GLENDALE – The Arizona Cardinals will be on the clock with the 16th overall pick, and despite rumors of potentially trading back, the franchise could add some serious talent with its pick. The 1st round of the 2025 NFL draft class is loaded with plenty of positions of need for Arizona, with high depths of defensive linemen, cornerbacks, and offensive linemen.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Of the Cardinals’ 22 Top 30 visits, 15 were defensive linemen, which could indicate where general manager Monti Ossenfort is leading with its first-round selection. However, there is another name within that 22 that Ossenfort and the front office should draft with their 16th overall pick to ensure the team’s future.
Arizona Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill talks with head coach Jonathan Gannon before playing against the New York Jets at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Nov. 10, 2024. Syndication: Arizona Republic
Who the Cardinals should take at 16th overall:
Texas – T Kelvin Banks Jr.
Dec 21, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns offensive lineman Kelvin Banks Jr. (78) against the Clemson Tigers during the CFP National playoff first round at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Banks is one of the top tackles in this year’s draft class, with a steep drop-off after the top three names. During his final year at Texas, Banks was elite, earning the John Outland Trophy and Vince Lombardi Award and being voted unanimous All-American. Banks has an 87.0 PFF Pass-Blocking Grade.
The former Longhorn tackle is projected to go from 6th overall to 18th overall, with a wide variety of landing spots for Banks. If the Cardinals have the option to select Banks, it shouldn’t be a question to draft the tackle for the future to protect franchise quarterback Kyler Murray.
Arizona spent big this offseason to improve the pass rush in Pro Bowlers like Josh Sweat and Calais Campbell and can afford to skip out on some of the top defensive linemen early to secure quality pass protection in Banks.
5 players the Cardinals should consider with 16th pick in NFL Draft
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
