GLENDALE – Despite the team’s poor record, the Arizona Cardinals 2025 draft class played extraordinary well. Many of the rookies were thrusted into position far too soon because of injuries, and in a sink or swim environment, a majority swam. First-round pick Walter Nolen had one of the highest PFF grades in the NFL, while second-round pick Will Johnson was a lockdown corner for the team.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Fourth-rounder Cody Simon took on the role of green dot and did wonderfully, while the utter surprise arrival of fifth-rounder Denzel Burke was sensational. All four played a critical role of last year’s team, and as the franchise heads into 2026, which of these names will have an even bigger impact in Year 2.
With Nolen likely to miss time due to injury and Simon to have his role shrinked when Mack Wilson Sr. returns, it looks to be a two-horse race between Burke and Johnson.
Aug 9, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals cornerback Will Johnson (0) against the Kansas City Chiefs during a preseason NFL game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Due for bigger leap: Burke or Johnson?
“Burke’s rookie season was a roller coaster. The fifth-round pick was asked to handle a heavy workload, and despite that responsibility, he allowed just three touchdowns — with two coming against Ja’Marr Chase and Puka Nacua,” Pro Football Focus writer Zach Tantillo wrote. “He surrendered more than 25 receiving yards to only three wide receivers all year and recorded three interceptions to lead all rookie cornerbacks.”
Aug 9, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals cornerback Denzel Burke (29) against the Kansas City Chiefs during a preseason NFL game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Burke was arguably the best rookie defensive back in the NFL last year. The former Ohio State Buckeye had three interceptions and 11 pass deflections. Regardless of the injuries, the 23-year-old played himself into a starting role towards the end of the season. Even when the roster will be healthy, Burke will be on the field.
Johnson was seen as the steal of the 2025 draft on the night. A fringe top-10 player that dropped to 47th overall to the Cardinals. The 22-year-old fell due to injury concerns, which did plague him in his rookie year. The first half of the season was rough, playing in five of the team’s first 12 games. However, he closed the season strong by playing in Arizona’s final six game.
In 12 games, Johnson had nine pass breakups, which was 12th in the NFL. He failed to record an interception in his first year, but came close many times throughout his appearances.
Nov 3, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Arizona Cardinals cornerback Will Johnson (0) celebrates as he leaves the field after defeating the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
The duo cornerbacks each showed amazing potential, but Johnson has the chance to take the biggest leap because of being sidelined by injuries for half of the year. Burke was a pleasant surprise, but one has to worry about the sophomore slump of a cornerback that overachieved. Johnson is the safer pick to have a healthier Year 2 and live up to his pre-draft comparisons.
The Cardinals secondary is filled with players like Garrett Williams and Max Melton that will get snaps. When healthy, Johnson will likely be the one getting more snaps. Burke played in 17 games but only had two games playing 100% of the defensive snaps, while Johnson had five instances.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
