- Georgia’s Mykel Williams in Spherical 1: Williams is a twitchy, explosive athlete whose greatest soccer remains to be forward of him. In 2024, he generated 30 complete pressures whereas lining up in a number of spots alongside Georgia’s entrance, showcasing his versatility.
- Cardinals seize Minnesota’s Aireontae Ersery in Spherical 2: At 6-foot-5, 339 kilos, with 34-inch arms, Ersery brings an imposing bodily profile to the place. In 2024, he allowed only one sack and one QB hit — each coming towards Michigan in Week 5 — and was in any other case flawless in cross safety.
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Estimated studying time: 3 minutes
The Arizona Cardinals head into the 2025 NFL Draft with loads of work to do, notably on protection. Whereas defensive coordinator Nick Rallis did an admirable job maximizing his personnel in 2024, the unit merely wants extra playmakers.
Arizona’s cross rush struggled all season, producing strain on simply 201 performs — rating twenty sixth within the NFL. Even when 2024 first-round decide Darius Robinson develops right into a strong contributor, the Cardinals nonetheless lack a constant edge rusher who can win one-on-one matchups.
Past the cross rush, the secondary additionally wants an improve. The Cardinals completed twenty eighth in EPA allowed per play, thirty first in success charge and seventeenth in crew protection grade in 2024.
With $82 million in cap house, the Cardinals have the pliability to focus on a top-tier cornerback like D.J. Reed in free company whereas utilizing the draft to shore up their offensive and defensive fronts. With evident wants at guard, offensive deal with, defensive inside and edge rusher, Arizona should profit from its draft capital to construct a extra full roster for 2025 and past.
Spherical 1, Choose 16: Edge Mykel Williams, Georgia
Williams is a twitchy, explosive athlete whose greatest soccer remains to be forward of him. In 2024, he generated 30 complete pressures whereas lining up in a number of spots alongside Georgia’s entrance, showcasing his versatility. He was equally dominant towards the run, incomes optimistic grades on 19.6% of his reps, making him a well-rounded defensive drive.
Spherical 2, Choose 47: T Aireontae Ersery, Minnesota
Ersery might be a dependable starter at proper deal with for the subsequent decade if he learns to assault with a extra violent and constant punch. At 6-foot-5, 339 kilos, with 34-inch arms, he brings an imposing bodily profile to the place. In 2024, he allowed only one sack and one QB hit — each coming towards Michigan in Week 5 — and was in any other case flawless in cross safety.
Spherical 3, Choose 78: DI JJ Pegues, Mississippi
Pegues is likely one of the premier run-stuffers on this draft class, constantly disrupting performs within the backfield. He recorded 16 run stops, with eight tackles for loss or no achieve and a median deal with depth of -0.06 yards.
Spherical 4, Choose 113: WR Jaylin Noel, Iowa State
Noel was a extremely productive slot receiver at Iowa State, hauling in 82 receptions for 1,215 yards and eight touchdowns in 2024. He was a constant chain-mover, with 46 of his catches leading to first downs, making him a dependable goal within the passing sport.
Spherical 5, Choose 153: CB Jaylin Smith, USC
Opposing quarterbacks struggled when concentrating on Smith in 2024, collectively posting only a 59.8 passer ranking when doing so. The USC product was a lockdown presence, recording two interceptions, three cross breakups and permitting zero touchdowns in protection.
Spherical 7, Choose 250: G Joshua Grey, Oregon State
Gray was a flexible lineman at Oregon State, beginning his first three seasons at left deal with earlier than transitioning to protect as a senior. Over his total school profession, he allowed simply six sacks, together with just one in 2024, and by no means surrendered greater than two in a single season.
