2025 Draft Grade: B+ The Cards expended six of their seven picks on defense. Certainly they were all picks at areas of need, but the Cards' have some offensive holes that could weigh like millstones in the 2026 season. However GM Monte Ossenfort cannor be faulted. There were too many holes on the roster to fill with early round picks. HC Jonathan Gannon certainly had much input into the draft picks, as a former Eagles DC.
The first two picks were solid. Defensive lineman Walter Nolen could be all-pro sooner than later, and he'll have Calais Cambpell around as a mentor for his rookie season. The RD2 pick Will Johnson was considered a top-10 pick for most of the Draft season, but he wouldn't run the 40 yard dash. This choice belied the likelihood of a slow time (4.6 ish). When Johnson was healthy, he appeared to have no problem tracking down speedy receivers. On paper, a great value that we think will pay off in spades as Johnson continues to rebound from a 2024 knee injury. The situation is reminiscent of CB Garrett Williams, who has turned out to be a quality corner for the Cards after being drafted late due to injury.
Day 3 saw the team adding to help in the secondary and linebacker. RD4 pick Cody Simon should see a lot of PT as a rookie and could move into a starters' role in 2026.
Looking ahead - 2026 DraftThe
free agency table shows both Jonah Williams and Kelvin Beachum hitting free agency in 2026. as such, left tackle will be an early favorite for a Day 1 pick in the 2026 Draft.Elsewhere, the team will need improvement from 2024 RD1 pick Marvin Harrison Jr.. It would be great if MHJR could elevate to the level of Malik Nabers, of whom Harrison was supposed to be the superior player. The team is projected to start Zay Jones opposite Harrison.