The Arizona Cardinals are at a pivotal moment in their franchise history. After finishing the 2024 NFL season with a lackluster performance, the Cardinals are in the midst of rebuilding their roster, both in terms of talent and philosophy. With a strong foundation of young players and a coaching staff eager to reshape the culture, the upcoming NFL Draft offers an opportunity to turn their fortunes around. As the team enters the 2025 draft, their decisions in the first three rounds will play a pivotal role in determining whether they can return to their former glory.
The Cardinals have multiple needs that must be addressed in the early rounds, including offensive line help, defensive upgrades, and playmaking talent at key positions. In an ideal draft, Arizona could execute a strategy that balances immediate needs with long-term potential, setting themselves up for success both now and in the future. Here are three draft scenarios that would place the Cardinals in a strong position for the 2025 season and beyond.
The Arizona Cardinals’ offense struggled mightily during the 2024 season, and one of the primary reasons for that was the lack of protection for their quarterback. The offensive line, which was plagued by injuries and poor performance, was a major obstacle to any offensive success. Similarly, while the defense showed potential at times, they were inconsistent and often gave up key plays in critical moments. This draft scenario focuses on addressing these two crucial areas to give Arizona the best chance of success.
In the first round, Arizona should target one of the top offensive tackles available, ideally someone who can immediately step in and become a starting left tackle. Players like Parker Washington or Jaxson Kirkland offer both excellent pass protection and run-blocking ability, making them ideal selections to shore up the line. By taking one of these prospects in the first round, the Cardinals can ensure that their quarterback, whether it’s Kyler Murray or a future signal-caller, has the protection he needs to thrive.
With the second pick in Round 2, Arizona should focus on improving the defensive line. One player who stands out in this regard is Bryan Bresee, an elite defensive tackle out of Clemson. Bresee is a physical specimen who can disrupt the pocket and provide a consistent pass rush from the interior. His versatility and ability to collapse the pocket will allow the Cardinals to bring more pressure on opposing quarterbacks and improve a defensive line that has been inconsistent in recent seasons.
Finally, with their third-round pick, Arizona should look to add another weapon to their offense, specifically a playmaking wide receiver. Someone like Cedric Tillman from Tennessee could be a great option, offering a big, physical presence on the outside that can stretch the field and provide Murray with another reliable target. Tillman’s ability to win contested catches and create separation could give Arizona’s offense the boost it needs to take a step forward in 2025.
This draft strategy gives the Cardinals two foundational pieces on both sides of the ball: a potential franchise left tackle and an explosive defensive tackle to anchor the line. Coupled with a big-bodied receiver who can make an immediate impact, this scenario sets the Cardinals up for both short-term improvement and long-term success.
While the Arizona Cardinals’ offense was an issue in 2024, their defense also left much to be desired. The defensive line was unable to generate consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks, and the secondary was frequently exposed on deep passes. With this draft strategy, Arizona would focus on upgrading their pass rush and secondary to build a more balanced roster.
In Round 1, Arizona should focus on landing an elite pass rusher. A player like Will Anderson Jr., if he’s still available, would be an absolute game-changer. Anderson, out of Alabama, is a rare talent with the ability to create chaos in the backfield and disrupt quarterbacks. His quick first step and relentless motor make him one of the best pass rushers in recent draft classes, and his ability to impact both the run and passing game could immediately elevate Arizona’s defense.
In Round 2, Arizona should target a cornerback to bolster their secondary. Kelee Ringo from Georgia fits the bill perfectly. Ringo has great size, speed, and ball skills, and his ability to match up against top-tier receivers would give Arizona’s defense a much-needed boost. Pairing him with Marco Wilson and Antonio Hamilton would give the Cardinals a trio of talented cornerbacks capable of handling the league’s most explosive wideouts.
The third round should be used to further reinforce the defensive line. With players like Zacch Pickens from South Carolina available, Arizona could add another interior lineman who can both stop the run and provide some pass-rush ability. Pickens is a physical presence in the middle of the defense, and his ability to penetrate the pocket would complement the pressure generated by Anderson, helping the Cardinals’ defense become much more formidable.
By focusing on the defense in the early rounds, the Cardinals would address two of their most glaring weaknesses: the pass rush and the secondary. If Arizona can get consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks and shut down passing attacks, their defense will be much more competitive, allowing the offense to stay in games and give them a chance to win.
In this scenario, the Cardinals would take a more balanced approach, filling key holes on both offense and defense while keeping the long-term vision in mind. This strategy is ideal for a team looking to improve across the board while still focusing on their most pressing needs.
In Round 1, Arizona should focus on landing a standout offensive lineman, such as Peter Skoronski from Northwestern. Skoronski is an elite offensive tackle prospect who can start right away at left tackle or right tackle, depending on where the Cardinals need him. His versatility and technique make him a plug-and-play option who can immediately improve the offensive line and provide Murray with better protection.
In Round 2, the Cardinals should look to the defensive side of the ball and select Tyree Wilson, an athletic and explosive edge rusher from Texas Tech. Wilson has the ability to set the edge in the run game while also generating pressure as a pass rusher. His length and explosiveness would immediately improve Arizona’s pass rush and help the team disrupt opposing offenses more effectively.
With the third-round pick, Arizona should look to upgrade their skill position group, particularly at wide receiver. A player like Josh Downs from North Carolina would be an excellent choice. Downs is a dynamic, speedy receiver who can contribute immediately in both the slot and outside. His quickness and separation skills would give the Cardinals another playmaker alongside DeAndre Hopkins and Rondale Moore, adding another dimension to the offense.
This draft scenario ensures that the Cardinals’ needs on both sides of the ball are addressed without overcommitting to one area. By adding a starting offensive tackle, a pass rusher, and a playmaking receiver, Arizona would quickly become a more well-rounded team and have a strong foundation to build upon.
The 2025 NFL Draft represents a critical opportunity for the Arizona Cardinals to make significant strides in their rebuilding process. Whether they choose to build their team around an upgraded offensive line, a dominant defense, or a more balanced roster, the Cardinals must hit on their early-round picks to secure a competitive future. In each of the three draft scenarios outlined above, the Cardinals focus on addressing their most pressing needs while adding long-term talent. If the team executes one of these ideal draft strategies, they will position themselves to contend for a playoff spot and set the stage for future success.
