Bruce Cooper plays Cardinals GM

By Bruce Cooper

You know what time it is! It’s that time of the year when I play Arizona Cardinals general manager for a day. As usual I will address free agency and the draft. With that said let’s get this party started!
Tight end Trey McBride isn’t a free agent. He has one more year remaining on his rookie contract but let’s get real. I’m signing him to an extension that will place him among the top-5 paid tight ends in the league.

Cardinals free agents I re-sign includes the following:
Will Hernandez-OL
Jackson Barton-OL
Aaron Brewer-LS
Greg Dortch-WR
Kyzir White-ILB
Baron Browning-OLB
Dennis Gardeck-OLB
Roy Lopez-DL

Outside free agents signed:
Chase Young—DL—6’5, 265—(25 years old)–Young brings much needed pash rush pressure off the edge to a Cardinals team in dire need of pass rush help. With the Saints this past season Young tallied 7-sacks, 66 pressures, 47 hurries, 12 hits and 2 batted passes.

Levi Onwuzurike—DL—6’3, 290—(26 years old)—Onwuzurike brings pass rush presence from the interior. With the Lions last season Onwuzurike posted 3-sacks, 45 pressures, 29 hurries, 13 hits and 1-forced fumble.

Mike Williams—WR–6’4, 218—(30 years old)—Williams was a deep ball, big play receiver with the Chargers before an ACL injury in the 2023 season. He split time with the Jets and Steelers last season. He was targeted 34 times, hauled in 21 passes for 298 yards and one touchdown. Williams (another year removed from his injury) is a deep ball tracking, jump ball weapon and big-play threat the Cardinals desperately need to add to their offensive attack.

The draft:
Round Player
1 Tyler Booker—OL–6’5, 325—Alabama–Booker will settle in at left guard next to tackle Paris Johnson jr. Booker has strong hands and is powerful at the point of attack. He is a solid run blocker and very sound in pass protection, allowing only one sack in three years at Alabama.

* (Trade 3rd round 2025 pick and 2nd round 2026 pick to New England for 2nd round 2025 pick #36 overall)

2 (From Patriots) Savion Williams—WR–6’5, 225—TCU–Williams is a bigger, taller, faster and more athletic version of 49ers receiver Deebo Samuel. Williams can be utilized in the wildcat, as a running back, receiver, wide receiver reverse, pass off of wide receiver reverse. Williams caught 60 passes this past season for the Horned Frogs for 611 yards and 6 touchdowns. He’s a dynamic athlete who can help open up Cards offense with explosive plays.

2 Kyle Kennard—OLB—6’5, 255—South Carolina—Kennard showcases an explosive burst off the edge. He led the SEC this past season in sacks with 11.5 and tackles for loss with 15.5. In addition, he forced 3 fumbles and recovered two.

3 (Pick to Patriots)

4 Cody Simon—LB–6’2, 235—Ohio State—Simon is a very aggressive player who flies to the ball. He brings some much-needed pass coverage skills to the position. He had 112 total tackles, 51 solo with 7 sacks and 7 pass break ups this past season for the national champion Buckeyes.

5 Xavier Truss—-OL—6’7, 310—Georgia–Truss has the versatility to play both tackle and guard. He has good size and length and is a force in the running game. Good development prospect.

6 (Pick to Broncos)

7 (Pick to Panthers)