The Arizona Cardinals entered the 2025 NFL Draft with a clear directive: reinforce the roster with young, impact-ready defenders while continuing to build around their franchise cornerstone, quarterback Kyler Murray. After a 2024 campaign that showed promise on offense but was plagued by inconsistency and underperformance on defense, the Cardinals’ front office, led by general manager Monti Ossenfort and head coach Jonathan Gannon, prioritized toughness, versatility, and leadership in their selections.
Now, with the draft in the books and offseason activities ramping up, let’s break down each of the Cardinals’ draft picks, how they fit into the team’s plans, and project the depth chart heading into training camp.
Draft Strategy: Defense First, with Selective Offensive Tweaks
The 2025 draft class was deep in defensive line and secondary talent—areas where the Cardinals desperately needed reinforcements. Arizona selected six defensive players out of their seven total picks, underscoring a shift in philosophy. After ranking near the bottom of the league in total defense, sacks, and opponent third-down conversions, the Cardinals targeted players who could compete right away or develop behind veterans.
Let’s examine the picks.
Arizona Cardinals 2025 NFL Draft Picks
Round 1, Pick 16: Walter Nolen III, DL, Ole Miss
A monster in the trenches, Nolen was one of the most explosive interior defenders in the SEC. At 6’4″, 315 pounds, he blends rare power and agility. In 2024, he posted 6.5 sacks and 14 tackles for loss—numbers that validate his disruptive impact. The Cardinals see Nolen as a Day 1 contributor next to veterans like L.J. Collier and Dalvin Tomlinson. His presence could anchor the middle for years to come.
Round 2, Pick 47: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
Once considered a top-10 lock, Johnson slid to the second round due to concerns over a late-season injury. The Cardinals didn’t hesitate. Johnson brings size (6’2″), elite ball skills, and the ability to shadow top receivers. If healthy, he’s a future CB1 who will push to start opposite Garrett Williams. Johnson could be a franchise-altering selection if he fulfills his potential.
Round 3, Pick 78: Jordan Burch, EDGE, Oregon
The Cardinals needed a dynamic pass rusher, and they found one in Jordan Burch. The former five-star recruit had a breakout year at Oregon with 9.5 sacks and 18 TFLs. His speed around the edge complements Arizona’s current pass-rushing group, and his 6’6″, 275-pound frame provides scheme versatility. Expect him to rotate early and potentially start opposite Zaven Collins.
Round 4, Pick 115: Cody Simon, LB, Ohio State
A tackling machine, Simon flew under the radar but shined in big games. He earned defensive MVP honors in the College Football Playoff National Championship with 13 tackles and a forced fumble. He plays fast, diagnoses well, and projects as a Mike linebacker with leadership upside. He’ll immediately compete for reps in the heart of the Cardinals’ defense.
Round 5, Pick 174: Denzel Burke, CB, Ohio State
Arizona doubled down on Ohio State defenders with the selection of Burke, a feisty corner with excellent anticipation and press-man capabilities. Though inconsistent at times, Burke offers value as a nickel or dime corner with the upside to develop into a solid starter. He’ll be valuable insurance if injuries strike the secondary again.
Round 6, Pick 211: Hayden Conner, OG, Texas
Arizona waited until the sixth round to draft an offensive player, but Conner brings excellent value. A three-year starter at Texas, Conner brings power and flexibility at both guard positions. With the offensive line aging and depth thin, he has a real chance to make the 53-man roster and possibly rotate at left guard.
Round 7, Pick 225: Kitan Crawford, S, Nevada
Crawford is a special teams ace with hybrid potential. His speed and open-field tackling drew praise from scouts, and though he’s raw as a safety, his athleticism and tenacity give him upside. Arizona may try him in sub-packages or use him to develop behind Jalen Thompson and Budda Baker.
Undrafted Free Agent Gems
In addition to their draft haul, the Cardinals signed several intriguing UDFAs, including:
- Tyler Shough (QB, Texas Tech) – A developmental quarterback who could push for a practice squad spot.
