The 2025 NFL Draft served as a pivotal moment for the Arizona Cardinals, who entered the event with several roster holes, especially on defense and along the offensive line. Following a 5–12 finish in 2024, General Manager Monti Ossenfort and Head Coach Jonathan Gannon knew this year’s draft class had to produce immediate contributors. With quarterback Kyler Murray firmly in place and a strong core of young talent emerging, the Cardinals aimed to blend positional need with best player available principles. The results suggest they may have executed one of the most balanced drafts of the year.
Here’s a complete breakdown of the Cardinals’ 2025 draft class and an updated look at their projected depth chart heading into training camp.
Arizona Cardinals 2025 NFL Draft Class
Round 1, Pick 4: Jared Behrens, EDGE, Michigan
A disruptive force with elite speed and bend off the edge, Behrens gives Arizona the premier pass rusher they lacked. After posting 14 sacks in his final collegiate season, the 6’5”, 258-pound Behrens enters the NFL as arguably the most NFL-ready defensive lineman in the class. He fills a glaring need opposite BJ Ojulari and will be expected to make an immediate impact.
Round 1, Pick 27 (via HOU): Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia
With D.J. Humphries recovering from injury and the right tackle spot unsettled, Mims brings top-tier athleticism and length to the line. Though somewhat raw due to limited starts at Georgia, his upside is enormous. Expect Mims to challenge for a starting role by midseason, possibly locking down the right side of the line for years to come.
Round 2, Pick 35: Kamari Ramsey, S, USC
Ramsey is a rangy safety with elite instincts in zone coverage. He adds depth and competition to a safety room that includes Budda Baker, whose long-term future in Arizona remains unclear. Ramsey could eventually transition into a starting role or play a nickel hybrid spot in Gannon’s defense.
Round 3, Pick 66: Braden Fiske, DT, Florida State
The Cardinals bolstered their interior defensive line with Fiske, a high-motor, high-character player with pass-rush ability from the interior. Fiske impressed scouts at the Senior Bowl with his quick get-off and relentless pursuit. He’ll rotate early with veterans and potentially become a starter by 2026.
Round 3, Pick 71: Troy Franklin, WR, Oregon
Speed. That’s what Franklin brings. With 4.32-second 40-yard dash speed and a 6’3” frame, Franklin offers a vertical threat opposite Marvin Harrison Jr. While still developing route precision, his explosiveness opens up the field and stretches secondaries. Arizona adds yet another weapon for Murray.
Round 4, Pick 104: Blake Corum, RB, Michigan
A proven bell-cow back at Michigan, Corum joins a crowded but underwhelming running back room. James Conner is nearing 30 and has battled injuries, making Corum an attractive, downhill alternative. His vision and decisiveness could earn him meaningful touches right away.
Round 5, Pick 141: Zak Zinter, G, Michigan
Another Wolverine joins the Cardinals as Arizona continues its O-line overhaul. Zinter brings leadership, toughness, and the ability to play either guard position. He’ll compete for snaps behind starters and offers injury insurance with a high football IQ.
Round 6, Pick 178: Malik Mustapha, S, Wake Forest
A hard-hitting safety with special teams upside, Mustapha will fight for a roster spot. He’s a physical tone-setter who may eventually move to linebacker in sub-packages.
Round 7, Pick 219: Devin Leary, QB, Kentucky
Taking a flyer on Leary makes sense—he’s experienced and had a productive college career, though he lacks ideal size and consistency. Leary provides developmental depth behind Kyler Murray and Clayton Tune.
Biggest Takeaways from the Draft
1. Prioritizing the Trenches:
Arizona used premium picks on both sides of the line. Behrens and Mims are foundational pieces that address critical weaknesses from last season. The Cardinals gave up 50 sacks in 2024 and struggled to generate pressure without blitzing. This draft directly targets those issues.
2. Weapons Around Murray:
With Marvin Harrison Jr. entering his second year, the addition of Troy Franklin gives the Cardinals two explosive outside targets. Corum’s presence in the backfield also gives Murray a more reliable run game to lean on.
3. Future-Proofing the Secondary:
Kamari Ramsey and Malik Mustapha add depth to a safety group that may undergo change soon. With Budda Baker’s contract expiring after 2025, Ramsey could be his successor.
4. Cultural Fit and Leadership:
Nearly every player drafted was a team captain or vocal locker-room leader in college. Ossenfort and Gannon emphasized character and football intelligence, continuing their culture-building efforts.
Projected Arizona Cardinals Depth Chart (Post-Draft)
OFFENSE
Quarterback:
- Kyler Murray
- Clayton Tune
- Devin Leary (R)
Running Back:
- James Conner
- Blake Corum (R)
- Michael Carter
- Emari Demercado
Wide Receiver:
- Marvin Harrison Jr.
- Michael Wilson
- Troy Franklin (R)
- Greg Dortch
- Zach Pascal
- Andre Baccellia
Tight End:
- Trey McBride
- Elijah Higgins
- Bernhard Seikovits
Left Tackle:
- D.J. Humphries
- Jackson Barton
Left Guard:
- Paris Johnson Jr.
- Zak Zinter (R)
Center:
- Hjalte Froholdt
- Jon Gaines II
Right Guard:
- Will Hernandez
- Zinter / Carter O’Donnell
Right Tackle:
- Amarius Mims (R)
- Kelvin Beachum
DEFENSE (3-4 Base)
Defensive End:
- Jonathan Ledbetter
- Kevin Strong
Nose Tackle:
- Leki Fotu
- Dante Stills
Defensive End:
- Braden Fiske (R)
- Roy Lopez
Outside Linebacker (EDGE):
- Jared Behrens (R)
- Victor Dimukeje
Inside Linebacker:
- Kyzir White
- Krys Barnes
- Josh Woods
- Owen Pappoe
Outside Linebacker (EDGE):
- BJ Ojulari
- Zaven Collins
Cornerback:
- Garrett Williams
- Marco Wilson
- Starling Thomas V
- Kei’Trel Clark
Free Safety:
- Kamari Ramsey (R)
- Malik Mustapha (R)
Strong Safety:
- Budda Baker
- Jalen Thompson
Special Teams
Kicker: Matt Prater
Punter: Blake Gillikin
Long Snapper: Aaron Brewer
Returner: Greg Dortch / Troy Franklin
Outlook for the 2025 Season
With a blend of dynamic rookies and seasoned veterans, the Cardinals may be on the cusp of turning the corner. The NFC West remains highly competitive, but Arizona now boasts a roster with more depth, speed, and physicality than in recent years.
Kyler Murray will be under the microscope again, but with Marvin Harrison Jr. and Troy Franklin stretching the field, plus a revitalized running game and upgraded protection, he’s in the best position since his 2021 Pro Bowl season. If Mims and Zinter can stabilize the line, the offense could take a substantial leap.
On defense, the pass-rushing duo of Behrens and Ojulari gives Jonathan Gannon the type of heat-seeking edge threats he had while coordinating Philadelphia’s dominant front. The secondary is young but promising, and the linebacker corps has quietly improved.
While Arizona may not yet be a Super Bowl contender, this draft closes the gap significantly. A seven- to nine-win season isn’t out of the question, and with player development, the Cardinals may finally be building something sustainable.