Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort had 12 picks in the the 2024 NFL Draft, the most by an NFL team since 1992. This year, the Cardinals' six selections will slice that total in half, the least amount of picks since Ossenfort took over in 2023. Their first pick is slotted at No. 16. Arizona addressed some of their needs during free agency, but the identity Jonathan Gannon and Ossenfort have built resembles a draft and develop team.
Primer Schedule: Defensive line April 15; Running back April 16; Tight end April 17; Safety April 18; Outside linebacker April 19
Draft primer: Inside linebacker
Players under contract: Mack Wilson Sr., Owen Pappoe, Akeem Davis-Gaither, Milo Eifler, Mykal Walker, Vi Jones, Benton Whitley
The Cardinals' situation: The Cardinals let linebacker Kyzir White leave during free agency. So far, the two-time captain has not found a new home. Their depth piece in 2024, Krys Barnes, also has not signed with a club, and what they do with the resulting hole is TBD. Akeem Davis-Gaither was a free agent signee although he doesn't have much starting experience. Mack Wilson Sr. had an impactful first season with the team, playing both as an off-ball linebacker and coming off the edge. There's optimism about Owen Pappoe's progression as he enters his third season.
The draft class: Multiple mock drafts have the Cardinals landing Jihaad Campbell in the first round of the draft. Campbell is the best off-ball linebacker in the class, racking up over 100 tackles during his final season in Tuscaloosa. Surgery on a recently repaired torn labrum could deter some teams from Campbell, but he'd fill a need if drafted by the Cardinals. Georgia's Jalon Walker has the versatility, similar to Wilson, to drop back in coverage and rush the passer. The other players in the draft class aren't first-rounders but could make an impact if drafted.
The conclusion: General manager Monti Ossenfort didn’t rule out the possibility of bringing back their own free agents. However, if the best off-ball linebacker in the class is available, the Cardinals would at least consider drafting Campbell. That also depends on if the staff believes they have White's replacement already in the building, whether that be Wilson or Davis-Gaither.
A look at some of the top inside linebackers entering the 2025 NFL Draft.
Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell (11) plays during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Vanderbilt, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
UCLA linebacker Carson Schwesinger (49) tackles Stanford tight end Sam Roush (86) during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, in Stanford, Calif. (AP Photo/Scot Tucker)
Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer (9) throws a pass in front of South Carolina linebacker Demetrius Knight Jr. (17) during the second half of the Citrus Bowl NCAA college football game, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Mississippi linebacker Chris Paul Jr. catches a pass during a drill at the school's NFL football pro day, Friday, March 28, 2025, in Oxford, Miss. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Oregon linebacker Jeffrey Bassa (2) plays during an NCAA football game against Colorado, Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023, in Eugene, Ore. Oregon won 42-6. (AP Photo/Amanda Loman)
Penn State linebacker Kobe King (41)prepares to tackle Bowling Green running back Justin Pegues (20) during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
Clemson linebacker Barrett Carter (0) reacts during an NCAA college football game between Clemson and Citadel on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)
Ohio State linebacker Cody Simon (0) sacks Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel (8) during the Rose Bowl CFP NCAA quarterfinal college football game, Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025 in Pasadena, Calif. (Brooke Sutton via AP)
Notre Dame linebacker Jack Kiser (24) lines up for a play during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Northern Illinois, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, in South Bend, Ind. (AP Photo/Michael Caterina)
Oklahoma's Danny Stutsman (28) defends during the second half of an NCAA football game against Auburn on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024 in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Stew Milne)
