Monti Ossenfort’s #1 2025 Draft Pick Fascination?

Here is an educated guess.

Yesterday, I conducted two polls, one on X and one here at ROTB.

ROTB Poll: Which Top 30 visitor in this poll do you think is the Cardinals’ highest ranked player? - Revenge of the Birds

Here are the poll results thus far (as of 8 am EST):

• Justin Simmons —- 9.7% (19 votes) on X —- 27% (42 votes) at ROTB
• Jalon Walker —- 46.2% (91) on X —- 31% (49) at ROTB
• Shemar Stewart —- 5.1% (10) on X —- 12% (19) at ROTB
• Will Johnson —- 39% (76) on X —- 30% (48) at ROTB

Justin Simmons comments:

Jalon Walker comments:

Shemar Stewart comments:

Will Johnson comments:

My comment yesterday amidst the voting:

And my hunch is —- Monti Ossenfort’s #1 2025 draft pick fascination is:

Shemar Stewart, DE, 6-5, 270, Texas A&M

First, Monti’s fascination it goes back to the Senior Bowl.

Texas A&M DE Shemar Stewart shines at Senior Bowl - Good Bull Hunting

Monti loves scouting at the Senior Bowl. That’s often where his draft fascinations are manifested and confirmed.

Nine of Monti’s draft picks the past two years have come from the Senior Bowl:

• 2023: WR Michael Wilson, G Jon Gaines II, QB Clayton Tune, LB Owen Pappoe,
• 2024: DE Darius Robinson, CB Max Melton, G Isaiah Adams, CB Elijah Jones, T Christian Jones,

Secondly, here was Monti’s response at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis when asked about what he’s looking for in a defensive lineman: (per Arizona Republic)

At the 2025 NFL Combine, Arizona Cardinals General Manager Monti Ossenfort discussed the team’s emphasis on defensive line versatility, particularly in the 2025 draft. Ossenfort highlighted the Cardinals’ desire for players who can align at multiple positions on the defensive line. The team has also emphasized the importance of finding players who can make an impact both on and off the field, according to a report by The Arizona Republic.

• Versatility is a priority: The Cardinals are looking for defensive linemen who can play multiple positions, allowing for flexible schemes and matchups, according to an article on azcentral.com.
• Impact players: Ossenfort emphasized the importance of adding players who can make a significant contribution to the team, both on and off the field, stated azcardinals.com. [1, 1]
• Defensive line focus: The Cardinals have been actively seeking to improve their defensive line, and the 2025 draft is an opportunity to add talent to that position group, reports azcentral.com.

Is there a more versatile, physically talented DE in the 2025 NFL Draft than Shemar Stewart?

Per Lance Zierlein:

Overview

Stewart is carved from granite, possessing a rare blend of traits, explosiveness and untapped upside. He’s long and sudden off the snap but hasn’t learned to weaponize his hands to control the point of attack and bypass protection with go-to moves. His bull-rush compresses the pocket off the edge, and he’s too athletic for guards when reduced inside. He can be very...