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How did the Arizona Cardinals fare with their 2025 NFL Draft selections compared to other teams?
We consulted several NFL Draft 2025 rankings to get an idea of how GM Monti Ossenfort's draft ranked compared with the other 31 NFL teams.
Some writers thought highly of the Cardinals in their initial NFL class rankings for the 2025 draft (Arizona was ranked as high as top 3), but not everyone was impressed (one site had the Cardinals' draft ranked No. 27).
Here's the early rankings of the Arizona Cardinals' 2025 NFL Draft class from writers who cover the league, to get an idea of the early perception surrounding the team's picks.
Arizona Cardinals draft grades: Early reviews for team's 2025 NFL Draft class, picks mixed
'Real contender': Arizona Cardinals among biggest 2025 NFL draft winners
Nate Davis gave Arizona's draft class a B- grade.
He wrote: "Could be an especially wide variance of outcomes with their first two picks, first-round DT Walter Nolen and CB Will Johnson – the latter’s knee likely to determine if he was a steal or a player with diminishing returns. Third-rounder Jordan Burch joins a D-line that may be morphing from weakness to strength."
Arizona Cardinals NFL draft grades: What grade for Walter Nolen 1st-round pick?
The site handed Arizona an A- grade for its draft picks.
It wrote: "Jonathan Gannon continues to hit every perfect note in his Arizona rebuild. After a 2024 where his underrated defense gave lots of team fits, the Cardinals now added two likely field-tilting starters in Nolen and Johnson. As a result, they are probably officially in a place of 'playoffs or bust.'"
Arizona Cardinals NFL draft grades: What grade for Will Johnson 2nd-round pick?
Arizona's draft class received a C in the site's grades.
Ryan Dunleavy wrote: "A few months ago, Johnson could’ve been the first-rounder and Nolen the second-rounder. There are questions about Nolen’s level of commitment and Johnson’s long injury history. Burch, a former five-star recruit, finally lived up to his potential last season. Very boom-or-bust."
Arizona Cardinals NFL draft grades: What grade for Jordan Burch 3rd-round pick?
Dane Brugler wrote of the Will Johnson pick: "Johnson has outstanding coverage instincts and ball skills that should help him get on the field quickly. I am also excited to see Walter Nolen and Jordan Burch on the Arizona defensive line."
Arizona Cardinals NFL draft grades: What grade for Cody Simon 4th-round pick?
It wrote: "Arizona Cardinals, Carolina Panthers and Dallas Cowboys headline teams with A+ grades: All three franchises landed multiple impact players and crushed value compared to the PFF Big Board."
Arizona Cardinals NFL draft grades: What grade for Denzel Burke 5th-round pick?
Chad Reuter handed out six A's in his grades, putting Arizona in a second group with an A-minus.
He wrote: "Arizona focused on defense on the first two days of the draft, taking two potential stars in Nolen and Johnson. If Nolen can put it all together and Johnson can stay healthy, they will lift the Cardinals' defense to a new level. Simon just seems to find the ball. He'll make plays inside and outside for the Cardinals. His fellow Buckeye, Burke, has the athleticism to stick on the roster. They found a needed offensive lineman in Conner, and I expect Crawford to surprise as a nickel safety his rookie season. Arizona should be looking to sign multiple undrafted free agent receivers to compete for a roster spot."
Arizona Cardinals NFL draft grades: What grade for Hayden Conner 6th-round pick?
Arizona Cardinals NFL draft grades: What grade for Kitan Crawford 7th-round pick?
Reach Jeremy Cluff at [email protected]. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter @Jeremy_Cluff.
Support local journalism: Subscribe to azcentral.com today.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: NFL Draft 2025 rankings: Where Arizona Cardinals' class, picks rank
Continue reading...
We consulted several NFL Draft 2025 rankings to get an idea of how GM Monti Ossenfort's draft ranked compared with the other 31 NFL teams.
