Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon had his team playing more competitive in 2024. Can that momentum continue in 2025?
After a 2024 NFL Draft that featured the selection of Marvin Harrison Jr., the Cardinals will use this draft to strengthen some key areas on the team both offensively and defensively.
The Cardinals addressed the defensive side of the ball in free agency with the signing of outside linebacker Josh Sweat and defensive lineman Calais Campbell and Dalvin Tomlinson. With the No. 16 overall pick, will they add another defensive stud, or will they add another explosive weapon on offense to compliment Harrison Jr?
It will all depend on how the board fall, but sitting with a selection right in the middle of the first round, the Cardinals will have the option of either trading up or trading back in the draft if a player they likes is within reach, unless there is a player who falls to them who is too talented to pass up regardless of position.
If that happens, here is how the 7-round NFL Mock Draft will shape up.
Cardinals select explosive, burner at receiver who transcends the offense
The Cardinals can’t pass up the opportunity to add a burner like Luther Burden III to their offensive attack. After taken Marvin Harrison Jr. in the 2024 NFL Draft, Arizona finds his running mate in Burden III who not only has the speed but is elusive in breaking the ankles of defenders. He is coming off a down year statistically with the Tigers, but his run-after-the catch ability makes a Kyler Murray led offensive attack that much more dynamic.
One of the biggest draft board risers following the NFL Scouting Combine is Kentucky’s Maxwell Hairston. With this elite secondary defender available, the Cardinals take care of their need at cornerback by selecting Hairston. Along with his elite awareness in zone coverage, this former Kentucky star has great route recognition and will strengthen the Cardinals secondary immediately.
The Cardinals address the defensive line with the selection of Indiana’s CJ West with the No. 78 overall pick in the draft. At 6-foot-1, 316 pounds, this nose tackle has the quickness, toughness and agility to out-maneuver double teams and can penetrate his way to the quarterback.
Arizona continues to strengthen their defense through the draft with the selection of Ashton Gillotte. This 6-foot-3, 275-pound edge recorded 4.5 sacks in 2024 with Louisville, but his 11.0 sacks in 2023 serves more to his potential as an explosive pass rusher with great burst off the line. The Cardinals couldn’t pass on Burden and Hairston in the first two rounds, but get a talented edge rusher early on Day 2.
The Cardinals do address the offensive line at No. 152 with the selection of Cincinnati guard Luke Kandra. The 2023 First-Team All-Big 12 offensive lineman has all the technical skills to be a solid offensive lineman at the NFL level. If he improves on his balance at the next level, he could be a starter sooner rather than later.
Tight end is not a huge need after locking up Trey McBride to a four-year, $76 million extension, but they add to the tight end group with Iowa’s Luke Lachey. At 6-foot-6, 247 pounds, Lachey is a big target who could be utilized in the red zone. His ability to line up inline, in the slot or split out wide makes him an intriguing Day 3 option, especially as a secondary option to McBride when both are on the field.