The Arizona Cardinals showed some promise last year under second-year head coach Jonathan Gannon. They have some of the best young offensive weapons in the league. Tight end Trey McBride just got a massive extension, and Marvin Harrison Jr. had an underrated rookie season. The team has invested in their offensive line over the past few years, and the defense has improved under their defensive-minded head coach. They could look to compete for a wild card spot, but they need to keep infusing this roster with young talent. Here is the 2025 NFL Draft preview for the Arizona Cardinals.
Arizona Cardinals 2025 NFL Draft Picks
The Arizona Cardinals have six draft picks in the 2025 NFL Draft.
- Round 1: No. 16
- Round 2: No. 47
- Round 3: No. 78
- Round 4: No. 115
- Round 5: No. 152
- Round 7: No. 225 (from Jets through Chiefs)
The Arizona Cardinals have done plenty of wheeling and dealing over the past few years, but they still hold all of their important picks. Three picks in the top 100 is a good way to continue to build a team. They were active in free agency, signing pass rusher Josh Sweat to a four-year deal. If they can get quality players in the draft, they could be a tough team to beat in the NFC.
Team Needs
The Arizona Cardinals have plenty of needs on defense. They solved some in free agency, but they need to continue to build the depth. Sweat is a quality piece, but they need to add another edge rusher or two. Part of the issue with their defense is the lack of pass rush. NFL quarterbacks are too good and, given enough time, will find the open man. In addition, they need some help in the secondary. Having a lockdown corner is essential in this league, given the wide receiver talent.
The offense still has some needs. While Harrison Jr. is the clear number one target, the rest of the wide receivers on the roster leave something to be desired. They need another target outside of Harrison Jr. and McBride to help quarterback Kyler Murray. The good news for the team is that this year’s draft has plenty at positions of need.
Mock Draft
- Round 1: No. 16: Jahdae Barron CB Texas
- Round 2: No. 47: JT Tuimoloau Edge Ohio State
- Round 3: No. 78: Jack Sawyer Edge Ohio State
- Round 4: No. 115: Savion Williams WR TCU
- Round 5: No. 152: Quincy Riley CB Louisville
- Round 7: No. 225: Nick Nash WR San Jose State
Mock Draft Analysis
The Arizona Cardinals’ 2025 NFL Draft is all about double-dipping. Barron needs the right fit, but I think Gannon could find great ways to use his skill set. From there, the Cardinals take a page out of their rivals’ draft playbook. The Rams took Jared Verse and Brandon Fiske, who were teammates in college last year, and it was successful. In this mock draft, the team was able to get both Ohio State edge rushers, giving plenty of depth behind Sweat.
Riley adds more depth in the cornerback room, and I like what I’ve seen of his tape. He could easily develop into a great CB3 or CB4. I couldn’t resist taking Nash in the seventh round. I know it’s San Jose State, and the competition in the conference isn’t top tier. However, he won the triple crown in receiving last year with 104 receptions, 1,382 yards, and 16 touchdowns. He was voted to be an All-American unanimously. This is a great gamble to make in the seventh round.
Final Thoughts
The Arizona Cardinals could scare some teams if they beef up their defense. We saw this with the Rams last year. They had a solid offense but questions on defense. Once they hit on the defensive picks, the team all of a sudden became one of the scariest in the NFC. Can Arizona surprise their division and compete for a wild-card spot next year?
