The Arizona Cardinals are looking at a bright future as they settle into the twilight of the 2023 NFL season. With only pride on the line these last four games, the potential of a three, potentially four-win season hangs in the balance. For fans, as is too often the case, the eyes turn toward the future. There is talent to be had in free agency, and with the NFL Draft in Detroit, their two first-round pick selections could change the identity of the Cardinals.
Heading into Week 15, Arizona stands poised to have the 3rd and 16th picks overall in the upcoming draft. While those could change ever so slightly over the next four weeks, the Cardinals look to be in great shape. Here is a look at two players GM Monti Ossenfort could be looking at when he settles into the Motor City on draft night.
Arizona Cardinals First Round Picks Could Define the Franchise
Marvin Harrison Jr. – Wide Receiver, Ohio State
The Cardinals need a playmaker at wide receiver. The kind who can make the extraordinary look ordinary. Harrison Jr. is that kind of player.
— Marvin Harrison Jr. (@MarvHarrisonJr) December 11, 2023
The Ohio State product is 6-foot, 4-inches tall, and weighs in at a lean 205 pounds. He’s got superb acceleration off the line of scrimmage and is a once-in-a-lifetime elite athlete. His footwork and use of his hands are pro-ready and can be penciled in to start on day one. Of note, he is not afraid to be a team player, meaning he will block at the line of scrimmage as well as downfield.
To pass on MHJ would be the kind of error that would haunt the Cardinals. He will not just make them better on offense but has the skill set to win games. With a quarterback like Murray, Harrison Jr. can be counted on to make him a better quarterback.
Arizona Cardinals Have Another Option To Consider
Olu Fashanu – Offensive Tackle, Penn State
It is not out of the question for the Cardinals to consider getting help for Murray and the ground game. The third overall pick should stay on the offensive side of the football, but not necessarily at wide receiver.
Consensus. 👑#WeAre | @Olu_Fashanu pic.twitter.com/pWESI0Hac8
— Penn State Football (@PennStateFball) December 19, 2023
Using this high of a pick on a selection that isn’t as sexy as a wide receiver always makes fans sigh. But, given a quarterback who does have an injury issue, an offensive tackle pick is the kind that quarterbacks appreciate. Murray could use the protection, and the running game and passing game will also benefit. At 6-foot, 6 inches, and 317 pounds, Fashanu is plug-and-play.
Going from Happy Valley, PA to Glendale, AZ is a nice move. He would play indoors, have sunny weather year-round, and a team brimming with youth.
Best of all, Arizona has some promise to show coming out of the 2023 season. Even if the Cardinals only get three wins these last three weeks, there is a list of players to be excited about. Adding MHJ at receiver or Fashanu at tackle only helps to restock the shelves. It also puts the Cardinals in a position to climb out of the cellar and a decent chance to compete.
Main Photo: Barbara Perenic – USA Today Sports
