The Arizona Cardinals made a concerted effort to continue building up the defense through the 2025 NFL Draft.
And for the most part, draft analysts from around the league approve of general manager Monti Ossenfort’s third draft on the job.
A look at how they’re grading the Cardinals’ 2025 draft class in the aftermath of the three-day spectacle:
2025 NFL Draft grades for Arizona Cardinals
Pro Football Focus staff
Grade: A+
The Cardinals add another extremely talented player to amplify their defensive front. As a plus run defender, Walter Nolen III earned the second-highest PFF run-defense grade in the FBS this past season (91.6). The seventh-ranked prospect on the PFF Big Board will instantly upgrade an Arizona defense that ranked 27th in EPA allowed per rush in 2024.
A tough injury cut Will Johnson’s 2024 campaign short and sent his draft stock tumbling. However, he did prove his level of talent across his tenure at Michigan. His 57.2 passer rating allowed into his coverage across the last three seasons charted in the 94th percentile. Pairing Johnson with breakout cornerback Garrett Williams will upgrade a coverage unit that allowed the sixth-highest EPA per dropback.
Yahoo! Sports’ Nate Tice and Charles McDonald
Grade: A
I love this draft class. The Cardinals had a clear plan to upgrade their defense and took some big swings on talented players in Walter Nolen and Will Johnson to start their draft class. They doubled down on the defensive line with the selection of do-it-all defensive lineman Jordan Burch from Oregon and took an upside pick with Denzel Burke on Day 3. They must feel pretty good about where they are on offense because they didn’t get a pick there until the sixth round with guard Hayden Conner.
NFL.com’s Chad Reuter
Grade: A-
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.
Bleacher Report scouting department
Grade: B
The Arizona Cardinals kicked off their draft by taking Mississippi defensive lineman Walter Nolen. While Nolen was widely viewed as a boom-or-bust prospect coming into the draft, he should fit well with what Arizona wants to accomplish defensively. … Arizona took a flier on Michigan cornerback Will Johnson in Round 2, which, in a vacuum, was a brilliant move. The Cardinals ranked just 21st in net yards allowed per pass attempt last season, and Johnson was the fifth-ranked prospect on the final B/R board. Gannon got a few more pieces for his defense in the middle rounds, adding Jordan Burch, Denzel Burke and Cody Simon.
It wasn’t surprising to see a defensively focused draft from the Cardinals, given Gannon’s background. It’s fair to wonder, though, if Arizona should have done more to support quarterback Kyler Murray, who has yet to establish himself as a top-tier signal-caller.
CBS Sports’ Chris Trapasso
Grade: B-
The Cardinals have gone to extreme lengths to improve the defense this offseason, and that theme continued in the draft. Nolen has immense upside as a pass rusher, and Johnson was probably picked at the proper value in the second round. Both are youthful, splash-play creators. Burch was a strange selection in Round 3, as he’s somewhat of a tweener who looks the part yet was hardly productive in any one area at Oregon. Simon can command the middle of the defense in time, and Burke represents quality depth at cornerback later.
ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr.
Grade: B-
Though their defense wasn’t amazing — they ranked 23rd in yards per play allowed, 25th in yards per rush allowed and 28th in pass rush win rate — they’re trending up, and the free agent signing of Josh Sweat should give the pass rush a boost. They have clear needs on that side of the ball, though, and I thought they needed to leave this draft with multiple defensive starters.
That’s exactly what they did, taking defenders with their first five picks. Walter Nolen is a super-talented defensive tackle, but I thought he went a little high at No. 16. He has upside as a pass rusher, sure, but there’s risk; he’s inconsistent from down to down. Cornerback Will Johnson could be a Round 2 steal — he ended up No. 11 on my Big Board. He’s coming off an injury-plagued season, and I know his medicals were a big reason for his slide into Day 2. Based on his tape, though, he can shut down wideouts. And he fills a hole: The Arizona defense allowed opposing quarterbacks to complete 69% of passes last season, which ranked 29th.
Overall, GM Monti Ossenfort tried to beef up a clear weakness, and I can’t fault him there. I’m surprised he didn’t take a wideout in a class full of solid players, though. If Johnson becomes a starter, this class could be just fine.
The Athletic’s Dane Brugler
Grade: Sixth
Favorite pick: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
I got yelled at on social media when Johnson fell into the 20s of my seven-round mock draft two weeks ago. He dropped even further than that in reality. The speed and injury concerns are real, but the gamble was well worth it at No. 47, especially for Jonathan Gannon’s scheme. 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.
Day 3 pick who could surprise: Cody Simon, LB, Ohio State
The glue of Ohio State’s national championship-winning defense, Simon needs to prove himself in coverage, but he is urgent and instinctive against the run and rarely put mental mistakes on tape. His smarts and intangibles will quickly make him a favorite of the coaching staff and get him into the starting rotation at linebacker.
Follow @Tdrake4sports
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Cardinals get high marks for 2025 NFL Draft class )
Also on site :