Arizona Cardinals Max Melton is Most Important Defensive Rookie for 2024

Arizona Cardinals have a lot of work to do after the effective, yet losing, 2023 season. After going 4-13, the Cardinals have infused the roster with a bunch of young talent through free agency and the draft. On the defensive side of the ball, Darius Robinson, Max Melton, and Xavier Thomas could be integral parts of the defense from day one. While it seems like a lot to handle as a rookie, the Arizona Cardinals roster is comprised of plenty of veterans to help the rookies adjust more quickly than in years past. This is far from a "Marco Wilson drafted in the 4th round and thrust into action too early due to poor roster construction" situation. There are three main X-factors regarding rookies on the defensive side of the ball. The most important one is Max Melton. The Cardinals haven't had a bonafide CB1 in years. Could he be the guy? Also, first round pick Darius Robinson is also a big X-factor for the Cardinals in 2024 as they look to improve on their dismal pass rushing performance in 2023. Finally, with Budda Baker, although still incredibly relevant, pushing 30 years old, Texas Tech's Dadrion Taylor-Demerson, or Rabbit, could be in the best position to succeed right away of all the defensive rookies in 2024. Why? Imagine being able to learn from Budda Baker and Jalen Thompson every day. Those three rookies could be a part of something great for a long time for the Arizona Cardinals. Will it start right away in 2024 or take some time? Let's discuss. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!eBay MotorsFor parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit at eBayMotors.com. Let’s ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply.GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNFL for $20 off your first purchase. Terms Apply.FanDuelFanDuel, America’s Number One Sportsbook. Right now, NEW customers get TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS BETS with any winning FIVE DOLLAR BET. That’sTWO HUNDRED BUCKS you can use to bet everything from the Finals MVP to who's going to hit one out of the park!Visit FANDUEL.COM/LOCKEDONand add a big win to your summer bucket list! FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Birdgang Travel ClubBirdgang Travel Club provides the best and only fan travel experience for Cardinals road games.This Season in Buffalo, Green Bay, and Miami.Visit Birdgang.com to see all the packages today! Payment Plans available!Use the code “lockedon” to receive a bonus signed mystery mini helmet or football from a current Cardinals player or alumni while supplies last. (1 per package)Find and follow Locked On Cardinals on your favorite podcast platforms:   Apple https://apple.co/3gzT6PgSpotify https://spoti.fi/3wsOL7aAudacy https://bit.ly/3xdaqjUStitcher https://bit.ly/3cFWffnGoogle https://buff.ly/2yH7WOlMegaphone https://bit.ly/2RUBlC5x