Ask Odegard: Best Draft Options for the Texans Pick

The draft and free agency questions never die. I love it. Let’s go.

“Now that we know what Houston’s pick is, what’re our best options there? Also should we go edge, lb or corner in free agency?” – CDoss07

KO: The Cardinals have needs at offensive tackle, cornerback, wideout, edge rusher, defensive tackle and guard, so it really should be best player available among those positions at No. 27. 

It would be nice to put a bow on the offense by grabbing an OT, and it is a strong class, so that’s my best guess right now, but a talented defensive player is also just fine.

In free agency, ideally you land an impact edge or cornerback, but I wouldn’t necessarily prioritize one over the other. Both positions are very valuable and it would be about finding the best fit for the best price.

“If we dont use that Houston pick to draft someone, what player do you think would be worth trading it away for?” – Woozard

KO: Talked about this last week and the only real candidate I came up with was Patrick Surtain. Jaire Alexander does intrigue me because he has an affordable base salary, but not for a first-rounder.

“How big of a jump could the defense take (in terms of efficiency rank) in year two with some of these free agent/draft additions?” – Ryan Holmes

KO: We’ll have to see what they do this offseason, but adding pieces at cornerback, edge rusher and defensive tackle would certainly help. 

They were last in efficiency in 2023 but defense can be volatile, so shooting for slightly below average seems like a realistic goal.

“Yes serious question, did Josh ever get back to you?” – Nick

KO: Nah, no response. I’ve seen plenty of other ESPN writers say ‘as first reported by’ in their Tweets and articles, but no dice.

But I don’t want to entirely focus on the negative, because there were a bunch of outlets that did give proper credit: Associated Press, MSN, Pro Football Talk, Yahoo Sports, USA Today, AZ Family, 12 News, Toronto Star, San Diego Union-Tribune, The Spun, etc.

I don’t work for an old-school media outlet anymore, so I appreciate that the vast majority of them were willing to credit some guy at a sports betting site for breaking the news.

“Do you think Clayton Tune will be our backup qb next year or do we pick up someone in offseason?” – Poldi

KO: They will need to pick someone up. You can’t risk that type of drop-off if Kyler gets hurt. I’m not even convinced Tune makes the team in 2024.

“What do you prefer? Taking a player with the Hou pick or trading the pick for a player?” – Luigi Asaurio

KO: I’d take a player unless it’s a great trade offer. The Cardinals aren’t going to be in Super Bowl contention in 2024, so grab another talented prospect who will be cheap for the next five seasons.

“Would u advise against a hand tattoo since ima be a reporter?” – CardinalCharles

KO: It doesn’t matter. Outward appearance doesn’t matter much in reporting.

“Who do you predict will be the WR1-3 next season?” – Anthony Doan

KO: Marvin Harrison, Jr. will be your No. 1 wideout if he is available at No. 4 overall. I still think there is a decent chance that Hollywood Brown returns on a prove-it deal, so I’ll put him at No. 2, with Michael Wilson at No. 3.

I think Greg Dortch will be the starting slot receiver if Hollywood is not re-signed.

“You have to sing one song on karaoke night and kill it start to finish. What are you singing?” – Donnie Druin

KO: Well, I’m a terrible singer, so this needs to be both a crowd favorite and something that has very little range in notes so I can mask my shortcomings. So I’m going with Wagon Wheel.

“What are the prospects for a tag and trade of Hollywood? Don’t love giving him an expensive contract or letting him walk. Not a lot of guys available at WR in the draft. Thinking of the Jarvis Landry tag and trade from a few years back for a comp.” – AZCardsBurner

KO: Hollywood doesn’t have that type of value at this point. A franchise tag is projected to be $20.7 million, which is more than he’s going to get on the open market. 

Brown will either re-sign with the Cardinals or walk in free agency.

“What grades and feedback should we expect to see on the NFLPA team grade report cards this year?” - Finn

KO: I’m not sure if this is going to become a yearly thing, but I hope so. 

I’d imagine the Cardinals have made some strides after getting throttled in the last one, but I’d expect the overall grades to still be among the worst in the league. Still plenty of catching up to do. 

“Who are the top 27 players you'd like us to take at 27 overall?” – Sean

KO: If the Texans finished with the 12th pick, I would have considered answering this. Twenty-seven players? You’re out of your mind, Sean.

“If not MHJ then what WR do we acquire ?” – Ann Webb

KO: If Harrison goes 3, you could trade down and target Malik Nabers or Rome Odunze. At 27, some of these guys could be available: Keon Coleman, Brian Thomas, Adonai Mitchell, Devontez Walker, Troy Franklin.

