Arizona Cardinals' 2025 Draft Class Earns Mid-Tier Ranking Amidst Injury-Plagued Season

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Arizona Cardinals' 2025 Draft Class Earns Mid-Tier Ranking Amidst Injury-Plagued Season

The 2025 NFL season proved to be a challenging one for the Arizona Cardinals, a campaign marked by a series of significant injuries, numerous losses, and a general struggle to find consistent footing. Despite entering the season with considerable optimism regarding their rookie class, the team's aspirations were significantly hampered by the very same injury bug that plagued their veteran roster. While several first-year players demonstrated flashes of the potential that excited the organization during the draft, the collective impact of the rookie class was ultimately constrained, preventing it from reaching the heights initially anticipated.

In a comprehensive review and ranking of all 32 NFL teams' rookie classes by Gennaro Filice for NFL.com, the Cardinals' 2025 draftees landed squarely in the middle of the pack. The team's rookie class was awarded a 'B-minus' grade and ranked 18th overall. This assessment, while not entirely negative, underscores the narrative of a promising but ultimately incomplete contribution from the team's newest talent.

The evaluation highlights a critical distinction: grading purely on individual moments of brilliance versus overall season-long impact. Had the criteria been solely based on the 'flashes' shown by top draft picks, the Cardinals' class might have ranked considerably higher. Two prominent examples illustrate this point: first-round defensive tackle Walter Nolen and cornerback Will Johnson.

Walter Nolen, a highly touted prospect expected to anchor the defensive interior, faced a severely disrupted rookie season. Leg injuries plagued him throughout 2025, forcing him onto the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list at the start of the season and ultimately landing him on injured reserve by its conclusion. This unfortunate sequence limited Nolen to a mere six games and just 161 defensive snaps. However, within this extremely limited sample size, Nolen showcased the disruptive interior pass-rushing ability that warranted his first-round selection. His statistics, though modest in volume, were impactful: two sacks, two pass deflections, five tackles for loss, five quarterback hits, and 13 pressures, according to NGS (Next Gen Stats). In a remarkable display of awareness and athleticism, Nolen even managed to score a touchdown on a heads-up play, demonstrating his potential for game-changing moments.

Similarly, cornerback Will Johnson encountered significant health challenges. He routinely appeared on the injury report with various ailments, which could have easily sidelined him for an extended period. However, Johnson demonstrated resilience by managing to play in 12 games, a testament to his determination. During his time on the field, he proved to be a reliable presence in the secondary, accumulating an impressive 10 passes defensed (PBUs). The potential synergy between Nolen and Johnson is a significant storyline for the Cardinals moving forward. If both players can achieve full physical health and consistency in 2026, the Cardinals could potentially boast a pair of high-quality starters at crucial defensive positions, significantly bolstering their defensive unit.

Beyond the top selections, the Cardinals also found valuable contributions from later-round picks. Day 3 acquisitions Cody Simon and Denzel Burke provided immediate returns that suggest a promising future. Simon, a linebacker, recorded 69 tackles and, at times, served as the 'green-dot' play-caller, indicating a significant level of trust and responsibility placed upon him by the coaching staff, even as he stepped in for an injured Mack Wilson. Denzel Burke, another defensive back, made an immediate impact with three interceptions and 11 PBUs. The collective performance of these players, particularly on the defensive side of the ball, raises the possibility that the Cardinals may have drafted a class that could prove transformational for their defense in the coming years.

A notable positive aspect of the Cardinals' draft class was its overall health and participation. Every player drafted by the team saw playing time during the 2025 season, and a significant five rookies earned at least one start. This indicates a high level of preparedness and a willingness by the coaching staff to integrate young talent into the lineup. However, the narrative of 'flashes' versus sustained impact persists. While Nolen and Johnson showed glimpses of their potential, their injury-shortened seasons prevented them from becoming consistent forces. Simon's significant playing time, particularly after replacing the injured Mack Wilson, coincided with a period where the Cardinals' defense struggled immensely, failing to secure a single victory. This difficult team context makes it challenging to definitively assess Simon's individual performance and true capabilities at this stage.

Further positive developments emerged from unexpected corners of the draft. Tight end Michael Fryar, a surprise contributor, emerged as a potential solution at right tackle, a position of need for the team. His performance suggests an ability to adapt and contribute beyond initial expectations. Similarly, Denzel Burke's emergence as a surprise performer was significant. He played well enough to displace a 2024 second-round pick from his starting role, showcasing immediate talent and a high ceiling. However, the impending change in coaching staff introduces an element of uncertainty. The continuity of Burke's development and the overall trajectory of the rookie class will depend heavily on how the new coaching regime integrates and utilizes these young players. There's a risk that their current roles or development paths could be disrupted, requiring them to adapt to a new system and philosophy.

In summation, the 2025 draft class for the Arizona Cardinals was not a disappointment, but it also fell short of being a resounding success. The team secured a number of promising young players who demonstrated potential impact. However, the overarching theme of the season, particularly concerning the rookies, was the absence of consistent, game-changing performances across the board. Injuries played a significant role, but the team's struggles also highlight the difficulty of integrating a new class into a team facing considerable adversity. As the Cardinals look ahead, the development and health of Nolen, Johnson, Simon, Burke, and others will be crucial in determining whether this draft class ultimately proves to be a foundational element for future success.

For ongoing analysis and insights into the Arizona Cardinals and the broader NFL landscape, fans can tune into the 'Rise Up, See Red' podcast, featuring contributions from Cards Wire's Jess Root and other experts. The podcast is available for subscription on Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Podcasts, offering a deeper dive into team news and analysis.

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