Exploring Five First-Round Offensive Options for Cardinals in NFL Draft

It feels like a certainty that the Arizona Cardinals will address the defense in round one of the 2023 NFL Draft, but here are some offensive prospects to watch.

No matter where the Arizona Cardinals end up picking first in round one, whether that is with the third overall pick or later via trade down, it seems like a foregone conclusion that the team will be selecting the top-rated defensive player on the board. We can scream Will Anderson Jr., Christian Gonzalez, Jalen Carter, or Tyree Wilson to the Cardinals until we are blue in the face because it makes too much sense.

But don't be fooled, the offense needs some love, too. And believe it or not, there are several players who the Cardinals could fancy in the first-round of the upcoming 2023 NFL Draft. And that's what we're here to explore.

In this scenario, it is easier to imagine these guys being targeted by the Cardinals as a result of a trade down to fit value, but these are the guys who make sense for the team to target on day one if they decided to attack the offensive side of the football.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba

It feels like everyone is finally coming back around on Smith-Njigba and rightfully so. The Ohio State product is a refined route runner and the most complete prospect in this draft. Had he played a healthy 2022 season, I believe JSN would be universally viewed as a top-10 prospect.

The Cardinals meanwhile will be moving on from DeAndre Hopkins soon and while Marquise Brown is more than a quality receiver, he is best suited as a number two option. Pairing Brown with JSN would give Kyler Murray some great separators to get the ball out in space.

Broderick Jones

The conversation for who the top offensive tackle is in the 2023 NFL Draft class is wide open for discussion. My personal pick is Georgia's Jones, who has a prototype build, athleticism, and ferocity as a run blocker. He feels the easiest to project to the next level.

It's far from a secret that the Cardinals need offensive line help and Jones would be an instant upgrade over everyone the team currently has, including long-time starter D.J. Humphries. Jones is a great future investment to get younger, cheaper, and better at left tackle.

Peter Skoronski

Skoronski is another prospect who finds himself in the conversation for being OT1 in the draft class. However, Skoronski doesn't have the length that is typically demanded and seen in pro offensive tackles. Therefore, a move to guard feels inevitable.

The Cardinals shouldn't care one bit, as his upside moving to guard should remind many of Zach Martin coming out of Notre Dame all those years ago. If Skoronski even sniffed the success Martin has had then it would be a successful move. Regardless, Skoronski is plug-and-play and an instant difference-maker on the line.

Paris Johnson Jr.

The final offensive tackle talked about as OT1, Johnson actually has experience throughout the offensive line including at both tackle spots and inside at guard. Versatility is king for offensive linemen translating to the pros and his success wherever he was lined up will have many valuing him high.

I shouldn't have to paint a vivid picture to explain why the Cardinals should look hard in Johnson's direction. The ability to play him virtually anywhere on the line and be a day-one starter is worth its weight in gold, and then some.

Bijan Robinson

I want to start this off by stating that I am anti-running back in the first-round in 99% of cases and this includes the Cardinals no matter where they draft. But with that being said, Robinson can be argued as the top prospect in the draft class based purely on his talent, upside, and just about anything else you value.

Imagining Robinson on this Cardinals offense is an exciting thought. The entire offense can be played through him as a runner and even more impressively as a receiver. The most common comparison I have seen as of late for Robinson is Matt Forte, and even then, he feels faster and more explosive.

This would not be my favorite pick whatsoever, but if you're basing the pick solely on immediate impact and upside, Robinson is about as good as it's going to get folks.

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