The Arizona Cardinals are in the midst of a rebuild, and as they look to strengthen their roster, the focus has undoubtedly been on the trenches. While the Cardinals have several areas to address, one position that stands out as a crucial need is the EDGE rusher position. In a division like the NFC West, where strong offenses such as the San Francisco 49ers and the Los Angeles Rams can impose their will, the Cardinals need to improve their ability to disrupt the quarterback and generate pressure on the passer.
The EDGE rusher role has evolved into one of the most vital positions in the NFL, and for the Cardinals to remain competitive in the NFC, they need to bolster their pass rush. Arizona’s defense, while showing flashes of potential, has lacked the consistent pressure that makes a real difference. With the 2025 NFL Draft approaching, the Cardinals must consider which EDGE players could transform their defense.
Below are the top 5 EDGE players the Arizona Cardinals should target in the 2025 NFL Draft, along with a breakdown of each player’s skill set, strengths, and how they would fit into Arizona’s defensive scheme.
1. Will Anderson Jr. (Alabama)
Height: 6’4”
Weight: 243 lbs
2024 Season Stats: 51 tackles, 15.5 sacks, 21 TFL, 3 forced fumbles
Why the Cardinals Should Target Him:
Will Anderson Jr. is widely regarded as one of the top prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft. The Alabama EDGE rusher is a disruptive force who can immediately step into an NFL defense and make an impact. Anderson has been a constant presence in the backfield throughout his college career, and his combination of strength, speed, and technique makes him one of the most complete pass rushers in recent memory.
What sets Anderson apart from other EDGE prospects is his ability to both rush the passer and defend the run. His quickness off the line of scrimmage, coupled with his ability to convert speed into power, allows him to win in multiple ways. Anderson’s hand usage is elite, and his relentless motor ensures he stays engaged on every play. His versatility to line up both on the edge and in a 3-4 outside linebacker role provides defensive coordinators with flexibility.
For the Arizona Cardinals, adding Anderson to their defense would provide an immediate impact. He would help bolster the pass rush, which is a critical area of need for the team. Anderson could form a dominant duo with current Cardinals pass rushers like Zaven Collins and J.J. Watt (should Watt not retire before the draft). His ability to contribute in various defensive schemes would make him a versatile and highly valuable asset.
Fit in Arizona’s Defense:
Will Anderson’s skill set is perfectly suited for a 3-4 defense, which is the defensive scheme the Cardinals have been moving towards under head coach Jonathan Gannon. As a 3-4 outside linebacker, Anderson could provide the type of pressure the Cardinals need from the edge, while also being a solid asset in run defense. His high football IQ would help him adapt quickly to Arizona’s defensive schemes.
2. Tyree Wilson (Texas Tech)
Height: 6’6”
Weight: 271 lbs
2024 Season Stats: 47 tackles, 11 sacks, 16 TFL, 2 forced fumbles
Why the Cardinals Should Target Him:
Tyree Wilson is another highly regarded EDGE rusher who would make an immediate impact on the Arizona Cardinals’ defense. Standing at 6’6” and weighing 271 pounds, Wilson possesses a rare combination of size, strength, and agility that allows him to disrupt plays in multiple ways. He is known for his ability to get off the ball quickly and use his long arms to disengage from blockers. His impressive wingspan and ability to bend around the edge make him a difficult player for offensive tackles to block.
One of Wilson’s most valuable traits is his explosiveness at the line of scrimmage. He is able to get upfield quickly and collapse the pocket with relentless pressure. In addition to his pass-rushing abilities, Wilson is also effective against the run, using his length and strength to shed blockers and maintain containment. His versatility allows him to rush from both defensive end and outside linebacker positions, making him an attractive prospect for a variety of defensive schemes.
Fit in Arizona’s Defense:
Tyree Wilson’s size and physicality make him an ideal fit for a 4-3 defensive end role, but he can also transition to a 3-4 outside linebacker. His versatility would allow him to play in multiple positions, and Arizona’s defensive scheme would benefit from his ability to set the edge in both the run and pass game. Adding Wilson to the defensive line alongside a player like J.J. Watt (if he decides to return) would give the Cardinals a dominant presence on the edge, while also increasing the overall depth of their defensive front.
