Cardinals 2022 Draft Grades: Confusing Fits

Cardinals 2022 Draft Grades

The Arizona Cardinals continued their perplexing and confusing moves with the 2022 NFL draft. The Cardinals did not have a first round pick this year after trading it for Marquise “Hollywood” Brown from the Baltimore Ravens. However, even that was confusing when you consider that the Philadelphia Eagles gave up a first-round pick for the Tennessee Titans’ A.J. Brown. The Cardinals clearly overpaid here and while Brown is still on his rookie deal for this season, he will command a sizable contract very soon. They will also have to pay quarterback Kyler Murray at least market value. With regards to the roster, the Cardinals already have three smallish “race-car” types in their top six wide receivers, anyway. Without a lopsided first-round return and some questionable fits, here are my Cardinals 2022 draft grades for a very confusing class.

Cardinals 2022 Draft Grades:

Round 2 (No. 55 overall): Trey McBride, TE, Colorado State

McBride will compete for immediate playing time as the ‘move’ tight end. However, the Cardinals still have Zach Ertz, who they just re-signed, and Maxx Williams, who was productive prior to injuring his knee. Again, another confusing move when there are other pressing needs.

Round 3 (No. 87 overall): Cameron Thomas, DE, San Diego State

Thomas was highly effective and influential at San Diego State as an in-line player. However, I question the fit here. He’s undersized to be a traditional defensive end in a 3-4 base scheme and he hasn’t proven that he can play on his feet as an edge rusher.

Round 3 (No. 100 overall): Myjai Sanders, EDGE, Cincinnati

Sanders is a true edge rusher but is extremely raw and undersized. He has good initial quickness off the line but hasn’t proven to have the consistent ability to get home and finish. Plus, he would’ve likely been available later in the draft.

Round 6 (No. 201 overall): Keaontay Ingram, RB, USC.

Ingram is a good two-down back with good vision and foot work, while running with a strong base. However, the Cardinals have backups in Jonathan Ward and Eno Benjamin who they really like. Ingram is not an upgrade to either of those two and will likely struggle to roster in year one.

Round 6 (No. 215 overall): Lecitus Smith, OL, Virginia Tech

I actually like this player for them as Smith is a talent who could actually push for a starting role. Arizona has question marks at right guard where the position has incumbents Justin Murray and Josh Jones.

Round 7 (No. 244 overall): Christian Matthew, CB, Valdosta State

Matthew has the size and length to play outside opposite of cornerback Byron Murphy. However, he is likely two years away from being a solid contributor and will have to make an impact on special teams in order to roster.

Round 7 (No. 256 overall): Jesse Luketa, LB, Penn State

This is good value for Luketa who is a tough, physical and versatile player. He will bring character and leadership to the defense and could challenge for a roster spot as an edge defender in year one. He plays hard, has high character and could make their team as a rookie.

Round 7 (No. 257 overall): Marquis Hayes, OL, Oklahoma

Hayes has good size and inline power but he is raw with regards to technique. He could challenge for a backup swing role by year two.

Overall Grade: D