The Arizona Cardinals made a big jump in 2024 going from 4-13 in 2023 to 8-9. With a rejuvenated quarterback in Kyler Murray and a 2024 NFL Draft class led by Marvin Harrison jr. making contributions, this NFC West squad is on the brink of becoming a playoff team.
As a team on the right path, head coach Jonathan Gannon can feel his team is close. In defining themselves as a resilient team, the Cardinals head coach knows the margin of error is small and the next step for his team is limiting the errors and continue building at key positions.
With Harrison Jr. and tight end Trey McBride leading the way in 2025, one of the Cardinals top needs in the 2025 NFL Draft is at wide receiver where the team will hope to find a solid No. 2 behind Harrison Jr. if he is able to solidify himself as the team’s true WR1. Greg Dortch, Zay Zones and Zach Pascal will be hitting free agency, which leaves MHJ and Michael Wilson as the top two receivers under contract. Wilson took a step back in Year 2 with 47 receptions for 548 yards. With him as a solid WR3, drafting another playmaker at wide receiver would be ideal.
Another top need for the Cardinals is along the defensive line. They will have a healthy Darius Robinson in Year 2 to help improve their production at the EDGE position, but they could look to add another defensive interior lineman along with adding depth at linebacker, safety, and cornerback.
Key free agents in 2025:
- Greg Dortch, WR
- Zay Jones, WR
- Kelvin Beachum, RT
- Evan Brown, C
- Jackson Barton, LT
- Kyzier White, LB
- Dennis Gardeck, EDGE
- Baron Browning, EDGE
- L.J. Collier, EDGE
- Roy Lopez, IDL
Top 2 picks in 2024 NFL Draft:
No. 4 – Marvin Harrison Jr., WR | Ohio State: The top receiver taken in the 2024 NFL draft didn’t have the type of rookie season fellow rookies Malik Nabers, Brian Thomas Jr. and Ladd McConkey had, but he was still effective with 62 receptions for 885 yards and 8 touchdowns catching the ball from Kyler Murray. With a full season under his belt, expect a more impactful Year 2 in Arizona.
No. 27 – Darius Robinson, EDGE | Missouri: The Missouri standout edge rusher played in just 6 games in his rookie season recording 4 solo tackles and 1 sack. Given it was mostly a redshirt season for Robinson, expect the late first round pick to play a bigger role in 2025 on the Cardinals’ defense.
Ideal top 2 picks in the 2025 NFL Draft:
No. 16 – Emeka Egbuka – WR | Ohio State
What better running mate for Harrison Jr. than his old pal from Ohio State. After forgoing the 2024 NFL Draft and returning to OSU, Emeka Egbuka got a chance to get from under the shadow of MHJ but had to play second fiddle to outstanding rookie Jerimiah Smith. Still, Egbuka solidified himself as one of the top receivers entering the 2025 NFL Draft with 81 receptions for 1,011 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Egbuka, who stepped into the role as one of the team’s leaders, also had a solid performance in the National Championship game with 6 receptions for 64 yards. With his solid route running and ability to create yards after the catch, he would make for a solid WR2 for Murray and the Cardinals’ offense.
No. 47– Omarr Norman-Lott- DL | Tennessee
If the Cardinals are looking to add power along the defensive line, look no further than Tennessee’s Omarr Norman-Lott who would be a solid second round pick. At 6-foot-5, 335 pounds, he not only has the size and athleticism to be a disrupter against the run, but he also can get after the quarterback. It is his versatility along the defensive line that will intrigue many teams drafting at the end of the first round or early second round. If he is there at No. 47, an ideal selection for the Cardinals who will hope both Robinson and 2024 fifth round pick Xavier Thomas can take a leap on defense.