The 2023 NFL Draft will be held in Kansas City from April 27-29. The Arizona Cardinals have the third-overall pick but they’ve already made moves to improve the team. Here’s the best and worst of what they’ve done this offseason:
BEST | Hiring Jonathan Gannon
After going 28-37-1 in four seasons with the Cardinals, Kliff Kingsbury was relieved of head coaching duties and replaced by Philadelphia’s defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon. Arizona’s defense played poorly last season and was a big reason for the team’s 4-13 record.
Only Chicago gave up more points than Arizona in 2022 and their 36 sacks were the fewest since 2017. Gannon’s Eagles gave up the eighth-fewest points and second-fewest yards per game last season with a league-best 70 sacks. Gannon is just 40 years old but brings 15 years of NFL experience and a proven track record to Arizona, something Kingsbury never could.
BEST | Adding Kyzir White
The 26-year-old linebacker spent one year in Philadelphia after four seasons with the Chargers. White played in every game last season and finished second on the team with 110 tackles. He also had three tackles for loss, seven passes defended and 1.5 sacks.
Gannon brought Nick Rallis with him from Philly. At 29 years old, he will be the youngest defensive coordinator in NFL history. With White on the team, Rallis gets an experienced player to share his knowledge of the system with other players.
WORST | Losing Byron Murphy
For anyone that thought the Cardinals’ poor grades on the recent NFLPA Player Report Card didn’t matter, Byron Murphy would like a word with you. After signing with the Vikings, the young cornerback praised Minnesota’s facilities at his introductory press conference. Apparently, he didn’t like paying for meals with Arizona.
