Arizona Cardinals have flexibility for NFL draft after free agency
The Arizona Cardinals did a good job in the first week of NFL free agency filling key needs. They spent big money at outside linebacker for Josh Sweat and on the defensive line to add Dalvin Tomlinson. But they also spent moderate money filling the offensive line, the receiver room, the defensive line depth and at linebacker.
With what they did in free agency, they now have great flexibility when it comes to their first two picks in the 2025 NFL draft. Their first-round selection is the 16th pick overall, while their second-round selection is at No. 47.
They are not pegged at any one position, and that is good. With the 16th pick, there are a number of ways they could go.
Based on the roster right now, the Cardinals can go with any of the following positions in the first two rounds.
- Offensive line (guard or tackle)
- Defensive line
- EDGE (outside linebacker)
- Inside linebacker
- Wide receiver
- Cornerback (although this position is not high on the priority list)
There are prospects at all those positions that would make sense at either No. 16 or No. 47.
These positions will likely not be considered with their first two selections:
- Quarterback
- Running back
- Tight end
- Safety
They are set with Kyler Murray at quarterback. They like the running back room they have with James Conner and Trey Benson. They might draft a running back, but it wouldn't happen before Day 3.
At tight end, they have three they really like in Trey McBride, Elijah Higgins and Tip Reiman.
At safety, there is the smallest possibility that they draft one in Round 2, but with Budda Baker and Rabbit Taylor-Demerson, they feel good about the future, even if Jalen Thompson will be a free agent next offseason.
But for the next month, unlike last year when Marvin Harrison Jr. was the pick in all the mock drafts for months, we can predict a lot of different scenarios. It is going to be fun leading up to the draft.
Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire's Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.
This article originally appeared on Cards Wire: Arizona Cardinals could go many directions in NFL draft
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