The Arizona Cardinals have entered the 2025 NFL Draft with a clear focus on shaping their future. As one of the league’s most intriguing teams, their decisions will undoubtedly have a ripple effect across the league. With a mix of young talent and some veteran presence, the Cardinals find themselves at a crucial point in their franchise’s rebuilding phase. Given their current roster, which has experienced both highs and lows in recent seasons, the draft represents an opportunity to plug key gaps, add potential stars, and position the team for a successful 2025 season and beyond. Tracking the Cardinals’ every move leading up to and during the draft will shed light on how they intend to build their future.
The Cardinals’ draft strategy has been a subject of discussion ever since they secured the third overall pick, one of the most coveted positions in the 2025 draft. With that pick, Arizona has the opportunity to either select a game-changing player to add to their roster or trade down to accumulate more assets. Over the past few seasons, the Cardinals have shown a commitment to investing in young talent, especially at critical positions such as quarterback, receiver, and defensive line. However, they also understand that the team still needs several foundational pieces to become a true contender in the NFC.
Looking at their current roster, the Arizona Cardinals have significant needs in a few key areas. The most glaring of these is the offensive line, which has been a weakness for the team over the past few seasons. Protecting their quarterback and establishing a strong ground game are essential for the team’s success. The defensive side of the ball also needs attention, particularly in the secondary and linebacker positions. Arizona’s defense has shown flashes of brilliance but has been inconsistent at times, giving up big plays at inopportune moments. Their defensive line, while solid, could also use additional depth to help apply more pressure to opposing quarterbacks.
As of now, the Cardinals’ front office has maintained a level of secrecy regarding their draft plans. Head coach Jonathan Gannon, a defensive-minded coach, has emphasized the importance of building a balanced roster that can compete on both sides of the ball. The general expectation, however, is that the Cardinals may focus on the offensive line early in the draft. Protecting quarterback Kyler Murray will be paramount to the team’s success, and given the depth of talent at offensive line in this draft class, Arizona could be in prime position to land a top-tier prospect.
With a multitude of offensive line prospects expected to be available, including several highly-rated tackles, Arizona has the chance to add an immediate starter who could protect Murray for years to come. The team has long struggled with consistency along the offensive line, and adding a high-quality player at this position could help stabilize the offense and provide Murray with the time he needs to find his playmakers downfield. Whether the team opts for a tackle or an interior lineman will likely depend on their internal evaluations of the players available at their pick. Regardless, an early commitment to improving the offensive line would send a strong message that the Cardinals are serious about building around their quarterback.
Another area of concern for the Cardinals is the wide receiver position. While they have some talented pieces on offense, including Murray and wideouts like Marquise Brown, the depth at receiver could use a boost. The team could look to add another playmaker to complement Brown and give Murray more options in the passing game. This would be especially important as the Cardinals seek to remain competitive in a high-powered NFC West division. While there is no shortage of quality wide receiver prospects in the 2025 draft, the team could wait until later rounds to add a young pass catcher who could develop into a key contributor in the future.
The defensive side of the ball is another area where the Cardinals will likely focus some of their attention. After allowing 25.3 points per game in 2024, the team’s defense will need to improve significantly if they are to challenge for a playoff spot in 2025. Arizona’s secondary, while talented, has struggled with consistency. With top-tier cornerbacks and safeties expected to be available, the team may look to add a player who can immediately upgrade their defensive backfield. Given the importance of having a lockdown defense in the NFC West, the Cardinals’ front office will be working hard to ensure that they add depth to the secondary.
The linebacker position could also be a target for the Cardinals. They currently have some solid players at linebacker, but adding an athletic, versatile linebacker to the mix would significantly improve their ability to defend against both the run and the pass. With several top-rated linebackers available, Arizona could address this need early in the draft and shore up one of the more underappreciated areas of their defense.
In addition to these positions, Arizona may also look to add depth along the defensive line. Although the Cardinals have some solid veterans in place, adding a disruptive force could help take their defense to the next level. With several strong defensive linemen entering the draft, the team will have an opportunity to bring in a player who can contribute immediately and help improve their pass rush.
As the draft approaches, rumors swirl regarding potential trades involving the Cardinals’ third overall pick. Some analysts speculate that the team may look to trade down to accumulate more picks and continue to build depth across their roster. Given that they have several areas of need, accumulating additional assets could be a wise decision, allowing the team to address more positions of concern. Arizona has the luxury of having a top-five pick, but whether they keep it or move down could ultimately depend on how the draft board shakes out. If a team looking to select a quarterback or another highly-coveted prospect offers a substantial trade package, the Cardinals could find themselves in an advantageous position to move down and stockpile more talent.
The draft process will be closely monitored by the Cardinals’ fanbase, as there are high expectations surrounding the team’s future. With a young quarterback like Kyler Murray leading the way, the team has the potential to make significant strides forward, but they must surround him with talent that will allow him to succeed. How the Cardinals approach the 2025 draft will be crucial in determining the trajectory of their franchise. Adding quality players who can contribute immediately will be key to ensuring that the team remains competitive in the NFC West and that Murray’s development continues to progress.
The Arizona Cardinals are in a pivotal moment in their rebuild, and how they navigate the 2025 NFL Draft will significantly shape their future. Whether they decide to bolster their offensive line, improve their defense, or add more weapons for Murray, the choices they make in the draft could have lasting impacts on the team’s success. For the Cardinals, this draft is not just about addressing current needs but also about positioning themselves for long-term success. With key decisions to make, the Cardinals will need to carefully weigh their options and find the players who can help them return to prominence in the NFL.
With a mix of strategic moves, shrewd drafting, and continued development of their young stars, the Arizona Cardinals will look to make 2025 the beginning of a new era. Fans are hoping that the team’s management will make the right moves, adding the right players to build a team capable of competing for years to come.