The Arizona Cardinals have flashed legitimate progress this season. The second year of the Monti Ossenfort and Jonathan Gannon slow rebuild has been a success. The Cardinals are slated to win three, possibly four more contests than they did a season ago.
Another offseason cycle could help the Cardinals legitimately compete within the unpredictable NFC West next season. After years of stacking capital, Ossenfort is currently equipped with just five selections in the 2025 NFL Draft. With quality, not quantity, in mind, we've conducted a Cardinals seven-round mock draft.
Round 1 (No. 16 overall): Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia
It's incredible that the Cardinals have recorded a 14th-ranked 39 sacks this season when analyzing their personnel. That's the Gannon effect. Arizona lost their most promising pass rusher, BJ Ojulari, to a season-ending injury during the offseason. No Cardinal has more than 4.5 QB takedowns. Dennis Gardeck, who was leading the defense in sacks, saw his season conclude after seven games.
Darius Robinson has been injured throughout his rookie season and the Cardinals need to continue investing in high-upside pass rushers. Georgia's Mykel Williams did not meet expectations this year, but the lengthy Bulldog has untapped potential through freakish tools and athleticism. Gannon is the ideal coach to develop his traits.
Round 2 (No. 47 overall): Omarr Norman-Lott, DT, Tennessee
Developing Gannon's front seven should be a consistent theme throughout the draft. The Cardinals are currently rotating players like Dante Stills, Roy Lopez, Naquan Jones, and Khyiris Tonga at defensive tackle. Seriously, those are real names.
Tennessee's Omarr Norman-Lott should establish himself as a top 60 selection at this year's Senior Bowl. The massive Norman-Lott blends size with strength and quickness. He showcases flashes of dominance as a pass rusher and run-stopper.
Round 3 (No. 78 overall): Tate Ratledge, IOL, Georgia
Paris Johnson Jr. and Jonah Williams should be the offensive tackles next season. Rookie guard Isaiah Adams should be elevated to full-time starter somewhere across the interior. Several interior blockers are scheduled for free agency, including Will Hernandez, Evan Brown, and Trystan Colon-Castillo.
Pairing Tate Ratledge with Adams would give the Cardinals' offensive line some ascending building blocks inside. Ratledge combines physicality with sheer strength and a high football IQ. He's extremely violent at the point of attack.
Round 4 (No. 114 overall): Deontae Lawson, LB, Alabama
Linebacker is another need across the Cardinals' front seven. Kyzir White, who ranks second on the defense in tackles with 127, is playing on an expiring contract. Elsewhere at off-ball linebacker, Baron Browning has struggled as a run defender and probably won’t return in free agency.
Deontae Lawson is position-versatile and incredibly fluid in space. He's also scheme-flexible, which Gannon would appreciate. Whether utilized sideline to sideline or as a downhill defender in the box, Lawson made an impact for the Crimson Tide in 2024.
Round 5 (No. 151 overall): Elijah Badger, WR, Florida
A few veteran wide receivers are on expiring deals, including Zay Jones, Zach Pascal, and Greg Dortch. Building around Marvin Harrison Jr. and Michael Wilson at wideout will be a low-level priority. The Cardinals should address the position on day three.
Florida's Elijah Badger took steps forward in 2024. After transferring from Arizona State, the Sacramento, California native averaged an explosive 20.7 yards per catch while filling a big-play role for the Gators. Badger can be used situationally in Drew Petzing's offense.
