The Arizona Cardinals entered the 2025 NFL Draft with clear priorities: reinforcing the defensive front and continuing their rebuild under head coach Jonathan Gannon. Arizona’s mid-first-round pick and calculated selections showcased a strategy aimed at immediate impact and long-term growth.

Major Draft Pick: Walter Nolen Anchors the Defensive Line

With the 16th overall pick, the Arizona Cardinals selected Walter Nolen, an imposing defensive tackle from Ole Miss. Nolen stands out for his strength and playmaking ability in the trenches. In 2024, he tallied 6.5 sacks—third among draft-eligible defensive tackles—and recorded 12 tackles for loss, ranking second in the FBS at his position. This pick completes a significant overhaul of Arizona’s defensive front and pairs Nolen with established veterans like Calais Campbell, L.J. Collier, Justin Jones, and Dalvin Tomlinson.

Cardinals fans expect Nolen to contribute early, benefiting from the experience surrounding him. For more detailed analysis of every Cardinals draft pick and their impact, check out ESPN’s comprehensive 2025 NFL Draft breakdown.

Rebuilding Strategy: Focused on Defense

The Cardinals’ front office, led by General Manager Monti Ossenfort, has made defense a foundation for their rebuilding plans. Drafting Nolen gives Arizona both a Day 1 starter and a developmental talent. This balanced approach has energized the fanbase and brought optimism for better performances in the upcoming season.

Looking across the league, the Cardinals’ defensive investments mirror moves from other franchises aiming to fortify the line of scrimmage. You can follow the full draft pick order and grades for every team, including the Arizona Cardinals, with live updates from CBS Sports.

Notable Draft Trends and Remaining Questions

Many headlines from this year's draft centered around quarterback prospects, especially the ongoing saga of Shedeur Sanders' unexpected slide. While Arizona focused heavily on the defensive side, the availability of offensive talent remains a storyline league-wide. To see how the Cardinals’ choices fit into the bigger picture, The Athletic provides pick-by-pick tracking and live updates, ensuring Cardinals fans stay informed about developing draft stories.

Early Outlook: What’s Ahead for the Arizona Cardinals?

With Walter Nolen anchoring the defensive line and a crop of hungry veterans, the Arizona Cardinals aim to climb up the NFC West standings. The upcoming training camp will reveal how these new players integrate with the existing core. If Nolen can translate his college production to the pros, Arizona's defense could become a true difference-maker.

Stay tuned for more updates as rookies join veteran workouts and roster battles heat up. For Cardinals supporters, this draft marks another pivotal step toward building a playoff contender.