GLENDALE – The Arizona Cardinals had a litany of problems surrounding its defense at last season’s conclusion. Entering his third offseason with the organization, general manager Monti Ossenfort was ready to get to work. Ossenfort spent $166.3 million on retaining and bringing in Pro Bowlers like Josh Sweat to improve the defense.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The work didn’t spot them, as the franchise spent six of its seven picks drafting defensive players. Selections like 1st-round pick DT Walter Nolen and 2nd-round pick Will Johnson are touted as difference makers for the team’s defense in 2025.
PFF’s Mason Cameron gave out awards to the best individual units around the league following the draft. The Cardinals were elected the most improved overall defense heading into next season.
Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort speaks about Walter Nolen with head coach Jonathan Gannon during a news conference inside the Arizona Cardinals training facility on April 24, 2025, in Tempe. Syndication: Arizona Republic
Cameron on Cardinals improved defense:
“Arizona started off Day 1 with a bit of a surprise, selecting Walter Nolen, a supremely talented player who can transform the Cardinals’ front after earning the second-highest PFF run-defense grade (91.6) in the FBS this past season.
“While many anticipated the pick would target the secondary — namely Michigan cornerback Will Johnson — Johnson slid down draft boards, allowing the Cardinals to grab him in the second round. If his medical concerns clear up, he could make an instant impact in the secondary after allowing just a 57.2 passer rating into his coverage across the past three seasons.”
Cardinals defensive lineman Walter Nolen smiles as he answers questions during the introductory news conference inside the Arizona Cardinals training facility on April 25, 2025, in Tempe. Syndication: Arizona Republic
Nolen help lead Ole Miss to the best run defense in the nation, and leads an Arizona’s draft class that drafted other talented players for the front seven. On Day 2 and 3, Ossenfort selected edge rusher Jordan Burch and linebacker Cody Simon. Burch is a raw pass rusher, while Simon was the leader of the talented National Champion Ohio State’s defense.
Feb 27, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan defensive back Will Johnson (DB17) during the 2025 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tanner Pearson-Imagn Images
Johnson was one of two defensive backs drafted by the team, with Denzel Burke selected in the fifth round. Each has characteristics of being started for Arizona’s defense. However, Johnson is the premier name with high grades amongst all PFF cornerback stats.
The former Michigan Wolverine defensive back was 84th percentile of all collegiate cornerbacks in coverage grade and 89th when there’s no pressure on the QB. Johnson and Burke join a talented secondary headed by safety Budda Baker, who’ll have arguably his most talented cornerback room since his arrival with the Cardinals.
Head coach Jonathan Gannon has improved the defense significantly year-to-year since his hiring. After the additions this Summer, the Cardinals have their eyes on being a top-10 scoring defense for the first time since 2014.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
