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The Arizona Cardinals had a great draft in 2024, picking Marvin Harrsion Jr. to pair with star quarterback Kyler Murray.
In the 2025 NFL Draft though, they still have a lot of work to do.
Outside of Murray and Harrison Jr., the Cardinals do not have much in the way of skill position stars or reliable offensive line pieces, both of which need to be addressed later this month.
Let's take a look at the three best first-round fits for the Cardinals at No. 16 overall.
Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
Marvin Harrison Jr. is a physical specimen with a huge body, but he needs a No.2 to help open the field up for him, and Matthew Golden from Texas can do just that.
Golden is a different body type than Harrison Jr., has blazing speed, clocking in a 4.29 40-yard dash, and the versatility to play anywhere on the field. He also has sure hands and exceptional route-running ability, but his biggest attribute might be his ability to show up in crunch time.
Whichever way you slice it, Golden might be the most complete prospect at the position and is one player who could be a good fit no matter where he lands.
Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State
The fact of the matter is, Kyler Murray needs his blindside protected, and there could be three players on the board who fit that description when they are on the clock.
Kelvin Banks is one, Josh Conerly is another. That said, Josh Simmons out of Ohio State is also a great fit in that offensive line room - assuming he stays healthy.
Banks very well could be gone by this point, and Simmons is the next up if that happens.
Shemar Stewart, EDGE, Texas A&M
The next immediate need for the Cardinals is at edge rusher, and fortunately for them, there are going to be plenty available here.
Whether it is Tennessee's James Pearce Jr., Georiga's Mykel Williams, Texas A&M's Shemar Stewart, or someone else, there will be no shortage of talent in this draft at the position.
Williams is likely gone by this point, and if he is, there is a good chance that Stewart is still on the board. There is also a chance Stewart goes top 10, but that is less likely.
Stewart is a physical freak and has every trait you want in a pass rusher - the one knock against him is his lack of sack production. If he can learn how to do that in Arizona, he would be a home run.