3. Nolan Smith (Georgia)
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 239 lbs
2024 Season Stats: 34 tackles, 8 sacks, 12 TFL, 1 forced fumble
Why the Cardinals Should Target Him:
Nolan Smith is an explosive and athletic pass rusher who can wreak havoc on quarterbacks with his speed and agility. As a member of the Georgia Bulldogs’ defense, Smith has been a key contributor to one of the most dominant college defenses in recent years. His ability to rush off the edge with tremendous burst and bend allows him to get around tackles quickly and make plays in the backfield. While not the biggest EDGE prospect, Smith compensates with his elite speed and pass-rushing technique.
One of the most impressive aspects of Smith’s game is his ability to close the distance between himself and the quarterback in a hurry. His burst off the line is second to none, and he uses his athleticism to get to the quarterback faster than most defenders. His ability to chase down plays from behind also makes him a strong asset against the run, as he’s able to track down ball carriers in open space.
Fit in Arizona’s Defense:
Nolan Smith’s speed and quickness make him a natural fit for the Cardinals’ 3-4 defensive scheme as an outside linebacker. His ability to rush the passer and set the edge against the run would complement the skill sets of other linebackers like Zaven Collins and Isaiah Simmons. Smith’s pass-rushing ability would give the Cardinals much-needed depth and versatility on the edge, allowing them to rotate players and create constant pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
4. Myles Murphy (Clemson)
Height: 6’5”
Weight: 275 lbs
2024 Season Stats: 42 tackles, 10 sacks, 14 TFL, 3 forced fumbles
Why the Cardinals Should Target Him:
Myles Murphy is one of the most physically gifted EDGE prospects in the 2025 draft class. At 6’5” and 275 pounds, Murphy has the size and strength to overpower offensive linemen, but he also has the agility and flexibility to win with speed off the edge. His combination of power and athleticism allows him to be a highly disruptive force in both the run and pass game. Murphy’s ability to set the edge and collapse the pocket has made him one of the top defensive prospects in the draft.
Murphy’s high motor and relentless effort on every snap are key reasons why he stands out. He consistently finishes plays and does not take plays off, a quality that NFL teams value greatly in their EDGE rushers. His skill set makes him an ideal candidate for a variety of defensive fronts, whether it’s a 3-4 outside linebacker or a 4-3 defensive end position.
Fit in Arizona’s Defense:
Murphy’s versatility makes him a perfect fit for the Arizona Cardinals. Whether they choose to run a 3-4 or a 4-3 front, Murphy can contribute immediately. As a defensive end or outside linebacker, he would give Arizona a powerful and athletic rusher who can collapse the pocket and affect opposing quarterbacks. With his ability to play in multiple roles, Murphy would provide Arizona with a dynamic EDGE rusher who could develop into a star at the next level.
5. BJ Ojulari (LSU)
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 250 lbs
2024 Season Stats: 44 tackles, 9 sacks, 14 TFL, 2 forced fumbles
Why the Cardinals Should Target Him:
BJ Ojulari is a high-energy, explosive pass rusher who consistently demonstrated his ability to disrupt offenses while at LSU. With a mix of speed and strength, Ojulari has the ability to bend around the edge and create pressure on the quarterback. His quickness off the line and ability to change direction in a hurry make him a nightmare for offensive tackles, and his relentless motor means that he is always in pursuit of the ball.
Ojulari’s strong pass-rushing technique and ability to finish plays make him an enticing option for the Cardinals. His ability to generate pressure on passing downs would help Arizona’s defense become more disruptive and dynamic, particularly in crucial third-down situations.
Fit in Arizona’s Defense:
Ojulari fits well into a 3-4 defense as an outside linebacker, where his speed and agility would allow him to attack the edge effectively. His ability to create pressure on quarterbacks while maintaining discipline in the run game would make him a valuable addition to the Cardinals’ defense. With his high motor and quick burst off the line, Ojulari would add depth and versatility to Arizona’s pass rush.
