The Arizona Cardinals will look to strengthen their defensive line, according to PFF’s 2025 NFL Mock Draft.
PFF’s Trevor Sikkema Arizona projects to place defensive lineman Kenneth Grant ninth overall in the draft.
The Cardinals have made solid progress with their recent rookie classes, allowing the draft to come back to them comfortably during their multi-year rebuild. However, they have yet to address their need for an impactful interior defensive lineman, which has become glaring in 2024. The 335-pound Grant moves incredibly well for his size and has grades running defense above 70.0 in each of the last three seasons.
Arizona’s blowout loss to the Washington Commanders on Sunday speaks to their need to improve their defense.
The Cardinals defense allowed 216 rushing yards on 37 attempts and four touchdowns on Sunday. Arizona failed to sack Washington quarterback Jayden Daniels all game.
Ahead of the 2024 season, PFF’s Sam Monson ranked the Cardinals last in his defensive line rankings due to the team’s lack of solid starters.
The Cardinals signed defensive tackles Justin Jones and Bilal Nichols to multi-year contracts to improve the group.
However, Jones was placed on injured reserve following his triceps injury during the team’s game against the Detroit Lions and will miss the remainder of the season.
Arizona also added rookie defensive end Darius Robinson, a projected starter. Robinson has yet to make his NFL debut following his calf injury during a team practice on August 22.
Grant could provide the talent needed to help rebuild the Cardinals defense.
A versatile player, Grant excels in both the running game and the pass rush and is known for being quick on his feet.
The Michigan Wolverines DL has had eight tackles and two sacks so far this season.
Standing 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighing 339 pounds, Grant is surprisingly agile, considering his large stature.
Grant was ranked third in The Athletic’s college insider Bruce Feldman’s annual report. List of monsterswhich features 101 college football athletes whose talents seem to defy the laws of nature.
Former Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh told the outlet that Grant was running under the 5.0 40. His top speed was clocked at 18.75 mph.
Grant is equipped with pass-rush moves like push-pull and double-handed sweeps, which allow him to quickly take down opponents.
He and fellow Michigan DL Mason Graham were the only two defensive tackles made in PFF’s projection.
Tetairoa McMillan from Arizona Wildcats to Tennessee Titans
Arizona Wildcats receiver Tetairoa McMillan was also named a top-ten pick in Sikkema’s mock draft.
Sikkema projects the Tennessee Titans will select McMillan with the sixth overall pick in the draft.
The Titans might be in the quarterback market next April, but I’m still going to give Will Levis time to correct the typical mistakes young quarterbacks make. Receivers DeAndre Hopkins and Tyler Boyd are both set to become free agents, and the 6-foot-6, 210-pound McMillan brings shades of Mike Evans every time you watch him.
McMillan set a new school record with 304 receiving yards and four touchdowns on 10 catches in the Wildcats’ 61-39 win over New Mexico on August 31.
He has 29 catches for 503 yards and four touchdowns, averaging 17.3 yards per reception this season.
