Defense is the name of the game in the NFL, even as high offenses get more explosive each year. For the Arizona Cardinals, that statement was all too true in the 2024 season, as an elite offense could not escape the shackles of a downright bad defense. With adjustments coming this offseason, the team is hoping for a better year in 2025.
However, for one analyst, the changes might be in vain as they end up missing the postseason yet again. As a result, he believes enhancing the offense is the way forward for Arizona, with a perfect complement for Marvin Harrison Jr. on his radar in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Arizona Cardinals Leaning More on Offense in 2026 NFL Draft?
Despite an offense that ranked in the top five of PFSN’s Offense+ metric, the Cardinals’ wide receiver room was severely lacking last season. Outside of tight end Trey McBride, no player crossed the 1,000-yard mark, with Harrison leading the pack at 885 yards.
The lack of consistent receiving threats beyond Harrison became painfully obvious throughout the season. Kyler Murray often found himself forcing throws into tight coverage because reliable options simply weren’t available. This created a predictable offense that opposing defenses could easily game plan against.
More wide receiver production is an absolute necessity to bring the best out of Murray. Mat Miller believes that needs to be Arizona’s number one focus come the 2026 NFL Draft.
Predicting them to pick 14th, Miller has the Cardinals targeting Antonio Williams out of Clemson, as the ideal player alongside Harrison’s big frame and play style. After 904 yards and 11 touchdowns last year, it’s easy to see why Miller is excited about the Tigers’ product.
Enjoy 59 seconds of Cade Klubnik and Antonio Williams being absolutely electric for @ClemsonFB last season 🏈#TouchdownTuesday pic.twitter.com/PZXF12T0yi
— Clemson Athletics (@ClemsonTigers) July 1, 2025
In his mock draft, Miller described Williams as his “current WR1 after a 75-catch, 11-touchdown season as a sophomore in 2024.” For the Cardinals, he might be the perfect choice for one simple reason.
“At 5-foot-11, 190 pounds, Williams is a quick shifty wideout who has the ability to play outside and in the slot. That would make him an ideal complement to the bigger Harrison,” Miller explained.
Williams’ versatility could unlock Murray’s full potential. While Harrison excels at contested catches and red zone targets, Williams would provide the underneath reliability and slot presence that Arizona desperately missed. The combination could create matchup nightmares for opposing secondaries.
Defense Still the Priority for Cardinals According to PFSN Analyst
Not everyone is on board with Miller’s idea of the Cardinals focusing on offense. The latest mock draft from PFSN, curated by analyst Max Dorsey, for instance, has them shoring up their defensive line by adding edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. with the 11th overall pick.
For a bottom-five unit on PFSN’s Defense+ metric, Bain would be a welcome addition. Arizona’s pass rush generated minimal pressure throughout 2024, allowing opposing quarterbacks to pick apart their secondary with ease.
“At 6’3″, 275 pounds, there’s no questioning that Bain has NFL size. Despite only entering his junior season at Miami, Bain is already a developed pass rusher with a deep arsenal of moves,” Dorsey noted.
Combining his instincts to reach the quarterback with unique versatility at his stature, Bain could be the perfect choice for Arizona’s defense. His ability to rush from multiple positions would give defensive coordinator Nick Rallis the flexibility he needs to create pressure packages.
The Cardinals allowed 22.3 points per game in 2024, ranking closer to league average. While their offense kept them competitive in many games, the defense consistently put them in difficult positions. A game-changing pass rusher like Bain could address their most glaring weakness.
While both units could use some tinkering, defense is the clear-cut need for the Cardinals, making Bain a more immediate necessity for the roster. The question becomes whether Arizona can afford to pass on offensive help when their receiving corps remains so thin beyond Harrison.
