With the NFL Draft less than a month away, the Arizona Cardinals need to address multiple positions after finishing 8-9 to help improve their chances in 2025.
Some analysts and fans have begun to raise concerns if quarterback Kyler Murray is good enough to lead the franchise. Currently, the Cardinals are locked up behind center, at the running back position with James Conner and Cedric Benson, and, at tight end with the most underrated one in Pro-Bowler Trey McBride.
Nevertheless, this article details team needs, so let’s dive in. Here are the top three biggest needs for the Cardinals heading into the 2025 season.
Biggest Needs:
- Defensive Line
- Offensive Line
- Wide Receiver
Most Significant Draft Needs for the Arizona Cardinals in 2025
Cardinals Should Draft Defensive Lineman in First-Round
With the 16th pick in the first round of the NFL Draft, Arizona will have multiple options to choose from. Most mock drafts from NFL analysts have the Cardinals selecting Edge rusher Mykell Williams out of Georgia. However, there are a few choices the Cardinals could make at #16, to go along with newly acquired pass rusher Josh Sweat from the Super Bowl Champion Philadelphia Eagles.
Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia: The standout edge rusher from the SEC is an explosive player with tremendous upside. Last season, he generated 30 quarterback pressures from multiple spots while showing off his versatility. You can’t ever go wrong with taking a player out of Georgia, that has been coached by Kirby Smart.
James Pearce Jr., EDGE, Tennessee: Pearce has been a force over the past two seasons playing for the Tennessee Volunteers. Even though there have been character issues since the combine, Pearce could be a great fit in Arizona if given the right coach. He’s shown the ability to be a standout player with all the tools in the arsenal. The Cardinals have shown in years past they are willing to look past character issues in the draft. Remember this team drafted Safety/Cornerback Tyrann Mathieu after teams passed on him due to “character issues.” I would say that worked out well for them.
Derrick Harmon, Defensive Tackle, Oregon: Harmon is a game wrecker it’s that simple. At 6-foot-4 and 313 pounds, the talented lineman is a force in the trenches, playing multiple positions. He also showed versatility after he recorded five sacks in 2024 for Oregon.
Arizona Goes Offensive Line in Second-Round
The Cardinals have a second-round pick at #47 overall. Arizona should select an offensive lineman after bolstering their defensive line with their first-round pick. Arizona will look to add depth after they moved Paris Johnson Jr. from right tackle to left tackle. This pick could move him back to where he’s played his entire career, giving some potential options on the offensive line for the Cardinals.
Aierontae Ersery, Offensive Tackle, Minnesota: At 6-foot-5, 339 pounds, Ersery could be a force for the Cardinals for the next several years. A glaring need that could be addressed after Kyler Murray had to be elusive throughout the season to escape getting sacked. Last season, he only allowed one sack and only one Quarterback hit, both coming against Michigan, other than that he was outstanding all season.
Donovan Jackson, Offensive Guard, Ohio State: Jackson showed his unbelievable versatility after left tackle Josh Simmons suffered an injury for Ohio State. Jackson’s frame at 6-foot-4, 320 pounds, will make him fit in perfectly for the Cardinals at guard, which will not only help Murray, but the ground game as well with Connor and Benson in the backfield.
Cardinals Strengthen Receiving Core in Third-Round
Despite drafting rookie Marvin Harrison Jr. last season, the Cardinals need to add someone on the outside who can take the top off a defense. After Harrison Jr., there isn’t much depth at receiver, look for Arizona to address that need here with this selection. Some talented wideouts will be available when they pick in the third round at #78 overall.
Jaylin Noel, Wide Receiver, Iowa State: Noel has been a talked-about player who could help several teams. In 2024, he was a productive slot receiver at Iowa State, bringing in 82 receptions along with 1,215 receiving yards. Forty-six of his 86 receptions were for first downs, which makes him reliable during the biggest plays of the game to move the chains.
Isaiah Bond, Wide Receiver, Texas: Bond has electrified speed and the ability to take one to the house anytime he gets his hands on the ball. Bond was a transfer from Alabama who averaged 15.9 yards per catch. He has the ability according to most NFL scouts to develop into an elite route runner.
The Cardinals will look to address these positions and improve their last place finish in the NFC West as Head Coach Jonathan Gannon will be going into his third season. Expectations will be a playoff spot and potentially winning the NFC West after adding multiple players from free agency. This team was in almost every game last season and will be expected to not just be competitive in games but win them this upcoming season.
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