How I rank the possible first-round picks for the Cardinals in the 2025 draft.
As the 2025 NFL draft approaches with the first round beginning Thursday, fans have their preferences as to what player they want their team to select in the first round. The Arizona Cardinals have the 16th pick in the draft and could go a lot of directions.
Most believe they are going to take a defensive tackle or edge rusher, while there is the possibility of an offensive lineman.
Here is where I declare how I would like the Cardinals handle the first round.
First-round preferences for Cardinals
Pipe dream (would be shocked if on the board)
- Georgia EDGE Jalon Walker: Walker was the standout defender for the Bulldogs. He can play the edge. He can move in space.
- Missouri OT Armand Membou: Right tackle with elite athleticism? Why not?
Yes, please!
- Georgia EDGE Mykel Williams: Williams has the frame. He has the requisite athleticism. He plays with effort. He does what he is coached to do. He is already fantastic against the run. And he is only 20 years old.
- Tennessee EDGE James Pearce Jr.: Perhaps the most athletic rusher with production. While he “only” had 7.5 sacks in 2024, he led the SEC with 10 sacks in 2023.
- Oregon DT Derrick Harmon: Size, athleticism and great play both against the run and pass. He has All-Pro potential.
Sure, why not?
- Texas OT Kelvin Banks: He has only played left tackle, so he might need to learn the right side of the offensive line, but can you go wrong getting a tackle, especially when Jonah Williams has only one year left on his deal and is coming off a knee injury?
- Ohio State OT Josh Simmons: He is coming off the knee injury, but if he is selected, it means the Cardinals aren’t concerned about the medicals. He has big-time potential.
- Ole Miss DT Walter Nolen: He has incredible upside and is a difference maker. Fans will worry he is Robert Nkemdiche 2.0. They are not the same guy.
- Alabama LB Jihaad Campbell: Campbell is incredibly athletic and moves really well in space. He is great in coverage. He also offers versatility, able to play in space and rush off the edge like Mack Wilson did last season.
Please, no
- Texas A&M EDGE Shemar Stewart: He has elite traits and size. However, with only 1.5 sacks each of the last three seasons, he has a high bust potential. For my money, I just want another team to take a chance on him. I hope he is great, but I’m not willing to pull the trigger.
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