“What veteran WRs would we realistically target” – Rizzy

KO: I’m still on the Mike Evans train, though he’s still playing at such a high level that it might be cost-prohibitive. In the end I don’t foresee Tee Higgins or Michael Pittman coming to the Cardinals, so the most realistic move might be re-signing Hollywood.

Arizona can do nothing at the position provided Marvin Harrison Jr. comes aboard, because Harrison, Michael Wilson and Greg Dortch can work as the starting wideouts, with another rookie added to the fold on Day 2 or 3 of the draft.

“Besides players on expiring contracts, which other Cardinals could be released or traded in the offseason?” – Ed Helinski

KO: I believe D.J. Humphries and Zach Pascal will both be released this offseason. Guys like Dennis Gardeck ($3.1 million in savings) and Dennis Daley ($1.6 million) feel borderline. 

The most likely trade candidates could be Zaven Collins and Rondale Moore, who wouldn’t constitute major savings but could maybe fetch a late-round pick if they aren’t in Arizona’s plans next season. A trade of Budda Baker would equate to more than $14 million in cap savings, but they didn't deal him last year so I doubt he goes anywhere this offseason.

“What are some FA’s/trades you think the cardinals will target this offseason?” – Kyle Gering

KO: I think defense will be the priority in free agency, and the Cardinals do need to find a blue-chip talent to help that group out.

Trades are really hard to forecast, but I think Ossenfort will be in the mix if any talented player comes available. The Cardinals have the draft capital and cap space to make a move.

“Not totally sure what a mailbag is, but what does LJ's future look like for Zona? I have weird faith in him being good – Bongobongobongo

KO: I’m not totally sure who LJ is, so this interaction was a pretty big bust from start to finish. Sorry, bongobongobongo.

“Which of our 2023 draft picks do you think are future cornerstones to build on.” – Linda Falulu

KO: I’m really confident in Paris Johnson and Garrett Williams becoming cornerstones. Both showed great natural ability as rookies and should only improve with experience.

B.J. Ojulari, Michael Wilson and Dante Stills have a shot but we need to see more.

“Why does everyone seem to be MHJ or bust? Drafting one of the top tackles would be huge for that o-line and help Kyler a ton. This is a deep WRA Draft.” – CanucksWontWin

KO: It is a deep wide receiver draft, but MHJ is special. He is being graded out in the same tier as guys like Ja’Marr Chase, Larry Fitzgerald and A.J. Green were coming out of college. Another offensive tackle would be great, but you can’t pass on Harrison if he’s available.

“Best outlook for cards off season? And worst outlook for cards off season?” – ARodriguezz27

KO: The best outlook would be getting Harrison at 4 and then nailing several of your next draft picks. Also finding an impact defensive player or two in free agency while finding value among the second- and third-tier group of free agents.

Ossenfort was judicious last offseason and did a really nice job grabbing guys like Kyzir White and Hjalte Froholdt on low-cost contracts, but now he must do it on a grander scale.

The worst outlook would be the inability to sway any notable free agents to the desert, which would then force an overpay to the next tier. There have been so many negative articles about the Cardinals the last couple of years that some big names may not have any interest in playing here. 

Something like that could set back the timeline back to competitiveness. And Harrison going No. 3 overall would also hurt.

“Your Opinion: Which defensive FA will MO target first.” – Andrew James

KO: Such an impossible question to answer, but based on his midseason quibble with the Bears and the Cardinals’ need at the position, I’ll go with Jaylon Johnson.

It would take a pretty penny to get him, but Johnson is a 24-year-old lockdown corner. You pay up for those.

“We have a lot of picks this coming draft, could you see us using some later round picks for trades and/or moving up in the draft?” – Luke Hoffman

KO: Yeah, I expect Ossenfort to be active. He has ammunition to move up, but he could also move down if the value is there. Everyone knows that depth is a serious issue for this roster, so more picks is not a bad thing.

Ossenfort was tremendous during last year’s draft, and if he can duplicate that, the Cardinals will be in very good shape for 2024 and beyond.

“Zaven, Cam Thomas, and Rondale Moore - are they dealt, cut, or here for ‘24? (I think at least 2 of them are gone” – Nettles11

KO: I tend to agree. Traded, cut, kept are my best guesses.

“Do you have a must get player in FA?” – Chase

KO: It’s a huge ask but I would love one from this group: Jaylon Johnson, Brian Burns, L’Jarius Sneed, Justin Madubuike and Josh Allen. Probably won’t happen, though.

“What are some 1st round combinations that we realistically come out with that you think would be an A grade?” – Linda Falulu

KO: Marvin Harrison Jr. and Amarius Mims would have me preparing the streets of Phoenix for a Super Bowl parade in 2026.