Cardinals Gear Up for 2025 NFL Draft: An Updated Look at Their Picks
As the air crackles with anticipation and the final preparations are made across the league, the Arizona Cardinals stand poised to significantly shape their future in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft. Entering draft week, the Cardinals, under the guidance of their general manager and coaching staff, hold a compelling array of draft capital, providing them with ample opportunities to address crucial needs and inject talent into their roster. This updated list of their selections reflects trades made, compensatory picks awarded, and the natural order determined by their performance in the preceding season. For Cardinals fans, this draft represents a pivotal moment, a chance to acquire the foundational pieces that will drive the team’s success in the years to come.
Currently, the Arizona Cardinals are slated to make a total of ten selections in the 2025 NFL Draft. This substantial number of picks offers considerable flexibility, allowing the team to navigate the draft board strategically. Their haul includes their own original picks in the first, second, third (two), fourth, fifth, sixth (two), and seventh rounds, along with an additional seventh-round compensatory pick. This distribution across the various rounds ensures that the Cardinals will have multiple bites at the apple throughout the three-day event, increasing their chances of landing impactful players at various stages of their development and cost-effectiveness.
The crown jewel of their draft capital is undoubtedly their first-round pick. As it stands, the Cardinals hold the fourth overall selection in the draft. This coveted position places them in an enviable spot, likely within range of some of the most highly touted prospects in this year’s class. Depending on how the draft unfolds in the initial selections, the Cardinals could have their pick of elite offensive or defensive playmakers. Potential targets at this juncture could include a top-tier quarterback if they deem it necessary to secure their long-term future under center, an explosive wide receiver to elevate their passing game, or a dominant pass rusher to bolster their defensive front. The decision they make with this pick will set the tone for their entire draft and could have a profound impact on their trajectory.
Moving into the second round, the Cardinals possess their original selection. Picking early in the second round, they will still have access to a pool of high-caliber players who slipped out of the first round or who represent excellent value at this stage. This pick could be used to address a need that wasn’t filled in the first round or to double down on a position of emphasis. For instance, if they opted for an offensive weapon in the first round, they might look to solidify their offensive line or secondary with their second-round choice. Conversely, if they prioritized defense early on, they could target a dynamic offensive player to provide a spark.
The third round is particularly interesting for the Cardinals as they currently hold two selections. This abundance of picks in the third round provides them with significant leverage. They could use these picks to target two players who they have graded similarly to early second-round talents or package these picks to potentially move up the board if a player they covet begins to slide. Alternatively, they could address two distinct positional needs, further fortifying their depth and adding potential starters to their roster. The strategic use of these third-round picks will be crucial in maximizing their draft haul.
In the middle rounds, specifically the fourth and fifth, the Cardinals will continue their efforts to build a well-rounded team. These rounds are often where teams find solid contributors and potential sleepers who can develop into key players. The Cardinals will likely be targeting players who possess specific skill sets that fit their schemes and who demonstrate a high level of football intelligence and work ethic. These picks are vital for adding depth at various positions and identifying players who can contribute on special teams.
The sixth round sees the Cardinals with two more selections. At this stage of the draft, teams are often looking for players with intriguing raw talent or those who can provide valuable depth and competition at their respective positions. These picks can also be used to take flyers on players with specific traits that the coaching staff believes they can develop. Finding a diamond in the rough in the later rounds can be a significant boost to a team’s overall roster construction.
Finally, the Cardinals have two seventh-round picks, including a compensatory selection. While the odds of finding a long-term starter in the seventh round are lower, these picks are still valuable assets. They can be used to select players with special teams upside, developmental prospects with unique physical tools, or even local players who could provide valuable depth and contribute to the team’s culture. Compensatory picks, like the one the Cardinals possess, are awarded to teams that have lost more valuable free agents than they have signed in previous offseasons, providing an extra opportunity to add talent.
Entering draft week with this collection of picks, the Arizona Cardinals are well-positioned to make significant improvements to their roster. The flexibility afforded by having multiple selections in the early and middle rounds allows them to adapt to how the draft unfolds and address their most pressing needs. Whether they choose to focus on one side of the ball early or spread their selections across various positions, the 2025 NFL Draft holds immense potential for the Arizona Cardinals to build a stronger and more competitive team for the upcoming season and beyond. Cardinals fans will undoubtedly be watching closely as their team navigates the draft board, hoping to see the emergence of future stars who will help lead their franchise to greater heights. The strategic decisions made in the coming days will be critical in shaping the Cardinals’ destiny.
