As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, franchises are ramping up their evaluation processes, and the Arizona Cardinals are among the teams leaving no stone unturned in their quest to build a competitive roster. Recent reports indicate that the Cardinals have conducted official meetings with two standout prospects from the University of Georgia—an institution that has become synonymous with NFL-ready talent in recent years. The move signals Arizona’s clear interest in tapping into the Bulldogs’ consistently elite pipeline and finding players who can make an immediate impact.
The two Georgia players who met with the Cardinals—edge rusher Mykel Williams and offensive tackle Amarius Mims—represent the very best of what Kirby Smart’s program has produced over the past few seasons. Both have been integral to Georgia’s continued dominance in the SEC and on the national stage, and both bring traits that NFL teams covet: size, athleticism, leadership, and a championship pedigree.
For the Cardinals, the meetings reflect a strategic approach to the draft that blends need with value. Arizona is in the midst of a roster rebuild under head coach Jonathan Gannon and general manager Monti Ossenfort. After finishing the 2024 season with flashes of promise but overall inconsistency, the franchise holds multiple picks in the early rounds and has flexibility to move up or down the board depending on how the draft unfolds. But one thing is clear—the Cardinals are prioritizing elite talent, and few programs have produced more of it than Georgia in recent years.
Mykel Williams is one of the most intriguing edge rushers in this year’s draft class. At 6-foot-5 and 265 pounds, he boasts the kind of frame and athleticism that NFL teams dream of at the position. He was a disruptive force throughout his time in Athens, consistently collapsing pockets, setting the edge in the run game, and showing flashes of brilliance as a pass-rusher. While his raw statistics may not pop compared to others in his class, his tape tells the story of a player who commands attention on every snap.
Williams fits the mold of the modern-day defensive end—versatile, explosive, and capable of lining up in multiple positions across the line. The Cardinals, who struggled to generate consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks in 2024, could view Williams as an ideal fit in Gannon’s hybrid front. He has the tools to be developed into a premier edge presence and the football IQ to contribute right away in rotational packages.
What likely impressed Arizona during their meeting with Williams wasn’t just his physical attributes, but also his maturity and understanding of the game. Coming from Georgia’s highly disciplined defensive scheme, Williams has experience executing complex assignments, reading offensive formations, and making quick adjustments at the line of scrimmage. That mental sharpness is something the Cardinals have emphasized in their scouting process as they seek foundational players to anchor the next phase of their rebuild.
Then there’s Amarius Mims, the towering offensive tackle who has scouts across the league salivating. Standing at 6-foot-8 and weighing over 340 pounds, Mims is a rare blend of size and athleticism. Despite his massive frame, he moves with fluidity, displays strong hand technique, and has the footwork to mirror edge rushers in pass protection. He may be one of the most physically gifted linemen to enter the draft in years.
Injuries limited Mims’ snaps during his collegiate career, but when healthy, he was dominant. He showcased elite-level traits in both run blocking and pass protection, and his upside is viewed as enormous. For the Cardinals, who have long sought stability along the offensive line, Mims represents an investment in both immediate protection and long-term development. With franchise quarterback Kyler Murray returning to full health and looking to re-establish his rhythm, solidifying the offensive line is a top priority—and Mims could be a cornerstone piece.
During his meeting with Arizona, Mims reportedly impressed with his knowledge of blocking schemes, attention to detail, and willingness to be coached. He has a reputation as a quiet but hard-working leader, someone who lets his play speak for itself. That kind of demeanor fits well with the culture Gannon is trying to establish in the desert—a blue-collar, team-first mentality built on accountability and competitiveness.
Arizona’s decision to meet with both Williams and Mims also highlights a broader trend across the NFL. Teams are increasingly looking to the SEC—and specifically to Georgia—as a reliable factory for pro-ready talent. In recent drafts, Georgia players have not only gone early but have also performed well at the next level. The Bulldogs’ rigorous training, elite coaching, and pro-style systems prepare their players to transition seamlessly into the NFL. For a franchise like Arizona, investing in that pipeline is both smart and strategic.
The Cardinals’ front office has been vocal about targeting players who bring more than just athleticism to the table. They want competitors—guys who have won at the highest levels, understand what it takes to lead, and have been held to a championship standard. Williams and Mims check those boxes. They’ve both played in national championship games, battled top-tier opponents weekly, and come out on the other side with a mindset forged in high-pressure environments.
Arizona’s interest in these players doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll draft both—or either—but it does offer insight into their priorities. They are targeting the trenches. They want physical dominance, toughness, and dependability on both sides of the ball. After watching their team struggle at times to control the line of scrimmage in 2024, the Cardinals are clearly looking to fix that by going back to the fundamentals: protect the quarterback, pressure the opponent’s, and win the battle in the trenches.
These meetings also come at a time when the Cardinals are facing a critical window. With Murray back, a handful of promising young pieces on both sides of the ball, and ample draft capital, Arizona has a chance to lay the foundation for sustained success. Hitting on their early picks is crucial. Adding a proven edge threat like Williams or a high-upside tackle like Mims could be the difference between another year of rebuilding and a leap into playoff contention.
Beyond just the X’s and O’s, there’s a cultural fit to consider as well. Kirby Smart’s program demands accountability, toughness, and professionalism—traits that mirror what Gannon preaches in Arizona. Drafting players from that environment means bringing in guys who know how to work, how to lead, and how to win. The Cardinals are betting on that pedigree, and their recent meetings suggest they’re narrowing in on prospects who can step in and uphold that standard from Day 1.
As draft night approaches, all eyes will be on Arizona to see which direction they go with their early selections. Whether they target defense, offense, or trade around the board, one thing is clear: the Georgia Bulldogs are firmly in their crosshairs. Mykel Williams and Amarius Mims represent two of the most compelling prospects in the draft, and both have the potential to become foundational players at the next level.
For a franchise hungry for stability, leadership, and high-level performance, looking to Athens may just be the smartest play the Cardinals can make.