Arizona Cardinals rookies who can make immediate impact after 2024 NFL Draft
The Arizona Cardinals loaded up on rookies with 12 picks in the 2024 NFL draft, but one player stands out in particular. Wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. is expected to play a major role right away on offense as he embarks on what many feel will be a stellar career.
Other Cardinals draft picks could also make a fast impact. It will depend on how quickly all of the rookies can grasp the offense or defense and how the coaching staff wants to use them and determine their playing time.
Cardinals depth chart projection for 2024 NFL draft picks
Where Arizona Cardinals rookies from the 2024 NFL draft project on the team's depth chart:
WR Marvin Harrison Jr. (Round 1, fourth overall): No. 1 wide receiver entering season
EDGE Darius Robinson (Round 1, 27th overall): No. 2 at one defensive end spot
CB Max Melton (Round 2, 43rd overall): No. 2 at one cornerback spot
RB Trey Benson (Round 3, 66th overall): No. 4 running back
OL Isaiah Adams (Round 3, 71st overall): No. 3 guard
TE Tip Reiman (Round 3, 82nd overall): No. 3 tight end
CB Elijah Jones (Round 4, 90th overall): No. 3 at one cornerback spot
S Dadrion Taylor-Demerson (Round 4, 104th overall): No. 3 defensive back
EDGE Xavier Thomas (Round 5, 138th overall): Practice squad
OL Christian Jones (Round 5, 162nd overall): No. 3 tackle
WR Tejhaun Palmer (Round 6, 191st overall): Practice squad
DB Jaden Davis (Round 7, 228th overall): Practice squad
Marvin Harrison Jr. rookie projections
It's clear what Harrison can bring to the Cardinals offense, and he will get every chance to be a starter from Week 1. The most important thing Harrison must do is learn the offense and spend the offseason and training camp building chemistry and working on routes and timing with quarterback Kyler Murray. Offensive coordinator Drew Petzing has said Harrison will have to earn whatever role he has, but the door is wide open for Harrison to be WR1 in 2024.
Darius Robinson rookie projections
The Cardinals have some talented players at outside linebacker and last season, everyone played and was part of a rotation. Robinson should be able to join the rotation within a group with a lot of experience that includes Zaven Collins and Dennis Gardeck. The opportunity is there for Robinson to earn significant playing time.
Max Melton rookie projections
The Cardinals have never backed away from starting a rookie at cornerback, and Melton might end up being the best one in the draft. But there are a lot of more experienced players already on the roster at his position. Melton could start the season as a backup with the potential to work his way up to starter.
Trey Benson rookie projections
Benson has the size and physicality to earn a role, but the Cardinals appear set with James Conner as the starter and Michael Carter the change-of-pace ball carrier. Second-year player Emari Demercado flashed some potential last season, DeeJay Dallas has had opportunities when he was with the Seattle Seahawks and Tony Jones has also had NFL touches. Benson has his work cut out for him.
Isaiah Adams rookie projections
Offensive line depth is crucial and the Cardinals seem to lose a few to injury every season. Adams will have to be ready to step in if his number is called, but he could be more of a developmental project this season.
Tip Reiman rookie projections
There's already been talk of two-tight end formations with rising tight end Trey McBride and Reiman on the field together, Reiman as more of a blocker but in such situations, both players used to help Conner and the running game. McBride is the clear-cut No. 1, and it will be a competition for perhaps two more spots between Elijah Higgins, Travis Vokolek, Blake Whiteheart and Reiman.
Elijah Jones rookie projections
The Cardinals are now loaded with cornerback depth, with 11 on the current roster. Jones provides size to take on tall receivers and the Cardinals use a nickel cornerback often, but maybe only five or six of those 11 will be on the active roster.
Dadrion Taylor-Demerson rookie projections
It's hard to think of any safety outside of Budda Baker and Jalen Thompson starting for the Cardinals, but Thompson was used in a different way last season which could open the door for others at the position. By many accounts, Taylor-Demerson is too good of a prospect not to make the team, but he will have to earn his spot.
Xavier Thomas rookie projections
Thomas has upside but the rush edge position will be hotly contested among veterans and the two rookie draft picks, including Thomas. It'll be an uphill battle to beat out veterans like Victor Dimukeje, Cameron Thomas, Jesse Luketa and BJ Ojulari.
Christian Jones rookie projections
The Cardinals might need some help with their offensive tackle depth, and Jones played a lot of college football at Texas. He'll have veterans like Kelvin Beachum to learn from on the field and in the locker room.
Tejhaun Palmer rookie projections
Palmer might end up being a great find by Cardinals scouts, but can he overcome at least three veterans and a couple of players who had stints on the active roster last season to earn a roster spot? Either way, what he brings to the Cardinals might be enough to keep him around in some capacity.
Jaden Davis rookie projections
Davis can conceivably play safety and cornerback, but he's one of four defensive backs taken in the draft and the Cardinals might be best served by putting him on the practice squad, if they can, to continue his development.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Cardinals NFL draft picks who can make depth chart impact immediately
