Cardinals drafting for depth in Round 1?

Let’s take a look at how the Cardinals’ Top 30 prospects project at their positions

In the comment section of yesterday’s “Arizona Cardinals move back, land star cornerback in new 2025 NFL Mock Draft”, ROTB Editor-in-Chief Seth Cox made a very interesting point.

Seeing as Monti Ossenfort’s 3 1st round picks were prospects whom the team conducted up-close Top 30 visits with, let’s take a look at how the Cardinals’ Top 30 prospects could project at their positions.

Note: we are going to include the 1st round caliber Ohio St, players seeing as Justin Frye has been as up close with these Buckeyes as any coach can get and that the Cardinals’ connection with Ohio St. is elaborate.

While we are at it, let’s include PFF’s profiles and player comps of each of the prospects, in order of where they rank them on their Big Board.

2025 NFL Draft: Player comps, strengths and weaknesses for PFF’s top 100 players

13. CB Will Johnson, Michigan

Player comp: Darius Slay

Strengths

Change-of-direction ability is that of a much smaller corner
Versatile to play on left or right side. Can shadow WR1s
Very good understanding of leverages
Smooth when passing off receivers and picking them up in zone
Can play confidently in the slot if needed
Fluid transitions from backpedal to shuffle to full stride
Understands contain in run fits

Weaknesses

Some inconsistent/ineffective timing with punches in press
Top speed is good, but doesn’t appear to be in the top tier with recovery
Sloppy with tackling attempts in 2024

Position Projection with Cardinals? In competition with Sean Murphy-Bunting for the starting LCB spot.

15. ED James Pearce Jr., Tennessee

Player comp: Randy Gregory

Strengths

Very twitchy player with an explosive first step
Quick off the ball with good snap reaction
Very fast hands
Decent speed-to-power punch given his low weight
Spot-drop coverage isn’t his strong suit, but he has the movement skills for it
Good anticipation for snap count/appropriate pre-snap shifts
Good flexibility to get low and fire fast out of 3/4-point stance with leverage advantage
Knows how to attack the half-man consistently
Excellent pursuit speed to the ball carrier

Weaknesses

Light weight makes it easier to lock him up/finish him to the ground
Snap count is lower than his peers in this class
Not much flexibility to play him anywhere inside 5-tech
Need more of a true pass-rush plan (and the nuance and technique that comes with it) more often
Wish the motor ran through the whistle more consistently

Position Projection with Cardinals? In competition with Zaven Collins for the starting SOLB spot.