The Arizona Cardinals enter the 2025 NFL Draft with a critical opportunity to reshape their roster, address glaring needs, and position themselves for a return to playoff contention. After a season of rebuilding, the team needs to capitalize on the draft to bring in young, talented players who can contribute immediately and fit the long-term vision of the franchise. The Cardinals are in a unique position, holding a high pick, allowing them to target players who can make an immediate impact. With their roster needs spanning multiple positions, the Cardinals have the chance to address both offense and defense, building a team that can challenge for supremacy in the NFC West. This mock draft will explore the best selections for the Cardinals across multiple rounds, ensuring that their future is in good hands.
In the first round, the Arizona Cardinals hold the third overall pick, and with such a high selection, they are in prime position to grab a game-changing talent. After careful evaluation, the Cardinals will likely focus on bolstering their defense and adding a cornerstone piece that can immediately step in and be a leader. With pass-rushing being one of the most essential elements in the NFL today, the Cardinals are expected to select defensive end Jared Shick from Penn State. Shick is an explosive, dynamic player who has been consistently dominant during his college career. His ability to rush the passer, his size, and his athleticism make him one of the most complete edge prospects in recent memory.
Shick’s arrival in Arizona would immediately boost a defense that has struggled to create pressure on opposing quarterbacks in recent years. With the NFL’s increasing reliance on passing attacks, having a premier edge rusher who can disrupt the pocket is critical. Shick has the versatility to line up on either side of the defensive line, making him a valuable asset in both base and pass-rushing situations. His high motor and relentless pursuit of the quarterback would give the Cardinals a player who can change the course of a game with a timely sack or a forced fumble. As a premier edge rusher, Shick would fill a critical hole in the Arizona defense and offer a potential star who could anchor the pass rush for years to come.
Moving to the second round, the Cardinals’ next big need is to improve their offensive line. Kyler Murray’s development as the franchise quarterback hinges on having solid protection up front. While the Cardinals have made strides in bolstering their offensive line, there is still work to be done to ensure that Murray has time to execute plays. One of the best options for the Cardinals in the second round would be selecting guard Broderick Jones from Georgia. Jones is a powerful, athletic lineman with a high ceiling. His ability to drive defenders off the line of scrimmage in the running game, combined with his pass protection skills, makes him a valuable asset for any offensive line.
Jones is known for his balance and footwork, which are critical components for a guard in the NFL. His versatility to play both guard and tackle gives the Cardinals options in terms of lineup flexibility. By adding a player like Jones, the Cardinals would not only improve their offensive line but also provide Murray with better protection to execute plays, especially in the pocket. Jones’s physicality and ability to dominate defenders would open up running lanes for the Cardinals’ running backs while also helping Murray find his rhythm as a passer. As one of the top guard prospects in the draft, Jones would be a key building block for Arizona’s offensive line.
In the third round, the Arizona Cardinals need to continue addressing their offensive line and defensive backfield. With the team’s ongoing efforts to surround Kyler Murray with weapons, it’s clear that improving the depth at wide receiver would be important as well. To that end, the Cardinals should select wide receiver Keon Coleman from Florida State. Coleman is a dynamic, athletic receiver with excellent size and the ability to stretch the field. His explosive playmaking ability would add another weapon to the Cardinals’ receiving corps, complementing DeAndre Hopkins and Allen Robinson, and giving Kyler Murray a diverse set of options in the passing game.
Coleman’s agility and ability to make plays after the catch would make him a dangerous threat on short and intermediate routes, while his size and physicality allow him to win contested catches downfield. Arizona’s offense would greatly benefit from having a receiver like Coleman, who can add speed and versatility to a unit that already has established stars. The Cardinals have struggled to find a true complement to Hopkins in the past, but Coleman could step in and immediately provide Murray with an additional dynamic playmaker.
In the fourth round, the Cardinals should turn their attention to their defense once again. With the addition of Shick in the first round, the Cardinals can afford to focus on another important area: their secondary. While Arizona has some talent in the secondary, there are areas for improvement, particularly at the cornerback position. The team should look to add a cornerback with solid coverage skills and the ability to make plays on the ball. One of the best options here would be selecting cornerback Darrell Lee from Alabama. Lee is a tall, physical corner with excellent ball skills and the ability to shut down receivers in man-to-man coverage. His combination of size and speed makes him a tough matchup for opposing wide receivers.
Lee’s ability to cover a wide range of receivers, combined with his ability to read the quarterback’s eyes and create turnovers, would help Arizona shore up a secondary that has been inconsistent in recent seasons. His physical play at the line of scrimmage and aggressive tackling would fit well into the Cardinals’ defensive scheme, where cornerbacks are asked to be physical and disruptive. Lee could compete for a starting spot immediately and would be a valuable asset as the Cardinals look to solidify their defensive backfield.
In the fifth round, the Cardinals should turn their attention to adding depth at the linebacker position. Arizona has had solid linebackers in recent years but lacks the depth and playmaking ability needed to truly excel in all phases of the game. A player like linebacker Tyrese Graham from Texas Tech would be a strong addition to their linebacker corps. Graham is an explosive athlete with a nose for the ball and a high football IQ. He’s capable of covering the field sideline to sideline, making plays in both the running and passing game. His ability to diagnose plays quickly and react with speed would allow him to contribute on special teams right away while also challenging for a starting role.
Adding a player like Graham would give the Cardinals more flexibility at linebacker, as he can contribute in a variety of ways, whether it be in coverage or against the run. He’d also provide the team with valuable depth in a position that is critical to defensive success. As the Cardinals look to improve their overall defensive performance, adding a playmaking linebacker like Graham would be a smart move.
As the draft progresses, the Cardinals would continue to fill out their roster with players who can provide depth and contribute on special teams while also developing into potential starters in the future. The draft would provide Arizona with a chance to reshape both the offense and defense and build a team that can challenge for NFC West supremacy in the coming seasons. With a strong draft class in 2025, the Cardinals can address their key needs and set themselves up for a successful season, giving their fans hope for a bright future ahead.
In this final mock draft, the Arizona Cardinals have made selections that target their most pressing needs while also focusing on long-term potential. By adding impact players in the pass rush, offensive line, and secondary, as well as adding depth at wide receiver and linebacker, the team is positioning itself for sustained success. This draft class could be the catalyst for a new era in Arizona, one in which the team rises from rebuilding to becoming a true NFC contender. The next step for the Cardinals will be making these picks a reality and executing their vision for the future.