The Cardinals are close, and these two 2025 NFL Draft prospects can help them get even closer! The Arizona Cardinals improved dramatically in 2024, rising from 4-13 in 2023 to 8-9. With a reinvigorated quarterback in Kyler Murray and a 2024 NFL Draft class highlighted by Marvin Harrison Jr. making contributions, this NFC West team is on the verge of making the playoffs. Head coach Jonathan Gannon believes his club is on the right track and is getting close. In identifying themselves as a resilient club, the Cardinals’ head coach understands that the margin of error is narrow, and the next stage for his team is to reduce those errors while still strengthening at critical positions.
With Harrison Jr. and tight end Trey McBride leading the way in 2025, one of the Cardinals’ major needs in the 2025 NFL Draft is at wide receiver, where the team will look to identify a good No. 2 behind Harrison Jr. if he can establish himself as the team’s real WR1. Greg Dortch, Zay Zones, and Zach Pascal will enter free agency, leaving MHJ and Michael Wilson as the top two receivers under contract. Wilson took a step back in Year 2 with 47 receptions for 548 yards. With him as a reliable WR3, getting another playmaker at wide receiver would be perfect.
Another major need for the Cardinals is on the defensive line. They will have a healthy Darius Robinson in Year 2 to help increase their output at the EDGE position, but they may look to add another defensive interior lineman, as well as depth at linebacker, safety, and cornerback.
Key free agents for 2025 include Greg Dortch (WR), Zay Jones (WR), and Kelvin Beachum (RT). Evan Brown, C. Jackson Barton, LT Kyzier White, linebacker Dennis Gardeck, EDGE Baron Browning, EDGE L. J. Collier, EDGE Roy Lopez (IDL)
The top two picks in the 2024 NFL Draft are Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, at No. 4. Ohio State: The top receiver selected in the 2024 NFL draft did not have the same type of rookie season as other rookies Malik Nabers, Brian Thomas Jr., and Ladd McConkey, but he was nonetheless effective, catching the ball from Kyler Murray on 62 receptions for 885 yards and 8 touchdowns. With a complete season under his belt, his second season in Arizona should be more influential.
No. 27: Darius Robinson, EDGE | Missouri. The Missouri standout edge rusher appeared in just six games as a rookie, earning four solo tackles and one sack. Given Robinson’s mostly redshirt season, the late first-round pick is expected to play a larger part on the Cardinals’ defense in 2025. Ideal top two picks in the 2025 NFL Draft:
No.16 – Emeka Egbuka, WR | Ohio State
What better running buddy for Harrison Jr. than an old friend from Ohio State? After deciding not to enter the 2024 NFL Draft and returning to OSU, Emeka Egbuka was given the opportunity to move out of MHJ’s shadow, but he had to play second fiddle to exceptional freshman Jeremiah Smith. Nonetheless, Egbuka established himself as one of the top receivers in the 2025 NFL Draft, with 81 receptions for 1,011 yards and 10 touchdowns. Egbuka, who took over as one of the team’s leaders, also had a strong performance in the National Championship game, with six receptions and 64 yards. With his strong route running and ability to generate yards after the catch, he would make an excellent WR2 for Murray and the Cardinals’ system.
Omarr Norman-Lott, a 6-foot-5, 335-pound defensive lineman from Tennessee, is a potential second-round pick who has the size and athleticism to disrupt the run and get after the quarterback. His versatility along the defensive line will appeal to teams drafting in the late first or early second round.
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