FULL PREVIEW: ARIZONA CARDINALS 2025 – DEFENSIVA 34
Script for Facebook Post – In-depth 1500-Word Breakdown
The Arizona Cardinals are preparing to enter the 2025 NFL season with a revamped, energized defense under the guidance of head coach Jonathan Gannon — a defensive-minded leader with a clear vision. With Year 2 of his system in place and a mix of youth, veteran leadership, and incoming talent, the Cardinals’ defense is ready to take a major step forward. While the team is still technically in a rebuild, there’s a palpable sense that this unit, led by the “Defensiva 34” alignment (a modern, flexible take on the 3-4 scheme), could be the catalyst for a more competitive season in the NFC West.
Let’s take a deep dive into the personnel, projected starters, key contributors, and overall outlook for the 2025 Arizona Cardinals defense — a unit that’s quietly built to surprise.
The foundation of the Cardinals’ defensive structure in 2025 is the hybrid 3-4 base with multiple sub-packages — a system that demands versatility, speed, and adaptability. Jonathan Gannon and defensive coordinator Nick Rallis favor schemes that disguise coverages, rotate pressure from different angles, and rely heavily on athletic, high-IQ players to make in-game adjustments. This defense thrives when it’s able to keep offenses guessing, and Arizona has assembled the right kind of personnel to execute that philosophy.
Starting up front with the defensive line, the Cardinals have one of the more intriguing young trios in the league. Rookie first-round pick Darius Robinson out of Missouri is expected to make an immediate impact. At 6’5″, 285 pounds, Robinson has the ideal build to play defensive end in a 3-4 system. His combination of strength and twitch off the line makes him effective against both the run and pass. He showed consistent improvement during his college career and flashed dominance in the SEC — a promising indicator of his ability to transition to the pro level.
Next to him, Leki Fotu and Dante Stills are set to anchor the interior and opposite end spots. Fotu has grown into a reliable space-eater who demands double teams, which allows edge players to operate more freely. Stills, meanwhile, flashed explosiveness and quick hands last season and should see more snaps this year as a disruptive rotational lineman. Together, this group is young but physically gifted, with potential to grow into one of the league’s better run-stopping units.
Arizona’s outside linebacker group — the key pressure generators in this system — has a high ceiling, especially with the continued development of BJ Ojulari. The 2023 second-round pick came into his own late last season, using his speed and bend to generate consistent pressure. With a full offseason to work under Gannon’s tutelage, Ojulari could become the team’s primary pass-rush threat. His ability to win one-on-one off the edge is crucial, especially in a division with quarterbacks like Brock Purdy, Geno Smith, and Matthew Stafford.
Complementing Ojulari is Zaven Collins, the former first-rounder turned edge rusher. While his transition from inside linebacker to outside linebacker had some growing pains, Collins possesses rare size and range. His length allows him to disrupt passing lanes, and his athleticism gives him the versatility to drop into coverage or rush off the edge. This is a make-or-break year for Collins — and the Cardinals are counting on a breakout campaign.
On the inside, Kyzir White returns as the veteran glue that holds the linebacker corps together. His leadership, sideline-to-sideline range, and deep understanding of Gannon’s scheme make him an invaluable piece. White was having a strong 2024 campaign before injuries shortened his season, but if healthy, he’s a consistent tackler and communicator who can wear the green dot and command the middle of the field.
Next to him, Owen Pappoe — the speedy, aggressive linebacker out of Auburn — is a name to watch. Though undersized, Pappoe plays with downhill urgency and has improved in pass coverage. His role may expand in 2025 as a nickel linebacker or even as a hybrid defender in certain sub-packages. This role could allow the Cardinals to maximize his speed without exposing him too much in high-traffic areas.
The secondary, perhaps the most critical component of any modern defense, has seen some significant changes over the last two seasons. Jalen Thompson and Budda Baker remain the heartbeat of the defense, forming one of the NFL’s most instinctive and aggressive safety duos. Baker, a five-time Pro Bowler, brings toughness and versatility to every snap — blitzing off the edge, patrolling the back end, and flying into the box. Despite being slightly undersized, his leadership and motor are irreplaceable. Jalen Thompson, meanwhile, complements Baker perfectly. He has the range to play deep and the instincts to jump routes in man or zone. Together, they give the Cardinals a dynamic safety duo that allows Gannon to mask coverages and dial up creative blitzes.
Cornerback remains the most uncertain area of the defense. Garrett Williams, who impressed as a rookie in 2024 after recovering from an ACL tear, looks to be the top corner entering 2025. He showed strong man coverage skills and an ability to read routes at an NFL level, a rare trait for a first-year player. His development will be crucial this season, as he’s expected to match up against WR1s in the NFC West week after week.
Arizona also added Max Melton, a third-round pick in 2024, who has the traits to play outside or nickel. His speed and toughness make him a strong candidate to earn meaningful snaps early. Melton thrives in press-man situations and has a short memory — an important quality in young corners. Veteran Sean Murphy-Bunting offers experience and physicality, especially in red zone situations and when matching up against bigger-bodied receivers. While not a lockdown corner, he’s dependable and capable of holding his own in zone-heavy looks.
The Cardinals may still explore adding a veteran free agent corner or safety for depth and insurance, especially if training camp reveals any inconsistencies. But if their young secondary can hold up and continue developing, it could be a quietly effective unit by midseason.
Special mention must go to Isaiah Simmons, whose role remains somewhat undefined but potentially explosive. Simmons, the former top-10 pick, has bounced between linebacker, safety, and slot defender. If Arizona finds a consistent way to deploy him — perhaps as a hybrid linebacker/safety in dime packages — he could finally live up to his athletic billing. His size-speed combination is rare, and he could be the secret weapon Gannon uses against mobile quarterbacks or elite tight ends.
On special teams, many of these defenders also contribute — a testament to the depth and versatility Gannon and GM Monti Ossenfort have prioritized. Players like Simmons, Collins, Dortch, and Higgins often cross over to give the team strong coverage units and flexibility in active game-day rosters.
Looking at the full defensive picture, this is a group that may not yet be elite but has all the ingredients to evolve into a top-15 unit if everything clicks. The blueprint is clear: develop from within, let young talent grow together, and build a defense with speed, physicality, and attitude. There will be bumps, especially early in the season as rookies adjust and the secondary faces some of the league’s best passing attacks. But the upside is there.
What will define Arizona’s defensive success in 2025 is consistency in the front seven and discipline in the back end. If the pass rush, led by Ojulari and Robinson, can collapse pockets and force hurried throws, the pressure on the secondary decreases. If Budda Baker and Jalen Thompson stay healthy, their playmaking and communication will serve as the spine of the defense. And if Collins, Simmons, and White can keep the linebacker unit cohesive and flexible, Arizona will have a chance to punch above their weight defensively — something few are expecting.
In a division known for its offensive fireworks, Arizona is building its identity around toughness and versatility on defense. The Defensiva 34 approach isn’t just a scheme — it’s a philosophy. One that’s aggressive, fluid, and tailored to today’s NFL.
As we head into training camp and look ahead to Week 1, this defense will be one of the most interesting units to watch — not because it’s star-studded, but because it’s ready to prove people wrong.
