Your Arizona Cardinals now hold the 16th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft

[CardNots]

Jeremiah always has interesting mocks LOL:
.

Daniel Jeremiah 2025 NFL mock draft 3.0: Giants, Steelers, Titans pick QBs; Cowboys select WR

Grant at pick 30. Is this board overvaluing this guy?

If he is to fall to 30 then a trade back works well for the Cardinals.

 

[TheCardFan]

Not our highest priority but what if a ball hawk like Xavier Watts is there with our 2nd round pick?

 

[Chopper0080]

I understand the thinking but the current group fails to spread the field. That makes it harder to get open on short and medium throws. Too often defenders are able to leave their assignment to support defenders in the area Cards are attacking. Not only does that prevent catches, but it suppresses YAC. The Cards don’t need an awesome deep threat, but they need a competent one.

I think I failed to clarify my stance.

The Cardinals need a specific type of WR, a vertical WR that brings speed and stretches the field. If that WR can also block, they could potentially bump Wilson down the depth chart. If not, probably a 11 personnel only option.

My point is that just any WR is not the answer for the Cardinals.

 

[Chopper0080]

Jeremiah always has interesting mocks LOL:
.

Daniel Jeremiah 2025 NFL mock draft 3.0: Giants, Steelers, Titans pick QBs; Cowboys select WR

And he says his mocks reflect what he is hearing, not based upon his own rankings. Take that for what it is worth, but it could be that he is hearing the Cardinals are interested in OL.

 

[Covert Rain]

I have no idea at all where the Cards are going with this pick. 16 is a weird place. Not typically high enough to typically pick up your top 5 player on your draft board but not so far down you can't hope a player you love falls to you.

 

[Harry]

Grant at pick 30. Is this board overvaluing this guy?

If he is to fall to 30 then a trade back works well for the Cardinals.

It seems every year it gets tougher to evaluate players beyond pick 10. That is where consensus dies. This is one of several polarizing people. The other factor is your looking at mocks and team needs distort those. IMO this is the selection that would impact the Cards the most.

 

[BACH]

It seems every year it gets tougher to evaluate players beyond pick 10. That is where consensus dies. This is one of several polarizing people. The other factor is your looking at mocks and team needs distort those. IMO this is the selection that would impact the Cards the most.

I'm listening to DJs podcast (most insider/ "tangible rumors") and Check the Mic (most down into detail and metrics) for my insider.

Both podcast have mentioned this and says this draft is by far the hardest to predict ever, because the 2nd tier is so big without much separation in terms of talent level.

 

[Chopper0080]

Matthew Golden is probably the 1 WR the Cardinals would consider in the first two rounds. He fits the need even if I like other players better and doubt Monti goes WR back to back years.

 

[oaken1]

This is interesting...things to consider at pick 16 and beyond

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[HairZach]

that would be a disappointing result: taking a guard while really good edge and DT prospects remain on the board

I feel the same way, but I can talk myself into it. Daniel Jerimiah is very well informed, I think he knows who we want. He had us trading out of 3 with the Texans and taking Paris at 12. He called us taking Zaven as well.

Heres another way to look at it. Pass rushers and DTs in the 16-32 range bust hard every year.
Look at 2023: Tyree Wilson (7), Will McDonald (16), Luka Van Ness (13) Mazi Smith (26), Myles Murphy (28), Bryan Bresee (29), FAU (31) have ranged from below average to terrible so far.
From 2024, Dallas Turner (17) and Laitu Latu (15) were disappointing at best as rookies. In 2022 Jordan Davis (13) has quietly been considered a semi-bust by the Eagles, he was envisioned to turn into a 3 down guy, but became the 4th DT in their rotation.

This is considered a strong IOL draft and we would be getting the first guy off the board. If he's really good what team actually regrets building up the trenches? Zabel's comp is Alijah Vera Tucker, and I certainly wouldnt mind drafting that. The unfortunate reality is the Seahawks got a monster on the inside in Byron Murphy II, and we need someone elite to counter him.

Here is Daniel Jerimiah's write up on Zabel: "Zabel is a versatile offensive lineman with excellent toughness and awareness. He lined up at left tackle in 2024, but he has played four O-line positions during his collegiate career. I believe he’s best suited to play guard at the next level. In pass pro, he has quick feet, stays square and catches/absorbs rushers. His lack of length shows up on the perimeter. He allows defenders to capture his chest, but he still possesses the core strength and balance to stall their push. He shows the savvy to snatch rushers when they get overextended. I love his ability to fit up and drive defenders in the run game. He has a great feel on combo blocks, and he always looks to finish. He has a nasty playing style, but he doesn’t get caught off-balance. Overall, I see Zabel as a Day 1 starter at guard."

