Arizona Cardinals Draft Picks: A Comprehensive Guide to the Team's Draft History
Understanding the Arizona Cardinals' Draft Strategy
The Arizona Cardinals are a professional American football team based in Glendale, Arizona. They are a member of the National Football Conference (NFC) West division of the National Football League (NFL).
The Cardinals have a rich draft history, dating back to their inception in 1898. Over the years, they have selected some of the most talented players in NFL history, including Hall of Famers such as Larry Fitzgerald, Emmitt Smith, and Aeneas Williams.
In recent years, the Cardinals have taken a more aggressive approach to the draft, trading up to select players they believe can make an immediate impact. This strategy has paid off in recent years, as the Cardinals have made the playoffs in each of the past three seasons.
Key Factors in the Cardinals' Draft Strategy
- Need: The Cardinals always prioritize filling their most pressing needs on the roster.
- Value: The Cardinals are always looking for players who they believe are undervalued by other teams.
- Fit: The Cardinals want to draft players who fit their offensive and defensive schemes.
A Timeline of the Cardinals' Draft Picks
The Cardinals have had some of the most memorable selections in NFL draft history, including:
- 1981: Dan Dierdorf, DE, Michigan
- 1986: Aeneas Williams, DB, Southern
- 1996: Emmitt Smith, RB, Florida
- 2004: Larry Fitzgerald, WR, Pittsburgh
- 2019: Kyler Murray, QB, Oklahoma
In recent years, the Cardinals have had a mixed record in the draft. They have made some excellent selections, such as Kyler Murray, DeAndre Hopkins, and Budda Baker. However, they have also made some questionable picks, such as Josh Rosen and Haason Reddick.
How to Evaluate the Cardinals' Draft Picks
There are a number of factors to consider when evaluating the Cardinals' draft picks:
- Immediate impact: How well did the player perform in his rookie season?
- Long-term potential: How much room does the player have to grow and improve?
- Value: Did the Cardinals get good value for their pick?
It is important to remember that it takes time to evaluate draft picks. Some players take a few years to develop, while others are immediate stars. It is also important to remember that not every draft pick will be a success. Even the best teams make mistakes in the draft.
Conclusion
The Arizona Cardinals have a rich draft history. They have selected some of the most talented players in NFL history, and they have a track record of success in the draft. However, they have also made some questionable picks in recent years.
It is important to evaluate the Cardinals' draft picks on a case-by-case basis. Some players will be immediate stars, while others will take a few years to develop. It is also important to remember that not every draft pick will be a success. Even the best teams make mistakes in the draft.
