Arizona Cardinals Roster Issues Can Be Traced Back to Steve Keim, Kliff Kingsbury Drafts
The Arizona Cardinals’ roster issues in recent seasons have been a subject of much discussion among fans and analysts alike. While injuries and a revolving door at key positions have contributed to the team’s struggles, many believe that the root of the problem can be traced back to the drafting decisions made during the tenures of former general manager Steve Keim and former head coach Kliff Kingsbury.
Keim and Kingsbury were tasked with building a competitive team around quarterback Kyler Murray after drafting him first overall in the 2019 NFL Draft. However, despite some early success, the duo’s drafting strategies left the Cardinals with several holes on their roster. One of the most glaring issues has been the lack of long-term success from their draft picks, particularly in the early rounds.
Several of Keim’s top draft selections failed to make a significant impact in Arizona. Notably, first-round picks such as linebacker Haason Reddick, wide receiver Josh Doctson, and defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche didn’t pan out as expected, leading to a lack of depth and talent at key positions. Even the selections of Murray and safety Budda Baker, two standout players, haven’t been enough to compensate for the overall inconsistencies.
Under Kingsbury’s leadership, the team’s drafts were also criticized for prioritizing offensive talent at the expense of the defense. While the Cardinals invested in playmakers like wide receiver Rondale Moore and tight end Trey McBride, they failed to adequately address their defensive needs, which has been evident in their struggles on that side of the ball. This imbalance left the team vulnerable in crucial games, and it has been a recurring issue.
The lack of development and sustainability from these drafts has had a lasting impact on the Cardinals. Despite flashes of brilliance, they’ve struggled to maintain consistency, leading to an underperforming roster that has been unable to compete at the highest level in a tough NFC West division.
As the Cardinals move forward under new leadership, addressing the deficiencies left behind by the Keim-Kingsbury era will be crucial. The team must hit on future draft picks and find ways to fill the gaps that have been created by past mistakes if they hope to build a roster capable of sustained success in the NFL.