2023 NFL Draft Predictions: Arizona Cardinals Biggest Team Needs

February 19, 2023

2023 NFL Draft outlook, predictions and team needs for the Arizona Cardinals. Which positions do the need the most help in? Which players might they choose?

The Arizona Cardinals had a 2022 season they would like to forget. The team finished last in the NFC West with a 4-13 record.

Arizona started the year with a 2-2 record. However, they got their last win of the year in Week 10 against the Los Angeles Rams. The Cardinals lost seven straight games to end the season.

While their record was awful, the silver lining is the team’s draft slot. Arizona will have the third overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.

What Are The Arizona Cardinals' Biggest Needs On Offense?

What the Cardinals need on offense is a healthy roster. Zach Ertz and Kyler Murray suffered torn ACL injuries during the regular season. More importantly, both will likely miss the start of the 2023 season recovering from the injuries.

Both players might not see the field at all next year. If the Cardinals are out of the playoff picture by the time the two star players are ready to play, Arizona might keep them off the field. Not only would sitting both players improve the team’s draft slot in 2024, but it will also make sure they are 100% healthy for the following year.

However, Arizona needs to improve its offensive line this offseason. They have three starters set to hit the open market next month. Furthermore, several backup offensive linemen are upcoming free agents.

While the Cardinals will likely use their first-round pick on defense, they have an early second-round pick this year. One potential target is Tennessee’s right tackle, Darnell Wright. He was a star at the Senior Bowl and could be a late first-round pick.

What Are The Arizona Cardinals' Biggest Needs On Defense?

Arizona could trade out of the No. 3 draft slot. A quarterback-needy team could trade up with the Cardinals to jump over the Indianapolis Colts at fourth overall. However, if the team keeps the third-overall pick, their top target is likely Georgia’s Jalen Carter.

J.J. Watt retired this offseason, while Zach Allen is a free agent in March. Furthermore, multiple backup defensive linemen are pending free agents. More importantly, Carter could be a superstar in the NFL.

He was an unstoppable force all year long for the Bulldogs. While he had only two tackles against TCU, Carter made several impactful plays in the National Championship Game.

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