The Arizona Cardinals arrived at Day 2 of the 2023 NFL Draft with a plan to get better quickly, and these draft grades reflect that they have accomplished that goal. Based on Round 1 and some smart selections Friday night in Kansas City, the Cardinals have served notice in the NFC West.
Just like on Opening Night, Arizona kicked things off with a trade. They sent the No. 33 pick in round two along with their No. 81 pick in the third round to the Tennessee Titans. In return, the Cardinals moved down to No. 41 in Round 2, then back up to No. 72. They would get back a third-round pick from the Titans, as well as getting a third-round pick in 2024.
The wheeling and dealing set the table for a productive draft in Arizona. They got started by selecting edge rusher BJ Ojulari from LSU. Their second pick was cornerback Garrett Williams from Syracuse. To cap off a whirlwind kind of evening, the Cardinals found an offensive target for Kyler Murray. Wide receiver Michael Wilson from Stanford is a playmaker who will find a spot in the pass-catching rotation.
Thus far, General Manager Monti Ossenfort has been the trigger man on what most of not all would say is a successful draft. After two full nights in Kansas City, Ossenfort has picked up four good prospects and accumulated more picks for 2024. This includes an extra first-rounder to keep the Cardinals moving up the standings in 2023 and beyond.
Arizona Cardinals Day 2 NFL Draft Grades: Close to Perfect
BJ Ojulari-EDGE, LSU
The 6”-2’, 248-pound Ojulari is a defensive end who is quick and can get to the quarterback. With 126 quarterback pressures, his ability to disrupt an offense will be noted quickly around the league. He can line up at the defensive end position or outside linebacker. Given the loss of both J.J. Watt and Zach Allen, Ojulari’s addition helps fill a pass rushing void.
gonna be a problem 🤫
@Bj_O9 x #BirdGang pic.twitter.com/5SXUHsZeTF
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) April 29, 2023
Cardinals Draft Grade: A.
Garrett Williams-Cornerback, Syracuse
At 5’a10-¾”, and 189 pounds, Williams is a smooth cornerback who moves with tremendous fluidity. A playmaker who can change the dynamic of a game in an instant, Williams is a blend of athleticism and explosiveness. The former Syracuse star has a second gear that is blazing fast, with quick acceleration from the snap. The prognosis from a torn ACL was of little concern to the Arizona medical staff. Even with that, Williams is on track to return to football activities by July.
instincts and quickness on the way to the desert 🔥@garrettismynam3 x #BirdGang pic.twitter.com/Uyi9Mg9yg6
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) April 29, 2023
Cardinals Draft Grade: A+
Michael Wilson-Wide Receiver, Stanford
The 6’-2”, 209-pound receiver from the PAC-12 has a lot of upside heading to Arizona. Like Garrett Williams, Wilson missed games due to injury. A foot injury had him miss the beginning of his senior year. The Stanford product returned for the final four games and had 19 receptions for 185 yards. Williams, who in 36 career games finished with 134 receptions for 1,662 yards and 11 touchdowns will contribute but will also need to find his spot. He is in a great situation with the Cardinals as he gets ready to take his game to the next level.
You're getting an absolute PLAYMAKER, @AZCardinals 😤#StanfordNFL | @mikewilllyy pic.twitter.com/4D5HU88Cz2
— Stanford Football (@StanfordFball) April 29, 2023
Cardinals Draft Grade: C+
The NFC West Has Work to Do
The Arizona Cardinals through two full nights of the NFL Draft is setting the pace in the NFC West. Neither the San Francisco 49ers nor Los Angeles Rams had selections to open the draft, while the Seattle Seahawks has taken advantage of the Russell Wilson trade. Depending on how Saturday closes in Kansas City, the Cardinals may very well leave town a dark horse division contender. Overall, the West will be wide open come Opening Weekend with only Seattle the clear favorite.
Main Photo: Scott Clause – USA Today Sports
