With Kyler Murray back under center and rookie Marvin Harrison Jr. joining the offense, the Arizona Cardinals finished the 2024 season with an 8–9 record. While the win total wasn’t enough to make the playoffs, the team showed signs of progress under head coach Jonathan Gannon.
Harrison led the receiving group, while other key contributors included Zay Jones, Michael Wilson, and Greg Dortch. But heading into 2025 and beyond, Arizona appears focused on continuing to add weapons for Murray—especially through the 2026 NFL Draft.
Arizona Cardinals Projected To Draft Zachariah Branch
In a recent three-round 2026 mock draft, the Cardinals are projected to select wide receiver Zachariah Branch with the 47th overall pick. Branch, one of the most explosive playmakers in college football, recently transferred from USC to Georgia ahead of the 2025 season.
The Bulldogs are expected to be national title contenders again, and Branch could be a featured piece in their offense and return game.
Transfer wide receiver Zachariah Branch (5’10, 185) will be one of the more intriguing players to watch this season at Georgia.
All-American as a true freshman. Has all the athleticism, twitch, and YAC ability you could hope for. Easy to work into a gameplan. pic.twitter.com/6IkLD6846v
— Kyron Samuels (@kyronsamuels) May 7, 2025
Branch transferred to Georgia alongside his brother, safety Zion Branch, on Jan. 5, 2025. The two began their careers at USC, where Zachariah steadily developed into one of the most dynamic players in the Pac-12.
Branch’s Production and Versatility
In 2023, Branch caught 31 passes for 320 yards and one touchdown. He also added a rushing score on nine carries, finishing with 70 rushing yards as a true freshman. His receiving stats took a step forward in 2024, with 47 receptions for 503 yards and two touchdowns. His yards-per-catch improved slightly from 10.3 to 10.7.
While he’s not a huge red-zone threat, Branch’s speed and shiftiness give him serious value in space. That makes him a great fit for Arizona’s offense, especially if paired with Harrison and Murray.
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Branch also made a big impact on special teams during his first year at USC. He returned 16 punts for 332 yards and a touchdown, along with a 96-yard kickoff return touchdown. He finished his freshman year with 442 return yards and was named a Freshman All-American for his all-purpose performance.
It remains to be seen if Georgia will give him the same return duties, but his ability in that area could boost his draft stock.
Marvin Harrison Jr.’s Rookie Year in Review
The Cardinals’ current top wideout is 22-year-old Marvin Harrison Jr., who wrapped up a solid rookie season. He hauled in 62 catches for 885 yards and eight touchdowns. While he didn’t record a 100-yard game in the three matchups where he had 10 or more targets, he still showed flashes of becoming an elite No. 1 receiver.
Arizona knows the value of surrounding Murray with playmakers. With Harrison entering Year 2 and tight end Trey McBride continuing to emerge, adding a receiver like Branch could elevate the offense to another level.
Building Around Kyler Murray
The Cardinals have made it clear that Kyler Murray remains their franchise quarterback. After returning from injury in 2024, Murray had stretches where he looked like his former Pro Bowl self. But to get the most out of his skill set, Arizona needs more explosive threats—and that’s where a player like Branch comes in.
His ability to line up in multiple spots, contribute on special teams, and stretch the field makes him an ideal complement to Harrison and McBride. The Cardinals may have been under .500 last year, but with a smart draft and more continuity, they could take a major step forward in 2025 and beyond.
