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.
Primer Schedule: Safety April 18; Outside linebacker April 19
Draft primer: Safety
Players under contract: Budda Baker, Jalen Thompson, Dadrion Taylor-Demerson, Joey Blount, Jammie Robinson
The Cardinals' situation: The conversation about the safety room starts, continues, and ends with Budda Baker. The seven-time Pro Bowler continues to play the game at a high level, being deployed by Nick Rallis in various roles. Baker signed a three-year contract extension before the season ended, keeping him in Arizona through 2027. Jalen Thompson had a quieter season than the year prior in terms of splash plays yet finished the campaign only two tackles shy of 100. Sitting behind Baker and Thompson, Dadrion Taylor-Demerson had to be patient, but flashed plenty throughout his first season.
The draft class: There aren't many safeties in this year's draft class that have first-round grades attached to their name. Malaki Starks from Georgia and South Carolina's Nick Emmanwori might be the only two safeties to hear their names on Thursday. Kevin Winston Jr. was projected to be a first-rounder, but a partially torn ACL this past season has the Penn Stater likely sliding into a Day Two draft night.
The conclusion: Thompson is going into the final year of his deal with the Cardinals. Regardless of whether this is his last season in the Valley, the Cardinals have Taylor-Demerson champing at the bit for his opportunity. Plus, there is some intrigue as to what Jammie Robinson can bring to the table. He was claimed after he had been released by the Panthers in December.
A look at some of the top safeties entering the 2025 NFL Draft.
Georgia defensive back Malaki Starks (24) sets up for a play against Florida during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
South Carolina defensive back Nick Emmanwori, right, tackles Missouri wide receiver Luther Burden III (3) after a short gain during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Artie Walker Jr.)
Penn State safety Kevin Winston Jr. (21) tackles Utah tight end Logan Kendall (32) during the second half in the Rose Bowl NCAA college football game Monday, Jan. 2, 2023, in Pasadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Notre Dame safety Xavier Watts (0) tracks Virginia tight end Tyler Neville (16) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in South Bend, Ind. (AP Photo/Michael Caterina)
Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Billy Bowman Jr. warms up before an NCAA college football game against Texas at the Cotton Bowl, Saturday, Oct. 13, 2024, in Dallas. Texas won 34-3. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter)
Virginia's Jonas Sanker (20) defends during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, in Winston-Salem, N.C. (AP Photo/Ben McKeown)
Ohio State safety Lathan Ransom (8) celebrates during the Rose Bowl CFP NCAA quarterfinal college football game against Oregon, Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025, in Pasadena, Calif. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Texas defensive back Andrew Mukuba (4) intercepts a pass intended for Arizona State wide receiver Melquan Stovall (5) during overtime in the quarterfinals of a College Football Playoff game, Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025, in Atlanta. Texas won 39-31 in two overtime periods. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Penn State safety Jaylen Reed (1) during the Fiesta Bowl College Football Playoff game against Boise State, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Auburn running back Jarquez Hunter (27) loses the ball after a hit by Alabama defensive back Malachi Moore (13) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