Some writers thought highly of the Cardinals in their initial NFL class rankings for the 2025 draft (Arizona was ranked as high as top 3), but not everyone was impressed (one site had the Cardinals' draft ranked No. 27).
Here's the early rankings of the Arizona Cardinals' 2025 NFL Draft class from writers who cover the league, to get an idea of the early perception surrounding the team's picks.
Arizona Cardinals draft grades: Early reviews for team's 2025 NFL Draft class, picks mixed
'Real contender': Arizona Cardinals among biggest 2025 NFL draft winners
USA TODAY Sports: Cardinals' draft class ranked No. 26 in NFL
Nate Davis gave Arizona's draft class a B- grade.
He wrote: "Could be an especially wide variance of outcomes with their first two picks, first-round DT Walter Nolen and CB Will Johnson – the latter’s knee likely to determine if he was a steal or a player with diminishing returns. Third-rounder Jordan Burch joins a D-line that may be morphing from weakness to strength."
Arizona Cardinals NFL draft grades: What grade for Walter Nolen 1st-round pick?
For The Win: Cardinals' draft picks ranked No. 4 in NFL
The site handed Arizona an A- grade for its draft picks.
It wrote: "Jonathan Gannon continues to hit every perfect note in his Arizona rebuild. After a 2024 where his underrated defense gave lots of team fits, the Cardinals now added two likely field-tilting starters in Nolen and Johnson. As a result, they are probably officially in a place of 'playoffs or bust.'"
Arizona Cardinals NFL draft grades: What grade for Will Johnson 2nd-round pick?
New York Post: Cardinals' draft class landed No. 27 ranking in NFL
Arizona's draft class received a C in the site's grades.
Ryan Dunleavy wrote: "A few months ago, Johnson could’ve been the first-rounder and Nolen the second-rounder. There are questions about Nolen’s level of commitment and Johnson’s long injury history. Burch, a former five-star recruit, finally lived up to his potential last season. Very boom-or-bust."
Arizona Cardinals NFL draft grades: What grade for Jordan Burch 3rd-round pick?
The Athletic: Cardinals earned a No. 6 ranking for 2025 NFL Draft class
Dane Brugler wrote of the Will Johnson pick: "Johnson has outstanding coverage instincts and ball skills that should help him get on the field quickly. I am also excited to see Walter Nolen and Jordan Burch on the Arizona defensive line."
Arizona Cardinals NFL draft grades: What grade for Cody Simon 4th-round pick?
Pro Football Focus: Cardinals get a top 3 ranking for NFL draft picks
It wrote: "Arizona Cardinals, Carolina Panthers and Dallas Cowboys headline teams with A+ grades: All three franchises landed multiple impact players and crushed value compared to the PFF Big Board."
Arizona Cardinals NFL draft grades: What grade for Denzel Burke 5th-round pick?
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NFL.com: Cardinals one of nine teams to earn A- grade in NFL draft
Chad Reuter handed out six A's in his grades, putting Arizona in a second group with an A-minus.
He wrote: "Arizona focused on defense on the first two days of the draft, taking two potential stars in Nolen and Johnson. If Nolen can put it all together and Johnson can stay healthy, they will lift the Cardinals' defense to a new level. Simon just seems to find the ball. He'll make plays inside and outside for the Cardinals. His fellow Buckeye, Burke, has the athleticism to stick on the roster. They found a needed offensive lineman in Conner, and I expect Crawford to surprise as a nickel safety his rookie season. Arizona should be looking to sign multiple undrafted free agent receivers to compete for a roster spot."
Arizona Cardinals NFL draft grades: What grade for Hayden Conner 6th-round pick?
Arizona Cardinals NFL draft grades: What grade for Kitan Crawford 7th-round pick?
Reach Jeremy Cluff at [email protected]. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter @Jeremy_Cluff.
Support local journalism: Subscribe to azcentral.com today.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: NFL Draft 2025 rankings: Where Arizona Cardinals' class, picks rank
Continue reading...
