GLENDALE – The NFL season is less than 100 days away, leading for CBS Sports to rank the 100 most important players ahead of the 2025 season. Zachary Pereles divided the list by Division. Arizona Cardinals player don’t start appearing till the last 30s. The NFC West has 15 players represented, four of which were Cardinals.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!After an impressive offseason by general manager Monti Ossenfort, who does Pereles view as the critical pieces for next year’s team?
Which Cardinals players made the list?
Dec 28, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) warms up prior to the game against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Kyler Murray appeared on the list 38th overall and was the first Arizona player on the ranking. 2024 was the 28-year-old’s first full year since tearing his ACL a couple of year prior. The adjustment period led off him to a slow start in offensive coordinator Drew Petzing’s offense. Murray still finished with the most passing yards since 2020.
Ossenfort made little additions to the offense, meaning that a bulk of the pressure weighs on Murray’s shoulder to compete with the supporting cast around him.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) warms up against the New York Jets during the second quarter at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Nov. 10, 2024. Syndication: Arizona Republic
Right behind Murray was wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. at 39th overall. Pereles highlight that Harrison only had 29 targets between the numbers, as the offense relied heavily on deep routes for the rookie. He still finished with 885 receiving yards and has put on a significant amount of muscle according to Harrison and head coach Jonathan Gannon.
During his sophomore year, the gameplan for Petzing should to scheme up more quick routes for Harrison.
Josh Sweat speaks to members of the media at the Arizona Cardinals Training Center in Tempe on March 13, 2025. Syndication: Arizona Republic
The final two Cardinals were paired together at 40th and 41st, both being new to the Valley. Edge Josh Sweat signed with the franchise for a four-year $76.4 million. The Pro Bowler is expected to live up to his paycheck by reviving Arizona’s lackluster pass rush from last year.
The only rookie to appear in the NFC West section was 47th overall pick cornerback Will Johnson. The injury to starting defensive back Sean Murphy-Bunting put an immense amount of pressure on the rookie to produce on Day 1 for the team. Injury-concerns led to Johnson slipping to the 2nd round, and if he stays on the field, he’ll prove why that is a mistake for other teams.
ESPN makes bold claim about Cardinals Kyler Murray for 2025 season
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
