Heading into his second season in the desert, Jonathan Gannon is looking to help the Arizona Cardinals build off a four-win campaign last season. With plenty of holes left on the roster and a depth chart largely still up for grabs, the 2024 season will help show where the Cardinals are in their rebuild.
A full season of Kyler Murray would be a great first step for the offense, which was often maligned as Arizona's franchise quarterback made his return from a torn ACL. Adding Marvin Harrison Jr. with the fourth overall selection in April gives Murray a top target, one that likely will see a ton of work right out of the gate.
With a young roster that needs to figure out its identity, there could be a few surprises who make big-time impacts for the Cardinals this season. Here are two options from that group who could make the most noise come September.
Pass rush in good hands with B.J. Ojulari
As a former defensive coordinator, Gannon came to Arizona from the Philadelphia Eagles looking to instill a strong defensive approach. And while the second-year coach has not had a chance to build it out yet, an incumbent player like B.J. Ojulari is poised to help Gannon realize his vision with the Cardinals.
Heading into only his second season, the former LSU Tiger recorded four sacks as a rookie. Having only seen 35 percent of all defensive snaps, Ojulari was quite efficient despite having only seen 35 percent of all defensive snaps, recording 40 tackles on the year.
With Ojulari and Zaven Collins anchoring the pass rush, along with 2024 first-round selection Darius Robinson, a lot will be asked of this group. As Ojulari looks to build off his rookie campaign, an eight-sack season is not outside the real of possibility.
Is Michael Wilson a building-block wide receiver?
Offensively, the Cardinals' duo of Murray and Harrison will likely be a work in progress over the course of the upcoming season. But with Harrison needing to acclimate to the NFL as a rookie, he will need a running mate—which is where Michael Wilson comes in.
Entering his second season in the league, Wilson enjoyed a fairly successful start to his career with the Cardinals, catching 38 passes for 565 yards and three touchdowns. Drafted in the third round last year out of Stanford, Wilson is a tall threat (6’2) in the passing game, potentially profiling as a jump-ball option in the red zone.
In an offense likely to be playing from behind often, Wilson should see his workload increase as a sophomore. While a 1,000-yard campaign is likely out of reach and unreasonable, settling in around 60 receptions, 800 yards and five TDs would mark a really solid season for Wilson.
While Harrison will command the headlines in his debut season, Wilson would do just fine flying under the radar. Though Harrison and tight end Trey McBride will get more headlines offensively, look for Wilson to make even more of a name for himself in 2024.
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