Walter Nolen’s introductory news conference after picked by Cardinals
Introductory news conference for Ole Miss defensive lineman Walter Nolen after being selected by the Arizona Cardinals No. 16 overall in the NFL draft.
Where are the Arizona Cardinals in the latest NFL power rankings after the 2025 NFL Draft?
A little all over the place.
Recent rankings of NFL teams after the draft have Arizona as high as No. 13 and as low as No. 24 among the 32 teams in the league.
Some NFL writers appear to really like what the team did in the NFL draft and NFL free agency, while others seem to be underwhelmed with the team’s transactions.
Check out what they are saying about the Arizona Cardinals’ position in the NFL now, including one site that wrote that “the Cardinals are coming and everyone better watch out.”
New York Post: Arizona Cardinals ranked No. 13 in NFL power rankings
Steve Serby writes: “You can fortify your defense (Walter Nolan, Will Johnson) when you have Kyler Murray throwing to Trey McBride and a second-year Marvin Harrison Jr. and handing off to James Conner.”
For the Win: Arizona Cardinals ranked No. 15 in NFL power rankings
It writes: “Walter Nolen and Will Johnson are two of the most purely talented defenders in the 2025 draft class. Full stop. Jonathan Gannon continues to execute his Arizona rebuild to perfection. The Cardinals are coming and everyone better watch out.”
Pro Football Network: Arizona Cardinals ranked No. 15 in NFL power rankings
It writes: “The Josh Sweat signing was a statement of intent from the Arizona Cardinals. After doubling their win total from four to eight, Jonathan Gannon’s team seems intent on improving a defense that ranked 27th in Defense+ last year to snap the team’s three-year playoff drought. Arizona continued that trend in the draft, using six of seven picks on defensive players. Walter Nolen and Will Johnson are highly touted prospects who could make an impact from Day 1 if they can stay healthy. The Cardinals quietly fielded an elite offense as well, ranking fifth in Offense+. Kyler Murray was PFSN’s 16th-ranked quarterback, but could improve if Marvin Harrison Jr. takes a step forward in his sophomore year. With the 49ers taking a step back, the Cardinals now have a prime opportunity to clinch their first division title since 2015. After starting strong at 6-4, Arizona struggled down the stretch and finished 2-5. However, this year’s squad appears better positioned to cross the finish line, especially following a solid draft.”
NFL.com: Arizona Cardinals rise one spot to No. 18 in NFL power rankings
Eric Edholm writes: “We’ll see if their approach proved right, but the Cardinals all but ignored wide receiver and the offensive line to stockpile talent on defense. Walter Nolen carries some risk as a prospect — he isn’t always the sum of his parts — but we’re potentially talking about the best 3-technique in the draft. Throw in a worthy gamble on CB Will Johnson’s long-term health in the second and an intriguing addition in the third with versatile DL Jordan Burch, and Arizona really has added to the defensive till. The 2024 Cardinals allowed 30-plus points five times and went 0-5 in those games. But I do wonder if the offense has received enough help. The Cards also had five games scoring 14 points or fewer, and they lost every one of those, as well. This has been a team on the slow rise for a few years now, but is Arizona ready to compete for 18 weeks in the NFC West?”
The Score: Cardinals drop three spots to No. 19 in NFL power rankings
It writes: “The Cardinals used the draft to continue revamping a middle-of-the-road defense. Walter Nolen and Will Johnson could be the faces of Arizona’s defense for years to come, but taking only one offensive lineman was puzzling.”
Fansided: Arizona Cardinals now ranked No. 20 in NFL power rankings
Mike Phillips writes: “After a surprising start to the 2024 season led to a disappointing finish, Arizona made a big splash to bolster their defense, adding Josh Sweat on a four-year deal to improve their pass rush as well as Dalvin Tomlinson on a two-year deal. Picking Walter Nolen at No. 15 offers a chance for the Cardinals to become a dominant pass rushing team, which could be enough to help them leapfrog San Francisco in the division.”
Bleacher Report: Arizona Cardinals ranked No. 22 in NFL power rankings
Gary Davenport writes: “Arizona didn’t have a bad draft—Michigan cornerback Will Johnson could be a massive steal if he can stay on the field. The work the team has done on defense should help this year. But linebacker, the middle of the offensive line, wide receiver behind Harrison and cornerback are all weak spots, and that’s a lot of holes in a division with little margin for error.”
Sporting News: Arizona Cardinals fall three spots to No. 24 in NFL power rankings
Vinnie Iyer writes: “The Cardinals drafted a potential superstar defensive tackle in Walter Nolen but continued to underwhelm overall offensively and defensively in the offseason.”
Reach Jeremy Cluff at jeremy.cluff@arizonarepublic.com. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter @Jeremy_Cluff.
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