The Arizona Cardinals have done a masterful job of building out a complete roster this offseason. While we can nitpick about relative weaknesses, this team doesn't have any glaring holes as we inch closer to the start of the 2025 NFL season.
Still, there are a few spots where fans would like to see players step into bigger roles.
Every surprise contender in recent memory has had at least one player take an unexpected leap that propelled their team to success. Think of Zack Baun for the Philadelphia Eagles or Jayden Daniels for the Washington Commanders last season.
The Cardinals could use similar jumps at three positions in 2025.
The Arizona Cardinals need someone to step up at these three positions
Wide Receiver
The Cardinals' wide receiver group may have been the team's most disappointing unit in 2024. After Marvin Harrison Jr. was selected 4th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, he was overshadowed by fellow rookie receivers like Brian Thomas Jr. and Malik Nabers. Harrison Jr. didn't have a bad rookie season, but he left Cardinals fans wanting more.
Trey McBride was the centerpiece of Arizona's passing offense, and the Cardinals' receivers failed to step up in many ways.
This offseason, the Cardinals made it clear that they are confident in what they currently have at the receiver position. They didn't add anyone outside of undrafted free agent Bryson Green.
Per teammate observations, MHJ has bulked up this offseason and looks ready to dominate.
If Kyler Murray and the Cardinals' passing offense are to take the leap they need to this season, someone at the receiver position will need to step up. Hopefully, that someone is Marvin Harrison Jr.
Offensive Guard
I'm looking at you, Isaiah Adams.
The Cardinals' offensive line was solidly above average by most metrics in 2024. While the unit lacks big names outside of Paris Johnson Jr., they performed well as a group.
Against top defensive lines though, they struggled. In a game against the Rams in Week 17, Kyler Murray was pressured 15 times and sacked four times. The offensive line must be more consistent in 2025 if they expect to be a playoff team.
Arizona did not make any major changes to the offensive line over the offseason. The only expected difference in the starting lineup will be second-year guard Isaiah Adams filling in for Will Hernandez. Adams, or another guard, will need to play at a high level for this offense to succeed.
Linebacker
The Cardinals have loaded up on the defensive side of the ball this offseason. They added Josh Sweat, Dalvin Tomlinson, Calais Campbell, Walter Nolen, and Jordan Burch to the defensive line. Will Johnson and Denzel Burke should both be contributors in the secondary.
At linebacker, the Cardinals made more minor additions. They brought in former Bengal Akeem Davis-Gaither on a cheap deal in free agency, then drafted Cody Simon in the fourth round.
To complete their defensive overhaul, the Cardinals will need at least one of their off-ball linebackers to exceed expectations on the field. Mack Wilson Sr. seems to have one of the starting linebacker spots locked down. Davis-Gaither, Simon, and Owen Pappoe will fight to get on the field beside him.