Cardinals Aim High: Projecting Arizona’s First-Round Fortunes in the 2025 NFL Draft
The Arizona Cardinals, armed with the 16th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, stand at a fascinating crossroads. After an 8-9 season in 2024, a significant improvement from previous years, the team, led by general manager Monti Ossenfort and head coach Jonathan Gannon, appears to be on the cusp of contention. This places immense importance on their draft selections, particularly their first-round pick, to inject immediate talent and solidify their trajectory. With the draft just days away, the speculation surrounding their potential targets is reaching fever pitch.
Examining the Cardinals’ roster, several key areas stand out as potential needs. While the defensive front seven has seen significant upgrades through free agency, the secondary, particularly the cornerback position, remains a pressing concern. The team’s reliance on a zone-heavy defensive scheme further emphasizes the need for versatile and athletic cornerbacks who can excel in coverage. On the offensive side, bolstering the wide receiver corps to provide more weapons for quarterback Kyler Murray could elevate their offensive firepower. Additionally, while the running back duo of James Conner and Trey Benson has shown promise, adding depth and a potential long-term solution at the position could be on the radar.
Considering these needs and the landscape of the 2025 NFL Draft, several projections have emerged regarding the Cardinals’ first-round selection. One prominent name consistently linked to Arizona is Texas cornerback Jahdae Barron. Barron’s versatility, having played multiple positions in the secondary for the Longhorns, aligns perfectly with the Cardinals’ defensive philosophy. His impressive 2024 season, where he did not allow a single touchdown in coverage according to Pro Football Focus, coupled with his athleticism showcased by a 4.39-second 40-yard dash at the combine, makes him an enticing prospect. Many analysts believe Barron’s ability to play both outside and in the slot could provide immediate flexibility and a significant upgrade to the Cardinals’ secondary.
Another cornerback frequently mentioned in connection with the Cardinals is Michigan’s Will Johnson. Despite a turf toe injury that may have slightly impacted his draft stock, Johnson is widely regarded as one of the premier cornerback talents in this class. His size at 6-foot-2, combined with his instincts and ball skills, has drawn comparisons to potential shutdown corners in the NFL. While the Cardinals have addressed the defensive line, the opportunity to add a top-tier talent like Johnson, should he be available at pick 16, might be too good to pass up, potentially solidifying their secondary for years to come.
Beyond cornerback, the possibility of the Cardinals addressing their need for an edge rusher early in the draft cannot be dismissed. Although they added veterans like Josh Sweat and Calais Campbell in free agency, these may be short-term solutions. Investing in a young, high-upside edge defender could provide a long-term cornerstone for their pass rush. Players like Penn State’s Abdul Carter or Georgia’s Jalon Walker, both possessing impressive athleticism and pass-rushing potential, could be in consideration if the Cardinals opt to strengthen their defensive front further.
On the offensive side of the ball, the selection of a wide receiver in the first round remains a possibility, although less frequently projected than defensive needs. With Marquise Brown now in Kansas City, adding another dynamic playmaker to complement Trey McBride and Michael Wilson could be beneficial for Kyler Murray. Arizona’s own Tetairoa McMillan, a towering receiver from the University of Arizona, has been mentioned as a potential target. His size, ball skills, and ability to create explosive plays could provide Murray with a much-needed big-bodied target. Other receivers who might be on the Cardinals’ radar if they choose to go offense include Ohio State’s Emeka Egbuka or LSU’s Malik Nabers, although the latter is expected to be off the board well before pick 16.
Interestingly, some mock drafts have even linked the Cardinals to defensive tackles like Ole Miss’s Walter Nolen or Michigan’s Mason Graham. While the Cardinals have invested in the defensive line, the opportunity to add a disruptive interior force could be appealing, especially considering the impact a dominant defensive tackle can have on the entire defense. Nolen’s speed and power, or Graham’s high motor and run-stopping ability, could provide a significant boost to the Cardinals’ interior defensive line.
Ultimately, the Arizona Cardinals’ approach in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft will provide a significant indication of their immediate aspirations and long-term vision. Whether they prioritize bolstering their secondary with a top cornerback, adding a dynamic pass rusher, or providing more offensive firepower for Kyler Murray, their selection at pick 16 will be closely scrutinized and will undoubtedly shape the trajectory of their franchise in the seasons to come. Given their recent improvement and the perceived depth of talent in this draft, the Cardinals have a prime opportunity to land a difference-maker who can contribute immediately and help propel them further into contention in the NFC West. The coming days will reveal which direction they ultimately choose to take.
