Arizona Cardinals Shine in 2025 NFL Draft, Prioritizing Defense
Tempe, AZ – The Arizona Cardinals have successfully bolstered their defensive lineup during the 2025 NFL Draft, garnering high praise from analysts for their strategic selections. General Manager Monti Ossenfort executed his third draft with a focused aim to enhance a struggling defense, and early reviews indicate that the Cardinals made significant strides.
The standout of the draft was Walter Nolen III, a defensive lineman from Mississippi, who received an impressive A+ grade from analysts. Nolen, with the second-highest run-defense grade in the FBS (91.6), is expected to immediately elevate a defense that ranked 27th in effectiveness last season. Alongside him, Will Johnson, a cornerback from Michigan, was seen as a potential steal in the second round despite an injury-laden previous season. His coverage statistics place him in the top percentile, promising to enhance the Cardinals’ secondary.
The Cardinals continued to emphasize defensive strength by selecting influential players such as Jordan Burch and Denzel Burke, thereby deepening their talent pool. Analysts noted a deliberate strategy in building a reliable defensive front, referencing the Cardinals’ need given their historical struggles in pass defense.
Despite the defensive-focused draft — with five of their first six picks aimed at strengthening this area — some critics argue the Cardinals missed opportunities to support quarterback Kyler Murray, who needs offensive reinforcements.
Overall, draft grades ranged from A to B-, with most analysts acknowledging that while the team has reinforced defensive foundations, further offensive additions will be essential for the franchise’s long-term success. Ossenfort’s clear vision and aggressive approach have set a promising tone for the Cardinals’ future as they strive for competitive resurgence in the NFL.
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