The Arizona Cardinals were well-positioned to retool in the 2024 NFL Draft. They had two first-round picks at their disposal to begin the draft, including the fourth overall pick. Arizona also had four additional third round picks to work with.
The Cardinals wound up making 12 selections in this year’s draft, including seven through the first three rounds and eight through the first 104 picks. Of those 12 picks, the decisions to land Marvin Harrison Jr., Max Melton, and Trey Benson stand out as the best moves Arizona.
Cardinals draft Marvin Harrison Jr.
Marvin Harrison Jr. was regarded by many as the best non-quarterback in this year’s draft. With quarterbacks going with the first three picks, the former Buckeye fell right into Arizona’s laps. The Cardinals should be ecstatic, because there is nothing that Harrison Jr. can’t do.
Marvin Harrison Jr. going against press. Catchable throws optional. pic.twitter.com/HEfus8ywCk
— Nate Tice (@Nate_Tice) March 26, 2024
Harrison Jr. has a complete route tree that allows him to win everywhere on the field. He can line up anywhere too, as Harrison Jr. is predominantly an outside receiver who can win deep but is also lethal in the short game.
The star wide receiver caught 155 passes for 2,613 yards and 31 touchdowns over his four years at Ohio State. Harrison won the Fred Biletnikoff Award, given to the nation’s best WR, in 2023.
The Cardinals needed a number-one receiver in the worst way. Marquise ‘Hollywood’ Brown left in free agency, and even he wasn’t able to fill the shoes that DeAndre Hopkins left behind. They now have someone who can. Kyler Murray will be very happy lobbing it up to his star rookie.
Drafting Max Melton, Elijah Jones
Outside of wide receiver, Arizona had no more pressing need to fill than cornerback. The Cardinals were gashed through the air last season, ranking 31st in EPA allowed per drop back in 2023. Arizona shored up their secondary on Day 2 of the draft by taking Rutgers’ Max Melton and Boston College’s Elijah Jones.
Melton was the Cardinals’ lone second-round pick. He is the brother of Green Bay Packer wide receiver Bo Melton. Like his brother, Melton has skills. He had eight interceptions over his final three collegiate seasons and had 20 pass deflections in that span. He also posted a career-best 65.7 passer rating allowed in 2023, according to Pro Football Focus.
Melton can play just about anywhere on the field, but is expected to man the slot for Arizona’s secondary. Elijah Jones could take more outside work, though he has a versatile skill set as well. Jones had an outstanding final season for Boston College, amassing five interceptions and had a passer rating allowed of 18.1.
Jones played six collegiate seasons, so he is a bit on the older side, but he can play, as can Melton. They will provide massive boosts to Arizona’s secondary.
Drafting Trey Benson
Many had Jonathon Brooks as the number one running back in this year’s class, but some had Florida State’s Trey Benson. Benson’s total stats aren’t overwhelming, having just 316 carries for 1,917 yards and 24 touchdowns for his entire collegiate career.
But his film and efficiency are outstanding. He averaged over six yards per carry for his college career and well over 11 yards per reception. Not only that, but Benson is a tackle-breaking machine. His 39.2% missed tackle-forced rate was the best in this year’s class. He is a threat to score from anywhere on the field.
Same game and another loooong touchdown run for Trey Benson. https://t.co/969HFZ0qrb pic.twitter.com/oDAAT8ywzF
— Johnny Venerable (@JohnnyVenerable) April 30, 2024
James Conner is entering the last year of his contract for Arizona. Conner has been solid and steady for them, but he doesn’t provide a ton of chunk plays. He also misses his fair share of games.
Benson can be the future of the position for the Cardinals. He is a great complement to Kyler Murray and can make defenses pay for showing too much attention to Harrison Jr. Taking him to begin the third round was an excellent decision by Arizona’s front office.
