The Arizona Cardinals kept their head above water for the most part in a closely fought NFC West. Unfortunately for them, they couldn’t stay in the race the entire way. Arizona finished the 2025 season with an 8-9 record, third in the NFC West.
The Cardinals made big moves in free agency to bolster the roster. They signed the likes of Josh Sweat and Calais Campbell to shore up their defense. This has placed them in a good spot, and PFSN’s recent NFL mock draft projects they continue to fill some major holes ahead of the 2025 NFL season.
16) Shemar Stewart, EDGE, Texas A&M
With the first pick of this Cardinals mock draft, Arizona addresses its defense by selecting Texas A&M edge rusher Shemar Stewart with the 16th overall pick.
“Stewart is the most talented EDGE to hit the circuit since Myles Garrett. Unlike Garrett, however, the positives of Stewart’s profile largely start and end with his gifts. Stewart needs to improve his pass-rush execution and run defense discipline, but he and Josh Sweat can become a deadly duo in time.”
“In an ecosystem with Sweat, Dalvin Tomlinson, Calais Campbell, and Darius Robinson, he could reach his ceiling,” PFSN contributor Ian Cummings wrote.
35) Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama
Projected trade: Cardinals receive No. 35; Titans receive No. 47, No. 78, and ARI 2026 third-round pick
This Cardinals mock draft continues with a trade. Arizona moves up in the second round to address the linebacker position, landing Alabama star Jihaad Campbell.
“Jihaad Campbell’s torn labrum could impact his stock, but at a certain point, someone is bound to snatch him up. Here, the Cardinals trade up to file his elite attacking range, blitzing versatility, and coverage instincts behind a building defensive front.”
Campbell was a two-year starter with the Crimson Tide. He can cover a ton of ground, especially for someone of his size. He has effective closing speed coming from behind the play and is a solid tackler in the open field. Campbell could certainly become a starter in the NFL in short order.
115) Logan Brown, OL, Kansas
The next selection in this Cardinals mock draft sees Arizona turn to the offense with their selection of offensive lineman Logan Brown out of Kansas. Brown was a one-year starter with the Jayhawks in college.
Brown is a rangy lineman with a very impressive wingspan. He can handle wide pass rushers and make an impact in the run game, as well. There is some concern over his experience, though, as he only made 14 collegiate starts.
The Cardinals have their two offensive tackles — Paris Johnson Jr. and Jonah Williams. However, Williams is a free agent after this season. Taking a flier on Brown here could allow them to develop a long-term replacement in case Williams leaves.
152) JJ Pegues, DT, Ole Miss
With the latest selection in this Cardinals mock draft, Arizona returns to the defensive side of the ball. They select JJ Pegues, a two-year starter on the defensive line at Ole Miss.
Cardinals defensive coordinator Nick Rallis likes to rotate his defensive linemen in-game. Arizona added Dalvin Tomlinson to give them an established NFL player on the interior, but further depth could be useful.
Pegues does not possess a ton of power in his game, but he can move extremely well for someone of his size. He is a project, but there may be something if the Cardinals can unlock it.
225) KeAndre Lambert-Smith, WR, Auburn
This Cardinals mock draft ends with the team adding depth to the receiver room. Arizona takes a seventh-round flier on KeAndre Lambert-Smith, a two-year starter with the Auburn Tigers.
Lambert-Smith is an explosive, competitive athlete. He is able to get over the top of coverages with his double moves and has some true promise as a catch-and-go option in the passing game.
Arizona did little to address the receiver position in free agency, and some depth is needed. Lambert-Smith gives them a project option they can develop, though he will be 24 as a rookie in the NFL.