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Arizona Cardinals free agency changes outlook on NFL draft

Originally posted on Burn City Sports
By Tanner Tortorella | Last updated Mar 17, 2025 1:56 PM ET

Arizona Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort landed a massive free agent signing in edge rusher Josh Sweat. The former Pro-Bowler will improve a lackluster Cardinals pass rush from last year. The move also changes how the front office will approach the NFL draft. Many media outlets had Arizona going edge rusher with their 16th overall pick in the first round. However, with Sweat now in the Valley, mock drafts have the franchise switching to offense in the first round, two of them predicting Arizona to go with a player from Texas.

CBS Sports: Kelvin Banks OT Texas:

Banks Jr. was the fourth-ranked offensive tackle at the NFL draft combine. CBS Sports cited that the former Longhorn will be a massive addition to protect franchise quarterback Kyler Murray and block for James Conner. If drafted to the Cardinals, Banks Jr. could play either guard or tackle for head coach Jonathan Gannon. Regardless, the 6’5 “315 offensive lineman would do wonders for keeping Murray healthy.

Draft Wire: Matthew Golden WR Texas:

Curt Popejoy of Draft Wire has Arizona taking the speedy Longhorn wide receiver, Matthew Golden. In the NFL combine, Golden ran a 4.29 40 time. His playstyle is similar to that of Cardinals receiver Greg Dortch, except he’s five inches taller. Golden is a deep threat and adds versatility to the pass game in the slot, with Trey McBride and Marvin Harrison Jr as other threats for defenses.

This article first appeared on Burn City Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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