The Arizona Cardinals have a challenging task ahead of them as they approach the 2025 NFL Draft. With a franchise that has experienced its fair share of ups and downs in recent years, this draft offers an opportunity for the Cardinals to reset and build a foundation for sustained success. While the team has the potential to make significant strides, the draft presents a multifaceted challenge, one that will require the team’s decision-makers to navigate through a variety of needs, player evaluations, and strategic decisions. Let’s break down what the Cardinals have ahead of them, their needs, the challenges they face, and what kind of players they should target in the 2025 NFL Draft.
1. The Cardinals’ Current State: A Team in Transition
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the Arizona Cardinals find themselves at a critical juncture. They have gone through a tumultuous few years, including a coaching change, key roster moves, and struggles on the field. The team is clearly in the middle of a rebuild, looking to improve both its offense and defense. The Cardinals have had trouble finding consistency at the quarterback position and other crucial spots on the roster. This makes the 2025 draft especially important, as it could shape the future of the franchise.
In 2024, the Cardinals finished with a losing record, but there were some positive signs, especially in the development of young players and the potential for the team’s new head coach to instill a new culture. The team’s front office is under pressure to deliver a successful draft, as the roster is still far from being competitive on a consistent basis. Building for the future requires careful evaluation and strategic moves.
2. Areas of Need for the Arizona Cardinals
Heading into the 2025 NFL Draft, the Cardinals have a number of positions that need attention. A key part of their success will be filling those gaps with talented, well-rounded prospects who can contribute immediately or develop into future cornerstones for the team.
Quarterback
The most pressing need for the Arizona Cardinals has been their quarterback situation. Despite having Kyler Murray as the team’s starter for several seasons, the franchise has struggled with inconsistency at the position. Murray, when healthy, has shown flashes of brilliance but has also dealt with injuries and moments of inconsistency. There’s no doubt that quarterback remains a priority for the Cardinals, but the team needs to determine if they want to stick with Murray as their long-term solution or look for a new face of the franchise.
If the Cardinals are set on moving forward with Murray, they will need to add depth at the position, considering the injury concerns. If the decision is made to part ways with him, drafting a quarterback with the potential to step in immediately could be the key to resetting the franchise. In a draft filled with quarterbacks, identifying the right signal caller will be essential for the team’s future.
Offensive Line
Another area that the Cardinals will need to focus on in the 2025 NFL Draft is the offensive line. Protecting the quarterback has been an ongoing issue for the team, especially in recent seasons. If Murray remains the starting quarterback, improving the offensive line will be critical to ensuring his long-term health and effectiveness. Even if the team selects a new quarterback, giving him a strong, reliable offensive line will be crucial to his development and success.
The Cardinals’ offensive line has been inconsistent in pass protection and in creating running lanes for their backs. They need to find players who can step in and contribute immediately, and drafting high-caliber offensive linemen will be a priority for the front office.
Wide Receiver
While the Cardinals have some talent at wide receiver, the position is one of continued need. DeAndre Hopkins is no longer with the team, and while they have promising young players, there’s still a lack of depth and consistency in their receiving corps. A strong wide receiver group will not only help the quarterback but also ensure that the offense can remain dynamic.
The 2025 NFL Draft class is rich in wide receiver talent, and the Cardinals have a real opportunity to find an impact player who can become a go-to target for the team. Whether they select a big-bodied receiver for red-zone presence or a speedster to stretch the field, the Cardinals should focus on finding a versatile receiver who can contribute right away.
Defensive Line
On the defensive side of the ball, the Arizona Cardinals’ defensive line has been inconsistent as well. The team has struggled to generate consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks, which has hurt their ability to defend against high-powered offenses. Adding a disruptive defensive lineman who can be a force in the pass rush would be a key step in improving the defense.
Whether through the draft or free agency, the Cardinals need to improve their ability to control the line of scrimmage and disrupt the rhythm of opposing offenses. A dominant defensive lineman could change the course of their defensive fortunes, making the defensive front a focal point for the 2025 draft.
Secondary
The Cardinals’ secondary has been a vulnerability in recent years, particularly against high-powered passing attacks. While they have some talented players in the secondary, there are still concerns about depth and consistency. Adding a top-tier cornerback or safety could make a significant difference, especially when it comes to matching up against the likes of the NFC West’s dynamic quarterbacks and receiving corps.
A lockdown cornerback or a safety who can contribute in multiple ways could help shore up this critical area for the Cardinals and turn their secondary into a strength.
3. Draft Strategy and Key Considerations
With all of these needs in mind, the Arizona Cardinals must adopt a strategic approach to the 2025 NFL Draft. They will need to balance selecting the best player available with filling their positional needs. Here are some key considerations for the Cardinals as they prepare for the draft:
Building for the Future
While it’s important to fill immediate needs, the Cardinals must also think long-term. They have an opportunity to acquire young players who can grow with the franchise and potentially become the core of a competitive team. This means that while certain positions like quarterback and offensive line will take priority, the team also needs to be strategic in selecting players who can be part of the team’s future foundation.
Leverage Draft Capital
The Cardinals’ success in the 2025 NFL Draft could hinge on how they use their draft capital. If they find themselves in a position to trade up for a specific player, it might be worth exploring, especially if that player could fill a key need or provide a game-changing presence on the field. Conversely, if the team is able to trade down and accumulate additional picks, that could help them bolster depth in key areas. The front office will need to be smart and flexible, responding to the draft board and making decisions that will benefit the team’s long-term prospects.
Player Development
The Cardinals’ front office must also consider the developmental needs of their players. While selecting players who can contribute right away is important, the team must also be patient with their draft picks. Developing young talent takes time, and the coaching staff must be equipped to develop the players they select and turn them into reliable contributors. A strong player development program will be crucial for the success of the 2025 draft class.
4. Key Positions to Target in the 2025 NFL Draft
After considering the Cardinals’ needs and the overall landscape of the 2025 NFL Draft, the team should target the following positions:
- Quarterback: If they decide to move on from Kyler Murray or need additional depth, quarterbacks like Caleb Williams (USC) or Drake Maye (North Carolina) could be potential targets.
- Offensive Line: Players such as Joe Alt (Notre Dame) or Olumuyiwa Fashanu (Penn State) could help solidify the offensive line for years to come.
- Wide Receiver: With an impressive receiver class, players like Marvin Harrison Jr. (Ohio State) or Emeka Egbuka (Ohio State) could provide immediate impact.
- Defensive Line: Edge rushers like Jared Verse (Florida State) or a defensive tackle like Jalen Carter (Georgia) could address the Cardinals’ pass rush concerns.
- Cornerback: A shutdown corner like Kool-Aid McKinstry (Alabama) or a versatile safety like Malachi Moore (Alabama) could improve the secondary.
The 2025 NFL Draft represents a pivotal moment in the Arizona Cardinals’ rebuild. The team has numerous needs, and their decisions in this draft could define the future of the franchise. Whether they are looking for a new quarterback to lead the team or seeking to strengthen their offensive and defensive lines, the Cardinals must approach the draft with a sense of urgency, flexibility, and long-term vision. By making strategic selections and focusing on player development, the Arizona Cardinals have the opportunity to emerge from the draft as a more competitive team, setting the stage for future success in the NFL.
