GLENDALE – When pick 225 of the 2025 NFL draft came along for the Arizona Cardinals, many fans likely had their TVs off and enjoying the weekend. However, general manager Monti Ossenfort and his staff were lasered in on the Nevada safety prospect Kitan Crawford, who through two preseason game has been the team’s best rookie.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Crawford was expected to make the roster before preseason, as his work in training camp earned him a spot on special teams. However, the 23-year-old has made critical plays in each of the preseason games, which could open the doors for him to play more reps on defense.
Cardinals safety Kitan Crawford (36) catches an interception in the end zone against Chiefs wide receiver Mac Dalena (84) during a preseason game at State Farm Stadium on Aug. 9, 2025, in Glendale. © Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Can Crawford’s role expand with Cardinals?
In the preseason opener, the Kansas City Chiefs were charging to retake the lead from Arizona when quarterback bailey Zappe high pointed a ball towards the endzone that Crawford snatched from the wide receiver’s hands. An insane display of athleticism from the 5’11 safety. At the NFL Combine, Crawford was near the top of every drill, with a 41.5″ vertical jump and a 4.41 40-yard dash.
Feb 28, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Nevada defensive back Kitan Crawford (DB39) participates in drills during the 2025 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
In Saturday’s game against the Denver Broncos, Crawford continued being a force in the secondary. He was second in tackles and tied for the most solo tackles on the team. The quick-footed safety has a stellar defensive IQ, understanding plays pre-snap and reacting to the quarterbacks movements.
The Cardinals looked to have gotten a steal in the final round of the 2025 draft, which the team badly needed with the injuries piling up in the secondary to last year’s starters.
Arizona Cardinals fall to Denver Broncos in second preseason game
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
