Cardinals have developed great rapport with each one of their picks and were elated to seem on the board
It’s a rare day at the NFL Draft when a team’s own mock is drafted into reality. Such was the case for Monti Ossenfort and Dave Sears as every one of their players they were hoping to draft were on the board precisely where the GMs were hoping to select them.
Dadrion Taylor-Demerson, S, Texas Tech
On his way to the Valley pic.twitter.com/PgiCzDUi1e
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) April 27, 2024
Cue in at 1:56
Fastest 40 Yard Dash Times (Safeties):
1️⃣ Dadrion Taylor-Demerson, Texas Tech: 4.41s
2️⃣ Millard Bradford, TCU: 4.42s
3️⃣ Jaylin Simpson, Auburn: 4.45s
4️⃣ Cole Bishop, Utah: 4.45s
5️⃣ Tykee Smith, Georgia: 4.46s pic.twitter.com/nwnlK3dg7v— PFF College (@PFF_College) March 1, 2024
Some of the best picks from Day 3 @cfrelund: Troy Franklin to DEN@BaldyNFL: Mohamed Kamara to MIA@RhettNFL: Dadrion Taylor-Demerson to AZ pic.twitter.com/PIHaiinsrb
— NFL Total Access (@NFLTotalAccess) April 28, 2024
Dadrion Taylor-Demerson (5-11, 194, 4.41) is a nifty ballhawk from the safety position. Had 10 interceptions over the last 3 years at Texas Tech. Can cover the slot and on the end provide range and ball production at FS (one of the Cardinals’ top needs).
— Walter B J Mitchell (@WBJMItch) April 27, 2024
Xavier Thomas, OLB, Clemson
From Death Valley to The Valley pic.twitter.com/ZfGP6OYfsN
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) April 27, 2024
TOP 5 FASTEST Defensive Ends at the 2024 #NFLCombine
Chop Robinson (Penn State): 4.48
Mohamed Kamara (Colorado State): 4.57
Jared Verse (Florida State): 4.58
Xavier Thomas (Clemson): 4.62
Cedric Johnson (Ole Miss): 4.63 pic.twitter.com/sowCMX9Xyj— NFL (@NFL) February 29, 2024
Clemson edge rusher Xavier Thomas was the #3 recruit in the 2018 class. While he battled injuries throughout his college career, he’s always been productive when on the field.
Despite injuries, in 2023 he still showed the elite bend that made him so highly regarded out of HS pic.twitter.com/vsbiAEdfN0
— Chicago Football Connection (@CFCBears) April 21, 2024
Another player the Cardinals had superb 30 visit with is edge rusher Xavier Thomas (6-2, 247, 4.64) from Clemson. Has the bend, quick turn and burst to the ball that teams covet. EDC Rich Rodriguez will try to get X-TO’s hands more aggressive and impactful. High reward potential.
— Walter B J Mitchell (@WBJMItch) April 27, 2024
Christian Jones, T, Texas
Learning from the vets pic.twitter.com/97qCI1i918
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) April 27, 2024
Christian Jones: 2.6% QB pressure rate allowed since 2021, 4th among Tackles pic.twitter.com/avCv4gGgBz
— PFF ARZ Cardinals (@PFF_Cardinals) April 27, 2024
“The kid from Texas, Christian Jones out here beating the hell out of everybody (at the Sr Bowl) why aren’t we talking about him?” @VochLombardi #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/cR4rsV2R64
— Skywalker Steele (@SkywalkerSteele) April 17, 2024
#Texas RT Christian Jones earned some money today at the Reese’s Senior Bowl.
Really impressive day in the 1-on-1 pass sets. pic.twitter.com/kZtymrayaj
— CJ Vogel (@CJVogel_OTF) January 30, 2024
Again Monti taps into top Senior Bowl talent w T Christian Jones (6-5, 320, 5.04) from TEX. Started 26 games 2022-2023 at RT. Made impressive progress. 2022: 70.7, 3 sacks, 9 pressures; 2023: 75.2, 1 sack 8 pressures; 75.2 RBK; 78.1 PBK, 82.6 ZONE! Matt Miller’s #98 goes #162.
