The Arizona Cardinals made a smart and affordable move this week in bringing in James Conner for a very low $1.75 million one-year contract.
Conner has been good in Pittsburgh for the Steelers where he appeared in 50 games (33 starts) and ran for 2,302 yards and 22 touchdowns on 532 carries (4.3-yard avg.) along with 124 receptions for 963 yards and four touchdowns. He was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2018 after rushing for 12 touchdowns (tied for the third-most in the NFL that season) and 973 yards while catching 55 passes for 497 yards a touchdown in 13 games (12 starts). That same year, Conner became the first player in NFL history to have four games in a single season with 100+ rushing yards, 50+ receiving yards and a touchdown.
The question now is should that change how the Cardinals look at the 2021 NFL Draft?
For the team, they still need a long-term answer at the running back position, as both Conner and Chase Edmonds will be free agents in 2022.
They need cornerbacks as well, as they only have Robert Alford and newly acquired Malcolm Butler to go with Byron Murphy and Murphy is the only one under contract for 2022.
Then there is the edge rusher position, where they have the returning from injury Chandler Jones, who is also a free agent in 2022.
Conner is a nice fit for 2021, but he doesn’t change anything the team needs to do in the draft.
If the Cardinals feel like Najee Harris, Travis Etienne, Javonte Williams will be the long-term fit at running back then they should draft them.
If the team feels like Jaelen Phillips, or Azeez Ojulari, or Jayson Oweh are the pass rusher for the future, then they should draft them.
What are your thoughts?
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