PHOENIX – Arizona Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort landed a massive free agent signing in edge rusher Josh Sweat. The former Pro-Bowler will improve a lackluster Cardinals pass rush from last year. The move also changes how the front office will approach the NFL draft. Many media outlets had Arizona going edge rusher with their 16th overall pick in the first round. However, with Sweat now in the Valley, mock drafts have the franchise switching to offense in the first round, two of them predicting Arizona to go with a player from Texas.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!CBS Sports: Kelvin Banks OT Texas:
Dec 21, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns offensive lineman Kelvin Banks Jr. (78) against the Clemson Tigers during the CFP National playoff first round at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Banks Jr. was the fourth-ranked offensive tackle at the NFL draft combine. CBS Sports cited that the former Longhorn will be a massive addition to protect franchise quarterback Kyler Murray and block for James Conner. If drafted to the Cardinals, Banks Jr. could play either guard or tackle for head coach Jonathan Gannon. Regardless, the 6’5 “315 offensive lineman would do wonders for keeping Murray healthy.
Draft Wire: Matthew Golden WR Texas:
Texas Longhorns wide receiver Matthew Golden (2) catches a pass in the fourth quarter as the Texas Longhorns play the Ohio State Buckeyes in the Cotton Bowl College Football Playoff semi-final at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, Texas, Jan. 10, 2025. Syndication: Austin American-Statesman
Curt Popejoy of Draft Wire has Arizona taking the speedy Longhorn wide receiver, Matthew Golden. In the NFL combine, Golden ran a 4.29 40 time. His playstyle is similar to that of Cardinals receiver Greg Dortch, except he’s five inches taller. Golden is a deep threat and adds versatility to the pass game in the slot, with Trey McBride and Marvin Harrison Jr as other threats for defenses.
New Cardinals Edge Josh Sweat said the decision to sign was a “no-brainer”
*Get the BEST Phoenix sports insider information, and exclusive content. SIGN UP HERE to unlock our premium content!*
Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
