Cardinals Draft Class Ranks Among Best in NFL
The 2025 NFL Draft has officially concluded, and one of the most compelling storylines emerging from the event is the Arizona Cardinals’ masterful performance throughout all seven rounds. General Manager Monti Ossenfort and Head Coach Jonathan Gannon, entering their second year in charge, appeared to have a clear vision and executed it flawlessly. From addressing both sides of the ball to stockpiling future talent, the Cardinals walked away with a draft class that is already being hailed as one of the best in the league.
Analysts, scouts, and NFL insiders have lauded the Cardinals’ approach—highlighting their balance of value, positional need, and long-term potential. Let’s take a deep dive into the Cardinals’ 2025 NFL Draft class and why it ranks among the league’s elite.
Building Around Kyler Murray: A Renewed Focus
After an up-and-down 2024 season, Arizona made it clear that their future still revolves around quarterback Kyler Murray. While questions persisted regarding his long-term fit due to injuries and system transitions, the Cardinals doubled down on giving Murray every opportunity to succeed. Their draft strategy reflected a commitment to improving the infrastructure around their franchise quarterback.
1st Round, Pick 4: Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State
This pick was a no-brainer. Despite trade offers, the Cardinals stayed put and selected the best wide receiver prospect since Calvin Johnson. Marvin Harrison Jr. brings elite route-running, sure hands, size (6’4”, 205 lbs), and a professional pedigree. His combination of polish and athleticism gives Kyler Murray a true WR1—something Arizona has lacked since DeAndre Hopkins’ departure.
Harrison Jr. will instantly transform Arizona’s offense, opening up space for other pass-catchers and commanding double teams. He’s NFL-ready, with comparisons to Davante Adams and A.J. Green being thrown around by evaluators.
1st Round, Pick 27: Darius Robinson, EDGE, Missouri
After getting their offensive centerpiece, the Cardinals turned their attention to defense. Trading up to snag Darius Robinson late in the first round was a savvy move. The Missouri pass rusher rose up draft boards with a dominant Senior Bowl and combines brute strength with a relentless motor.
Robinson has the flexibility to play inside or outside in Gannon’s hybrid scheme. His immediate upside as a run defender and situational pass rusher fills a massive void on Arizona’s defensive line. He’s viewed as a tone-setter—someone who can lead by example on a defense in need of attitude and identity.
Value Picks and Future Starters
Arizona continued to make smart, strategic picks in the middle rounds—adding depth, athleticism, and positional versatility across the board.
2nd Round, Pick 35: Cooper Beebe, OL, Kansas State
Beebe may have been the most underrated offensive lineman in the draft. A versatile guard/tackle with over 40 college starts, Beebe brings tenacity, power, and technical soundness to Arizona’s offensive front. He projects as a day-one starter at left guard and could kick out to tackle if needed.
The Cardinals’ offensive line has struggled with consistency and injuries over the past few seasons, so Beebe’s durability and experience are huge assets. He’s the type of high-floor player who stabilizes a unit.
3rd Round, Pick 66: Khyree Jackson, CB, Oregon
Arizona needed cornerback depth badly, and Khyree Jackson was a steal in the third round. A former Alabama recruit who transferred to Oregon and flourished, Jackson is long (6’3”), physical, and instinctive. His frame and press coverage ability make him a perfect fit in Gannon’s aggressive man-heavy scheme.
While he’s still refining his technique, Jackson has starter upside and could carve out a significant role in nickel packages immediately.
3rd Round, Pick 71: Jaden Hicks, S, Washington State
Few safeties in this draft brought the same combination of range and physicality as Jaden Hicks. At 6’3”, 210 lbs, he’s built like a linebacker but moves like a free safety. Hicks is an ideal chess piece for Arizona’s defense—capable of playing in the box, covering tight ends, and even filling in as a dime linebacker.
Arizona’s safety room lacked depth behind Budda Baker, and Hicks offers long-term starter potential while providing special teams value from day one.
