The 2022 NFL draft is now in the books and I begin my breakdown of each team's IDP draft class. We start with the Arizona Cardinals where I look at who they drafted and the potential impact these rookies can have. From the top overall pick to Mr irrelevant, I will cover every IDP drafted.
Cameron Thomas, DE, San Diego State (3rd Round 87th Pick)
The Cardinals had a major need for a pass rusher when veteran Chandler Jones left in free agency to join the Las Vegas Raiders. Arizona didn’t address the need during free agency and instead elected to fill that hole in the draft. In the 3rd round, they selected Cameron Thomas, who was the MWC Defensive Player of the Year, where he led the conference in TFLs (20½) and was second in sacks (10½). Thomas posted a 1.878 big play grade in my IDP rookie grading system, which was third among all defensive ends. It will be a sizeable step up in competition for Thomas, but he has all the tools to be a solid pass rusher in the NFL. He also has the size that could allow him to play inside. With only aging veteran JJ Watt and projected starter, Zach Allen who’s entering his third season, there are solid opportunities for Thomas to challenge right away for playing time.
Myjai Sanders, DE, Cincinnati (3rd Round 100th Pick)
Arizona doubled down in the third round selecting pass rushers and this time they drafted Myjai Sanders who helped lead Cincinnati to a near Bowl game upset of Georgia in 2020 and their first-ever College Playoff appearance last season. Sanders burst onto the scene during his junior season, where he led the Bearkats in TFLs (10½) and sacks (7). His numbers fell off last season, but that was mostly due to the change in how he was used. Then he showed up for the combine far underweight of what he usually played at and didn’t test as well as expected. This caused him to slide in the draft and allowed the Cardinals to swoop in and get him at a value. Sanders has the size, frame, and speed to be a solid pass rusher at the next level and he will compete with fellow rookie Cameron Thomas for a possible significant role. Don’t be surprised if either or both start at some point this year.
Christian Matthew, DB, Valdosta State (7th Round 244th Pick)
The Cardinals took a late-round flyer on a prospect with good height, weight, and speed measurables in Christian Matthew. You can never have too many defensive backs and with Matthew’s size and length, there’s a base to build off of. He recorded 15 PBUs last season at Valdosta State, so you can see he’s a disruptive player in pass defense. If he can make the roster, he’ll have a long climb up the depth chart. I don’t see him developing into anything more than a depth/special teams player.
Jesse Luketa, LB, Penn State (7th Round 256th Pick)
Arizona used another late-round pick on Jesse Luketa who developed into a nice early-down thumper for the Nittany Lions. He’s a tweener in size, who made the switch from OLB to defensive end last season. Luketa saw an increase in his production after making the position switch. He plays with maximum effort and is a hard worker, which helped him overachieve. Luketa has some potential upside as an outside rusher, but with the other two edge rushers that Arizona selected earlier in the draft, Luketa has an uphill battle making the roster.
Thanks for reading my article. I am a member of the FSWA (Fantasy Sports Writers of America). Follow me on Twitter at @HollywoodTitan, on Facebook on my IDPNation page, on Reddit in the fantasy football IDP sub — I’m user KingTitan1 — and tune in each week and listen to IDP Nation and Devy IDP Grind, the podcasts that I co-host, on several different platforms. Feel free to hit me up with any questions, as I’m always glad to help fellow IDPers. #IDPNation #IDP #IDPDevy.
