Five Arizona Cardinals positions were questioned at OTAs.

As the Arizona Cardinals gear up for the 2025 NFL season, all eyes are on the team’s Organized Team Activities (OTAs), where first impressions matter and depth chart battles quietly begin. While the Cardinals added notable talent through the NFL Draft and free agency, there remain lingering questions across several key positions.

Under the leadership of head coach Jonathan Gannon and general manager Monti Ossenfort, the Cardinals are in the midst of a comprehensive rebuild. Following a disappointing 2024 campaign, there’s cautious optimism in Glendale—but also a heightened level of scrutiny. With quarterback Kyler Murray back in full swing and a new wave of young talent, Arizona’s coaching staff must make critical decisions that will shape the 2025 roster.

Here are five positions facing the most questions during OTAs:

1. Cornerback: Searching for a True CB1

The cornerback position remains one of the biggest question marks for the Cardinals entering the 2025 season. In 2024, the secondary was one of the NFL’s weakest, surrendering chunk plays at an alarming rate and ranking near the bottom in completion percentage allowed.

Veteran Presence vs. Youth Movement
The Cardinals signed veteran Adoree’ Jackson in the offseason, hoping his experience can stabilize the room. But Jackson is coming off an inconsistent year with the Giants, and there’s no guarantee he’ll regain CB1-level form. On the other side, second-year player Garrett Williams showed flashes of promise last season, particularly in zone coverage, but he’s yet to prove himself as a dependable outside corner.

Rookie Competition
Arizona spent a Day 2 pick on Iowa’s Cooper DeJean, a versatile defender capable of playing both slot corner and safety. While DeJean’s instincts and ball skills are undeniable, it’s unclear whether he’ll be primarily used inside or pushed to compete for an outside role.

OTA Focus:
Coaches are rotating multiple players in the secondary to determine combinations that can hold up in both man and zone schemes. Who emerges as the alpha corner remains a mystery—and it’s a battle that may stretch deep into training camp.

2. Offensive Line: Who Protects Kyler Murray?

Although the Cardinals have worked to upgrade the offensive line, it’s still a fluid situation, especially at guard and right tackle.

Left Tackle Locked In—But What Else?
Paris Johnson Jr. is expected to flip to his natural position at left tackle after playing on the right side in 2024. He’s projected to anchor the line for years to come. But the interior remains unsettled. Veteran Will Hernandez returns at right guard, while Hjalte Froholdt is penciled in at center—but neither’s job is safe.

Rookie Intrigue
The Cardinals selected Christian Mahogany out of Boston College in the third round. Known for his power and tenacity in the run game, Mahogany is expected to challenge for a starting guard spot immediately. There’s also competition brewing at right tackle between Kelvin Beachum and second-year man Carter O’Donnell.

OTA Focus:
Arizona is experimenting with different combinations across the line. With Murray’s mobility returning post-injury, protection remains paramount. If they can’t solidify the line, especially on the right side, it could compromise the offensive game plan from Week 1.

3. Wide Receiver: Who’s WR2 Behind Marvin Harrison Jr.?

The Cardinals made the splash of the draft by selecting Marvin Harrison Jr. with the No. 4 overall pick. He’s already looked the part of a WR1 during OTAs—his footwork, route precision, and NFL-ready frame have been as advertised.

But the pressing question is: Who’s going to step up behind him?

Veterans With a Lot to Prove
Hollywood Brown is now in Kansas City, leaving a void in the pecking order. That opens opportunities for Michael Wilson and Greg Dortch, who both had moments last year but lacked consistency. Wilson in particular has the size and catch radius to be a productive outside target, but health has always been a concern.

Zach Pascal and Zay Jones—acquired in free agency—bring veteran savvy, but neither projects as a long-term WR2. Pascal’s role may lean more toward special teams and red-zone usage.

Young X-Factors
Rookie Tez Johnson, drafted in the later rounds out of Oregon, has flashed speed and agility during the first few OTA sessions. While it’s too early to pencil him into a significant role, his development could be crucial if Arizona needs a vertical threat behind Harrison.

OTA Focus:
How Kyler Murray distributes passes during team drills is under a microscope. Marvin Harrison Jr. will command double teams—someone else needs to show separation ability, especially in intermediate routes. The WR2 battle is far from over.

4. Edge Rusher: Is There Enough Firepower?

The Cardinals recorded just 33 sacks in 2024—ranking in the bottom third of the league. If they’re to improve defensively, the pass rush has to take a significant leap forward.

BJ Ojulari’s Growth Curve
Entering his second year, BJ Ojulari is expected to take on a bigger role. After a slow start to his rookie campaign, he finished strong, registering four sacks in his final six games. Coaches are optimistic about his offseason conditioning and improved hand technique, but he’s not yet a proven game-changer.

Zaven Collins’ Positional Shift
Former first-round pick Zaven Collins was converted to edge rusher last season but struggled with consistency. He’s bulked up this offseason and is being worked in more heavily during pass-rush drills at OTAs. The team is hoping he can finally justify his draft pedigree in this tweener role.

Rookie Infusion
Arizona drafted Missouri’s Darius Robinson late in Round 1. Known for his versatility, Robinson can line up inside or outside, making him a valuable chess piece. Early OTA footage suggests he’s adjusting quickly, though there’s a learning curve in transitioning to NFL-level tackles.

OTA Focus:
Coaches are testing various pressure packages, trying to manufacture pressure from different angles. If no true elite edge emerges, Gannon may have to rely on creative blitzing again—a risky proposition in today’s NFL.

5. Running Back: Can James Conner Stay Healthy?

James Conner is a proven workhorse when healthy, but durability has been a concern. In 2024, he missed multiple games due to lower-body injuries. Now entering his age-30 season, there’s an urgency to identify and groom his successor.

Depth Chart Jockeying
Second-year back Emari Demercado showed flashes in relief duty last season and is expected to have a bigger role. He’s a strong candidate to be the team’s third-down back thanks to his pass-blocking and receiving chops.

Rookie Arrival
The Cardinals spent a fifth-round pick on Florida State’s Trey Benson, a big-bodied runner with surprising burst. Benson is already getting second-team reps in OTAs and has impressed coaches with his vision and balance. If he continues to progress, he could force a timeshare—or even supplant Conner if the veteran suffers a setback.

OTA Focus:
Running back reps are often limited in non-contact OTAs, but who’s getting the most usage in passing situations is telling. Benson and Demercado have taken snaps lined up in the slot or motioned wide—suggesting Arizona’s scheme may involve more dual-back formations and creative usage.

Final Thoughts

While OTAs are far from the final word on roster decisions, they offer crucial clues about positional battles, coaching philosophy, and depth chart intentions. For the Arizona Cardinals, 2025 is a pivotal season in the rebuild process. The emergence—or lack thereof—at these five positions could determine whether they take a meaningful step forward in the NFC West.

Biggest Questions Moving Forward: