Arizona Cardinals (Last Year: 8-9)
Goals Entering the 2025 NFL Draft: Arizona has plenty of offensive talent, so the defense must be the focus in the 2025 NFL Draft. The Cardinals have a poor pass rush, which must be addressed despite the additions of Calais Campbell and Josh Sweat. The greatest area of need is at cornerback, which has been a problem area for many seasons.
2025 NFL Draft Accomplishments: Charlie Campbell tweeted that the Cardinals had the best class in the entire 2025 NFL Draft. Is Charlie correct? Perhaps through the first two days of the draft. Arizona’s first three picks were graded A-, A+, and A, as the front office was able to find amazing values while filling big needs on the defensive side of the ball. Will Johnson was a huge risk, but comes with unbelievable upside in the middle of the second frame. Walter Nolen has similar potential.
The Cardinals didn’t draft that well on Saturday, however. They made a couple of reaches with their two Ohio State products. Two C+ grades offer a slight alteration to the overall mark, but the front office rebounded with two solid choices to close out the day.
Overall, Arizona did great. The Cardinals certainly finished with a top-five draft class. They definitely put together an incredible haul in which their top three players – particularly Nolen and Johnson – will be able to bolster a poor defense enough to get the organization over the hump and into the playoffs.
NFL Draft Individual Grades:
16. Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss – A- Grade
Walter Nolen was projected by many to go No. 11. I saw some even have him as high as No. 8. Nolen is one of the most talented players in this class. He has insane upside, but there are some questions about his work ethic. I’d have an issue with this pick if it were made in the top 10 with so many other great prospects available, but Nolen is arguably the best player on the board.
47. Will Johnson, CB, Michigan – A+ Grade
Will Johnson was the top cornerback in this class not named Travis Hunter. He was going to be drafted in the top 10, but then he was flagged for a knee issue. The knee could crush his career, but if it doesn’t, the Cardinals will have obtained a shutdown cornerback in the middle of Round 2. Every draft pick is a roll of the dice, so why not gamble on such a talented player’s upside?
78. Jordan Burch, DE, Oregon – A Grade
I love this value. I once had Jordan Burch in the first round, but settled on him being in the second. He is an athletic edge player who should be able to help the Cardinals rush the passer.
115. Cody Simon, LB, Ohio State – C+ Grade
The Cardinals were looking for an off-ball linebacker, so the need makes sense. I think this is a bit of a reach, as Cody Simon was projected around the sixth round. He was productive at Ohio State, but doesn’t have very good talent.
174. Denzel Burke, CB, Ohio State – C+ Grade
Denzel Burke’s draft stock fell off a cliff. He was once considered an early prospect, but struggled later in his collegiate career. There are also speed concerns with him. This isn’t a good pick, but I get Arizona’s thought process behind it.
211. Hayden Conner, G, Texas – B Grade
Adding interior offensive line depth seems right for the Cardinals, who need to make sure Kyler Murray is protected. Hayden Conner, who fits the range, is steady in both pass protection and run blocking.
225. Kitan Crawford, S, Nevada – B Grade
Kitan Crawford is a smaller safety, but he has plus athleticism and was expected to go in the seventh round. He’ll have to stick on special teams, but could eventually push for a starting job.
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