Imagine being an Arizona Cardinals’ rookie and as you walk into the team facility with your fellow rookies, you are given a bear hug by Paris Johnson Jr. Such a warm reception is a superb way to symbolize the magnificence of unique opportunities that the Cardinals’ rookies now have right in front of them.
This PJJ greeting to the rookies is awesome! Guessing in order of hugs: LB Cody Simon, S Kitan Crawford, T Josh Fryar, T Jeremiah Byars and to the left is T Valentin Senn and next to him toward the middle is Hayden Conner. Couple fine highly athletic defensive playmakers and a… https://t.co/5PrRVdrB0u
— Walter B J Mitchell (@WBJMItch) May 8, 2025
Upon further review, CB Denzel Burke received the second hug, making PJJ’s first three huge to fellow Ohio St. Buckeyes.
Smooth Operator
Cueing up a little Sade ditty this morning to describe Will Johnson’s handling on his first presser at the Cardinals’ facility.
Will-JO MOJO for Cardinals’ defensive scheme:
Uncanny twist of fate for Will-JO to be playing with Walter Nolen III.
Arizona Cardinals 2nd RD pick Will Johnson reveals he tried to get teammate Walter Nolen to Michigan when they were high school recruits. pic.twitter.com/420z1R3YtZ
— Bo Brack (@BoBrack) May 8, 2025
Moving onward and upward.
“I’ve been able to move on. It’s just motivation.”
Arizona Cardinals 2nd RD pick Will Johnson isn’t dwelling on his slide in the NFL Draft. pic.twitter.com/euZY3LkHNC
— PHNX Cardinals (@PHNX_Cardinals) May 8, 2025
The “0” hug.
“I wanted to keep it single digit. Yeah, I’ll just say that for now.”
Arizona Cardinals 2nd RD pick Will Johnson on picking the jersey number zero. pic.twitter.com/TZdF2dguKR
— PHNX Cardinals (@PHNX_Cardinals) May 8, 2025
Surrounded by Buckeyes.
Saul Goodman.
“It’s all good. It’s ready to go.”
Arizona Cardinals 2nd RD pick Will Johnson on his knee that was reportedly medically flagged during the pre draft process pic.twitter.com/3H4mRdOI7t
— Bo Brack (@BoBrack) May 8, 2025
Simon Says:
Put me in, coach. I’m ready to play, today.
Nothing promised but high expectations.
Simon followed up that he wasn’t “formally” told he’d but have a role right away but believes being drafted creates that “reasonable expectation.” pic.twitter.com/0aYw3EOgvY
— Bo Brack (@BoBrack) May 8, 2025
Highest bar.
“I think that’s a possibility at all times, especially with our quarterback.”
Arizona Cardinals 4th RD pick Cody Simon has championship aspirations right away. pic.twitter.com/w8gJulvYly
— PHNX Cardinals (@PHNX_Cardinals) May 8, 2025
Leadership is about “being seen, heard and felt.”
Rookie LB Cody Simon, AZ’s 4th round pick out of Ohio State, with an incredibly thoughtful response on leadership saying it’s about “being seen, heard & felt.” pic.twitter.com/dyBM91bGMX
— Mark Dalton (@CardsMarkD) May 9, 2025
Immediate Impacts?
There’s a chance that all of the Cardinals’ 7 draftees can make an immediate impact for the team.
DT Walter Nolen —- possible day 1 starter at DT.
CB Will Johnson —- possible day 1 starter as zone CB,
DE Jordan Burch —- possible day 1 starter at SOLB.
LB Cody Simon —- possible day 1 starter at MLB.
G Hayden Conner —- possible day 1 starter at G.
CB Denzel Burke —- possible day 1 starter as zone CB.
S Kitan Crawford —- possible day 1 starter on special teams.
Every player is a keen fit for the Cardinals’ systems and style of play.
Opportunity knocks.
Which of these Cardinals’ rookies, do you think, will open the door?