Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort had 12 picks in 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.
Draft primer: Outside linebacker
Players under contract: Josh Sweat, Zaven Collins, Baron Browning, BJ Ojulari, Xavier Thomas, Elliott Brown
The Cardinals' situation: The addition of Josh Sweat changes the game for the Cardinals' outside linebackers room. Sweat's best seasons in Philadelphia came while Jonathan Gannon was his defensive coordinator, and Nick Rallis coached the linebackers room. He signed with the Cardinals because of his familiarity with the staff. The Cardinals also re-signed Baron Browning after acquiring him at the trade deadline. Pair those two with Zaven Collins and a healthy BJ Ojulari and the room takes a big leap compared to last season.
The draft class: Experts have lauded this draft class because of how loaded it is at edge rusher. Abdul Carter leads the way as the top pick on Thursday. There are plenty of other edge rushers who could crack the top 20. Shemar Stewart is an interesting prospect because of his athleticism albeit without the stats in college. Georgia's Jalon Walker and Mykel Williams could be in the mix in the first half of the draft. There are first-round possibilities who will slide to the second round.
The conclusion: If there was a time to draft an edge rusher, this would be the year. There are plenty of options who will be available at 16. If the Cardinals decide to draft an offensive or defensive lineman, prospects like Princely Umanmielen, a speedy edge rusher with 10.5 sacks last season for Ole Miss, could be available in the second round.
A look at some of the top outside linebackers entering the 2025 NFL Draft.
Penn State defensive end Abdul Carter (11) runs around the edge during an NCAA college football game against Southern California, Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024, in Los Angeles. Penn State defeated USC in overtime, 33-30. (Ryan Kang via AP)
Georgia linebacker Jalon Walker (11) sets up for a play against Alabama during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Texas A&M's Shemar Stewart (4) defends during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Auburn, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Stew Milne)
Georgia defensive lineman Mykel Williams (13) warms up before an NCAA college football game against Florida, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
National team defensive lineman Mike Green of Marshall (15) runs through drills during practice for the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game, Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Tennessee defensive lineman James Pearce Jr. (27) reacts to making a sack during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Kentucky, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
FILE - Duke quarterback Riley Leonard, center, is hit by Boston College defenseman Donovan Ezeiruaku, left, causing the ball to come loose, during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Nov. 4, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Mark Stockwell, File)
Ohio State defensive end JT Tuimoloau (44) rushes while being blocked by Texas offensive lineman Kelvin Banks Jr. (78) during the Cotton Bowl College Football Playoff semifinal game, Friday, Jan. 10, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Gareth Patterson)
Arkansas defensive lineman Landon Jackson (40) sacks Louisiana Tech quarterback Evan Bullock (7) during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Fayetteville, Ark. (AP Photo/Michael Woods)
Mississippi defensive end Princely Umanmielen (1) waits for the snap against Duke, during the second half of the Gator Bowl NCAA college football game in Jacksonville, Fla., Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Gary McCullough)
