Many are very optimistic about the future of the Arizona Cardinals, especially with Kyler Murray at quarterback. However, looking ahead over the next three years, their outlook is not as good as many would believe, at least based on ESPN’s new future power rankings.
They rated team rosters, quarterback, coaching, front office and draft.
The Cardinals are surprisingly low, coming in at No. 22 overall.
Why they’re here: The Cardinals are a team with the chance to outperform this ranking due to the projected brilliance of quarterback Kyler Murray. But expectations are a bit more tepid than his scintillating rookie season would suggest for the franchise simply because the roster remains a work in progress around him (offensive line and secondary), plus the Cardinals play in what should be regarded as the best division in football. — Yates
Biggest worry: The stability and consistency of the front office is what will determine whether this franchise can maintain what appears to be positive momentum heading into the future. For every Kyler Murray “hit” in the draft, there can not be a Josh Rosen “debacle.” Until that is the case, the Cardinals will be treading water in the bottom half of the overall rankings. — Riddick
Looking ahead: I actually like this roster more than I thought I would. Chandler Jones didn’t get enough help on defense a year ago, but he’ll have more balance around him. Depth at tight end, guard and defensive end could use a lift in the near future, and GM Steve Keim should prep for the loss of Patrick Peterson eventually. He’s 30 and is entering a big contract year. If the Cardinals don’t want to pay him, time to go young. — Fowler
Based on their ratings, Murray was the only reason they were ranked that high. The Cardinals’ quarterback situation was the only area in which they ranked in the upper half of the league, ranking 11th. The overall roster outside of Murray was ranked 24th, the coaching was 23rd, the draft 17th and the front office 22nd.
The stability of the front office is in question, although it appears Steve Keim has security. He is close with team owner Michale Bidwill, although another bad season could change things.
The coaching staff must rank that low considering Kliff Kingsbury’s lack of experience. However, he more than proved he has the chops to coach in the NFL.
This ranking overall seems a bit low but that will change if they show that the roster additions they made will change things on defense.
The Cardinals still need to prove it.
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Ep. 267
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