He just sounds like someone we are going to draft.

 

[DVontel]

Daniel Jerimiah is very well informed, I think he knows who we want.

This is usually true when it’s his very last mock before the draft.

This isn’t his very last mock before the draft.

 

[DVontel]

But yea, no. Drafting a comp of Alijah Vera Tucker is more the reason to not drafting a Guard in the 1st round. Could probably convince me if the comp was Chris Lindstrom.

 

[BritCard]

This is interesting...things to consider at pick 16 and beyond

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That's interesting because those top 2 guys are both my favorite non 1st round Edge guys. Film matches the stats.

 

[BritCard]

So I had a look at the roster composition for the last 2 years to see where the holes are and then looked at the current roster to see where we had players locked in either due to contract or draft status.

QB - 2 - This room is set
RB - 4 - There are only really 2 sets guys in Conner and Benson. We can get $2.4m cap savings on Deejay if we draft an upside RB who can kick return.
WR - 6 - We only really have 4 guys for a 6 player room. Weaver and Palmer are easy PS moves. I'd expect a draft pick and a vet here.
TE - 4 - Another option. Vokolek as TE4 is easily replaceable with a lower round pick.
OL - 10 - Another room with much room, only 8 guys have a chance at the 53, and could be 7 if you discount Gaines. Would expect vet and draft additions.
DL - 6 - 5 guys are absolute locks. Collier can be cut/traded for just a $750k hit.
OLB - 5 - This room looks set depending on how you see XT. I don't see Monti moving on a 5th round pick after a year but it's an option if he loves someone.
ILB - 3 - Only kept 3 last year and already have 4. May see one of those OL spots drop and only keep 9, which they have done before. Pappoe is an option to go if the love someone.
CB - 6 - There are 5 locks here. Clarke is the odd man out if they love someone.
S - 4 - 4 locks here with Blount as a special teams ace.
ST - 3 - ST's are set

Looking at what we have now WR and OL are easily are two biggest needs.

 

[Harry]

I feel the same way, but I can talk myself into it. Daniel Jerimiah is very well informed, I think he knows who we want. He had us trading out of 3 with the Texans and taking Paris at 12. He called us taking Zaven as well.

Heres another way to look at it. Pass rushers and DTs in the 16-32 range bust hard every year.
Look at 2023: Tyree Wilson (7), Will McDonald (16), Luka Van Ness (13) Mazi Smith (26), Myles Murphy (28), Bryan Bresee (29), FAU (31) have ranged from below average to terrible so far.
From 2024, Dallas Turner (17) and Laitu Latu (15) were disappointing at best as rookies. In 2022 Jordan Davis (13) has quietly been considered a semi-bust by the Eagles, he was envisioned to turn into a 3 down guy, but became the 4th DT in their rotation.

This is considered a strong IOL draft and we would be getting the first guy off the board. If he's really good what team actually regrets building up the trenches? Zabel's comp is Alijah Vera Tucker, and I certainly wouldnt mind drafting that. The unfortunate reality is the Seahawks got a monster on the inside in Byron Murphy II, and we need someone elite to counter him.

Here is Daniel Jerimiah's write up on Zabel: "Zabel is a versatile offensive lineman with excellent toughness and awareness. He lined up at left tackle in 2024, but he has played four O-line positions during his collegiate career. I believe he’s best suited to play guard at the next level. In pass pro, he has quick feet, stays square and catches/absorbs rushers. His lack of length shows up on the perimeter. He allows defenders to capture his chest, but he still possesses the core strength and balance to stall their push. He shows the savvy to snatch rushers when they get overextended. I love his ability to fit up and drive defenders in the run game. He has a great feel on combo blocks, and he always looks to finish. He has a nasty playing style, but he doesn’t get caught off-balance. Overall, I see Zabel as a Day 1 starter at guard."

He just sounds like someone we are going to draft.

