In
the latest projection from The Athletic following week 14, the Cardinals remain in the #2 spot. In fact, the top four did not change since last week.
Their model may have Arizona with fractionally fewer projected wins than New England, but as we know, if they end up with the same record, the Cards would actually pick after the Patriots by virtue of strength of schedule. Similarly, if the current 5-win teams (Giants, Bears, Chargers, Titans, Jets) finish with the same record, their
current strengths of schedule would have them drafting in that order, rather than the order shown below.
Team | Projected Wins | Playoff Chance |
---|
1. Carolina -> Chicago | 2.9 | Eliminated |
2. Arizona | 3.9 | Eliminated |
3. New England | 4.1 | Eliminated |
4. Washington | 4.8 | Eliminated |
5. LA Chargers | 5.6 | 0.0% |
6. NY Giants | 5.6 | 0.5% |
7. Tennessee | 6.2 | Eliminated |
8. NY Jets | 6.3 | Eliminated |
9. Chicago | 6.6 | 2.4% |
10. Las Vegas | 7.1 | 1.2% |
The Athletic sees the Bears taking a QB at #1
only if they clean house. "If you’re going to give up on a soon-to-be 25-year-old quarterback like Fields, whom you’ve really never had a plan for, who’s to say the exact same thing won’t happen again?"
If the Patriots miss out on one of the top two QBs, they see a trade down for more assets as a likely move. "There shouldn’t be panic in New England if the Patriots fall out of the top two and miss on Williams and Maye, especially if the franchise moves on from Bill Belichick." "New England has three picks in the top 70, but having four or five would look a lot better — a trade might be the play. With or without a new coach, this draft is a great opportunity for a fresh start."
As for the Cardinals:
Top needs: WR, Edge
The Cardinals can move off Kyler Murray this year, but it won’t be simple. Additionally,
as I outlined last week, the Cardinals do have some promising young pieces on the roster and own more draft ammo than anyone this year. There may not be a team in the NFL with a bigger opportunity to flip its lot in life than Arizona.
Murray’s best years as a pro came with DeAndre Hopkins, so if Arizona can land Marvin Harrison Jr., that’s the move. If not, the Cardinals should consider trading down — even with all those picks already banked. They can cross off a ton of boxes in this draft. The Cardinals could keep Murray and aim to be next year’s version of the 2023 Texans.
Regarding the Commanders, they write: "[W]ith five picks in the top 100, Washington should be targeting the No. 1 or No. 2 slot via trade [for a QB]."