tight ends with nice upside. Colorado State’s Trey McBride, Coastal Carolina’s Isaiah Likely, Virginia’s Jelani Woods headline the group and some could be taken on Day 2.
The conclusion: With the tight end position all but set heading into the draft, it’s unlikely the Cardinals will use select one in the coming weeks. The team has several roster needs that need to be addressed with their first couple of picks. But if the Cardinals come across an available tight end they like, it wouldn’t be until the later rounds.
