Calais Campbell Returns: Arizona Cardinals Eye Defensive Tackle Depth in 2025 NFL Draft
The Arizona Cardinals are entering the 2025 NFL Draft with a clearer sense of identity and a renewed focus on the trenches, especially along the defensive line. General manager Monti Ossenfort and head coach Jonathan Gannon have made steady progress rebuilding the roster, and with franchise quarterback Kyler Murray healthy and ready to lead, the team can now turn its attention to reloading a defense that showed flashes of improvement in 2024 but still has room to grow. The most intriguing storyline entering draft week is the return of a familiar face: Calais Campbell, who will rejoin the Cardinals on a one-year deal. His homecoming not only brings leadership and nostalgia but also underscores a clear organizational priority—strengthening the defensive interior.
Campbell, now 38 years old, returns to Arizona nearly 15 years after he was drafted by the franchise in the second round of the 2008 NFL Draft. A six-time Pro Bowler and 2019 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year, Campbell has been a model of consistency and professionalism throughout his career with Arizona, Jacksonville, Baltimore, and most recently, Atlanta. While his best years are behind him, Campbell remains a productive rotational player and offers immense value as a mentor. His return signifies something deeper than depth—it’s a symbolic gesture that this Cardinals team is ready to get back to its roots: a tough, physical brand of football anchored by defensive dominance.
For much of the 2024 season, Arizona’s defense relied on a young and evolving front seven. Defensive coordinator Nick Rallis worked hard to scheme pressure with limited resources, especially up the middle. The Cardinals rotated through several interior defensive linemen, including Leki Fotu, Dante Stills, and Kevin Strong, but the group lacked a true difference-maker. Despite some encouraging performances, particularly from Stills as a rookie, there were far too many instances where Arizona’s defense was pushed off the ball, unable to disrupt pocket integrity or clog running lanes.
Enter the 2025 NFL Draft, where Arizona holds multiple early-round picks thanks to savvy trades and previous draft maneuvering. While wide receiver and cornerback are also areas of need, the Cardinals are expected to target a defensive tackle in the early rounds, perhaps even with one of their two first-round selections. It’s a class loaded with talent at the top, and Arizona has positioned itself to potentially land a franchise-changing presence on the interior.
The premier name at the top of the defensive tackle class is Michigan’s Mason Graham. A force in the middle for the national champion Wolverines, Graham combines rare power, agility, and motor. His hand technique is advanced for a college player, and his ability to collapse the pocket on third down could make him a day-one starter. Graham projects as a top-15 pick, and if the Cardinals are serious about rebuilding their defense from the inside out, they could use their first pick to grab him—depending on how the board shakes out.
Another player who has generated plenty of buzz is LSU’s Maason Smith. After an up-and-down college career marked by injuries and flashes of dominance, Smith finally put together a full season in 2024 and reminded scouts why he was once a top recruit. At 6-foot-5 and 310 pounds, Smith has the frame and athleticism to become a disruptive force in a 3-4 scheme like Arizona’s. While he may require some refinement and durability will always be a concern, the upside is undeniable. Pairing Smith with a veteran like Campbell could ease his transition into the NFL and help maximize his potential.
Then there’s Illinois standout Jer’Zhan “Johnny” Newton, who was one of the most consistent interior defenders in college football last season. Newton is slightly undersized at around 6-foot-2, 295 pounds, but he makes up for it with explosiveness and a high motor. He’s the type of player who may not anchor the run like a true nose tackle but can wreak havoc as a gap-shooting three-tech. In Rallis’ scheme, which leans on movement and deception, Newton could be a dynamic piece that plays across multiple alignments.
If Arizona chooses to wait until the second round or later to address defensive tackle, the class still offers intriguing options. Georgia’s Nazir Stackhouse is a classic space-eater with upside as a run-stuffer. Florida State’s Fabien Lovett and Texas’ T’Vondre Sweat are other names to watch. Sweat, in particular, is an interesting case—he won the Outland Trophy and was a dominant force for the Longhorns, but his conditioning and motor have drawn scrutiny. If he’s available in the second round, he might be worth the risk as a developmental player who could learn from Campbell.
The Cardinals’ interest in defensive tackles isn’t just about talent—it’s about fit, culture, and long-term vision. Arizona ranked near the bottom of the league in rush defense in 2024, surrendering over 130 rushing yards per game. Their inability to win at the line of scrimmage often put the linebackers in difficult spots and forced the secondary to overcompensate. By beefing up the interior, the Cardinals can create more favorable down-and-distance situations, which will, in turn, allow their edge rushers and defensive backs to play faster and more confidently.
It’s also worth noting that Arizona has invested heavily in youth over the past two drafts, especially on defense. Players like BJ Ojulari, Zaven Collins, and Garrett Williams are still growing into their roles. Adding a polished, high-ceiling defensive tackle could help accelerate their development and give the Cardinals a more balanced, complementary defense. The presence of Campbell ensures that whoever Arizona drafts won’t have to shoulder the burden alone. His leadership will be critical in setting the tone and holding young players accountable.
There’s a philosophical shift happening in Arizona, one that emphasizes toughness and resilience over finesse. Gannon, a former defensive coordinator, has made it clear that he wants his defense to reflect the blue-collar identity of the city. Drafting a defensive tackle early would send a message to the rest of the league: this team is building from the inside out. With a healthy Kyler Murray and an improving offensive line, the Cardinals are no longer in full rebuild mode—they’re on the cusp of being competitive again.
The 2025 draft is also critical because of the NFC West’s landscape. San Francisco remains a powerhouse, and Seattle is retooling under a new coaching staff. The Rams, too, are navigating a transition as Matthew Stafford nears retirement. Arizona has an opportunity to seize momentum and position itself as a legitimate playoff contender. To do that, it must find difference-makers in the draft—and that starts up front.
Campbell’s return is more than a feel-good story. It’s a reminder of what made the Cardinals a playoff team in the past: physicality, leadership, and a relentless defensive line. If the front office can pair him with a young stud from this year’s draft, the foundation for a dominant defense will be in place. For a fan base hungry for sustained success, it’s not just about nostalgia—it’s about hope.
As draft night approaches, keep an eye on Arizona’s war room. The board is deep, the needs are clear, and the franchise legend is back in the fold. The next chapter of Cardinals football could begin with a single pick—one that brings both the present and the future together on the defensive line.
