Cardinals secondary ranked one of worst in NFL heading into 2025 season

Kosko on Cardinals secondary:

“The Cardinals’ secondary is led by cornerback Garrett Williams, who posted a strong 2024 season in both overall and advanced coverage grades. The safety duo of Budda Baker and Jalen Thompson provides a solid foundation, though the group has been prone to occasional mistakes. Arizona also drafted Will Johnson in the second round to bolster the unit, which features a promising mix of youth and potential.”

The secondary was seen as a strong aspect for last year’s team, headlined by All-Pro safety Budda Baker leading the charge. Regardless, Kosko doesn’t share much confident in the unit, especially after the injury to CB1 Sean Murphy-Bunting earlier this offseason, which will have him out for the entire season.

There is too many questions surrounding the Cardinals cornerbacks, with a majority of them still early in their development. Garrett Williams was a best zone coverage cornerback in the NFL last season and is still only 24 years old. Outside of Williams, many are unproven on the field on if they can be impactful in coverage.

Starling Thomas appeared in all 17 games last year, but still hasn’t recorded an interception in his first two seasons. Starting strong safety Jalen Thompson had a PFF grade of 68.8, which is 51st of all safeties. Arizona secondary, struggles to create turnovers, having only nine interceptions in 2024.

Newest 2nd-round pick Johnson could be the missing piece to improve that aspect of cornerback room. However, it puts a lot of pressure on a rookie defensive back to carry the load for an NFL defense, especially when he has injuries concerns.

An improved pass rush will make the secondary’s job much easier, with opposing quarterbacks having less time for decision-making. The youth at the defensive back position for the Cardinals will prove to be a strength or a determent for the team, whether they’ll be hungry or be torched by offenses.