The Arizona Cardinals are looking ahead to the 2027 NFL Draft, where they might make another significant investment in their wide receiver corps. After selecting Marvin Harrison Jr. with the fourth overall pick just two years ago, ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr. suggests that the Cardinals could go back to Ohio State to add another standout receiver, Jeremiah Smith, with their top pick.
In a recent mock draft segment featuring Kiper and fellow analyst Field Yates, Kiper projected that the Cardinals would select Smith at No. 4. This prediction comes in a year where the conversation around top quarterbacks is expected to dominate the draft narrative, yet Kiper believes that Smith's talent makes him the best player available. "Jeremiah Smith is the number one player on the board. The quarterbacks aren’t number one," Kiper stated, emphasizing the unique skill set Smith brings to the table.
For the Cardinals, who may still have uncertainties surrounding their quarterback situation next offseason, this decision could be pivotal. Pairing Smith with Harrison, another former Ohio State star, could transform their receiving game. Harrison, despite entering the NFL with high expectations as the first non-quarterback selected in 2024, has had a mixed start to his career. In his rookie season, he recorded 62 catches for 885 yards and eight touchdowns, but his second season was marred by injuries, limiting him to 12 games and resulting in 41 receptions for 608 yards and four touchdowns.
Kiper's confidence in selecting another wide receiver despite Harrison's presence draws parallels to the Detroit Lions' history of drafting multiple first-round wide receivers in the early 2000s. The Lions made several high-profile selections, including Charles Rogers, Roy Williams, and Mike Williams, but none of them became the franchise-altering players the team hoped for. The narrative changed with Calvin Johnson, who was selected second overall in 2007 and went on to become a Hall of Famer, amassing impressive career stats that included six Pro Bowl selections and over 11,600 receiving yards.
Another factor influencing the Cardinals' potential decision is the performance of Carson Beck, whom they drafted in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft after a successful college career at Georgia and Miami. Kiper noted that if Beck demonstrates significant progress this season, it could make the idea of selecting Smith instead of a top quarterback more justifiable. If Beck can establish himself as a reliable starter, adding Smith would provide the Cardinals with another elite weapon alongside Harrison, enhancing their offensive capabilities.
However, if Beck struggles, the Cardinals might feel pressured to prioritize a quarterback with their top-five pick. Kiper's projection reflects a broader strategy: selecting the best player available, regardless of prior investments at the position. This approach could reshape the Cardinals' offense and solidify their receiving corps for years to come.
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