The biggest needs and top priorities for the Arizona Cardinals in the 2025 NFL draft

[ASFN Admin]

The 2025 NFL draft will begin Thursday and proceed for three days with 257 players being selected by the 32 NFL teams. The Arizona Cardinals hold six selections in the draft.

They, like all other teams, have needs on their roster. They also will prioritize certain positions. Sometimes they coincide.

But let's look at where the Cardinals' biggest roster needs are currently and then what their expected priorities will be in the draft.

Arizona Cardinals' greatest roster needs​

The Cardinals arguably need starters in three areas:

• Offensive line: The starting right guard job is uncertain. It could be Isaiah Adams. It could be Royce Newman. It could be someone else.
• Wide receiver: Behind Marvin Harrison Jr. is Michael Wilson, Zay Jones and Greg Dortch. They could clearly upgrade their No. 2 or No. 3 receiver spots.
• Inside linebacker: The starter is currently projected to be Akeem Davis-Gaither, who has 11 career starts in five NFL seasons.

Just because those are their greatest perceived needs, that doesn't mean they will be their top priorities in the draft.

Cardinals' top priorities in 2025 NFL draft​

• Defensive line: They added veterans Dalvin Tomlinson and Calais Campbell and they brought back L.J. Collier. They have 2024 first-round pick Darius Robinson, but this will still be a priority for the Cardinals, as they are committed to building their front seven.
• Defensive edge: They have been focusing on the pass rush. They signed Josh Sweat, re-signed Baron Browning and have BJ Ojulari returning from an ACL tear. But they could add a dynamic young rusher in the first or second rounds. It is a premium position.
• Offensive line: If they look at a lineman early, it probably will be a tackle, as Jonah Williams is coming off a season in which he landed on injured reserve twice and has only one year left on his deal. They will need a right tackle moving forward. But they could also slide a guy over to right guard for a year.
• Cornerback: The Cardinals have drafted five cornerbacks, three with picks in the top 90, in the last two years. Don't expect the priority level to change.
• Depth at other positions: Whether it is receiver, safety, linebacker or anywhere else, they will look to add depth.

Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire's Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.




This article originally appeared on Cards Wire: 2025 NFL draft: Arizona Cardinals biggest needs, top priorities

Continue reading...