Walter Nolen’s introductory news conference after picked by Cardinals
Introductory news conference for Ole Miss defensive lineman Walter Nolen after selected by the Arizona Cardinals No. 16 overall in the NFL Draft.
The 2025 NFL Draft is in the books and the analysis of each team’s picks continues. How did the Arizona Cardinals‘ fare with their NFL draft selections?
While it really is too early to know how good the team’s class will end up being, that hasn’t stopped NFL writers from handing out grades for the team’s class of seven picks in the recently completed draft. And those grades differ.
We consulted 11 NFL Draft 2025 grades to get a feel for how writers are reviewing the Cardinals’ NFL draft picks and the reviews are all over the place.
The team received four A grades, including one site that included Arizona among just three teams with an A+. Six of the grades, however, were B, which included several grading B- and a draft class ranked No. 26 out of 32 teams in the NFL. The final grade the Cardinals received was a C, with that writer ranking GM Monti Ossenfort’s draft No. 27 in the NFL.
Here’s the early analysis of the Arizona Cardinals’ 2025 NFL Draft class:
The Arizona Republic: Cardinals earn an A for 2025 NFL Draft picks
Theo Mackie writes: “In the first two rounds, the Cardinals found value at premium positions, both of which were needs for their roster. That alone makes their draft a success. Their final five picks were less remarkable but still featured a handful of intriguing values. They didn’t fill every hole — guard and wide receiver both remain concerns — but aggressively chasing needs can be a recipe for failure. And despite those minor concerns, it’s hard to argue that the Cardinals have not constructed a playoff-caliber roster. That is the goal in 2025, and these past three days should help make it a reality.”
USA TODAY Sports: Cardinals receive a B- for 2025 NFL Draft class
Nate Davis ranks Arizona’s draft class No. 26 out of 32.
He writes: “Could be an especially wide variance of outcomes with their first two picks, first-round DT Walter Nolen and CB Will Johnson – the latter’s knee likely to determine if he was a steal or a player with diminishing returns. Third-rounder Jordan Burch joins a D-line that may be morphing from weakness to strength.”
For The Win: Cardinals get an A- for 2025 NFL Draft selections
The site ranks Arizona’s draft No. 4 in the NFL.
It writes: “Jonathan Gannon continues to hit every perfect note in his Arizona rebuild. After a 2024 where his underrated defense gave lots of team fits, the Cardinals now added two likely field-tilting starters in Nolen and Johnson. As a result, they are probably officially in a place of ‘playoffs or bust.'”
NFL.com: Cardinals receive an A- 2025 NFL Draft grade
Chad Reuter writes: “Arizona focused on defense on the first two days of the draft, taking two potential stars in Nolen and Johnson. If Nolen can put it all together and Johnson can stay healthy, they will lift the Cardinals’ defense to a new level. Simon just seems to find the ball. He’ll make plays inside and outside for the Cardinals. His fellow Buckeye, Burke, has the athleticism to stick on the roster. They found a needed offensive lineman in Conner, and I expect Crawford to surprise as a nickel safety his rookie season. Arizona should be looking to sign multiple undrafted free agent receivers to compete for a roster spot.”
New York Post: Cardinals land a C in 2025 NFL Draft grades
Arizona’s draft class is ranked No. 27 in the NFL in the grades.
Ryan Dunleavy writes: “A few months ago, Johnson could’ve been the first-rounder and Nolen the second-rounder. There are questions about Nolen’s level of commitment and Johnson’s long injury history. Burch, a former five-star recruit, finally lived up to his potential last season. Very boom-or-bust.”
Pro Football Focus: Cardinals earn an A+ for 2025 NFL Draft choices
It writes: “Arizona Cardinals, Carolina Panthers and Dallas Cowboys headline teams with A+ grades: All three franchises landed multiple impact players and crushed value compared to the PFF Big Board.”
Sports Illustrated: Cardinals receive a B in 2025 NFL Draft analysis
Gilberto Manzano writes: “Arizona finally added some defensive talent, which should allow coach Jonathan Gannon to fully operate his scheme. Nolen is a boom-or-bust prospect, but if the Cardinals are right about him, he’s capable of doing what Jalen Carter does in the middle of the Eagles’ defensive line. Arizona also rolled the dice on Johnson, a talented cornerback who fell from the first round due to medical concerns. Johnson, however, claims to be healthy and could be an immediate impact player. Arizona went all defense with its first five picks.”
CBS Sports: Cardinals get a B- for 2025 NFL Draft decisions
Chris Trapasso writes: “The Cardinals have gone to extreme lengths to improve the defense this offseason, and that theme continued in the draft. Nolen has immense upside as a pass rusher, and Johnson was probably picked at the proper value in the second round. Both are youthful, splash-play creators. Burch was a strange selection in Round 3, as he’s somewhat of a tweener who looks the part yet was hardly productive in any one area at Oregon. Simon can command the middle of the defense in time, and Burke represents quality depth at cornerback later.”Â
Associated Press: Cardinals land a B in 2025 NFL Draft reviews
Rob Maaddi writes: “Defensive tackle Walter Nolen (16) is a plug-and-play starter who went a few slots higher than most projections. CB Will Johnson (47) is a first-round talent who slipped because of injury concerns. DL Jordan Burch (78) and LB Cody Simon (115) need more development.”
FOX Sports: Cardinals receive a B- for 2025 NFL Draft moves
Rob Rang writes: “Adding splashy defensive tackle Walter Nolen in the first round was an ideal final touch to a masterful offseason dedicated to improving Arizona’s front. Nolen has some boom or bust to him, but the talent is undeniable and Jonathan Gannon’s proven ability to develop defenders makes him an intriguing investment. If healthy, cornerback Will Johnson offers top-10 talent at a discount price as the No. 47 overall pick. Jordan Burch is an intriguing talent who could pop in Gannon’s scheme, as well. While I’m excited for all the improvements made to Arizona’s defense in this draft, I question if enough was done to upgrade the offensive line, tempering my enthusiasm for this group, overall.”
Bleacher Report: Cardinals take a B+ for 2025 NFL Draft mark
Kristopher Knox writes: “It wasn’t surprising to see a defensively focused draft from the Cardinals, given Gannon’s background. It’s fair to wonder, though, if Arizona should have done more to support quarterback Kyler Murray, who has yet to establish himself as a top-tier signal-caller.”
Reach Jeremy Cluff at jeremy.cluff@arizonarepublic.com. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter @Jeremy_Cluff.
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