Second-year head coach Kliff Kingsbury was able to improve the Arizona Cardinals record in year two, going from 5-10-1 to 8-8. But, his team got off to a 6-3 start and were unable to make the playoffs.
Quarterback Kyler Murray played well, especially as a runner, as he rushed for 819 yards and 11 touchdowns, but he also showed improvement as a passer with a better completion rate, TD/INT ratio, and QB rating than his rookie year. But overall, the passing game was stagnant compared to what it could be with DeAndre Hopkins leading the way.
Cardinals 2021 Draft Picks
Round 1: No. 16, LB Zaven Collins
Round 2: No. 49, WR Rondale Moore
Round 4: No. 136, CB Marco Wilson
Round 6: No. 223, CB Tay Gowan
Round 7: No. 243, S James Wiggins; No. 247, C Michal Menet
Team needs
Offense
Kliff Kingsbury needs to get a bit more innovating with his passing offense to get receivers open, but he could also use another playmaker who isn’t near retirement age. They might not grab a first-rounder this year, but they need depth after many of their receiver picks haven’t lived up to the hype.
Kyler Murray did well to escape pressure and keep the numbers of sacks down, but with a pass first offense, they need to give him more time in the pocket. Murray did have trouble with getting passes knocked down last season as well. A more efficient run game along with upgrades at offensive line would do wonders for the offense.
Defense
Patrick Peterson wasn’t the same cornerback last season and then he moved on in free agency leaving an obvious hole at corner. Overall, their defense played better than most expected, ranking ninth in pass defense DVOA and 12th in run defense DVOA. They also added Malcolm Butler and J.J. Watt, but they still need that No. 1 cornerback of the future.
Dream first pick
CB, Jaycee Horn, South Carolina