How NFL.com Grades Cardinals 2023 Rookie Class

ARIZONA - The Arizona Cardinals' future in 2024 and beyond looks exciting, partly thanks to their strong inaugural rookie class under general manager Monti Ossenfort and head coach Jonathan Gannon. 

NFL.com's Eric Edholm graded each of the NFC West squads and their respective 2023 class - with Arizona finishing with a "B" for their performance. 

Edholm first dove into No. 6 overall pick Paris Johnson:

"Roughly one quarter of the Cardinals' roster this season was composed of rookies, who combined for an NFL-high 64 starts this past season. None were immediate stars, but Johnson started every game at right tackle and seemed to play some of his best ball down the stretch after some early struggles," he said. 

"His mass, athleticism and aggressive temperament overshadowed the trouble he had, and Johnson looks like the Cardinals' left or right tackle of the future."

Johnson wasn't the only big piece added to the offense, as Michael Wilson also showed fans what could possibly be in store in the future.

"The other major offensive contributor was Wilson, who flashed big-play ability (14.9 YPC) in a big frame (6-foot-2 and 213 pounds). He might never be a No. 1 option for Kyler Murray, but Wilson played well, despite an injury taking a chunk out of his first season," wrote Edholm.

Flipping sides of the ball, he highlighted just how impactful Arizona's rookies were on defense:

"Defensively, all five draft picks contributed in significant ways. Ojulari was a deep reserve the first half of the season but broke out down the stretch, with three of his four sacks coming in Week 10 or later, and he should be eying a starting role in 2024. Stills also made his impact felt, starting eight games in a solid debut, even if his impact waned with increased snaps. Pappoe started a game in Week 16 but wasn't heard from much on defense before December," Edholm said.

"Williams returned from a torn ACL to play solidly. He has the appearance of someone who can be a starter next season, looking facile in coverage, but injuries have followed him. Clark started at corner before Williams was cleared to play but struggled at times and saw his reps decrease, outside of two late-season starts when he was pressed into duty. Thomas had a few moments (five passes defended) but also struggled roundly and must take a jump in Year 2."