Day 3 Gems and Developmental Talent
While the early rounds get all the headlines, championships are often built in the later rounds. Arizona’s scouting department shined here as well.
4th Round, Pick 104: Javon Foster, OT, Missouri
Foster was a three-year starter in the SEC who faced top competition weekly. He isn’t the flashiest prospect, but he’s technically sound, intelligent, and tough. Foster profiles as a swing tackle initially, with the potential to develop into a starting right tackle in the future.
5th Round, Pick 137: Braelon Allen, RB, Wisconsin
This may end up being one of the steals of the draft. Allen, a former 17-year-old freshman phenom at Wisconsin, is a bruising back with deceptive speed and excellent vision. His downhill style perfectly complements James Conner, and he could eventually become the bellcow in Arizona’s backfield.
Allen’s college production (over 3,500 rushing yards in three years) speaks for itself. He’ll make an impact in short-yardage situations right away and could develop into a 1,000-yard rusher.
6th Round, Pick 187: Cornelius Johnson, WR, Michigan
A big-bodied receiver who was overshadowed in Michigan’s run-heavy offense, Johnson offers upside as a possession receiver and red zone threat. His route tree needs refinement, but his size and work ethic give him a shot at cracking the rotation.
7th Round, Pick 221: Kalen King, CB, Penn State
Just a year ago, Kalen King was considered a potential Day 1 prospect. A rough 2024 campaign dropped his stock, but the talent is still there. King is a gritty, physical corner who thrives in press coverage. Arizona took a low-risk flyer on a player with high-upside tools.
Draft Class Summary
| Round | Pick | Player | Position | School |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 4 | Marvin Harrison Jr. | WR | Ohio State |
| 1 | 27 | Darius Robinson | EDGE | Missouri |
| 2 | 35 | Cooper Beebe | OL | Kansas State |
| 3 | 66 | Khyree Jackson | CB | Oregon |
| 3 | 71 | Jaden Hicks | S | Washington State |
| 4 | 104 | Javon Foster | OT | Missouri |
| 5 | 137 | Braelon Allen | RB | Wisconsin |
| 6 | 187 | Cornelius Johnson | WR | Michigan |
| 7 | 221 | Kalen King | CB | Penn State |
National Reaction
NFL experts have overwhelmingly praised the Cardinals’ draft. ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. ranked them in his top three draft classes, stating:
“Arizona landed an elite WR1, a powerful edge rusher, and a plug-and-play guard all in the first two rounds. They balanced best-player-available with positional need better than almost any team.”
Pro Football Focus gave the Cardinals an A+ grade, citing their “incredible value picks” and “clear team-building strategy.”
NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah added:
“This is how you build a contender—by nailing multiple picks at premium positions. Harrison and Robinson are future stars, and their day-two selections could be difference-makers by midseason.”
A Foundation for the Future
The Arizona Cardinals entered the 2025 NFL Draft with 11 picks, a top-five selection, and a massive opportunity to shape the franchise’s future. They came away not just with talent, but with an identity.
By focusing on high-character, high-upside players who fit Jonathan Gannon’s scheme on both sides of the ball, the Cardinals have begun constructing a roster that can compete in the brutal NFC West. With Kyler Murray healthy, Marvin Harrison Jr. stretching defenses, and a revitalized front seven, the Cardinals suddenly look like a team on the rise.
Most importantly, they’ve given themselves flexibility—both in personnel and in cap space. With multiple rookies expected to start or contribute immediately, Arizona has an affordable, ascending core that can grow together.
Final Word
It’s rare for a team to walk away from the NFL Draft with the overwhelming consensus that they aced nearly every round. But that’s exactly what the Arizona Cardinals did.
From the superstar sizzle of Marvin Harrison Jr. to the tough, unglamorous value picks like Cooper Beebe and Jaden Hicks, this class checks every box: immediate contributors, long-term developmental projects, and depth at key positions.
If this draft class develops as expected, the 2025 NFL Draft could go down as the turning point for the Arizona Cardinals franchise—and the beginning of a new era in the desert.