2024 NFL Draft: Will Cardinals Stay Or Move Back?

The Arizona Cardinals enter the 2024 NFL Draft as one of the most fascinating teams to monitor. For one, they are still rebuilding and have 11 total draft picks this April, as of now. They also have their starting quarterback in place already, unlike some other rebuilding teams, in the form of Kyler Murray. Of course, Arizona still has a plethora of roster holes to fill. But most of all, the Cardinals are sitting at an intriguing pivot point with the fourth overall pick. Will this Cardinals team stay at four and make a pick, avoiding the chance to move back?

Because they do have their quarterback in place, Arizona is seen as a logical trade partner for the Minnesota Vikings. After the Vikings traded with the Houston Texans, Minnesota received the 23rd overall pick. This gives the Vikings a total of two first-round picks, as things currently stand. With that extra ammo and a future long-term question at quarterback, the possible trade up from Minnesota is easy to see. And while Arizona may not be the only possible team that could move back in a deal with the Vikings, it is a popular trade spot for Minnesota.

Should the Arizona Cardinals stay at four overall or move back, if given the opportunity? We will break down what each choice could mean for this team, as the draft nears and their rebuild continues. Let’s kick it off.

How Staying At Four Benefits Cardinals

As we sit four weeks ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft, it feels like at least the first three selections will be quarterbacks. Sure, the New England Patriots could still go wide receiver, if they stick at three overall. But largely, it feels like there is a solid chance that the Arizona Cardinals would have the chance to take the first non-quarterback. By staying at four overall, that could benefit the Cardinals in a variety of ways.

First and foremost, having the chance to grab the first non-quarterback would be a major boost for a team like the Cardinals in this particular draft class. You could argue that the top three wide receivers are among the five best overall prospects in this class. Whether it is Marvin Harrison Jr., Malik Nabers or Rome Odunze, you are adding an elite weapon by selecting one of those wide receiver options. Harrison Jr. or Nabers would likely be the choice for the Cardinals in this situation, if they stay at four overall. For a team lacking a true WR1, grabbing one of those guys for Murray would be an immediate win.

Beyond helping Murray, this Arizona squad just simply needs to start finding cornerstones amidst their rebuild. You can continue to acquire as many picks as you would like. But right now, the Cardinals already have six picks in this year’s top 90 selections. That includes two in the first round and three in the third round. By staying at this spot, the Cardinals would have a great head start on starting to build a new foundation with a new core.

How Moving Back Benefits Cardinals

On the flip side, there are still benefits to moving back from the four spot, if you are the Arizona Cardinals. Let’s be honest. This rebuild is not expected to be completed by the end of the upcoming season. Arizona still has a ways to go to getting back near the point of contention, overall. Even with 11 picks this year already, adding more assets to the arsenal still does not necessarily hurt the Cardinals.

This draft class is considered to be deeper than last year’s, at least entering the selections. Say Arizona does trade with the Vikings, moving back to 11 overall is not a spot that will be devoid of multiple options that are appealing. And in a likely trade package, they would go from having two total first-round picks to likely three total first-round picks this year.

We mentioned above, there is a plethora of holes to fill on this roster. Finding the cornerstones will need to materialize quickly for Arizona. However, the Cardinals may want as many swings of the bat as possible, in order to find those. You could receive a trade package from the Vikings that benefits you for at least this year and next year in the draft, if not a little in 2026 as well. Given that big of a jump up for Minnesota, if they indeed take it, Arizona could truly receive a gargantuan haul. We have seen that result in more success down the line for rebuilding teams in recent history.