It was a tale of two seasons for the Cardinals in 2021. They got off to a torrid start, racing out to a 7-0 record — which included commanding victories over the 49ers and Rams. Kyler Murray looked to be establishing himself as a darkhorse MVP candidate, and fans in Glendale were dreaming about the possibility of another Super Bowl berth.
Then came the injuries. Murray, Chase Edmonds, DeAndre Hopkins and J.J. Watt all endured lengthy spells on the sideline, slowing the team's momentum. And despite inspired performances by James Conner, Christian Kirk and Chandler Jones, among others, the Cards couldn't get back to their early-season success, falling to Los Angeles in a lopsided postseason defeat.
With rumors swirling about Murray's availability in a trade, Arizona could look a lot different in 2022. The talent is there to compete atop the NFC West — it just has to make the right moves.
Here's a look at the Cardinals' picks in the 2022 NFL Draft:
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Cardinals draft picks 2022: Who did Arizona take?
- Round 2, Pick No. 55: Trey McBride, TE, Colorado State
- Round 3, Pick No. 87: Cameron Thomas, DE, San Diego State
- Round 3, Pick No. 100: Myjai Sanders, EDGE, Cincinnati
- Round 6, Pick No. 201: Keaontay Ingram, RB, USC
- Round 6, Pick No. 215: Lecitus Smith, G, Virginia Tech
- Round 7, Pick No. 244: Christian Matthew, CB, Valdosta State
- Round 7, Pick No. 256: Jesse Luketa, LB, Penn State
- Round 7, Pick No. 257: Marquis Hayes, G, Oklahoma
Click here for live analysis and grades on every pick.
Cardinals 2022 NFL Draft order
| Round | Pick |
| 2 | 55 |
| 3 | 87 |
| 3 | 100 (compensatory, from Ravens) |
| 6 | 201 |
| 6 | 215 (compensatory) |
| 7 | 244 |
| 7 | 256 (compensatory) |
| 7 | 257 (compensatory) |
MORE: Compare latest mock drafts from Kiper, Jeremiah, McShay, other experts
Cardinals NFL Draft needs
- Running back: When they were healthy, Chase Edmonds and James Conner formed one of the league's best running back tandems last year. Conner finished with 15 touchdowns, tied for the second-most in the NFL, while Edmonds continued his progression as a dual threat out of the backfield. The Cardinals re-signed Conner in the offseason, but Edmonds departed for Miami. Targeting a running back — one who, ideally, can also catch it out of the backfield — may go a long way in helping Arizona recreate its ground success from a year ago.
- Offensive line: Murray's dissatisfaction with the Cardinals has been well-documented in recent months. With the 2019 Offensive Rookie of the Year appearing ever closer to a departure from Glendale, Arizona might have to start looking forward with its offense. Coach Kliff Kingsbury's system is predicated on airing the ball out. Adding a lineman could help safeguard the pocket for years to come — in front of Murray or someone else.
- Edge: Chandler Jones was a force last year with 10.5 sacks and six forced fumbles. He plays for the Raiders now, though. Watt's return from injury will help the pass-rush unit, but perhaps the Cards will look to a draft filled with defensive talent to fill Jones' void.
- Wide receiver: With Christian Kirk's departure to the Jaguars, Arizona is in dire need of a slot receiver capable of sliding into holes in coverage and making plays in the flat. It's time to fill that hole in the roster with a young playmaker.
Cardinals mock draft 2022
Here are the latest 2022 NFL Draft projections for the Cardinals, according to Vinnie Iyer's seven-round mock draft:
| Round | Pick | Player | Position | College |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 23 | Devonte Wyatt | DT/DE | Georgia |
| 2 | 55 | Breece Hall | RB | Iowa State |
| 3 | 87 | Tyler Smith | G | Tulsa |
| 6 | 201 | Ty Fryfogle | WR | Indiana |
| 6 | 215 | Marquan McCall | DT | Kentucky |
| 6 | 244 | Jack Jones | CB | Arizona State |
| 7 | 256 | Myron Tagovailoa-Amosa | EDGE | Notre Dame |
| 7 | 257 | E.J. Perry | QB | Brown |
