While trading down is widely the talk of pre-draft discussions there’s another possible scenario if the Cards truly want Simpson. I think there’s now been exposed enough interest in Simpson that moving up from 34 to 27, as some have suggested, likely would not secure him.
I have warned the 2027 QB pool may be overrated based on the required forward movement guys like Sayin would have to make for it to be a power group. Beyond Manning I’m not yet convinced that potential isn’t more common than accomplishment. That said 2027 may well be an historically strong overall draft. Since the 2026 draft is almost universally viewed as very weak, picks in the upcoming draft are devalued, but 2027 picks will be highly sought.
With virtually everyone believing the Cards are in for a rough season their 2027 second round pick projects to be unusually valuable. What would offering a marginally valuable pick 34 and next year’s second round pick get the Cards? A traditional trade value chart would put those 2 picks worth around 1100, which would buy you pick 14. Assuming no one is taking Simpson in the top 10, where are the threats to grab him. It would seem the Jets, Steelers and I’m hearing Rams would be the top suitors, holding picks 16, 21 & 13 respectively.
Unfortunately the Jets have picks to burn. The Rams will always sacrifice picks for immediate gratification. I think the best teams at drafting exercise discipline. The Cards need to, before the draft, assign a value to Simpson that they will pay. The heat of the draft can easily turn it into an auction. This may result in a severe overpay if a team is not disciplined. They don’t have to jump to pick 14 immediately, but they must know their limit. Maybe they believe Simpson is worth more than the two picks I’ve suggested, but they should not make that call in the heat of battle.
The next question is for whom does pick 34 work. This is where pools are important. So, which pools are deep enough to have quality players left at 34. The consensus seems to be WR & IOL are the strongest pools. Therefore the Dolphins at 11 and the Ravens at 14 therefore would be the best trade partners. To get to 11 the Cards would likely have to throw in a third, maybe 2027. There is always the possibility that another team values a specific player and would gamble. What the Cards would expend is the type of decision that should be made pre-draft.
Also maybe the Cards can trade down from pick 3, like with Dallas. The weakness of this draft probably means the 2 firsts would probably be all they get. I’d take that deal if they want Simpson. It would enable them to still get a decent RT prospect. It would also facilitate trading up to 7, 8 or 9 if they felt it was worth it to get Simpson. The 2027 third would be enough.
The up coming draft is critical. AZ needs to literally hold their would be Cards close to their vest. They should be aggressive, but not severely mortgage their future.
I have warned the 2027 QB pool may be overrated based on the required forward movement guys like Sayin would have to make for it to be a power group. Beyond Manning I’m not yet convinced that potential isn’t more common than accomplishment. That said 2027 may well be an historically strong overall draft. Since the 2026 draft is almost universally viewed as very weak, picks in the upcoming draft are devalued, but 2027 picks will be highly sought.
With virtually everyone believing the Cards are in for a rough season their 2027 second round pick projects to be unusually valuable. What would offering a marginally valuable pick 34 and next year’s second round pick get the Cards? A traditional trade value chart would put those 2 picks worth around 1100, which would buy you pick 14. Assuming no one is taking Simpson in the top 10, where are the threats to grab him. It would seem the Jets, Steelers and I’m hearing Rams would be the top suitors, holding picks 16, 21 & 13 respectively.
Unfortunately the Jets have picks to burn. The Rams will always sacrifice picks for immediate gratification. I think the best teams at drafting exercise discipline. The Cards need to, before the draft, assign a value to Simpson that they will pay. The heat of the draft can easily turn it into an auction. This may result in a severe overpay if a team is not disciplined. They don’t have to jump to pick 14 immediately, but they must know their limit. Maybe they believe Simpson is worth more than the two picks I’ve suggested, but they should not make that call in the heat of battle.
The next question is for whom does pick 34 work. This is where pools are important. So, which pools are deep enough to have quality players left at 34. The consensus seems to be WR & IOL are the strongest pools. Therefore the Dolphins at 11 and the Ravens at 14 therefore would be the best trade partners. To get to 11 the Cards would likely have to throw in a third, maybe 2027. There is always the possibility that another team values a specific player and would gamble. What the Cards would expend is the type of decision that should be made pre-draft.
Also maybe the Cards can trade down from pick 3, like with Dallas. The weakness of this draft probably means the 2 firsts would probably be all they get. I’d take that deal if they want Simpson. It would enable them to still get a decent RT prospect. It would also facilitate trading up to 7, 8 or 9 if they felt it was worth it to get Simpson. The 2027 third would be enough.
The up coming draft is critical. AZ needs to literally hold their would be Cards close to their vest. They should be aggressive, but not severely mortgage their future.
