ARIZONA — The Arizona Cardinals have officially entered mock draft season, holding the No. 16 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
This is the first of five total selections for the Cardinals, as they currently lack picks in the sixth and seventh rounds due to prior trades. However, Arizona still has an opportunity to secure top-tier talent within the first five rounds, and that’s exactly what Pro Football Network predicted in their latest mock draft—focusing heavily on strengthening the team’s pass rush.
With their first-round selection, the Cardinals picked Texas A&M edge rusher Nic Scourton:
“Scourton is one of the youngest prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft class, but don’t mistake his youth for inexperience. While he added unnecessary weight at Texas A&M under Mike Elko’s preference for bigger players, this affected his explosiveness and dominance in 2024,” PFN noted. “Shedding 10-15 pounds to play at around 265 could unlock a devastating edge rusher with a refined arsenal of pass-rush moves and reliable run defense.”
In the second round, Arizona continued to reinforce their defensive front, selecting Ohio State defensive tackle Tyleik Williams.
“Unlike Scourton, Williams has shown remarkable consistency over the past two seasons,” PFN wrote. “Though not yet a true three-down threat, he is one of the most dependable run defenders in recent draft classes. With his sharp instincts, strength, and high energy against the run, Williams also flashes potential as a pass rusher when he goes all out.”
In the third round, the Cardinals selected Jalen Royals, a wide receiver from Utah State:
“Watching Utah State’s offense in 2024 could drive the most composed person to frustration. Royals was mainly limited to five-yard routes and screens this season, but his performance in 2023 showcased enough potential to earn Day 2 consideration as a dynamic threat at all three levels of the field.”
In the fourth round, Arizona picked Ricky White, a wide receiver from UNLV.
Finally, in the fifth round, the Cardinals chose Jason Marshall Jr., a cornerback from Florida.
Leave a Reply