Grading the Cardinals' draft

Field Level Media|published: Sat 26th April, 21:16 2025

Apr 24, 2025; Green Bay, WI, USA; Michigan Wolverines cornerback Will Johnson on the red carpet before the 2025 NFL Draft at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Arizona Cardinals

Grade: A

Best Pick: CB Will Johnson, No. 47 Overall

What We Liked: Everything. The Cardinals went for the best football player available at every turn, from ending the surprising fall to the second round for Michigan cornerback Will Johnson to their first pick of Walter Nolen, who got some of the best production of any defensive tackle in the SEC.

Even their day two and three selections were great choices, taking edge Jordan Burch, who performed admirably at Oregon, and Cody Simon, who led the linebacker corps for Ohio State. I has Burch as a top 50 guy and Simon as one of the most underrated linebackers in the class. It solves a lot of problems for them very quickly.

Not Sure About: While these picks are great value, they all come with some caveats. Nolen has alleged character issues, Johnson has some grievous medical history, and Burch could accurately be described as a tweener. Plus, some earlier help for quarterback Kyler Murray would have been nice.

--Dean Bruce, special to Field Level Media