Cardinals Consider Trading Down Again: Monroe Freeling Emerges as Draft Target

The Arizona Cardinals find themselves in a familiar position as the NFL Draft approaches, holding the third overall pick and contemplating whether to trade back for additional assets. According to a new mock draft projection, the Cardinals may repeat their successful 2023 strategy of moving down from the third selection.

Last year, Arizona traded the third pick to Houston, ultimately selecting offensive tackle Paris Johnson after maneuvering back up the draft board. The move proved prescient, as Johnson developed into a reliable starter while the Cardinals accumulated valuable additional picks.

This year's scenario involves a projected trade with the Dallas Cowboys, sending the third pick to Dallas in exchange for the 12th overall selection and a third-round pick. While the compensation seems light compared to previous similar trades, the strategy reflects Arizona's continued emphasis on building through the trenches.

The Cardinals' 2023 trade with Houston netted significantly more value, including the 12th pick, the 33rd pick, and Houston's first and third-round selections the following year. That deal provided a blueprint for how teams can maximize value when trading from premium positions.

With their hypothetical 12th pick, Arizona would target Georgia offensive tackle Monroe Freeling, whose stock has risen steadily throughout the draft process. The 6-foot-7, 315-pound tackle brings impressive athleticism to the position, recording a 4.93-second 40-yard dash, 33.5-inch vertical jump, and 9-foot-7 broad jump at the combine.

"He looks like a giant tight end with the way he can move and bend," observed an SEC defensive line coach. "He's a very impressive big athlete. He's still pretty raw and gets off-balance and isn't great with his hands, but all the tools seem to be there."

Freeling's physical measurements stand out even in a league filled with athletic specimens. His nearly 35-inch arms and 11-inch hands provide the length and grip strength crucial for pass protection. Despite starting only one season at Georgia's left tackle position, his natural ability and athletic profile have caught evaluators' attention.

The Cardinals' potential interest in another offensive lineman reflects their commitment to protecting quarterback Kyler Murray and establishing a dominant running game. However, the strategy raises questions about addressing other roster needs, particularly pass rush depth.

Arizona's pass rush struggled significantly last season, with four players combining for just 5.5 sacks opposite Josh Sweat. This glaring weakness makes the prospect of passing on elite pass rushers available at third overall particularly concerning for some observers.

The draft's top pass rushing prospects would provide immediate impact potential that could transform Arizona's defense. Trading back means potentially missing out on generational talents who could anchor the pass rush for years to come.

Yet the Cardinals' philosophy under general manager Monti Ossenfort emphasizes building a strong foundation through the offensive and defensive lines. This approach prioritizes long-term stability over flashy skill position additions.

Freeling's development curve presents both opportunity and risk. While his athletic tools suggest significant upside, his relative inexperience starting at the collegiate level means he may require time to reach his potential. The Cardinals would be betting on their coaching staff's ability to maximize his natural gifts.

The SEC coach's assessment highlights both Freeling's promise and current limitations: "He needs to keep getting stronger" while noting his balance and hand technique require refinement.

For a Cardinals team still building toward contention, the question becomes whether trading back provides better long-term value than selecting an impact player at third overall. The 2023 precedent suggests Arizona believes in accumulating assets and targeting specific players rather than simply taking the highest-rated prospect available.

As the draft approaches, the Cardinals face a critical decision that could shape their franchise trajectory. Whether they stay put or trade back again, their choice will reflect the organization's vision for sustained success in an increasingly competitive NFC West division.