Which red flag is the biggest for your in the 2025 NFL Draft first round prospect pool.
Happy Monday one and all.
The Arizona Cardinals head into the 2025 NFL Draft on Thursday and in doing so they need to get someone who can be a contributor in year one, but more importantly someone who can be a huge impact over the course of his career.
So, we have a number of options that we have talked about, but what are their red flags?
Every players has one, some have more, so for the Cardinals potential picks, where are their red flags. Again, using the consensus board from 10-32:
10. Jalon Walker, Edge, Georgia – Smaller side for a full-time edge rusher, not a full-time off ball linebacker in college and instincts are not completely up to speed.
12. Will Johnson, CB, Michigan – Injuries have prevented him from finishing his final season and testing, looks like a great zone cornerback, but looks to lack athleticism to work consistently in man and lacks recovery speed.
13. Kelvin Banks, OL, Texas – Some are grading him as a guard only, including NFL teams. Pass pro seems to be an issue.
14. Mykel Williams, Edge, Georgia – Lacks elite athleticism, lack of production and pass rushing prowess a concern.
15. Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas – Lacks size, length of desired outside cornerback, had ankle and knee issues while at Texas. Seen more in the Tyrann Mathieu/Budda Baker role than a traditional cornerback.
16. Shemar Stewart, Edge, Texas A&M – No production, lacks a pass rush plan or move set (at least did not show it at A&M).
18. Mike Green, Edge, Marshall – Don’t see him even being on the Cardinals board with the character concerns.
19. Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama – Lacks instincts and ability to take on blocks in the run game. Shoulder surgery waiting for clearance, allegedly may have to start camp on PUP.
23. Derrick Harmon, DL, Oregon – Injury concerns came up… today. Wasn’t great against the run and has a concerning missed tackle rate. Has dealt with weight issues.
24. Josh Simmons, OL, Ohio State – Struggled with penalties first year at Ohio State, then is coming off a patella injury after second season (where he was playing at a near elite level).
26. Kenneth Grant, DL, Michigan – Despite his size, had poor metrics against the run. Has not shown a consistent pass rush ability, does he have the conditioning needed?
27. Grey Zabel, OL, NDSU – Penalty machine, has only one game against FBS team, short arms, guard/center only?
29. Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss – Questions on character/entitlement issues (although nothing can be verified), one year production, why did he have to leave Texas A&M to achieve anything (Although A&M players have… production issues).
30. Tyler Booker, OL, Alabama – Athletic profile barely meets the minimum. Guard only, can he play in the Cardinals pull heavy scheme?
31. James Pearce Jr., Edge, Tennessee – Like Nolen, character concerns, but nothing that has been verified. Allegedly the Tennessee program was happy to have him out.
32. Donovan Ezeiruaku, Edge, Boston College – Average size for the position, plays with more finesse than power and can be overwhelmed by opponents. Production has waned in his career.