What Cornerbacks Should Cardinals Target?

Even with the signing of Sean Murphy-Bunting, the Arizona Cardinals need help at cornerback.

Nov 4, 2023; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Kool-Aid McKinstry (1) / Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Sports

ARIZONA -- The Arizona Cardinals have many needs entering the draft, and as we previously pointed out, cornerback is one of the top holes to fill.

Here's some options at each point of their current selections Monti Ossenfort and company could consider:

Picks 27 or 35

Nov 4, 2023; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs defensive back Kamari Lassiter (3) breaks up a / Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

• Possibilites: Kool-Aid McKinstry, T.J. Tampa, Ennis Rakestraw, Nate Wiggins, Cooper DeJean, Kamari Lassiter

Analysis: The draft is fairly deep for Arizona to find an - at worst - immediate starting CB2, and it should not be a huge surprise should they use one of their current top three picks at pick 27 or 35 to snag one.

Kool-Aid McKinstry may be the most recognized name in the above grouping, as he was widely considered to be the best corner before the 2023 season started. He would be a great high floor prospect at either pick, though it would be shocking to see him fall as far as pick 35.

Cooper DeJean is another option - if Arizona considers him a corner. Either way he's a talented and versatile defender, even if the Cardinals consider him a safety as some teams apparently do.

Kamari Lassiter, Ennis Rakestraw, and T.J. Tampa would all be solid additions, especially at pick 35. Rakestraw is a tough tackler and feisty corner. Tampa is a bit taller than the corners Arizona have been interested in and does better in zone coverage per most online scouts.

Round 3

Dec 2, 2023; Charlotte, NC, USA; Louisville Cardinals defensive back Jarvis Brownlee Jr. (2) reacts / Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

• Possibilities: Max Melton, Renardo Green, Decamerion Richardson, Caelen Carson, D.J. James, Elijah Jones, Andru Phillips, Mike Sainristil, Cam Hart, Khyree Jackson, Jarvis Brownlee

Analysis: There are many to choose from that could fall into round three, where Arizona has three opportunities to select a corner (or perhaps a second?) that could be a starter. The above names are just a sampling honestly.

Of the above, Renardo Green is an interesting one to highlight due to his abilities in Press man - a shining example is how well he shut down Malik Nabers.

Max Melton has a brother, Bo, in the NFL (much like B.J. Ojulari did coming into last year's draft) and has the athletic profile to do well in the NFL (inside and outside versatility as well):

If you don't know 𝑯𝑰𝑴 yet, let me introduce you to Rutgers CB Max Melton.#TheDraftStartsInMOBILE™️ https://t.co/NzbdYvftgV pic.twitter.com/e0dRYpA248

— Jim Nagy (@JimNagy_SB) March 30, 2024

Jarvis Brownlee met with the Cardinals already and is a late riser in the process having improved this past year at Louisville, Jonathan Gannon's alma mater.

Day 3

Oct 21, 2023; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) comes / Kyle Robertson/Columbus Dispatch / USA

• Possibilites: Kamal Hadden, Jarrian Jones, Chau Smith-Wade, Johnnie Dixon, Daequan Hardy, Kalen King

Analysis: There are a wealth of day three options for Arizona should they want to go that direction, and I've only noted a few interesting ones here.

Probably the most interesting on this list is Kalen King, who is among three Penn State corners all listed above. Most had him mocked in round one as far as a few months ago. After a less than optimal Senior Bowl and Combine, he has taken quite a fall from grace. Many scouts thought he played better in 2022 than Joey Porter Jr..

Prediction: The Cardinals almost have to take a corner of some sort with 11 picks in the fold. Given the depth of the position, it would not be shocking to see Arizona wait until round 3 to strike. My prediction right now is that they walk away with one of Renardo Green, Max Melton or Jarvis Brownlee in Round 3 right now.