The Arizona Cardinals, one of the NFL’s oldest franchises, have had their share of ups and downs in the draft over the decades. But amid the inconsistencies, they’ve also landed some incredible talent that has shaped the identity of the team. NFL experts recently highlighted eight of the best draft picks in Cardinals history—players who not only excelled individually but also made a lasting impact on the franchise.
At the top of most lists is Larry Fitzgerald, the third overall pick in 2004. Arguably the greatest Cardinal of all time, Fitzgerald ranks second in NFL history in receiving yards and receptions, and his loyalty to the team is legendary. Another standout is Patrick Peterson, selected fifth overall in 2011. He quickly became one of the league’s premier shutdown cornerbacks, earning multiple Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors.
Aeneas Williams, a third-round pick in 1991, also makes the list. Though under-the-radar at the time, Williams turned into a Hall of Fame cornerback and safety, known for his intelligence and ball skills. The team also struck gold with Anquan Boldin in 2003, a second-round pick who won Offensive Rookie of the Year and later helped the Cardinals reach Super Bowl XLIII.
More recently, Budda Baker (2017) has become a defensive leader, and Kyler Murray, the No. 1 overall pick in 2019, brought hope to the quarterback position. Rounding out the list are Dan Dierdorf (1971), a Hall of Fame offensive lineman, and Roger Wehrli (1969), another Hall of Fame cornerback who was a key part of the “Cardiac Cards” defense.
These eight picks represent the best of Arizona’s draft-day success stories—players who not only lived up to expectations but left a lasting legacy in Cardinals h
istory.
