PHX Reporter

Monti Ossenfort, Cardinals' General Manager, faces a different draft landscape this year compared to 2024. The Cardinals had an impressive 12 picks in the previous draft, the most by any NFL team since 1992. However, for the year 2025, they are equipped with only six selections, marking a significant reduction since Ossenfort assumed his role in 2023. Their first pick is positioned at number 16. The team partially addressed its needs during the free agency period, yet the identity established by Jonathan Gannon and Ossenfort revolves around a draft and development approach.

The Cardinals' current roster includes safeties Budda Baker, Jalen Thompson, Dadrion Taylor-Demerson, Joey Blount, and Jammie Robinson. "The conversation about the safety room starts, continues, and ends with Budda Baker," emphasizing Baker's critical role. Baker remains a pivotal player, extending his contract for three years before the season concluded, ensuring his presence through 2027. Thompson, who quietly contributed to the team, was only two tackles short of a hundred for the season. Taylor-Demerson remains a promising yet patient player behind Baker and Thompson.

The upcoming draft hints at limited prospects for first-round-worthy safeties. Malaki Starks from Georgia and Nick Emmanwori from South Carolina stand out as potential early picks. Kevin Winston Jr., initially a first-round prospect, may slide to Day Two due to a partially torn ACL sustained last season. As Thompson approaches the end of his contract, the Cardinals are poised to explore the potentials of Taylor-Demerson and Jammie Robinson, the latter acquired post-release from the Panthers in December.

The anticipation builds for the draft as Arizona evaluates its safety options in shaping its future team composition.