Arizona’s draft selections for each round of the 2025 NFL Draft are listed here.

A Deep Dive into the Arizona Cardinals’ 2025 NFL Draft Selections

With the 2025 NFL Draft just around the corner, the Arizona Cardinals find themselves in a crucial phase of team building. Armed with six selections across the draft’s seven rounds, the Cardinals are poised to make moves that could significantly shape their future. After a 2024 season marked by flashes of potential and glaring areas of need, Arizona’s front office—led by general manager Monti Ossenfort and head coach Jonathan Gannon—will aim to use this draft to reinforce a young roster hungry for a postseason push.

Here’s a round-by-round breakdown of the Cardinals’ picks and how they could use them to address their most pressing needs.

**Round 1, Pick No. 16 Overall**

The Cardinals hold the 16th overall selection, giving them access to one of the top-tier talents in the 2025 draft class. This pick falls squarely in the middle of the first round—often a sweet spot for franchises looking to land Pro Bowl-level players without the financial pressure of a top-5 selection.

**Primary Targets:**
– **Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU** – A dynamic deep threat who could immediately open up the field for Kyler Murray.
– **Jer’Zhan “Johnny” Newton, DT, Illinois** – Arizona needs help stopping the run, and Newton is a plug-and-play interior defender.
– **Troy Fautanu, OL, Washington** – Versatile and physical, Fautanu could start at guard and transition to tackle if needed.

Given the state of the offense, especially at wide receiver following the departure of DeAndre Hopkins, adding an explosive pass catcher to pair with Murray could take precedence.

**Round 2, Pick No. 47 Overall**

Second-round picks often become high-quality starters, and Arizona’s pick at No. 47 offers a chance to land a cornerstone player at a critical position.

**Key Needs in Focus:**
– **Offensive Line** – Protecting Kyler Murray must be a top priority. Guard and center are thin, and players like Christian Mahogany (Boston College) or Jackson Powers-Johnson (Oregon) could be targets here.
– **Edge Rusher** – If a player like Chris Braswell (Alabama) slips to the middle of the second round, Arizona would likely pounce. They need more juice off the edge.

**Round 3, Pick No. 78 Overall**

In the third round, the Cardinals can look to secure developmental talent or target players who fell due to injury or positional depth.

**Possible Selections:**
– **Brenden Rice, WR, USC** – If they don’t land a wideout in Round 1, the son of Jerry Rice is a compelling option here. Strong hands, football IQ, and polished routes define his game.
– **Tyler Davis, DT, Clemson** – A high-motor player who could fit nicely in Arizona’s defensive rotation.
– **Malik Mustapha, S, Wake Forest** – With Budda Baker’s future uncertain, drafting a safety with starting potential wouldn’t be surprising.

**Round 4, Pick No. 115 Overall**

Round 4 is where smart teams separate themselves. This pick can yield valuable contributors on special teams or future starters with the right coaching and development.

**Sleepers to Watch:**
– **Javon Foster, OT, Missouri** – A developmental left tackle who has flashed elite pass-protection potential.
– **Ray Davis, RB, Kentucky** – Arizona’s backfield needs complementary pieces, and Davis brings a power running element.
– **Jaden Hicks, S, Washington State** – Another versatile safety who can play in the box or deep.

**Round 5, Pick No. 152 Overall**

Fifth-round picks often go toward players with one standout trait—speed, size, or production—and coaches hope to mold the rest.

**Names to Consider:**
– **Johnny Wilson, WR/TE, Florida State** – At 6-foot-7, Wilson is a matchup nightmare with red-zone upside.
– **Kalen King, CB, Penn State** – A ballhawk corner who regressed slightly in 2024 but has Day 2 tape.
– **Michael Pratt, QB, Tulane** – If the Cardinals want to add depth behind Murray, Pratt is a tough, accurate backup with leadership traits.

**Round 7, Pick No. 225 Overall (via Jets/Chiefs)**

The Cardinals round out their draft haul with a pick acquired through a series of trades involving the New York Jets and Kansas City Chiefs. Seventh-rounders often face uphill battles to make the 53-man roster but occasionally blossom into key role players or special teams standouts.

**Late-Round Flyers:**
– **Jalen Green, LB, James Madison** – Undersized but instinctive, Green could thrive on special teams.
– **Brock Bowers’ Backup, Georgia** – Arizona might take a swing on a tight end from Georgia’s deep TE room.
– **DJ James, CB, Auburn** – A proven SEC corner who could be a value steal if he slips this far.

**Top Team Needs Heading into the Draft**

**1. Wide Receiver**
Following the 2024 season, it became clear that Kyler Murray lacked a true No. 1 target. Marquise Brown has speed but isn’t consistent enough to be the focal point of the passing game. Expect Arizona to prioritize this position early, especially if they believe the offense should be retooled around Murray.

**2. Defensive Tackle**
The Cardinals struggled mightily against the run, finishing near the bottom of the NFL in rush yards allowed. A space-eating, athletic DT is critical for new defensive schemes, especially if Gannon continues leaning on his Philadelphia-style hybrid fronts.

**3. Interior Offensive Line**
The guard and center positions remain unresolved. In a division with dominant interior defenders like Aaron Donald (if he returns) and Javon Hargrave, protecting the A-gap is non-negotiable. Adding competition up front is a must.

**4. Edge Rusher**
Pass rush has been a concern since Chandler Jones’ departure. Young talents like BJ Ojulari have shown promise, but Arizona still lacks a consistent double-digit sack artist.

**5. Cornerback**
Marco Wilson was inconsistent in coverage, and while Garrett Williams impressed as a rookie, more depth is necessary. A mid-round corner with length and instincts could add immediate value.

**Draft Strategy: Rebuilding with Intent**

Arizona has built a reputation over the last few drafts for making calculated, character-driven picks. In 2023, the team selected Paris Johnson Jr. to anchor the offensive line—a move that’s aging well. The Cardinals are now in the second phase of a multi-year rebuild and must approach this draft with a clear identity: surround Kyler Murray with talent, build defensive depth, and identify locker room leaders.

This year’s class is considered deep in offensive line, wide receiver, and cornerback prospects—all positions that fit Arizona’s needs. It’s possible that Ossenfort could trade down from No. 16 to acquire additional capital, but staying put and taking a blue-chip prospect may be more advantageous.

**What Success Looks Like for the Cardinals**

Success in the 2025 draft won’t be measured just by rookie production. For a rebuilding team like Arizona, it’s about finding long-term contributors—players who grow into starters, leaders, and difference-makers. Landing a wideout who pairs well with Murray, a trench player to anchor the defense, and a few late-round special teams contributors would constitute a successful draft weekend.

Arizona fans should keep a close eye on potential trades, as the front office has been known to maneuver aggressively when targeting “their guy.” With six picks, the team has the flexibility to move up or down depending on how the board falls.

The 2025 NFL Draft is a pivotal moment for the Arizona Cardinals. With Kyler Murray returning to form and a young roster in place, this draft could serve as the launching pad for the next competitive chapter in franchise history. Each selection, from the first-round headline grabber to the seventh-round sleeper, matters in the grand scheme of a rebuild.

If Arizona nails this draft class—especially at wide receiver, defensive tackle, and offensive line—they could take a major step forward in 2025. With a smart front office, a QB under contract, and a stable coaching staff, the pieces are beginning to align. Now it’s about execution.