I do not disagree with his scouting info. I greatly disagree with the concept the Cards would take him at 16. First I’m still not convinced I’d take any OG at 16. If they implausibly did, Jackson would seem a sounder reach. Rarely did Zabel play against top competition and certainly not week after week. He could become an NFL starter but week one is stretching it. I like him, just not as much as DJ. Second, this sense the Cards have everything set so they can ignore surer things to strengthen impact spots is wrong. OG is mediocre, but the pass rush could still use more impact and is a better place to go. If they contemplating a guard trade down to late in round 1 to take one. The get another or trade up in 2 to help the rush.

 

[Harry]

So I had a look at the roster composition for the last 2 years to see where the holes are and then looked at the current roster to see where we had players locked in either due to contract or draft status.

QB - 2 - This room is set
RB - 4 - There are only really 2 sets guys in Conner and Benson. We can get $2.4m cap savings on Deejay if we draft an upside RB who can kick return.
WR - 6 - We only really have 4 guys for a 6 player room. Weaver and Palmer are easy PS moves. I'd expect a draft pick and a vet here.
TE - 4 - Another option. Vokolek as TE4 is easily replaceable with a lower round pick.
OL - 10 - Another room with much room, only 8 guys have a chance at the 53, and could be 7 if you discount Gaines. Would expect vet and draft additions.
DL - 6 - 5 guys are absolute locks. Collier can be cut/traded for just a $750k hit.
OLB - 5 - This room looks set depending on how you see XT. I don't see Monti moving on a 5th round pick after a year but it's an option if he loves someone.
ILB - 3 - Only kept 3 last year and already have 4. May see one of those OL spots drop and only keep 9, which they have done before. Pappoe is an option to go if the love someone.
CB - 6 - There are 5 locks here. Clarke is the odd man out if they love someone.
S - 4 - 4 locks here with Blount as a special teams ace.
ST - 3 - ST's are set

Looking at what we have now WR and OL are easily are two biggest needs.

Fun way to approach it. Just looking at last year’s injuries, I’d disagree on OLB & DL. I see potential cuts or Practice Squad moves available if they can get an impact player. Too many journeymen as things stand.

 

[CardNots]

So I had a look at the roster composition for the last 2 years to see where the holes are and then looked at the current roster to see where we had players locked in either due to contract or draft status.

QB - 2 - This room is set
RB - 4 - There are only really 2 sets guys in Conner and Benson. We can get $2.4m cap savings on Deejay if we draft an upside RB who can kick return.
WR - 6 - We only really have 4 guys for a 6 player room. Weaver and Palmer are easy PS moves. I'd expect a draft pick and a vet here.
TE - 4 - Another option. Vokolek as TE4 is easily replaceable with a lower round pick.
OL - 10 - Another room with much room, only 8 guys have a chance at the 53, and could be 7 if you discount Gaines. Would expect vet and draft additions.
DL - 6 - 5 guys are absolute locks. Collier can be cut/traded for just a $750k hit.
OLB - 5 - This room looks set depending on how you see XT. I don't see Monti moving on a 5th round pick after a year but it's an option if he loves someone.
ILB - 3 - Only kept 3 last year and already have 4. May see one of those OL spots drop and only keep 9, which they have done before. Pappoe is an option to go if the love someone.
CB - 6 - There are 5 locks here. Clarke is the odd man out if they love someone.
S - 4 - 4 locks here with Blount as a special teams ace.
ST - 3 - ST's are set

Looking at what we have now WR and OL are easily are two biggest needs.

Thank you for this effort. Provides a better insight to the team needs, at least currently.

 

[Stout]

Fun way to approach it. Just looking at last year’s injuries, I’d disagree on OLB & DL. I see potential cuts or Practice Squad moves available if they can get an impact player. Too many journeymen as things stand.

Absolutely. It would, IMO, be a crime not to take advantage of the strong DT/Edge class early in this draft.

 

[phillycard]

Eagles won a Super Bowl with Jahan Dotson as their 3 and Wilson is better than that.

Dotson was just along for the ride. Literally could have been any 3 in the league and it would have made no difference. When you have 2 #1's, any 3rd WR is just a passenger. Look at all the other hangers on they've had. Watkins, Pascal, Campbell. Sheez. Tyler Boyd. Now THAT's a #3!

 

[Chopper0080]

So I had a look at the roster composition for the last 2 years to see where the holes are and then looked at the current roster to see where we had players locked in either due to contract or draft status.

