ARIZONA CARDINALS 2025 DEPTH CHART ANALYSIS

The Arizona Cardinals announced their official depth chart for the upcoming 2025/26 season. Today we will break down each position and every player to give a proper understanding of what can be expected from the Arizona Cardinals for the up-coming season.

OFFENSE:

QUARTERBACK:
QB1: Kyler Murray - veteran quarterback Kyler Murray eyes for a revival of sorts after a sluggish and injury prone filled couple years. Under new regime and coaching staff anything is possible but it's clear that Kyler has to make a name for himself as he's reaching the 'now or never' stage of his career.
QB2: Jacoby Brissett - even more of a veteran than Kyler Murray, Jacoby Brissett sits on the bench backing up Kyler and offering advice when needed to help better his game.
RESERVE/EMERGENCY QB: Kyle McCord - rookie quarter back simply here to learn from the starter and a seasoned veteran, what happens for him in the future? Nobody exactly knows but he's young and has a long road ahead before his career truly kicks off as the career ahead to learn the game before sixth round draft pick can truly look to get his first start.

RUNNING BACK:
RB1: Trey Benson - this position was the most intriguing when it came to figuring out the starter as Trey Benson and James Conner were the frontrunners for the starting position. After a great preseason from both, ultimately the Cardinals opted to go down the younger route as Trey Benson was labeled the starter on the depth chart.
RB2: James Conner - although Trey Benson was labeled the starter. Lots of people have belief that James Conner will have just as important as a role as Trey Benson. A two headed dragon - think Sonic and Knuckles (not that dollar store version that the Lions have). How efficient the running back room will truly be? That is yet to be determined.
RB3: Emari Demercado - after Benson/Conner it's expected that the men behind them will have minimal involvement but be ready to step up when needed. Emari Demercado falls into the third slot on the depth chart, expected to see little involvement but better than nothing.
RB4: Zonovan Knight - the Kyle McCord of the running back room. Zonovan Knight finds himself as the odd man out in the running back room, simply ready to service when needed as an emergency usage player - although hints were shared by Coach Gannon for him to be involved in some offensive formations where a fullback was used. We shall see how much of a true involvement Zonovan has.

WIDE RECEIVER:
WR1: Marvin Harrison Jr - there was truly never a question of who this would be. The second year wide receiver eyes to have a career year under Kyler Murray and the offense. By far the best wide receiver on the roster that the team has to offer.

WR2: Xavier Weaver - another second year player expect this wasn't the name fans were expecting to see so far up on the depth chart. However, after a breakout season he finds himself sitting right behind Marvin Harrison Jr expected to play a key role in the offense this year.

WR3: Michael Wilson - One positive about the Cardinals offense is that they are young and have room to grow, Michael Wilson is part of that group the now third year wide receiver looks to have a breakout year considering he won't have the top cornerbacks focused on him and allow for him to gain more separation and hopefully targets.

WR4: Zay Jones - a veteran mentor more than anything for this young group to help keep them in check when needed.

WR5: Greg Dortch - just vibes for him at the moment as he looks to find a proper role in the wide receiver room behind all the men in front of him

TIGHT END:
TE1: Trey McBride - after an impressive rookie season, McBride hopes to continue his development as he lands the starting tight end spot on the depth chart. Obviously the clear cut choice for Coach Gannon.

TE2: Elijah Higgins - about as good of a depth piece you could ask for when it comes to being a backup. Elijah Higgins brings great value to the team both from a receiving and from a blocking perspective. He offers himself as a valuable option in two tight end sets for the offense and can be expected to have a significant role in the offense, one way or another.

TE3: Tip Reiman - expected to be used as an extra blocker in heavy sets.

STARTING OFFENSIVE LINE:
LT: Paris Johnson Jr - by far the most standout linemen of the team, and most importantly Kylers blindside protector. Paris is able to play either side of the line in the tackle position if needed but he is expected to be the standout linemen for many, many seasons to come.

LG: Evan Brown - next to him, veteran guard who offers a valuable present on the interior with his run blocking. Key to winning the battles between the two lines as the game drags on.

C: Hjalte Froholdt - there is no other center in the league that has a more intimidating name. This is who you want as the heart and soul of your offensive line. Despite creeping to his thirtieth birthday, he is expected to be a part of the Cardinals plans in the long run as a key veteran piece to this offensive line.

