The Best NFL franchises all employ a similar draft strategy: Allow other teams to reach for players, and take the value picks when they present themselves. The Philadelphia Eagles and Baltimore Ravens have become known for drafting this way. Now, the Arizona Cardinals are joining that group.
In the 2025 NFL Draft, the Cardinals put together a masterpiece. They took advantage of every opportunity, scooping up immensely talented players who slid further than they should have.
NFL experts are taking notice of Arizona’s work. In a recent article, PFF listed the biggest steals from each day of the draft. Only two teams were listed more than once: the Philadelphia Eagles, and your Arizona Cardinals.
Cardinals draft picks praised as steals by NFL experts
No team had a better first two rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft than the Arizona Cardinals. Both Walter Nolen and Will Johnson were drafted far lower than they should have been.
Both players, along with the other prospects Arizona selected, could immediately change the identity of the Cardinals defense. This unit was known for covering up their lack of talent with tricky coverage looks. Now, there's nothing to cover up. The Arizona Cardinals have stars on defense, and opposing coordinators will have to adjust to them.
Walter Nolen should be an instant upgrade along the Cardinals defensive front in both run and pass defense. As PFF says, "The seventh-ranked prospect on the PFF Big Board will instantly upgrade an Arizona defense that ranked 27th in EPA allowed per rush in 2024."
Nolen is an insane athlete with the technical ability to contribute right away. He could grow into one of the top interior defenders in the NFL. Call me crazy, but I have Nolen winning Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2025.
Will Johnson isn't the athlete that Walter Nolen is, but his instincts in zone coverage are some of the best among any recent draft prospect. PFF says, "He is a long cornerback with elite foot quickness and fluidity who can play either side and shadow No. 1 receivers."
Johnson never would have been available in the middle of the second round were it not for his apparent knee injury. Some teams likely believe that his longevity in the league will be severely limited. Clearly, the Cardinals were comfortable enough with their medical evaluation to spend a Day 2 pick on him.
This was a low-risk pick for the Cardinals. If Johnson ends up having a short, injury-riddled career, that's fine. The Cardinals were not desperate for a cornerback. This pick was based on the value of what Johnson could be. If his knee injury is truly a thing of the past, he could develop into one of the top cornerbacks in the NFL.
Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort executed every step of the NFL Draft to perfection. The table is finally set for Jonathan Gannon's team to make its way back to the playoffs.