Throughout the 2023 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.
Below you will find a post-draft roundup for the Arizona Cardinals in our consensus 2023 NFL Power Rankings.
ESPN -- Rank: 32
Most improved: Cornerback
Cornerback was just one of many positions the Cardinals had to address this offseason, and, like some of the others, they did. Arizona signed new corners Rashad Fenton and Kris Boyd and drafted two more in Garrett Williams out of Syracuse and Kei'Trel Clark out of Louisville, while bringing back Antonio Hamilton.
Arizona had one of the worst defenses against the pass last season, giving up the highest completion percentage in the league, and was ranked 30th in completions allowed and 28th in touchdown passes allowed and touchdowns per attempt. The Cardinals added much-needed depth and, perhaps, a starter or two after losing Byron Murphy to the Minnesota Vikings in free agency to complement returners Marco Wilson and Christian Matthew.
Cornerback was just one of many positions the Cardinals had to address this offseason, and, like some of the others, they did. Arizona signed new corners Rashad Fenton and Kris Boyd and drafted two more in Garrett Williams out of Syracuse and Kei'Trel Clark out of Louisville, while bringing back Antonio Hamilton.
Arizona had one of the worst defenses against the pass last season, giving up the highest completion percentage in the league, and was ranked 30th in completions allowed and 28th in touchdown passes allowed and touchdowns per attempt. The Cardinals added much-needed depth and, perhaps, a starter or two after losing Byron Murphy to the Minnesota Vikings in free agency to complement returners Marco Wilson and Christian Matthew.
NFL.com -- Rank: 32
The Cardinals might not be ready to compete in the NFC this season, but they used the draft to set themselves up for a better tomorrow. By first trading down to No. 12 and then moving back up to No. 6, Arizona stockpiled valuable draft capital and still got its man in Paris Johnson Jr. The offensive tackle adds a potential pillar to a line that needs to get better ahead of Kyler Murray's eventual return from reconstructive knee surgery. New GM Monti Ossenfort is playing the long game here, which makes plenty of sense for a team with a rehabbing franchise quarterback.
CBS Sports -- Rank: 32
The roster is one of the worst in the league and Kyler Murray is coming off a torn ACL. New coach Jonathan Gannon has a lot of work to do. At least they had a good draft and have a lot of picks - two in the first round - next year.
USA Today -- Rank: 32
Too many questions — starting with QB Kyler Murray's reconstructed knee — to expect anything but a turbulent campaign. But with Houston's 2024 Round 1 selection in hand, reasonable chance Arizona could be picking first and second atop next year's draft.
The Athletic -- Rank: 32
Draft takeaway: It's not a great sign for Monti Ossenfort's readiness to be a general manager that he couldn't manage to hire his first head coach without tampering, and he couldn't keep the lid on his preference for Paris Johnson Jr. heading into his first draft in charge. But then he goes and does something like acquire the Texans' 2024 first-round pick and kind of redeems himself.
Hype man: What a beautiful fall ahead in lovely Phoenix, where we can all watch USC games on Saturday and go hiking all day Sunday without any concern for knowing what's going on in the Cardinals game. Start printing those Caleb Williams jerseys.
DeAndre Downer: Does anyone have any good blackmail ideas to get Lincoln Riley to sit his quarterback for an entire season?
Hype man: What a beautiful fall ahead in lovely Phoenix, where we can all watch USC games on Saturday and go hiking all day Sunday without any concern for knowing what's going on in the Cardinals game. Start printing those Caleb Williams jerseys.
DeAndre Downer: Does anyone have any good blackmail ideas to get Lincoln Riley to sit his quarterback for an entire season?
PFF -- Rank: 32
The Cardinals endured more losses than gains in free agency, and that's never great news when coming off a 4-13 campaign. Defensive end Zach Allen, cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. and edge defender Markus Golden all departed from the defense. With a question mark at quarterback due to an injured Kyler Murray, the Cardinals cannot afford to perform poorly defensively. Their one addition in linebacker Kyzir White was positive, as he has five straight seasons earning a coverage grade above 60.0.
With J.J. Watt retiring, BJ Ojulari will look to follow in his massive footsteps and generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks. That's a mighty tall order for the rookie out of LSU, but Arizona added a lot of help on both sides of the ball, with a clear long-term vision for new general manager Monti Ossenfort and head coach Jonathan Gannon.
Fortunately for the Cardinals, according to 2024 Super Bowl odds, they're currently projected to have the following draft picks next year in the first three rounds: Nos. 1, 2, 33, 65, 66 and 68.
With J.J. Watt retiring, BJ Ojulari will look to follow in his massive footsteps and generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks. That's a mighty tall order for the rookie out of LSU, but Arizona added a lot of help on both sides of the ball, with a clear long-term vision for new general manager Monti Ossenfort and head coach Jonathan Gannon.
Fortunately for the Cardinals, according to 2024 Super Bowl odds, they're currently projected to have the following draft picks next year in the first three rounds: Nos. 1, 2, 33, 65, 66 and 68.
PFT -- Rank: 32
The best thing about being awful this year is GM Monti Ossenfort could have the next 11 months to figure out whether his quarterback of the future is Kyler Murray or if it it's one of the mega-prospects due out in the 2024 draft—Caleb Williams or Drake Maye.
More Arizona Cardinals pages:
- Arizona Cardinals Mock Draft Roundup
- Arizona Cardinals 2023 NFL Draft Grades
- Arizona Cardinals Draft History
- Arizona Cardinals Schedule
- Arizona Cardinals Tickets
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