GLENDALE – The Arizona Cardinals defense for the 2025 season will be one of the most improved from last year. The reason will be from the franchise’s excellent offseason, signing and drafting talented defensive players. Signing Pro Bowlers like edge Josh Sweat and drafting in the 1st round defensive tackle Walter Nolen, the defense will have the personnel to be elite.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!However, the biggest addition might be who Arizona grabbed in the 2nd round in cornerback Will Johnson. Before the 2025 NFL draft, Johnson was projected top 10 pick but because of medical reasons he fell to the Cardinals at 47th. Grabbing the Michigan Wolverine cornerback was the steal of the draft, as Bleacher Report’s Brent Sobleski named the selection as the best value pick in the entire draft.
Aug 31, 2024; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines defensive back Will Johnson (2) runs the ball after he makes an interception in the second half against the Fresno State Bulldogs at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Sobleski on what Johnson brings to Cardinals:
“The Bleacher Report Scouting Department graded Michigan cornerback Will Johnson as a top-five prospect in this year’s class. It did so without having access to medical records, which is exactly why Johnson fell into the second round.
“The Arizona Cardinals selected the defensive back with the 47th overall pick. If Johnson stays on the field, the Cards may have gotten the steal of the draft since the 2023 national champion was considered the class’ best pure cornerback prospect. Johnson could easily be the squad’s top corner by the end of the 2025 season.”
Dec 8, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon against the Seattle Seahawks in the first half at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Sobleski highlighted the severity of Johnson’s injuries, like a Lisfranc injury and tweaking his hamstring during predraft training. Despite the medical concerns, if the rookie defensive back can stay on the field, Johnson will easily be the steal of the draft and potential be the number one cornerback for the roster.
Rookie minicamp starts on May 9th, where the Cardinals will see where Johnson is at physically at this point in his recovery. The 2nd round pick will be crucial to Arizona’s defense making the jump next season.
PFF grades Cardinals as most improved defense after 2025 Draft
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
