The Cardinals of Arizona are in the middle of a calculated reconstruction. This plan took another step forward this offseason while the director general Monti Ossenfort and the head coach Jonathan Gannon focused strongly on the strengthening of the defense. After two years of laying of the foundations, the cardinals can finally have the parts in place to compete. However, this also means that some long -standing veterans are about to feel the warmth of a highly appreciated recruit class.
Defensive overhaul
The cardinals entered the 2025 off -season with a clear objective: give Gannon the defensive firepower he needs to transform this unit into a Top 10 group. After finishing the 2023 season (the first season of Gannon with the cardinals) with a defensive note without interest of 50.9 PFF – including a brand of 38.2 against the race – Arizona has attacked its weaknesses.
For 2025, they brought in proven veterans like Calais Campbell and Dalvin Tomlinson and exchanged for the Rusher Edge Josh Sweat. The team also wrote three first -rate defensive perspectives: Walter Nolen III, Will Johnson and Jordan Burch. The return of Campbell to Arizona, 17 years old after being drafted by the franchise, adds Gravitas. That said, it is the recruits that run the heads in ota – in particular the corner of the corner Will Johnson. He slipped into n ° 47 of the draft due to injury problems, but has already looked like a flight, according to the initiates of the team.
Of course, Arizona always has offensive line problems and some unanswered questions in the middle of the defense. However, the Competition through the depth table – In particular for defense – has been as intense as for years.
Here, we will try to look at the veteran players of Arizona Cardinals whose roles will be pushed by recruits during the 2025 NFL season.
1. Line dilleb
It was a surprise for some when the Arizona used the choice n ° 16 on Walter Nolen III. It was not because of his talent, but because the team had already spent a first round on Darius Robinson in 2024 and had signed Campbell in April. Make no mistake, however – the cardinals did not write Nolen to put it away. They expect an impact and soon.
Nolen brings a potential to put into play. His screening reports deviate from his power, his speed in the first step and his versatility. He can be a player of all versions if he develops quickly. He is physical, instinctive and perhaps the most talented interior line player that Arizona has had for years.
This raises serious questions for Campbell and Robinson. Yes, Campbell is always productive. That said, he will be 39 years old in September. Cardinals can rely on him for leadership and rotating shots, but it is unlikely to play a full -time role.
Robinson, on the other hand, is younger but has not shown much. After a promising university career, he only played six games last season due to a calf injury and recorded only 10 plated and a bag. If Nolen shines in the training camp and the pre -season, Robinson could find himself turning with the second team – or worse.
2. Angle enigma
Of course, the passes in the Arizona pass made the headlines. However, the greatest talented coup of the draft may have come to the cornerback. The old five -star recruit Will Johnson slipped in the second round due to injury problems. However, its performance in the OTAs has already calmed doubts.
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Standing 6 feet 2 inches and weighing a little less than 200 pounds, Johnson has the ideal setting for a modern outdoor corner. It is fluid, instinctive and aggressive – a natural playmaker who can hang immediately with the widths of the NFL. With Sean Murphy-Bunting excluded for the season, Johnson now has a clear path to a starting role.
However, the corner room is crowded. Jaylon Jones, brought via a free agency, is one of the veterans who are fighting for the external CB spot. Elijah Jones, Max Melton and Starling Thomas are also in the mixture. Even recruits like Denzel Burke push time. Cardinals will probably start Budda Baker and Jalen Thompson safe. This means that there is only a place for three corners in most sets.
This puts pressure on Jones to deliver. He is experienced but incoherent. If Johnson continues to surpass expectations in the camp, the starting work could very well be his by week 1.
3. Beat behind the line
Perhaps no position group on the defense of Arizona has more uncertainty than the interior second. This is where the recruit of the fourth round Cody Simon has a chance to have an immediate impact. Although he was taken out of the Top 100, Simon was one of the most experienced and respected leaders in the best defense of university football last year.
He wore the green point for Ohio State, calling games and anchoring a unit that has prospered on communication and discipline. His football IQ, consistency and the ability to read the games in real time give him a real blow to put pressure for an early playing time.
The cardinals have signed Akeem Davis-Gonther and Mykal Walker in a free agency to compete for this role. They also have Mack Wilson SR and JJ Russell for the depth. Of course, none of these names is locked up. Simon brings a championship pedigree and showed the first lightnings of preparation for team exercises. If he can prove himself in pre-season action, the recruit could be the one that carries the green point on Sunday.
Last word
The Cardinals 2025 build a new identity – and this means that change is inevitable. Veterans like Campbell, Robinson, Jones and Davis-Gone bring value, but the clock turns. The Arizona Front Office has written aggressively for a reason: they believe that this recruited class has stars potential. And as the training camp is getting closer, the message is clear – no work is safe and children arrive.