QB - 2 - This room is set
RB - 4 - There are only really 2 sets guys in Conner and Benson. We can get $2.4m cap savings on Deejay if we draft an upside RB who can kick return.
WR - 6 - We only really have 4 guys for a 6 player room. Weaver and Palmer are easy PS moves. I'd expect a draft pick and a vet here.
TE - 4 - Another option. Vokolek as TE4 is easily replaceable with a lower round pick.
OL - 10 - Another room with much room, only 8 guys have a chance at the 53, and could be 7 if you discount Gaines. Would expect vet and draft additions.
DL - 6 - 5 guys are absolute locks. Collier can be cut/traded for just a $750k hit.
OLB - 5 - This room looks set depending on how you see XT. I don't see Monti moving on a 5th round pick after a year but it's an option if he loves someone.
ILB - 3 - Only kept 3 last year and already have 4. May see one of those OL spots drop and only keep 9, which they have done before. Pappoe is an option to go if the love someone.
CB - 6 - There are 5 locks here. Clarke is the odd man out if they love someone.
S - 4 - 4 locks here with Blount as a special teams ace.
ST - 3 - ST's are set

Looking at what we have now WR and OL are easily are two biggest needs.

A good job on this exercise. A couple thoughts.

Fehoko and Quez Watkins may be the vet WRs. Agree they will look to draft one.

I think Vokolek is more of a lock than you do. Doesn't seem like there would be a reason to waste draft capital or FA dollars on another TE to fill that backup, blocking TE role.

OL will definitely get some adds.

Disagree they would cut Collier after just signing him. I know the contract isn't huge, but I feel they would just carry an extra spot if they add a player from the draft.

I think Thomas is on the 53 bubble regardless. Depends on special teams usage.

Agree on Pappoe being on the bubble.

Agree on Clark being on the bubble.

 

[Chopper0080]

Dotson was just along for the ride. Literally could have been any 3 in the league and it would have made no difference. When you have 2 #1's, any 3rd WR is just a passenger. Look at all the other hangers on they've had. Watkins, Pascal, Campbell. Sheez. Tyler Boyd. Now THAT's a #3!

Basically it comes down to how you compare Wilson/McBride vs Smith/Goedert. If you think those two pairs are relatively close, adding a replacement for Wilson becomes less important outside of the vertical/speed need. If you feel there is a large gap between the two pairs, then upgrading Wilson is more of a priority.

 

[phillycard]

Basically it comes down to how you compare Wilson/McBride vs Smith/Goedert. If you think those two pairs are relatively close, adding a replacement for Wilson becomes less important outside of the vertical/speed need. If you feel there is a large gap between the two pairs, then upgrading Wilson is more of a priority.

I like Mike a lot Chop. He had such promise after that first year, despite injury. He was awesome when on the field but the jump I looked for never materialized last season. I really want to give him another chance before I look to replace him at 2. I believe he could be special if he stays healthy.

 

[DVontel]

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[BritCard]

A good job on this exercise. A couple thoughts.

Fehoko and Quez Watkins may be the vet WRs. Agree they will look to draft one.

I think Vokolek is more of a lock than you do. Doesn't seem like there would be a reason to waste draft capital or FA dollars on another TE to fill that backup, blocking TE role.

OL will definitely get some adds.

Disagree they would cut Collier after just signing him. I know the contract isn't huge, but I feel they would just carry an extra spot if they add a player from the draft.

I think Thomas is on the 53 bubble regardless. Depends on special teams usage.

Agree on Pappoe being on the bubble.

Agree on Clark being on the bubble.

Agree they may see Fehoko or Watkins as a depth/ST option, but with the cap space we have free I'd like to see an upgrade at the top end of the room. I like Marv and Wilson, after that it could be better. There's a bunch of vets that could improve this room. Diggs, Allen, Cooks or Lockett massively improve that room.

Hard to see Vokolek as a lock. He played less snaps than Pappoe and Clark by a long way. Hard to see a guy that played 12 offensive snaps as a lock. I'd argue he's the most easily replaceable player on the 53. There are some vet upgrades to be had here too.

I don't see XT as unsafe. Really hard to see Monti bailing on a 5th round pick after he has 2.5 sacks in 208 snaps. I think people need to be prepared for no Edge picks in this draft.

 

[CardNots]

I think people need to be prepared for no Edge picks in this draft.

I wouldn’t be shocked, maybe disappointed.

I really want the Cardinals to get the guys they are targeting even it requires draft capital.