Arizona moved down three spots in the 2015 second round,…
Arizona moved down three spots in the 2015 second round, sending No. 55 to Baltimore for Nos. 58 and 158. The Ravens selected tight end Maxx Williams, while the Cardinals landed edge rusher Markus Golden and later used the fifth-rounder on Shaquille Riddick. Williams became a useful NFL tight end, but Golden's pass-rush production gave Arizona the strongest outcome by a wide margin.
Arizona Cardinals Received
- pick 2015 2nd round pick (58th overall, Markus Golden)
- pick 2015 5th round pick (158th overall, Shaquille Riddick)
Baltimore Ravens Received
- pick 2015 2nd round pick (55th overall, Maxx Williams)
Trade Analysis
Why the Deal Happened
Baltimore wanted to secure tight end Maxx Williams before another club could take him. The Ravens moved from No. 58 to No. 55 and paid Arizona the 158th pick to close the gap. Arizona was comfortable sliding only three spots, giving the Cardinals an extra selection without leaving the same portion of the second round.
What Each Side Received
Baltimore used No. 55 on Williams. Arizona used No. 58 on Markus Golden and No. 158 on Shaquille Riddick. The structure favored Arizona from the beginning because the Cardinals added a fifth-round pick while moving only three spots, but the ultimate grade depends on what those players became.
How the Value Developed
Williams was a legitimate contributor, not a bust. He played four seasons for Baltimore and started 21 games, with his best receiving season coming as a rookie. Golden, however, became the transaction's difference-maker. He produced 12.5 sacks in his second season and developed into a durable NFL edge defender, ultimately recording more than 50 career sacks. His first Arizona stint alone supplied substantially more high-end defensive value than Baltimore received from Williams. Riddick added little, but Arizona did not need the extra pick to carry the trade.
Why Arizona Gets the Edge
The Cardinals won both the price and the player outcome. They stayed in nearly the same draft neighborhood, gained another pick and selected the best long-term player involved. Baltimore's reasoning was sound because tight end was a need and Williams was highly regarded, so a harsh failing grade would overstate the miss.
Final Verdict
Arizona earns an A- for turning a three-slot move down into Markus Golden plus an extra selection. Baltimore receives a C+ because Williams had useful seasons, but the Ravens paid to move up and still came away with less long-term value. The Cardinals win clearly.