Cardinals Soar with Playmaking Defensive Back in Schrager’s Sole Mock Draft
The Arizona Cardinals are poised to inject a significant dose of playmaking ability into their secondary, according to NFL Network’s Peter Schrager’s highly anticipated and only mock draft of the 2025 NFL season. With the 16th overall pick, Schrager projects the Cardinals to land Jahdae Barron, a versatile and ball-hawking cornerback from the University of Texas. This selection addresses a key need for the Cardinals and has the potential to transform their defensive backfield.
Barron’s collegiate career at Texas showcased his adaptability and knack for making crucial plays. A three-year starter for the Longhorns, he demonstrated the ability to line up at multiple positions in the secondary, a trait highly valued by NFL defensive coordinators. According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), Barron did not allow a single touchdown in coverage throughout the entire 2024 season, a testament to his lockdown capabilities. His versatility extends beyond positional flexibility; Barron possesses the speed (reportedly running a 4.39-second 40-yard dash at the combine), agility, and instincts to excel in both man and zone coverage schemes. Furthermore, his five interceptions in the 2024 season underscore his ball skills and ability to generate turnovers, a critical element that the Cardinals’ defense could significantly benefit from.
The Cardinals’ need for a playmaking cornerback has been a consistent talking point heading into the 2025 draft. While Garrett Williams showed promise at slot corner in his rookie season, the team could use a boost on the outside. Last season, the Cardinals’ defense allowed a concerning 7.3 yards per pass attempt, ranking in the bottom third of the league. Adding a player of Barron’s caliber would provide an immediate upgrade and offer defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon more flexibility in his coverage schemes. The prospect of pairing Barron with veteran safety Budda Baker in the same secondary is an enticing one for Cardinals fans, potentially creating a dynamic and opportunistic defensive backfield.
Schrager’s mock draft, known for its insider information and deviation from consensus, often reflects the rumblings and inclinations of NFL front offices. His projection of Barron to the Cardinals suggests that the team may indeed be prioritizing bolstering their secondary with a player who offers both immediate impact and long-term potential. This pick aligns with the growing sentiment among draft analysts that the Cardinals could be targeting a cornerback in the first round after addressing their defensive front seven in free agency.
Beyond the specific selection of Barron, Schrager’s mock draft provides a fascinating glimpse into the potential landscape of the top half of the first round. He has Miami quarterback Cam Ward going to the Tennessee Titans with the first overall pick, followed by Colorado two-way star Travis Hunter to the Cleveland Browns and Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter to the New York Giants. LSU offensive tackle Will Campbell rounds out the top four, heading to the New England Patriots. Notably, Schrager projects a trade within the top ten, with the Indianapolis Colts moving up to select Michigan tight end Colston Loveland, while the Chicago Bears move back and still land Texas offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr.
For the Cardinals, landing a player like Jahdae Barron at pick 16 would be considered a significant win. His ability to step in and contribute immediately, coupled with his long-term upside as a potential shutdown cornerback, fits perfectly with the team’s needs and timeline. As the NFL draft approaches, Schrager’s mock draft serves as a compelling scenario, hinting at a future where the Arizona Cardinals’ secondary features a dynamic playmaker in Jahdae Barron. This selection could be the first step in solidifying their defense and building a team ready to compete in the competitive NFC West.
