The Arizona Cardinals are staring down one of the most pivotal NFL Drafts in franchise history. Coming off another rebuilding season under head coach Jonathan Gannon and general manager Monti Ossenfort, the 2025 NFL Draft represents a golden opportunity to reshape the team’s identity and bolster both sides of the ball with fresh talent. As anticipation swells across the league, fans in the desert are hopeful that the upcoming draft will serve as a launchpad for long-term success.
Entering the draft with a treasure trove of picks, the Cardinals are armed with ample capital to make noise early and often. Following a 2024 season that saw both flashes of potential and lingering growing pains, Arizona will look to maximize its haul and continue to solidify its young core around quarterback Kyler Murray and a few emerging stars. The front office has made it clear—this draft isn’t just about filling roster spots. It’s about finding difference-makers.
With a combination of their own selections and assets acquired from previous trades—including the blockbuster deal that sent star wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins to the Kansas City Chiefs and a handful of draft-related maneuvers from years past—the Cardinals possess 11 total picks in the 2025 NFL Draft. These picks span all seven rounds, offering Arizona flexibility, depth, and the potential for impact across the board.
The Cardinals are currently slated to pick early in the first round, and while they’ve not revealed their specific targets, many insiders believe the team is eyeing reinforcements along both the offensive and defensive lines. Some believe the team could explore trading down if overwhelmed by offers, while others think Arizona could look to package mid-round picks to move back into the first round if a premium player slides. This is where the draft capital becomes not just a luxury, but a weapon.
Arizona holds one of the most intriguing top-10 picks in the draft. Having retained their original first-rounder after another challenging campaign, the Cardinals are expected to be in prime position to land a blue-chip talent. The 2025 class is loaded with defensive studs, dynamic receivers, and elite offensive tackles—all positions of need for Arizona. With speculation swirling around players like Alabama edge rusher Dallas Turner, Ohio State wideout Emeka Egbuka, and Penn State offensive tackle Olu Fashanu, Arizona’s front office will need to weigh value, fit, and long-term upside when the clock starts ticking.
Beyond their first-rounder, the Cardinals have additional picks that give them the ammunition to make aggressive moves. Their second-round pick is expected to fall in the early part of Day 2, offering a chance to grab a player with first-round potential who happens to slide. Players with medical red flags, off-field concerns, or those buried in deep position groups often find themselves as steals in this range—something the Cardinals are surely prepared to pounce on.
Arizona also holds multiple picks in the third round, thanks in part to trades made during the 2024 season. These picks could be used to bolster key depth areas such as cornerback, linebacker, or running back. One name that’s been consistently linked to the Cardinals in this range is Blake Corum, the versatile Michigan running back who returned to school for another year but remains a high-upside, plug-and-play contributor. Another intriguing name is Oregon’s Khyree Jackson, a long, athletic cornerback who fits the mold of the new-era NFL DB.
One of the most valuable assets for the Cardinals is their collection of mid-to-late-round picks. Rounds 4 through 7 often separate good front offices from great ones. Arizona has made a concerted effort to strengthen its scouting department, and those efforts could pay off in these rounds. Whether it’s finding a high-motor edge rusher with untapped potential, a developmental quarterback to groom behind Murray, or a core special teams contributor, Day 3 of the draft will be just as crucial as Day 1 for Arizona.
Another factor worth watching is whether the Cardinals decide to package any of their picks to trade for established veterans. While the team is still in a youth-focused rebuild, adding a proven commodity at the right position—especially if a high draft target is off the board—could be a shrewd move. Ossenfort has shown he’s not afraid to make bold decisions, and draft weekend often presents opportunities for creative deals.
The Cardinals’ draft strategy will likely be a blend of best player available and need-based targeting. The roster still needs help in several key areas, including the trenches, where Arizona struggled to generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks and had difficulty protecting Murray consistently. With the 2025 draft class deep in edge rushers and offensive tackles, Arizona is well-positioned to address both issues head-on.
Wide receiver is another potential area of emphasis, especially following the departure of Hollywood Brown in free agency and the ongoing search for a true WR1. Arizona has promising young targets in Michael Wilson and Greg Dortch, but neither has yet proven they can be a dominant presence. If a top-tier receiver is on the board when Arizona is on the clock, it could be hard to pass up.
Additionally, the defensive secondary remains a work in progress. While Budda Baker continues to be a steady presence, injuries and inconsistent play around him have left Arizona vulnerable. A versatile safety or a cornerback with shutdown potential could be in the cards early or mid-draft. Look for Arizona to target rangy, athletic defenders who can fit into a hybrid defensive scheme and contribute immediately.
Linebacker, once considered a strength of the team, has become a bit of a question mark. Zaven Collins’ transition to edge rusher yielded mixed results, and the team is still seeking consistent production from the middle of its defense. The 2025 draft class offers a few intriguing off-ball linebackers who could provide immediate impact and long-term stability.
Tight end is another position that could be addressed, especially if a value pick emerges on Day 2 or 3. Trey McBride has emerged as a reliable target, but the Cardinals could benefit from adding a complementary piece who can stretch the field vertically or serve as an inline blocker in the run game.
As with any draft, the intangibles matter just as much as the measurables. Arizona is placing a premium on leadership, competitiveness, and football IQ. This is a locker room still establishing its culture, and Ossenfort and Gannon have emphasized finding “Cardinal guys”—players who fit the program’s values and are hungry to be part of a rebuild. Expect interviews, pro day performances, and background checks to factor heavily into Arizona’s decision-making process.
Here’s a complete look at the Arizona Cardinals’ 2025 NFL Draft picks as of Draft Week:
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Round 1, Pick 5 (own)
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Round 2, Pick 37 (own)
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Round 3, Pick 71 (from Tennessee via DeAndre Hopkins trade)
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Round 3, Pick 74 (own)
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Round 4, Pick 107 (own)
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Round 5, Pick 142 (own)
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Round 5, Pick 153 (from Denver via 2024 trade)
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Round 6, Pick 178 (own)
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Round 6, Pick 189 (compensatory)
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Round 7, Pick 222 (own)
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Round 7, Pick 236 (from Cleveland via trade)
In total, Arizona holds 11 picks, including two in the third round and two in both the fifth and sixth rounds. That kind of flexibility could allow them to be aggressive in moving around the board or stockpiling players for depth and development.
It’s a critical moment for a franchise that hasn’t tasted playoff success in years. With Kyler Murray returning to full health and the team slowly taking shape around him, this draft could be the beginning of a resurgence in the desert. Much of that will hinge on whether Arizona hits on its premium picks and finds key contributors throughout the draft.
The pressure is on, but so is the opportunity. The Cardinals have the capital, the coaching infrastructure, and the clarity of vision to make this draft count. What happens over these next few days could define the next five years of football in Arizona.
As the clock winds down toward Draft Day, one thing is clear: desert decisions are about to be made. And they’ll shape the future of the Arizona Cardinals for seasons to come.