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Arizona Cardinals 2023 Positions Needed & First Round Draft Picks

· Jan 11 - 4 minutes read

The Arizona Cardinals’ 4-13 finish was the franchise’s second-worst record since 2001. Coach Kliff Kingsbury was fired, general manager Steve Keim stepped away to focus on his health, and reports emerged that the Cardinals would attempt to trade five-time All-Pro wide receiver, DeAndre Hopkins. Arizona has a lot of work to do in the offseason

The Cards could take a major step forward with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Check out how Arizona can improve in April’s draft.

David Blough #17 of the Arizona Cardinals - Ezra Shaw/getty Images/afp

Let’s check the most recent NFL picks, statistics, and the top betting insights for the 2023 NFL mock draft. Additionally, we have an abundance of NFL draft odds for your consideration.

2022 Season Record: 4-13

Status of Coach: Kliff Kingsbury – Fired

Positions of Need

Defensive line
Offensive line
Wide receiver
Cornerback

Notable Draft Picks

Round 1, Pick 3
Round 2, Pick 34

Potential First-Round Targets

Following Kyler Murray’s season-ending knee injury, Arizona lost seven consecutive games to end the season. Initially, targeting the 2023 NFL Draft’s top offensive tackle seemed like a viable option, but after moving up to the No. 3 pick, the Cards can target one of the draft’s best defensive prospects.

Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter and Alabama defensive end Will Anderson Jr. are at the top of the list. Carter brings generational potential as a three-technique rusher, backed by his immense strength and extraordinary quickness. Anderson has a plethora of pass-rush moves with ideal size and athleticism.

Arizona could be replacing its two most productive defensive linemen: J.J. Watt decided to retire following the 2022 season, and Zach Allen is a free agent. Carter or Anderson would be excellent fits, but getting an edge rusher feels like the highest priority.

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WIll Anderson on an island setting up the T with outside hesitation then hitting the swim explosion back inside. 🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/NVQprsC7xm

— Daniel Harms🏈 (@InHarmsWay19) January 6, 2023

Also, keep an eye on Hopkins. The Cardinals intend to trade the star receiver, which could yield a first-round draft pick. The New England Patriots, Green Bay Packers, and Baltimore Ravens are a few potential trade partners. Each team will likely fall between pick No. 14 to No. 25.

This would be an ideal spot for the Cardinals to target an offensive lineman. Georgia offensive tackle Broderick Jones is projected to be a mid-first-round pick and has high potential with excellent athleticism in his large 6-foot-4, 315-pound frame.

Learn More About the NFC West Draft 2023

Potential Second-Round Targets

Arizona can draft another first-round talent with its valuable second-round selection. With the Miami Dolphins forfeiting their first-round pick due to tampering, the Cards’ second-round pick moves up to No. 34. If trading Hopkins yields a 2023 first-rounder, this would vastly change Arizona’s day-two strategy. For now, we will assume the Cardinals will only have one first-round selection.

Ohio State’s Dawand Jones and Tennessee’s Darnell Wright are large offensive tackles who are enforcers in the run game. The Cards could also use a possession receiver if Hopkins is moved. SMU wideout Rashee Rice has good length at 6-foot-2 and can win contested catches.

Cornerback is another potential need, depending on if Arizona resigns Byron Murphy. Devon Witherspoon of Illinois excels in man coverage with good length and speed.

Ultimately, the Cardinals will likely focus on the lines of scrimmage in the 2023 NFL Draft. Keep tabs on Hopkins’ situation, though. This could completely alter Arizona’s draft strategy.

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