GLENDALE – The hype surrounding the Arizona Cardinals defense heading into 2025 is real. The defense spent six of its seven draft pick on the defensive side of the ball, adding DT Walter Nolen and CB Will Johnson, while spending big money on Pro Bowlers like Josh Sweat to fortify the front seven.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!General manager Monti Ossenfort made improving the defensive unit his top priority this past offseason. However, Pro Football Focus John Kosko ranked all 32 teams NFL secondaries heading into next season, with Arizona finding itself near the bottom at 26th on the list.
Dec 3, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Arizona Cardinals cornerback Garrett Williams (21) takes the field before playing the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports
Kosko on Cardinals secondary:
“The Cardinals’ secondary is led by cornerback Garrett Williams, who posted a strong 2024 season in both overall and advanced coverage grades. The safety duo of Budda Baker and Jalen Thompson provides a solid foundation, though the group has been prone to occasional mistakes. Arizona also drafted Will Johnson in the second round to bolster the unit, which features a promising mix of youth and potential.”
Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker (3) is introduced before their game against the Detroit Lions at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., on Sep 22, 2024. Syndication: Arizona Republic
The secondary was seen as a strong aspect for last year’s team, headlined by All-Pro safety Budda Baker leading the charge. Regardless, Kosko doesn’t share much confident in the unit, especially after the injury to CB1 Sean Murphy-Bunting earlier this offseason, which will have him out for the entire season.
There is too many questions surrounding the Cardinals cornerbacks, with a majority of them still early in their development. Garrett Williams was a best zone coverage cornerback in the NFL last season and is still only 24 years old. Outside of Williams, many are unproven on the field on if they can be impactful in coverage.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Will Johnson (0) during minicamp at the Cardinals training center in Tempe on June 11, 2025. Syndication: Arizona Republic
Starling Thomas appeared in all 17 games last year, but still hasn’t recorded an interception in his first two seasons. Starting strong safety Jalen Thompson had a PFF grade of 68.8, which is 51st of all safeties. Arizona secondary, struggles to create turnovers, having only nine interceptions in 2024.
Newest 2nd-round pick Johnson could be the missing piece to improve that aspect of cornerback room. However, it puts a lot of pressure on a rookie defensive back to carry the load for an NFL defense, especially when he has injuries concerns.
An improved pass rush will make the secondary’s job much easier, with opposing quarterbacks having less time for decision-making. The youth at the defensive back position for the Cardinals will prove to be a strength or a determent for the team, whether they’ll be hungry or be torched by offenses.
Cardinals’ Will Johnson situation is part of a larger NFL rookie contract trend
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