- Noah Daniels (CB, TCU) – Injury-prone but physical and tough. A sleeper in camp.
- Trevin Wallace (LB, Kentucky) – Speedy linebacker with upside as a core special teamer.
These players will compete during minicamps and training camp, with a few potentially landing on the 53-man roster or practice squad.
Cardinals’ 2025 Projected Depth Chart
Based on the current roster and offseason moves, here’s a projected look at the Cardinals’ depth chart entering summer activities:
Offense
Quarterback:
- QB1: Kyler Murray
- QB2: Clayton Tune
- QB3: Tyler Shough (UDFA)
Running Back:
- RB1: James Conner
- RB2: Emari Demercado
- RB3: Michael Carter
Wide Receivers:
- WR1: Marvin Harrison Jr.
- WR2: Michael Wilson
- WR3 (Slot): Greg Dortch
- WR4: Zach Pascal
- WR5: Andre Baccellia
Tight Ends:
- TE1: Trey McBride
- TE2: Elijah Higgins
- TE3: Blake Whiteheart
Offensive Line:
- LT: D.J. Humphries
- LG: Elijah Wilkinson / Hayden Conner
- C: Hjalte Froholdt
- RG: Will Hernandez
- RT: Paris Johnson Jr.
Defense
Defensive Line:
- DE: L.J. Collier
- NT: Dalvin Tomlinson
- DT: Walter Nolen III
- Rotational DL: Kevin Strong, Jonathan Ledbetter
Outside Linebackers:
- OLB: Zaven Collins
- OLB: Jordan Burch
- Backup EDGE: Myjai Sanders, BJ Ojulari
Inside Linebackers:
- ILB: Kyzir White
- ILB: Cody Simon
- Backups: Josh Woods, Krys Barnes
Cornerbacks:
- CB1: Will Johnson
- CB2: Garrett Williams
- Nickel: Denzel Burke / Antonio Hamilton
- Depth: Kei’Trel Clark, Marco Wilson
Safeties:
- SS: Budda Baker
- FS: Jalen Thompson
- Depth: Joey Blount, Kitan Crawford
Special Teams
Kicker: Chad Ryland
Punter: Blake Gillikin
Long Snapper: Aaron Brewer
Kick Returner: DeeJay Dallas
Punt Returner: Greg Dortch
Key Positional Battles to Watch in Camp
Training camp and preseason will be full of competition. Some battles to watch:
- Cornerback Rotation – Can Will Johnson leapfrog into the starting lineup from Day 1? Will Burke lock down the nickel spot?
- Inside Linebacker – Cody Simon vs. Krys Barnes. Simon brings speed and instincts, but can he win over the coaching staff?
- Offensive Line Depth – Hayden Conner has a legitimate shot to take a rotational guard spot.
- EDGE Rotation – Burch and Ojulari will fight for reps. Burch is the bigger athlete; Ojulari has a faster get-off.
Draft Grade and Outlook
Draft Grade: B+
The Cardinals earned solid marks across the board for their 2025 draft. The focus on defense was necessary, and the team didn’t reach for needs. Walter Nolen could become a cornerstone of the defense, while Will Johnson and Jordan Burch offer Pro Bowl potential.
The only knock was the lack of earlier attention to the offensive line and wide receiver depth beyond Marvin Harrison Jr., though Conner and some undrafted signings may help fill those gaps.
Final Thoughts
With Kyler Murray healthy and surrounded by rising stars like Harrison Jr. and Trey McBride, Arizona’s offense should remain dynamic. But the defense is where this team’s fortunes will change. If this rookie class performs as expected—especially Nolen and Johnson—Arizona could jump from rebuilding to contending status quicker than anticipated.
Jonathan Gannon’s fingerprints are now fully on this team. With youth, speed, and physicality injected into all three levels of the defense, the 2025 Cardinals have a real chance to make noise in a competitive NFC West.