The Arizona Cardinals entered the 2025 NFL Draft with a host of needs, a stockpile of picks, and an organizational mandate to turn potential into production. After three days of calculated selections, strategic trades, and value-driven decisions, the Cardinals emerged with a draft class that is drawing widespread praise from NFL executives, scouts, and analysts alike.
From a top-tier wide receiver in the first round to savvy depth adds on Days 2 and 3, general managers around the league see Arizona’s 2025 draft as a blueprint for rebuilding the right way: with patience, vision, and precision. As one anonymous executive told ESPN, “Monti Ossenfort is putting together something quietly dangerous in the desert.”
The Foundation: Marvin Harrison Jr. and a Future No. 1 Receiver
When the Cardinals drafted Marvin Harrison Jr. with the 4th overall pick in the 2024 draft, they made a long-term investment in an elite weapon for quarterback Kyler Murray. This year, they doubled down by giving him more firepower and protection, further emphasizing their commitment to maximizing Murray’s prime.
That process began again in 2025 with the No. 5 overall pick—used to select Malik Nabers, the dynamic wide receiver from LSU. With Harrison on one side and Nabers on the other, Arizona now boasts one of the most exciting young receiving duos in football. Nabers brings explosive acceleration, polished route running, and a tenacious mindset. At LSU, he torched SEC defenses weekly, finishing the 2024 season with over 1,500 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns.
“Nabers plays with the confidence and swag that you want in a No. 1,” said one NFC personnel director. “He’s the type of player who makes a quarterback believe again. Pairing him with Harrison is unfair.”
In a pass-heavy NFC West, where defenses are always preparing for DK Metcalf, Cooper Kupp, and Deebo Samuel, the Cardinals now present their own matchup nightmare.
The Smart Trade: Moving Back, Still Winning Big
Arizona held two first-round picks thanks to a previous trade with Houston. While many expected them to stay put, Ossenfort chose to trade down from pick No. 23 to 29, collecting an additional third-rounder and fifth-rounder in the process. That extra draft capital turned into key selections that strengthened the roster at multiple levels.
With the 29th overall pick, Arizona selected Graham Barton, the versatile offensive lineman from Duke. Barton is seen as a plug-and-play interior lineman who can also swing outside in emergency situations. He’s powerful in the run game, smart with protections, and nasty at the point of attack.
One AFC GM praised the pick: “You build sustainable success by drafting guys like Barton. He’ll be a 10-year starter.”
The Cardinals have spent multiple drafts investing in the trenches, and Barton represents a cornerstone for the interior line. With Paris Johnson Jr. entering Year 2 and D.J. Humphries returning from injury, the offensive line is beginning to resemble a unit built for long-term cohesion.
Day 2 Gold: Defense Finds Its Identity
Arizona’s biggest concern heading into the draft was its defense, particularly along the front seven. Ossenfort responded by dedicating Day 2 to finding scheme fits with high upside.
With the No. 66 pick in the third round, the Cardinals selected Payton Wilson, the linebacker from NC State. Though medical red flags caused his stock to dip, Wilson’s talent is undeniable. A rangy, instinctual playmaker, Wilson flies to the football and has sideline-to-sideline range.
“He reminds me of a young Fred Warner,” one veteran scout said. “If he stays healthy, that’s a steal.”
The Cardinals weren’t done. With their second third-round pick, they snagged Ruke Orhorhoro, a defensive lineman from Clemson known for his explosive first step and ability to disrupt plays in the backfield. Though raw, Orhorhoro offers serious upside as a rotational interior defender.
Arizona’s final Day 2 pick was Cam Hart, the lengthy cornerback from Notre Dame. At 6’3”, Hart gives the Cardinals a physical presence on the boundary with the ability to press and track vertical routes. The team hopes he can develop into a starter opposite Garrett Williams.
Day 3 Depth with Development in Mind
Day 3 was where Arizona’s draft really shined. Armed with five picks on Saturday, Ossenfort focused on adding depth and developmental talent—players who may not start immediately but could grow into significant contributors.
At the top of the fourth round, they selected Jaylen Wright, the speedy running back from Tennessee. Wright adds a home-run element to the backfield and should complement James Conner well in change-of-pace situations. His 4.3 speed and burst through the hole drew comparisons to Raheem Mostert.
In the fifth round, Arizona took a swing on Christian Mahogany, a guard from Boston College who missed time due to injury but has starter-level talent. If healthy, Mahogany could compete for playing time by midseason.
They also added Javon Solomon, the pass-rusher from Troy who led the Sun Belt in sacks in 2024. Though undersized, Solomon has a quick first step and relentless motor. He’s a classic Day 3 high-motor edge with special teams upside.
The final two picks were Bub Means, a wide receiver from Pitt known for his strong hands and contested catch ability, and Cam Little, the kicker from Arkansas. Little could challenge for the starting kicking job in training camp.
Front Office Chemistry and Draft Philosophy Paying Off
One of the recurring comments from executives around the league was about how cohesive the Cardinals’ draft strategy appeared.
“There was no panic. No reaching,” said a former front office executive now working in media. “This was a well-thought-out draft from a front office that clearly had a board and stuck to it.”
It helps that the Cardinals are entering Year 2 under head coach Jonathan Gannon. The defensive-minded coach collaborated closely with Ossenfort to identify culture fits—players who not only had talent, but the mental makeup to thrive in a rebuilding locker room.
“There’s a shift happening in Arizona,” said an AFC South executive. “They’re picking guys who love ball, are mature, and have growth potential. You’re going to see the results by 2026.”
Grading the Draft
While early draft grades are mostly speculative, the consensus around the league leans positive. Here are some evaluations from national analysts and executives:
- ESPN (Mel Kiper Jr.): A-
“The Cardinals got two dynamic receivers in back-to-back years, strengthened their interior line, and found multiple defensive pieces with upside. Barton and Nabers were home runs.”
- NFL.com (Chad Reuter): A
“Arizona’s ability to trade back and still land starters is the mark of a front office hitting its stride.”
- The Athletic: B+
“A great blend of high-floor players and high-upside swings. Payton Wilson could be the steal of the class if healthy.”
- Anonymous GM (via Bleacher Report):
“I don’t usually say this about rebuilding teams, but the Cardinals are going to be a tough out by November.”
2025 Outlook: Climbing the NFC West
The NFC West remains one of the NFL’s most challenging divisions, but the Cardinals are no longer the doormat. With Murray healthy, an elite duo at wide receiver, and growing depth on both sides of the ball, Arizona could make a run at .500 or better.
More importantly, they now have a clear identity—something that’s been missing since the end of the Bruce Arians era.
This draft class doesn’t just fill holes—it builds pillars. And NFL executives have noticed.
“I’ll say this: if Kyler takes the next step, they’ll be playing meaningful football in December,” an AFC North scouting director predicted. “They’re finally building it the right way.”
Final Thoughts
The 2025 NFL Draft may not have made the loudest headlines for the Arizona Cardinals, but inside NFL circles, it echoed loudly. With calculated aggression, disciplined evaluation, and a vision for both the present and future, Arizona put together a draft class that could serve as the foundation of a new era.
It’s early, and rookies are just rookies until they produce on Sundays. But make no mistake—NFL executives are watching the desert with renewed respect.
