As the Arizona Cardinals look ahead to the 2025 NFL Draft, one of the most pressing areas of focus is the defensive line. With a rebuilding phase underway and a defensive unit that could use reinforcements, the Cardinals must evaluate top talent available in the draft to ensure they strengthen this critical position group. A dominant defensive line is essential for creating pressure on opposing quarterbacks, stopping the run, and setting the tone for the defense as a whole. With the draft just around the corner, the focus on identifying game-changing pass rushers and stout defensive linemen will be key for the Cardinals to build a defense capable of returning to prominence.
This primer will dive deep into the defensive line prospects available in the 2025 NFL Draft, analyzing potential top-tier talent, team needs, and how the Cardinals might approach bolstering their front seven.
The Arizona Cardinals’ Defensive Line: Needs and Challenges
Before diving into the draft prospects, it’s important to understand the current state of the Arizona Cardinals’ defensive line and what needs to be addressed. Over the last few seasons, the Cardinals have struggled to consistently generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks, and their defensive line has been one of the weaker units on the team. While there are some solid contributors, the lack of an elite pass rusher and a dominant presence up front has limited the defense’s ability to disrupt opposing offenses.
Key areas that need to be addressed:
1. Pass Rush
The Cardinals’ inability to consistently get to the quarterback has been a major concern in recent years. While there have been flashes from players like Zaven Collins and J.J. Watt (before his retirement), the pass rush overall has been inconsistent. The 2025 season offers an opportunity to add a true elite pass rusher who can disrupt offenses, create turnovers, and help elevate the overall defensive play.
2. Defensive Tackle Depth
The interior of the defensive line is another area in need of bolstering. L.J. Collier and Jovan Hagan are serviceable but have yet to truly break out and establish themselves as consistent forces. A powerful, run-stopping defensive tackle who can also push the pocket would give the Cardinals a more balanced defensive front.
3. Run Defense
Stopping the run has been another challenge for the Cardinals, particularly in the absence of a dominant presence on the defensive line. The ability to control the line of scrimmage and clog running lanes is vital for any defense, especially in today’s NFL where balanced offenses thrive on both the passing and rushing attacks. Adding a defensive lineman capable of setting the edge and occupying blockers will be crucial.
4. Long-Term Solutions
With the team transitioning to a new regime under General Manager Monti Ossenfort and Head Coach Jonathan Gannon, there is a desire to build a defense that will be effective for years to come. Adding young talent to the defensive line not only addresses immediate needs but also provides long-term stability at a crucial position.
Top Defensive Line Prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft
With the Cardinals’ defensive line needs in mind, here are some of the top defensive line prospects expected to be available in the 2025 NFL Draft. These players could help the Cardinals revamp their front seven and make an immediate impact on the field.
1. Myles Murphy, Edge, Clemson
Height: 6’5”
Weight: 275 lbs
Myles Murphy is one of the top pass-rushing prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft. A physical and explosive edge rusher, Murphy is known for his combination of speed, power, and technical skills. His ability to generate pressure off the edge is what sets him apart, as he has the quickness to bend around tackles and the strength to power through them.
Strengths:
- Elite Pass Rush Ability: Murphy has a relentless motor and an impressive array of pass-rushing moves. He’s a natural playmaker who can disrupt the pocket and create havoc in the backfield.
- Versatility: He can line up both as a traditional edge rusher and as a stand-up linebacker, giving him flexibility in defensive schemes.
- Strong Bull Rush: Murphy can overpower blockers with his strength, allowing him to set the edge against the run while also creating pressure on the quarterback.
Fit for the Cardinals:
The Arizona Cardinals are in need of a true game-changing pass rusher, and Murphy could fill that role immediately. His ability to disrupt the quarterback and change the game would instantly boost the Cardinals’ pass rush. With his versatility and power, he could be a cornerstone piece for the defense, playing an integral role in both pass rush and run defense.
