Monti Ossenfort Arizona Cardinals
Getty
Looking at who an NFL insider chose as the best draft pick in Arizona Cardinals franchise history.
With the 2026 NFL Draft less than two weeks away, Arizona Cardinals fans are hoping to find a franchise-altering pick. The kind of pick who could become the key player the Cardinals rebuild around for years to come.
The NFL Draft is a chance to dream about the future. It’s also a good time to look back on the history of a franchise, and that’s exactly what Matt Verderame of Sports Illustrated did, picking out the best draft pick in the history of each NFL franchise.
Larry Wilson Was Named as the Greatest NFL Draft Pick in Arizona Cardinals History
Arizona Cardinals NFL Draft
GettyArizona Cardinals NFL Draft
The Arizona Cardinals were founded in 1898 in Chicago, making a stop in St. Louis before the move to Arizona. That foundation was decades before the first NFL Draft even took place in 1936. So, there are more than a few picks in franchise history to choose from there.
Verderame decided to go with arguably the best player in franchise history, who opened a new era for the franchise in St. Louis, Larry Wilson.
“Despite being an original member of the NFL, the Cardinals don’t have as many terrific selections as more than 100 years might suggest,” Verderame said. “However, they nailed their seventh-round choice in 1960, selecting Wilson from the University of Utah. Inventor of the safety blitz, Wilson was a five-time first-team All-Pro and an eight-time Pro Bowler, credited with 52 interceptions and (unofficially) 21 sacks.”
Larry Wilson was a seventh-round pick, going No. 74 overall. At the time, there were just 12 picks per round, with a much smaller league. So, with 20 rounds in total, that was still a relatively early pick.
All Wilson would turn around and do was have a Hall of Fame career as a safety. That included winning Defensive Player of the Year in 1966 and being named an All-Pro player in six different seasons.
Wilson was considered an innovative player at the safety position. In particular, for how he was used as a blitzer. Defensive coordinator Chuck Drulis was the coach credited with the innovation, which Wilson was the ideal player for. At the same time, he was a phenomenal ballhawk, with a 10-interception season in 1966. He is even noted for intercepting a pass while wearing casts on both hands due to broken wrists. Wilson is still the franchise’s all-time leader in interceptions.
Following his playing career, Wilson would work as a scout, VP, and general manager for the Cardinals until 2002.
Given all of that success, it’s no surprise that he’s now in the Arizona Cardinals Ring of Honor and had his No. 8 jersey retired by the team. It’s also no surprise that he was named the best draft pick in franchise history.
Arizona’s Plans for the 2026 NFL Draft
Mike LaFleur Arizona Cardinals
GettySeveral Arizona Cardinals players have shared their thoughts on Mike LaFleur and his attempt to challenge them at the start of offseason activities.
The Arizona Cardinals now have a major decision to make as they look to begin a rebuild. That’s what to do with the No. 3 overall pick this year. Back in 2004, the Cardinals were able to use that same pick on a franchise-altering player in Larry Fitzgerald, but making that decision this year is going to be difficult.
There have been some rumors that the Cardinals could be trading down, looking to stockpile draft picks. ESPN NFL Draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. has even publicly advocated for a trade down.
“Arizona holds the key to this entire draft after the first two picks in my opinion,” Kiper said. “Because they, to me, are a trade down option. I think Arizona is going to be a team I’m going to look at and say ‘That was a little too high for an offensive tackle.’ Or, do they take somebody else and throw a little curveball in there?”
If Arizona does decide to hold onto the pick, there are a few different questions about how they could use that pick. Offensive line and edge rusher are both clear positions of need. As is quarterback, though that may be a stretch at No. 3 overall this year.