Cardinals 2025 NFL Draft takeaways: Building a dominant D one pick at a time

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General manager Monti Ossenfort insisted the Arizona Cardinals didn’t enter the NFL Draft with intentions to load up on defense — that’s just how their board fell. That might be the case, but the results don’t lie. Over the last three days, Arizona positioned itself for an immediate defensive upgrade.

Through five rounds, it was almost as if no other needs mattered. Offensive line? Not this early. Wide receiver? Not this weekend. The Cardinals selected Ole Miss defensive tackle Walter Nolen at 16. “Come out here and get after the quarterback,” Ossenfort told him on the phone.) They took Michigan corner Will Johnson at 47. (“Come help us win some games,” head coach Jonathan Gannon told him.)

In the third round, the Cardinals took Oregon edge rusher Jordan Burch. In the fourth, Ohio State linebacker Cody Simon. In the fifth, Ohio State corner Denzel Burke. That’s five picks, five defensive players. Overall, six of Arizona’s seven picks were defensive players. This is after signing veteran defensive tackles Dalvin Tomlinson and Calais Campbell and edge rusher Josh Sweat during free agency.

“Loving this draft by the way! LFG,” tweeted star Arizona safety Budda Baker.

You don’t say.

Loving this draft by the way! LFG

— Budda Baker (@Buddabaker3) April 26, 2025

The Cardinals were average last season. They allowed 22.3 points per game, which ranked 15th. They ranked 14th in pass defense and 20th in rush defense. Where they needed help was on the defensive line. And with the pass rush. And with depth at corner.

They may have accomplished all three.

The picks

Best value pick

Shortly after the Cardinals took him in the second round, Michigan’s Johnson talked with Arizona reporters on a conference call. The best word to describe his mood — peeved. Not because the Cardinals had selected him but because he had dropped out of the first round for health reasons.

Johnson had battled injuries the past two seasons. Last year he was limited to only six games because of a toe issue. Reports surfaced before the draft that teams were nervous about his knee. On the conference call, Johnson said he felt fine and that he hadn’t “dealt with” his knee in two years. He said he’s still the shutdown corner he was during his best Michigan days and that he couldn’t wait to show as much in the desert.

“Definitely very frustrating,” Johnson said. “Just one of those things that motivates you more than anything else. I know what type of player I am, and I’m just happy to be where I am. I’m going to give my all to Arizona, and they’re going to get a great player. I promise that.”

Ossenfort and Gannon could feel Johnson’s edge when they called to inform him the Cardinals were about to select him. They appreciated it. “I know we’re going to get a very motivated Will,” Ossenfort said.

Johnson said he trained for the draft in Arizona and recently golfed with Cardinals receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. Rivals in college, the two talked about how nice it would be to be on the same team, going at each other in practice every day. Now that it’s reality, that daily competition could make both players better. Johnson is sure of it.

“I’m on a mission now,” he said.

Most surprising pick

Nolen.

Hear us out.

It’s not the defensive tackle’s talent. He was a consensus All-American. It’s not his potential. His college position coach thinks he can make the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

It’s the character concerns. No doubt, draft evaluations can get ridiculous. Prospects are analyzed in ways that aren’t always fair. Body measurements are exact. But desire, passion and heart can be difficult. Nolen had his love of the game questioned. And whether he was a good teammate. Former Alabama coach Nick Saban said that when Nolen wants to play, he might be as good as any interior lineman in the draft. “When he wants to play …”

One thing Ossenfort and Gannon showed through their first two drafts is how much they value leadership and character. Even more important: They have to love ball. Yet, they never hesitated with Nolen.

The defensive tackle actually thanked the Cardinals for taking their concerns to him. Straight to the source. How they handled this meant a lot to him.

Gannon said he makes up his own mind on such matters, and it didn’t take him long to conclude that Nolen was “a Cardinal, 1000 percent.” (For what it’s worth, Gannon in previous drafts did not show the level of excitement he displayed after the Cardinals drafted Nolen. “Giddy” isn’t correct, but it’s close.)

As for the teammate questions, Gannon the next night shared a moment that surfaced after the Cardinals drafted Johnson in the second round. He said his cell phone buzzed with text messages from excited players. One caught Gannon’s attention. From Nolen. He wanted Johnson’s cell number.

Gannon informed Nolen that Johnson was a little upset with falling into the second round. Nolen’s response, according to Gannon: “Don’t worry, Coach. I’ll talk to him.”

The Cardinals selected Oregon edge rusher Jordan Burch in the third round, 78th overall. (Stacy Revere / Getty Images)

Biggest question mark

After taking Nolen in the first round, it was easy to assume that the Cardinals would shift and address the offensive line in the second. But then Johnson was still available. Too good to pass up. So, OK, offensive line in the third.

The Cardinals selected Oregon’s Burch, an edge rusher.

The Athletic’s Dane Brugler had Burch as the draft’s 10th-best edge rusher. Not a future star, but perhaps a solid starter. That may be the case. But it just seemed Arizona missed an opportunity to even out the trenches.

The offensive line isn’t a finished product. Left tackle Paris Johnson Jr. — the No. 6 pick of the 2023 draft — is a budding star, but around him the Cardinals have short-term solutions. Right tackle Jonah Williams is entering the final year of his contract. Left guard Evan Brown and center Hjalte Froholdt have two remaining years. Right guard has no established starter. In the sixth round, the Cardinals finally addressed this, selecting Texas guard Hayden Conner.

For a team that struggled to reach the passer, the Cardinals suddenly have several options. In addition to Sweat, they return BJ Ojulari, a 2023 second-round pick who missed last season with an ACL injury. They also have Zaven Collins (five sacks last season) and Baron Browning (two). And now Burch.

Asked how the Cardinals plan to navigate this sudden logjam, Ossenfort smiled and said such a problem never exists in pro football.

Remaining needs

In addition to the offensive line, the Cardinals did nothing to help themselves at receiver, where they appear short-handed. Harrison Jr. had a decent rookie season, but his numbers (62 catches, 885 yards and eight touchdowns) slightly exaggerate his impact. Approaching his third season, Michael Wilson is still working to become a consistent No. 2. Arizona has Trey McBride, among the game’s top tight ends, but the Cardinals lack a big-play threat who can make things easier for everybody.

Post-draft outlook

The Cardinals have had a great offseason. They made strong moves during free agency. Then, Ossenfort went out and aced the draft. Or at least that’s how it looks. Nolen has concerns, but he seems more “boom” than “bust.” If healthy, Johnson could be the steal of the draft. The Cardinals’ defense should be among the NFC’s most improved. And that means one thing in the desert — playoffs. Arizona hasn’t participated since 2021. It’s time.

(Top photo: Perry Knotts / Getty Images)

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