WR DEPTH A BIG QUESTION

There’s no sugarcoating it—if the Arizona Cardinals are serious about making a playoff push in 2025, they’re going to need more than just a shiny new WR1.

Yes, Marvin Harrison Jr. is the real deal. He’s the kind of guy who can elevate an offense almost by himself. But football isn’t a one-man show, and right now, the Cardinals' wide receiver room feels like it has a solid front, but questionable depth behind it. It’s promising, sure. But promising doesn’t win you games in January.

A Strong Top Line, But What Lies Beneath?

Marvin Harrison Jr., Michael Wilson, and Greg Dortch make for a strong top three. Harrison brings stardom and expectation. Wilson showed big-play ability in 2023, averaging nearly 15 yards per catch. And Dortch—steady, reliable, underrated—is a coach's dream in the slot.

Then it gets murky. Zay Jones and Chris Moore bring veteran presence, but their best days might be behind them. Tejhaun Palmer and Xavier Weaver are intriguing, but they’re still question marks at best. It’s a depth chart that starts hot and cools off quickly.

The Injury Factor

Here’s the reality: injuries happen. They happen often. One turned ankle or pulled hamstring, and suddenly you’re throwing to a guy who was battling for a roster spot in August. If the Cardinals are going to take the next step, they need WR insurance that can actually step in and contribute—not just take up a jersey.

Draft Smarter, Not Sooner

There’s no need to burn another first-rounder on a wide receiver. That ship sailed with Harrison. But looking at the later rounds? That’s where the Cardinals could quietly build something special. Drafting a young, hungry receiver with upside provides injury insurance and long-term value. It's a low-risk, high-reward play that playoff-bound teams make every year.

Free Agency? Maybe. But the Draft is Better.

Free agents are out there, but they often come with mileage or price tags that don't quite fit. The draft, on the other hand, offers fresh legs, rookie deals, and the chance to mold a player into your system. If you're trying to future-proof your offense, it's the way to go.

Final Word

This wide receiver room has a strong foundation, but it's a couple of reliable contributors away from being playoff-ready. Banking on health and breakout performances from fringe players isn't a plan—it's a hope. The smart move? Draft a wideout with upside in the later rounds. It’s not flashy, but it’s forward-thinking. And it might just be the missing piece to get the Cardinals over the hump in 2025.