GLENDALE – With the 211th pick in the 2025 NFL draft, the Arizona Cardinals selected Texas guard Hayden Conner in the sixth round. Conner is the first offensive player taken by Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort in this year’s draft and addresses the offensive line to protect franchise quarterback Kyler Murray.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Conner started 43 games for the Longhorns and finished as a semifinalist for the Joe Moore Award twice, which is given to the best offensive line in the country. At 6’6 and 314 pounds, Conner is a massive left guard who will still need to develop his speed and athleticism but has the power to be a problem in the NFL.
Dec 21, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns offensive lineman Hayden Conner (76) against the Clemson Tigers during the CFP National playoff first round at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
What Conner brings to the Cardinals:
Former Longhorns Hayden Conner participate in the 40 yard dash during Texas’ Pro Day at the Texas Football Training Facility on Tuesday, March 25, 2025.
Conner was the 19th-ranked guard and the 260th overall prospect in the draft. Next Gen Stats ranked his production 16th amongst guards and 17th in athleticism, which they a prospect grade of 5.69 and have him as a candidate for the practice squad.
Despite the negative predictions, Conner has improved throughout the draft process. He talked to Justin Melo of Draft Network, where Conner discussed his strengths and how to overcome any weaknesses in his game.
“A lot of people told me I looked really good in the position drills. I improved my shuttle times at Pro Day as well. I ended up PRing [setting personal records] in both the three-cone and shuttle. I felt like I moved really well during the drills at the NFL Combine. I was able to showcase my athletic ability. I moved even better at Pro Day,” Conner said. “I personally think high football IQ and being extremely coachable are my two biggest strengths. I wouldn’t have been able to play all five offensive line positions if I didn’t know what I was doing, or if I didn’t have the film study habits I have.”
Arizona Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort watches his team warm up before playing against the Los Angeles Rams at State Farm Stadium on Sept. 15, 2024. Syndication: Arizona Republic
Ossenfort went with a high-IQ offensive lineman in the late rounds who has the work ethic to improve his game. The Cardinals GM has targeted prospects from big, pro-like schools and talented coaching staffs to bring onto the roster. Conner will be one of the many new players to join the team, experienced in a pro-like environment.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
