Arizona Cardinals Make Bold Move in Mel Kiper Jr.’s Latest 2025 NFL Mock Draft
Mel Kiper Jr., the godfather of NFL mock drafts, has released his latest 2025 projections, sparking an intriguing debate for the Arizona Cardinals.
Should the team prioritize selecting the best available player, even if it’s not a dire need, or focus on filling a key positional gap?
Kiper’s latest ESPN mock draft has Arizona making a high-value pick that adds serious talent to their defense:
Pick No. 16 – Arizona Cardinals
Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
“This is a value pick,” Kiper notes. “Johnson ranks 10th on my board, and if not for a toe injury cutting his season short, he might be even higher. With nine career interceptions and an uncanny ability to be around the ball, he’s a true playmaker. Garrett Williams thrived in the slot last season, but Arizona could use reinforcement on the outside alongside Sean Murphy-Bunting and Starling Thomas V.”
Arizona’s pass defense struggled in 2024, allowing opponents to complete 68.6% of their passes one of the worst marks in the league. They also managed just nine interceptions, ranking among the bottom nine teams in that category.
With other talented prospects like Shemar Stewart, Jihaad Campbell, Tetairoa McMillan, Derrick Harmon, Josh Simmons, James Pearce Jr., Kenneth Grant, Kelvin Banks, and Walter Nolen still on the board, the question remains: Would passing on Johnson for another top prospect be the better move?
What do you think did Kiper nail this pick, or should the Cardinals have gone in a different direction?
