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The Arizona Cardinals have been linked to a lot of defensive players with their first pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, primarily edge rushers and defensive linemen.
But could the team end up selecting a player at a very different position with the No. 16 overall selection in the first round of the NFL draft on Thursday, April 24?
The authors of several recent NFL mock draft projections think that the Cardinals could take an offensive lineman with their first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft to help shore up protection for quarterback Kyler Murray and to help the team's run game.
Could Arizona go with an offensive lineman?
Here's what recent NFL mock drafts are saying about the Cardinals' first pick:
Arizona Cardinals odds: What position will team select with first pick in 2025 NFL Draft?
Theo Mackie writes: "The Cardinals no longer need a defensive tackle after signing Dalvin Tomlinson and Calais Campbell in free agency, but a young impact player at the position would still be a benefit. He would instantly give coach Jonathan Gannon an imposing pass-rushing threat from the interior, having led all college defensive tackles with a 15.9% pressure rate last year."
Adam Rank writes: "You might want to look at a receiver at this point, and I feel you on that; pairing another young stud with Marvin Harrison Jr. would definitely be a good way to go. But fortifying the offensive line and taking that unit up another level would really pay off in the long run. I'd still like a receiver at some point on the draft board, but Booker is too good for you to pass up on here.
When is 2025 NFL Draft? Schedule, TV channels, times, how to watch NFL draft coverage
Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz writes: "Though Josh Sweat's signing was the crown jewel of the Cardinals' offseason, Monti Ossenfort also added plenty of heft to his defensive line by adding Dalvin Tomlinson and Calais Campbell. His next move could be continuing that theme on the other side of the ball with Banks, who would provide flexibility in either pairing with Paris Johnson Jr. at offensive tackle or kicking inside."
Mike Band writes: "Jonathan Gannon was the Eagles' defensive coordinator in 2022, when Philadelphia invested the No. 13 overall pick in similarly freakish nose tackle prospect Jordan Davis. Now entering his third season as HC in Arizona, Gannon could push for Grant, a 6-foot-4, 331-pound force with rare explosiveness and power who can immediately anchor the Cardinals’ defensive interior."
Cam Skattebo NFL draft stock: Arizona State running back could go higher than anticipated
Charles McDonald writes: "Offensive tackle isn’t the biggest need for Arizona, but the Cardinals can potentially get a huge boon pick here with Simmons. He is one of the more athletic OTs in the draft, but a patellar tendon injury may have him getting off to a slower start to his NFL career. Jonah Williams is likely going to start again at right tackle for the Cardinals, but Simmons gives them a long-term option to pair with Paris Johnson Jr.."
Nate Davis writes: "Is he an edge rusher? Is he an off-ball backer? Does it really matter given how few answers the Cards appear to have at those positions aside from recently signed OLB Josh Sweat? A first-team All-SEC standout in 2024, Campbell is recovering from recent shoulder surgery."
Danny Kelly writes: "The Cardinals add to their offensive line here, grabbing the athletic, always-consistent Simmons. The former Buckeyes stalwart is coming off a season-ending injury, but if he can be ready to go by fall, he provides starting potential from day one at either tackle spot for Arizona."
More: What picks do Arizona Cardinals have in 2025 NFL draft? Here’s complete list
Maurice Jones-Drew writes: "Kyler Murray is known for his improvisational skills, but he shouldn't always have to rely on them. Arizona must protect its franchise QB."
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: Arizona Cardinals NFL mock draft picks: Offensive lineman at No. 16?
Continue reading...
But could the team end up selecting a player at a very different position with the No. 16 overall selection in the first round of the NFL draft on Thursday, April 24?
The authors of several recent NFL mock draft projections think that the Cardinals could take an offensive lineman with their first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft to help shore up protection for quarterback Kyler Murray and to help the team's run game.
Could Arizona go with an offensive lineman?
Here's what recent NFL mock drafts are saying about the Cardinals' first pick:
Arizona Cardinals odds: What position will team select with first pick in 2025 NFL Draft?
The Arizona Republic: Arizona Cardinals pick Oregon DT Derrick Harmon at No. 16
Theo Mackie writes: "The Cardinals no longer need a defensive tackle after signing Dalvin Tomlinson and Calais Campbell in free agency, but a young impact player at the position would still be a benefit. He would instantly give coach Jonathan Gannon an imposing pass-rushing threat from the interior, having led all college defensive tackles with a 15.9% pressure rate last year."
NFL.com: Arizona Cardinals draft Alabama OL Tyler Booker at No. 16
Adam Rank writes: "You might want to look at a receiver at this point, and I feel you on that; pairing another young stud with Marvin Harrison Jr. would definitely be a good way to go. But fortifying the offensive line and taking that unit up another level would really pay off in the long run. I'd still like a receiver at some point on the draft board, but Booker is too good for you to pass up on here.
When is 2025 NFL Draft? Schedule, TV channels, times, how to watch NFL draft coverage
USA TODAY Sports: Arizona Cardinals choose Texas OT Kelvin Banks Jr. with No. 16 pick
Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz writes: "Though Josh Sweat's signing was the crown jewel of the Cardinals' offseason, Monti Ossenfort also added plenty of heft to his defensive line by adding Dalvin Tomlinson and Calais Campbell. His next move could be continuing that theme on the other side of the ball with Banks, who would provide flexibility in either pairing with Paris Johnson Jr. at offensive tackle or kicking inside."
NFL.com: Arizona Cardinals land Michigan DT Kenneth Grant with No. 16 pick
Mike Band writes: "Jonathan Gannon was the Eagles' defensive coordinator in 2022, when Philadelphia invested the No. 13 overall pick in similarly freakish nose tackle prospect Jordan Davis. Now entering his third season as HC in Arizona, Gannon could push for Grant, a 6-foot-4, 331-pound force with rare explosiveness and power who can immediately anchor the Cardinals’ defensive interior."
Cam Skattebo NFL draft stock: Arizona State running back could go higher than anticipated
Yahoo Sports: Arizona Cardinals choose Ohio State OT Josh Simmons with No. 16 selection
Charles McDonald writes: "Offensive tackle isn’t the biggest need for Arizona, but the Cardinals can potentially get a huge boon pick here with Simmons. He is one of the more athletic OTs in the draft, but a patellar tendon injury may have him getting off to a slower start to his NFL career. Jonah Williams is likely going to start again at right tackle for the Cardinals, but Simmons gives them a long-term option to pair with Paris Johnson Jr.."
USA TODAY Sports: Arizona Cardinals select Alabama LB Jihaad Campbell at No. 16
Nate Davis writes: "Is he an edge rusher? Is he an off-ball backer? Does it really matter given how few answers the Cards appear to have at those positions aside from recently signed OLB Josh Sweat? A first-team All-SEC standout in 2024, Campbell is recovering from recent shoulder surgery."
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The Ringer: Arizona Cardinals take Ohio State OT Josh Simmons at No. 16
Danny Kelly writes: "The Cardinals add to their offensive line here, grabbing the athletic, always-consistent Simmons. The former Buckeyes stalwart is coming off a season-ending injury, but if he can be ready to go by fall, he provides starting potential from day one at either tackle spot for Arizona."
More: What picks do Arizona Cardinals have in 2025 NFL draft? Here’s complete list
NFL.com: Arizona Cardinals go with Texas OL Kelvin Banks Jr. at No. 16
Maurice Jones-Drew writes: "Kyler Murray is known for his improvisational skills, but he shouldn't always have to rely on them. Arizona must protect its franchise QB."
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: Arizona Cardinals NFL mock draft picks: Offensive lineman at No. 16?
Continue reading...