RG: Will Hernandez - moving to the right side of the offensive line, Will stands out for his strength being the strongest linemen in the room after being able to bench the most by a landslide. His strength will play a key part in opening the holes in the run game and giving his quarterback more time to make a play happen.

RT: Jonah Williams - finishing off the offensive line, on the last year of his deal he has to prove why he is valuable to this team and what he can contribute in the long run for this Cradinals offense.

BACKUP OFFENSIVE LINE:
BACKUP LT/LG/C/RG/RT: Despite having depth in each position, a breakdown isn't needed. They know they won't feature unless an injury happens (God Forbid) or in heavy sets. They know their role and are expected to execute when called upon.

DEFENSE:

REDGE1: Josh Sweat - after making his name under the Philadelphia Eagles, the Arizona Cardinals managed to secure his signature and it's safe to say that he is expected to be the heart and soul of this defensive line. Being the most proven on it.

REDGE2: Jordan Burch - behind the Superstar linemen, the rookie sits and awaits his chance. Expected to be used in different packages and sets where both Sweat and Burch see the field. Burch is presented with a good opportunity to learn and mentor under Sweat until he gets his chance on the field.

LEDGE1: Zaven Collins - opposite of the right side, Collins with his speed offers the threat of finding himself in the backfield quicker than most. While being listed as the number one in the depth chart, nothing is clear cut per internal sources on who will start opening day on that defensive line.

LEDGE2: Baron Browning - despite labeled as the number two has the chance to earn a starting spot quicker than most. Rotation is expected between the two left edges and ultimately a clear cut starter might not be determined until later in the season.

DT1: Calais Campbell - the oldest player on this Cardinals team, Calais is ring chasing but whether he chose the right team to do so on is yet to be determined. At the moment along with his strong ability at 39 years old - he is viewed as a key mentor for the rest of the defensive line.

DT2: Dalvin Tomlinson - another veteran, two key pieces in the center of the defensive line. How often they'll be rotated or not is the question but Dalvin Tomlinson after a long career is known to be reliable when called upon.

DT3: Walter Nolen - the young stud, a hidden gem some would call. He will get his chance when the time is right and the Cardinals hope he can walk in to be a future starter for the team.

WILL1: Cody Simon - the rookie is expected to have an immediate impact for the team and have extreme value in the long run. Viewed as a future captain of the team.

WILL2: Marco Wilson Sr - he is ready to mentor Simon and help him develop his game, while featuring and playing a factor when called upon.

MIKE1: Owen Pappoe - the signal caller for the defense in his second year carries a lot of weight on his shoulder but is expected to have a breakout year.

MIKE2: Akeem Davis-Gaither - another veteran member on the defense to help keep the linebacker unit in check.

SAM1: J.J. Russell - expected to flourish in stopping the run game.

SAM2: Nelson Ceaser - another depth piece to offer help in certain sets when needed to load the box to help stop the run or drop in pass protection and make a play when called upon.

CB1: Max Melton - a lot of decision went into this but ultimately the man with the best training camp, Melton got given the starting role who is expected to alongside many of his teammates have a breakout and prove why he is CB1 material.

CB2: Will Johnson - young talented rookie, second round pick is expected to flourish as a starter off the rip alongside Max Melton as the two look to be the cornerback duo of the future for Arizona.

CB3: Garrett Williams - prove it, make or break year for him as this could be argued as a position of need for the team. Whether Garrett can live up when being used in the slot and on nickel/dime sets will be seen this season. The hope is with his high ability to change direction with ease, that he can have an influence this season.

FS1: Dadrion Taylor-Demerson - second year player, who is fast off the ball and able to find himself hawking it on any part of the field is expected to be named the official starter.

SS1: The anchor man of this team, veteran, the locker room guy - Budda Baker. Defensive captain. Not much to be said about him. He is going to help keep this defense on it's toes and help them grow.

REST OF THE DEFENSE: Everyone will have a role to play, whether they are depth or a starter. Even if they weren't listed. Next man up mentality when called upon.

K: Matt Prater - who should be retired in Cancun but here he is. Kicking for days still.

P: Blake Gillikin - as long as he can pin teams deep on their own side of the field he has good job security in Arizona.

A team that asks a lot of questions that are yet to be answered, but will be answered soon enough. Will the fair mix of veteran and youth presence be good enough for the team to make noise? Or will there be too many exposures and holes for them to do anything. Find out as the season kicks off for Arizona soon.