Round 1 | Pick 16
Walter Nolen III - DL Ole Miss
After months of speculation, the Cardinals spent their first-round pick on Walter Nolen III. The All-American defensive tackle was a stud for Ole Miss, finishing 2024 with 6.5 sacks and 14 tackles for loss. While the Cardinals heavily invested in the position during free agency, they added youth to the rotation with Nolen. It's the second consecutive season that the Cardinals used a first round pick on a defensive lineman.
- ARTICLE: Cardinals select Walter Nolen III at 16
- VIDEO: Nolen gets the call from GM Monti Ossenfort
- VIDEO: Commissioner Goodell announces selection of Nolen
- PODCAST: Round one recap on Cardinals Cover 2
- VIDEO: Nolen's introductory press conference
- PHOTO: Nolen's first day as a Cardinal
- ARTICLE: With Cardinals, Nolen finally feels at home
- VIDEO: Nolen sits down for a one-on-one interview with Dani Sureck
- PODCAST: Cardinals legend Adrian Wilson talks Nolen on Cardinals Cover 2
- VIDEO: Coach Jonathan Gannon sits down for a one-on-one interview with Dani Sureck
- VIDEO: Ossenfort talks with Dani Sureck after first round pick
Round 2 | Pick 47
Will Johnson - CB Michigan
Arguably the steal of the draft, Will Johnson slid into the second round after concerns about his injury history. Before his health was brought up, Johnson was projected as a surefire first-round talent. The Cardinals add Johnson to a room where he'll instantly compete for a starting role.
- ARTICLE: Will Johnson is selected by the Cardinals in the second round
- VIDEO: Johnson receives the call from Ossenfort
- VIDEO: Former Cardinal Patrick Peterson announces selection of Johnson from Green Bay
- VIDEO: Ossenfort and coach Jonathan Gannon hold presser after day two
- PODCAST: Rounds two and three recap on Cardinals Cover 2
Round 3 | Pick 78
Jordan Burch - EDGE Oregon
Standing at 6-foot-4, Burch has the frame of a defensive lineman. However, he's excelled at impacting the quarterback as an edge rusher. During his two seasons at Oregon, Burch had 11.5 sacks and 18.5 tackles for loss. He reconnects with high school teammate, outside linebacker Xavier Thomas.
Round 4 | Pick 115
Cody Simon - ILB Ohio State
To kick off the third day of the draft, the Cardinals went back to Columbus to select Ohio State's Cody Simon. Simon was the Mike linebacker for the Buckeyes and was named the defensive MVP in the National Championship game.
- ARTICLE: Day three begins with selection of Cody Simon
- VIDEO: Mack Wilson Sr. shares selection of Simon live from Mexico
- VIDEO: Ossenfort and assistant GM Dave Sears hold press conference following final draft day
- PODCAST: Draft recap on Cardinals Cover 2
- ARTICLE: Defense breakdown and draft aftermath
Round 5 | Pick 174
Denzel Burke - CB Ohio State
A local prospect returns home. Denzel Burke, an Arizona native who played his high school ball at Brophy Prep and Saguaro High School, was drafted by the Cardinals in the fifth round following a trade with the Cowboys. He started every game while at Ohio State.
Round 6 | Pick 211
Hayden Conner - OL Texas
The lone offensive player drafted comes from the Lone Star State. Hayden Conner is a 6-foot-6, versatile interior offensive lineman. According to PFF, he was the only guard in FBS to have over 550 snaps without allowing a sack. He'll reunite with former offensive line teammate Christian Jones.
Round 7 | Pick 225
Kitan Crawford - S Nevada
Ossenfort said he received text messages after the Cardinals drafted one of the top special teamers in Kitan Crawford. After spending four seasons at Texas, Crawford transferred to Nevada to play more defensive snaps. The Cardinals will have Crawford play special teams as he continues to grow as a safety.
