Since Kyler Murray exploded onto the scene with an Offensive Rookie of the Year–worthy first season, the Arizona Cardinals haven’t matched their quarterback’s success. Part of that has been due to health and injuries, but the roster around Murray hasn’t always been elite.
Even last season, while the offense functioned well, the defense was nowhere to be found. This offseason, Arizona spent a lot of capital reinforcing that side of the ball. Still, with a focus on the present, one analyst believes it might not be enough in just one year, which could lead to grabbing the ultimate weapon for their QB in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Arizona Cardinals Could Build One-Two Punch in Wide Receiver Room via 2026 NFL Draft
The offense and quarterback aren’t major concerns for the Cardinals. Last year, they finished 8-9, and their offense ranked fifth in the entire NFL according to PFSN’s Offense+ metric. With a steady ground game and passing attack, Arizona was consistent in moving the ball.
Murray stayed healthy and posted a solid season, ranking 16th on the QB+ metric. But the defense was the problem. Arizona fielded a bottom-five unit and couldn’t get enough stops.
As a result, they spent the offseason upgrading that side of the ball, adding veterans like Josh Sweat, Calais Campbell, and Dalvin Tomlinson. In the 2025 NFL Draft, they doubled down, using all but one pick on defense.
Still, according to the latest mock draft from PFSN, that might not be enough. NFL Draft analyst Brentley Weissman has Arizona picking 11th in the 2026 NFL Draft and believes the Cardinals could use another top-tier receiver to elevate their offense.
#Clemson WR Antonio Williams was a favorite of mine coming into this past year, and nothing seems to be changing
Explosive, dynamic, and fast. I love his game@a_williams2022 pic.twitter.com/gJ4Htkb5Jn
— Hail Mary Sports (@hailmarysportss) April 25, 2025
Weissman has Clemson’s Antonio Williams as the first wide receiver off the board. Heading into his fourth season with the Tigers, Williams took on a lead role last year and delivered right away.
He totaled 75 catches for 904 yards, averaging 12.1 yards per reception, with 11 touchdowns. Weissman called him a “savvy route runner” and praised his speed and separation skills.
“Williams would be a great fit with the Cardinals and would give them two talented pass catchers in Williams and Marvin Harrison Jr. Williams’ ability to play inside and outside would give Arizona the ability to get creative with their personnel groupings.”
Last season, no Cardinals wide receiver crossed the 1,000-yard mark. Harrison led the team with 885 yards. Adding Williams would give Arizona another weapon and a legitimate three-headed threat in the passing game.