2. Jalen Carter, Defensive Tackle, Georgia
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 310 lbs
Jalen Carter is one of the most dominant interior defensive linemen in the 2025 class. A force in both the run game and the pass rush, Carter is capable of controlling the line of scrimmage and wreaking havoc in the pocket. Playing for one of college football’s top programs, Carter’s production at Georgia has been outstanding, and his combination of size, strength, and athleticism makes him a top prospect.
Strengths:
- Explosive First Step: Carter’s ability to explode off the ball allows him to get into the backfield quickly and disrupt plays.
- Stout Run Defender: He’s difficult to move off the line of scrimmage and excels at clogging running lanes, making him a force in the run game.
- Pass Rush Potential: Carter may be an interior defender, but he also has the quickness and skill to generate pressure on quarterbacks from the inside.
Fit for the Cardinals:
Carter would immediately help the Cardinals’ interior defensive line, where there’s a need for both strength and penetration ability. His combination of power and athleticism could help boost the Cardinals’ ability to stop the run while also providing much-needed interior pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
3. Will Anderson Jr., Edge, Alabama
Height: 6’4”
Weight: 245 lbs
Will Anderson Jr. has been a dominant force for the Alabama Crimson Tide, and he’s widely regarded as one of the top prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft. An elite edge rusher with a high motor, Anderson is known for his relentless pursuit of the quarterback and his ability to impact the game at any moment. His combination of speed, strength, and technique makes him a top-tier prospect.
Strengths:
- Elite Pass Rush: Anderson is a true game-changer when it comes to rushing the passer. His ability to generate pressure from the edge is exceptional, and he can dominate offensive tackles with his combination of speed and technique.
- High Football IQ: He’s a smart player who is capable of reading offensive linemen and adapting his rush based on what the offense gives him.
- Run Defense: Anderson also contributes as a run defender, using his speed and awareness to contain the edge and disrupt plays in the backfield.
Fit for the Cardinals:
Adding a player like Anderson would elevate the Cardinals’ pass rush to another level. His ability to consistently pressure quarterbacks would complement the team’s pass defense and make life difficult for opposing offenses. Given the Cardinals’ need for an edge rusher, Anderson would be an excellent fit.
4. Tyleik Williams, Defensive Tackle, Ohio State
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 315 lbs
Tyleik Williams has the potential to be one of the top defensive tackles in the 2025 draft. A massive interior presence, Williams is a powerful run stuffer with a surprising amount of athleticism for his size. While he may not have the pass rush potential of some other top defensive line prospects, Williams is a wrecking ball in the middle and would instantly improve any team’s ability to stop the run.
Strengths:
- Run Stopping: Williams excels at clogging the line of scrimmage and plugging running lanes, making him a nightmare for opposing running backs.
- Power: He has the strength to move offensive linemen off the ball and take up space in the middle of the defensive line.
- Versatility: While Williams may be best suited as a traditional 3-4 defensive tackle or 4-3 defensive tackle, his size and skill set allow him to play a variety of roles along the defensive front.
Fit for the Cardinals:
The Cardinals’ run defense has been an area of concern, and Williams’ addition could go a long way in strengthening the front seven. His ability to clog up the middle and eat up blockers would allow the linebackers to make plays and free up pass rushers to get after the quarterback.
The Arizona Cardinals are in prime position to select a top-tier defensive lineman in the 2025 NFL Draft, and the impact of that pick could be significant for the future of the franchise. Whether they go for a dominant edge rusher like Myles Murphy or Will Anderson Jr. or opt for a disruptive interior force like Jalen Carter or Tyleik Williams, the goal should be clear: improve the pass rush, strengthen the run defense, and build a line that can consistently control the line of scrimmage.
With their current needs and a strong draft class, the Cardinals are well-positioned to add an impact player on the defensive line who will help them rebuild into a competitive force in the NFC West. The choice of who they select will depend on how they value pass rush versus run defense, but one thing is clear: whoever they draft will need to have the ability to disrupt and change the game from day one.