— Walter B J Mitchell (@WBJMItch) April 27, 2024
Tajhaun Palmer, WR, UAB
A team guy. pic.twitter.com/Mc2EAiGWNI
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) April 27, 2024
Did you just hear Mel Kiper raving about the Cardinals’ 6th round pick WR Tejahn Palmer (6-2, 210, 4.45) from Alabama Birmingham? Here have a look for yourself: https://t.co/lYgIAdCBrZ
— Walter B J Mitchell (@WBJMItch) April 27, 2024
Jaden Davis, CB, Miami
It’s an honor to be picked at 226th. pic.twitter.com/K6DX5FfyIG
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) April 27, 2024
JADEN DAVIS drafted by the Cardinals
— NMD Grant (@NMDgrant) April 27, 2024
Jaden Davis is an aggressive, pesky CB who also brings a STs dawg mentality. To be introduced as the Cardinals’ 7th round pick by the Pat Tillman Scholars, Jaden Davis has a chance to do what Pat Tillman as a 7th round pick did – come in, ball and make this football team. https://t.co/iHNMY1SHOx
— Walter B J Mitchell (@WBJMItch) April 27, 2024
Cardinals 2024 Draft: Mel Kiper’s Analysis/Grade:
Arizona Cardinals: A
Top needs entering the draft: Wide receiver, cornerback, edge defender
I really could have listed a few more needs above, including each position on defense. While the Cardinals surprised most everyone by winning four games last season, this is still a team with a below-average roster. They really needed a talent infusion in this draft, and they entered Thursday with 11 picks, tied for the most in the league. So, yes, general manager Monti Ossenfort could have traded down from No. 4 to add even more capital, but I like that he went with both the best prospect available and the team’s biggest need. Marvin Harrison Jr. (4) has everything it takes to be a future All-Pro wide receiver.
Darius Robinson (27) dominated against top prospects at the Senior Bowl, which made him rise into the Round 1 discussion. While he didn’t always live up to his talent level at Missouri, his potential is tantalizing. I didn’t love all of Ossenfort’s selections on Day 2, but I can see the strategy behind them, and he made two trades down to add capital. Offensive lineman Isaiah Adams (71) and tight end Tip Reiman (82) were both reaches on my board. Max Melton (43) should play immediately as the slot corner, while Trey Benson (66) has speed to burn. Benson thrived when bouncing runs to the outside then flying by defenders.
Arizona added even more to the secondary with corner Elijah Jones (90), safety Dadrion Taylor-Demerson (104) and corner Jaden Davis (226), each of whom was a value on my board. Christian Jones (162) is a steal in my rankings, as I have him at No. 98 overall; that’s a stellar value pick by Ossenfort.
All in all, Ossenfort used 12 picks and hit all of the Cardinals’ top needs, including throwing four defensive backs at a porous pass D. This is a well-rounded and super-talented class.
Thanks and Appreciation:
Kudos to MODS (Monti and Dave) for executing their 2024 Draft plan to a tee. Props to them for having the conviction to ignore pundits’ rankings and trust their own evals. Common traits: speed, phys/ment toughness, team-first work ethic, A+ energy. MO cooked and educated us.
— Walter B J Mitchell (@WBJMItch) April 28, 2024
Welcome to the Arizona Cardinals!
A good-looking rookie class. pic.twitter.com/a2XIWAqfsO
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) April 27, 2024
ROTB Poll:
How did you vote and why?
Red Rain Podcast Tomorrow:
Special guest Kevin Murray (aka “UK K1”), L’ll Rock and I will provide a deeper look as to what the Cardinals accomplished in this draft, pick by pick.
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