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Every NFL minicamp features at least one player who seems to pop off the field. It could be a first-round pick expected to shine or an under-the-radar rookie quietly forcing his way into the conversation. For the Arizona Cardinals this year, that player seems like linebacker Cody Simon. The rookie out of Ohio State arrived in the desert with limited fanfare compared to some of his draft classmates. Early on, though, Simon looks like he belongs. He may end up being one of the most valuable pieces of Arizona’s 2025 rookie class.
In a minicamp full of fresh faces and veteran hopefuls, Simon’s blend of energy, discipline, and leadership have immediately stood out. His instincts were sharp, his footwork crisp, and his vocal presence was noticed by coaches and teammates alike. Sure, it’s far too early to pencil anyone into starting lineups. However, Simon’s performance was exactly what you want from a mid-round draft pick trying to make a name for himself in year one.
The 2024 season was a tale of two sides of the ball for the Cardinals. On one hand, they fielded an elite offensive unit. On the other hand, the Cardinals’ defense left a lot to be desired. That’s a staggering imbalance that couldn’t sit right with Jonathan Gannon, who was hired for his defensive acumen.
The front office wasted no time addressing the glaring need for defensive improvement. The Cardinals made one of the splashiest moves of the offseason by signing free agent edge rusher Josh Sweat. He was fresh off a strong season with the Eagles that saw him rack up 8.0 sacks and a 14.1 percent pressure rate. Sweat’s arrival instantly gave Arizona a much-needed pass-rushing boost after finishing near the bottom of the league in sacks in each of Gannon’s first two years.
The reinforcements didn’t stop there. Arizona reunited with longtime franchise pillar Calais Campbell. They also signed veteran defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson to shore up the defensive front. Perhaps the most exciting addition, however, came through the draft. Arizona used its first-round pick on defensive tackle Walter Nolen III. He is a high-upside prospect who will benefit greatly from learning behind Campbell and Tomlinson.
The Cardinals also added potential long-term help at cornerback by drafting former Michigan standout Will Johnson. Yes, injury concerns caused Johnson to slide. Still, many scouts had him graded as the top cornerback in the draft class when healthy.
On offense, Arizona’s biggest concern remains the interior offensive line. This was largely left untouched during free agency and the draft. With strong tackle play but interior questions, this could become a key storyline as the 2025 season unfolds. However, after an 8-9 finish in 2024, there’s little doubt that the Cardinals are better positioned to make a playoff push.
Here we’ll try to look at the Arizona Cardinals rookie who really stood out the most during the team’s 2025 minicamp.
In a draft where Arizona already...
