Upgrades abound in NFC West edition of first-round 2024 mock draft
By Jake Luppino
Arizona Cardinals first round
Arizona Cardinals Round 1, Pick No. 4 - WR Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State
There has been a lot of conversation about a team trading up to draft a quarterback. With Chicago, Washington, and New England all needing a QB, the one team that has been targeted is Arizona. However, after losing Hollywood Brown in free agency to the Chiefs, the Cardinals have a glaring hole at the wide receiver position.
It is quite rare to have four straight quarterbacks selected, especially at the top of the draft. That is why I have the Arizona Cardinals staying put and selecting WR Marvin Harrison Jr. out of Ohio State. Not only is Maserati Marv the best WR in this draft class, but he is arguably the best WR to come out of Ohio State. The latter is saying a lot, given the lineage of talent that the Buckeyes have produced.
Arizona Cardinals Round 1, Pick No. 27 - CB Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alabama
With their second selection in the first round, the Cardinals could go in many different directions as they have numerous holes on this roster. But, I have them solidifying the cornerback position with the selection of Kool-Aid McKinstry out of Alabama. Jonathan Gannon is a defensive-minded coach, who will be looking to fine-tune this secondary that already features Budda Baker and Sean Murphy-Bunting.
McKinstry is known for his impressive man coverage skills. That will translate over into the NFL nicely. What he lacks in speed, he makes up for with physicality and intelligence. Like many cornerbacks entering the NFL, McKinstry will have to adjust to the speed of the game. Also, non-relevant to his game, he probably has the coolest name in the draft.