Former Kansas State CB Projected to Arizona Cardinals in Latest Mock Draft: A Rising Star on the Verge of the NFL
As the 2025 NFL Draft draws closer, mock drafts from analysts across the football world continue to provide a glimpse into the potential futures of college football’s brightest stars. One name that keeps surfacing in these projections is Kansas State cornerback Will Lee III. In the latest round of mock drafts, Lee is projected to be selected by the Arizona Cardinals—an intriguing pairing that could signal a major turning point for both player and franchise.
Will Lee’s journey from junior college standout to Big 12 playmaker has been anything but conventional. Originally from the Midwest, Lee took the road less traveled by starting his collegiate career at Iowa Western Community College, where he turned heads with his size, speed, and instincts. After two strong seasons and multiple offers from Power Five programs, he committed to Kansas State, betting on himself and a program known for maximizing talent and developing hard-nosed defensive players.
At Kansas State, Lee quickly made an impact. Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing just over 190 pounds, he fit the mold of the modern NFL cornerback—long, rangy, and athletic. But it wasn’t just his physical attributes that made scouts take notice. Lee showed an advanced understanding of route concepts, excellent recovery speed, and the ability to play both man and zone coverages. During his time in Manhattan, he lined up against some of the best wideouts in the Big 12 and routinely held his own, often shadowing the top targets of opposing offenses.
Lee’s breakout season came in 2024, his final year with the Wildcats. In a conference known for explosive offenses and high-octane passing games, Lee recorded four interceptions, 14 pass deflections, and 42 total tackles. But beyond the box score, his film told the real story. He displayed poise in high-leverage situations, rarely committed penalties, and emerged as a vocal leader in the Kansas State secondary. His performance earned him All-Big 12 honors and the attention of NFL scouts.
As the draft process ramped up, Lee received an invite to the Senior Bowl, where he competed against top-tier wide receivers from across the country. That week in Mobile, Alabama, Lee solidified his status as a Day 2 prospect, impressing teams with his technique, physicality, and competitive edge. He followed it up with a strong showing at the NFL Combine, where he ran a 4.45-second 40-yard dash, posted a 38-inch vertical leap, and looked fluid in position drills. By the time Pro Days and individual team visits rolled around, Lee had built considerable momentum, and his name began to climb up draft boards.
Now, as the draft nears, prominent analysts are beginning to project him as a potential third-round pick, and the Arizona Cardinals appear to be one of the top suitors. For the Cardinals, cornerback remains a position of need. In recent years, Arizona has struggled to find consistency in the secondary, particularly in coverage against elite receivers. Injuries and inconsistent play have plagued the position group, leaving the team vulnerable in key moments. Drafting a prospect like Lee would inject youth, energy, and long-term upside into the defense.
From a schematic standpoint, Lee’s skill set is an excellent match for what the Cardinals want to do under head coach Jonathan Gannon. Gannon, known for his defensive acumen and emphasis on aggressive back-end play, relies heavily on corners who can press at the line of scrimmage, disrupt timing, and hold up in single coverage. Lee’s physical style, coupled with his ability to mirror receivers and transition smoothly in and out of breaks, makes him a natural fit. He could immediately compete for reps in nickel and dime packages while developing into a starting-caliber outside corner in the near future.
Arizona’s interest in Lee also aligns with a broader strategy of building through the draft and identifying under-the-radar prospects who can outperform their draft slot. The Cardinals have several picks in the middle rounds and could look to use one of them to grab a high-upside defender like Lee, who not only checks the athletic boxes but brings a mature, chip-on-his-shoulder mentality that fits the culture Gannon is trying to establish.
For Lee, the opportunity to land with a team like the Cardinals could be the ideal scenario. Unlike some teams where rookies are buried on the depth chart behind veterans, Arizona offers a realistic path to early playing time. The Cardinals are in a rebuild mode, but one focused on youth development and defensive identity. That environment would allow Lee to grow under the guidance of a coaching staff that values teaching and player development, all while competing for meaningful snaps.
Beyond his on-field potential, Lee brings intangibles that NFL teams covet. Coaches and teammates at Kansas State speak highly of his work ethic, preparation habits, and leadership qualities. Despite being a JUCO transfer, he quickly earned the respect of the locker room and embraced the responsibility of setting a tone for younger players. That maturity and accountability are traits that often translate well to the next level, particularly in challenging NFL environments.
It’s also worth noting that Lee’s ability to contribute on special teams could further boost his value. Many young corners make their initial impact in the NFL covering kicks and punts, and Lee’s speed, length, and tackling ability would make him a valuable addition to special teams units from Day 1. That versatility gives him a higher floor as a draft pick, providing a way to get on the field while he refines his craft as a cornerback.
In a draft class loaded with talent at wide receiver and offensive tackle, some defensive backs like Lee are flying a bit under the radar. But those who have studied his tape closely see a player who could become a fixture in an NFL secondary. His trajectory resembles that of other corners who weren’t selected in the first round but went on to have highly productive careers—players like Rasul Douglas, Charvarius Ward, or even former Cardinal Byron Murphy, who developed into a reliable starter after entering the league as a mid-round pick.
Of course, nothing is guaranteed in the NFL, and Lee will have to earn everything he gets. The jump from college to the pros is steep, and even talented corners can struggle with the speed, precision, and complexity of NFL offenses. But Lee has shown that he’s willing to bet on himself, put in the work, and rise to the occasion—traits that have served him well throughout his football journey.
As mock drafts continue to evolve in the final days leading up to the real thing, Lee’s stock seems steady and trending upward. The buzz around his name isn’t just hype—it’s the result of a body of work that combines production, potential, and character. Whether it’s the Cardinals or another team that ultimately pulls the trigger, it’s clear that Will Lee III is ready for the next step.
For Arizona, a team that needs to fortify its defense and find young playmakers to build around, Lee could be a valuable piece of the puzzle. And for Lee, the opportunity to wear Cardinal red would be the culmination of a long, winding journey that began in junior college dorm rooms and small-town stadiums, and now leads to the grandest stage in football.
As draft night approaches, fans in Arizona and beyond should keep a close eye on Will Lee III. He may not be the flashiest name in this year’s class, but he could very well become one of its most impactful players—and if the latest mock draft holds true, he’ll get his chance to prove it in the desert.
