After an underwhelming 8-9 season that left the Arizona Cardinals on the outside looking in at the playoffs, the NFL Draft presents a golden opportunity to strengthen a roster in desperate need of defensive reinforcements.

With a pick in the top half of the first round of April’s NFL Draft, and all three of their day one and day two selections available, the Cards will have no shortage of opportunities to add talent. But what position, and which prospects, might they target?

Read on for the Cardinals NFL Draft picks outlook.

Arizona Cardinals Needs & Draft Strategy

For the Cardinals, the biggest needs start in the trenches. While a blue chip pass rusher could completely transform their defense, bolstering the interior of their defensive line or providing additional protection for Kyler Murray would also pay significant dividends.

After a dismal pass rush performance in 2024, a quality edge rusher is widely considered the top priority for Arizona. Though 17 different defenders recorded a sack last year, Zaven Collins — a versatile linebacker — led the team with just five. The Cardinals ranked 23rd in hurry percentage and an alarmingly low 27th in pressure rate, underscoring the critical need for an upgrade in their pass-rushing unit.

Equally important to a dynamic pass rusher is the presence of a space-eater on the interior, alongside them at defensive tackle. Both Roy Lopez and LJ Collier, who started 31 games between them last year, are pending free agents and have had little impact — combining for just eight tackles for loss in 2024.

Only four teams conceded a higher yards per carry on the ground this year than Arizona, and stopping the run is absolutely crucial in the NFC West.

On the other side of the ball, providing better protection for Kyler Murray is essential for the future. With a pair of talented running backs, a stud number one wide receiver, and arguably the best tight end in football, Arizona’s offense is primed to break out — if they can protect their quarterback. Murray’s elusiveness can mask poor protection at times, but relying on that is akin to playing with fire.

Whether at tackle or guard, the Cardinals’ offensive line currently lacks any real difference-makers. A best-player-available approach to fortifying the line would be a wise course of action.

Potential Arizona Cardinals Draft Picks 2025

With the 16th overall selection at their disposal, as well as their original picks on day two of the draft, Arizona won’t be short on opportunities to add talent.

Fortunately for Arizona, this year’s draft class is loaded with pass-rush talent. If they choose to spend their 16th pick on an edge rusher, a few options stand out.

James Pearce Jr., from the Tennessee Volunteers, led the SEC in sacks two years ago and has the sort of athleticism and versatility the Cards have previously targeted. Nic Scourton, from the Texas A&M Aggies, is a more traditional down lineman but will bring plenty of production. Alternatively, the rich well of talent from the Georgia Bulldogs could be worth exploring — Jalon Walker brings the same versatility as Pearce Jr., with the added bonus of a strong Georgia pedigree.

From a defensive tackle perspective, there are several intriguing names to consider.

At the top of the list, Ohio State’s Tyleik Williams stands out. Though he may not consistently rack up big stats, he’s a force who commands attention from blockers, regularly freeing up his teammates. A more dynamic prospect who could be available in the second round, is Oregon’s Derrick Harmon.

On the offensive side of the ball, the Cardinals could look to one of the two highest-rated tackles in the draft. Oregon’s Josh Conerly Jr. might be the solution to solidifying the left tackle spot, bringing the ability to win most one-on-one matchups. The same could be said for LSU’s Will Campbell, whose athleticism would allow for greater positional versatility.

In the interior of Arizona’s line, a pair of massive guards — a spot that is always of extra importance with smaller passers, like Murray — would be up for grabs on day two. Either Donovan Jackson from Ohio State or Tyler Booker from Alabama would bring a strong scouting report and solid school pedigree.

A long look at doubling up on either line would be wise for the Cardinals. Focusing on edge rusher and defensive tackle, or perhaps selecting a pair of offensive linemen, in the first two rounds could have a transformational impact on the roster.