Arizona Cardinals

The 2025 NFL Draft brought a wave of discussion, debate, and, in some circles, skepticism when the Arizona Cardinals made their second-round selection: quarterback Fernando Mendoza. Taken earlier than many expected, Mendoza’s arrival immediately sparked questions. After all, Kyler Murray has been playing at an MVP level for the past two seasons, orchestrating one of the league’s most dynamic and explosive offenses. Why would a team so successful at quarterback add a young signal-caller so early in the draft?

The answer, as Arizona’s front office explains, isn’t about replacing Kyler Murray. It’s about planning for the future, ensuring continuity, and maintaining one of the league’s most potent offenses for years to come.

Kyler Murray: The Cornerstone of Today

There’s no disputing Kyler Murray’s status in the league. Over the last two seasons, he’s transformed the Cardinals into a top-tier offensive juggernaut. His ability to extend plays, connect with receivers on deep throws, and execute in high-pressure situations has not only produced wins but has elevated the entire offense. Fans, analysts, and coaches alike have marveled at his skill set, leadership, and football IQ.

Murray’s contract, however, is approaching its final years, and the Cardinals are acutely aware that even elite quarterbacks don’t last forever. While he remains the undisputed starter, the organization is looking ahead. The drafting of Mendoza is less about questioning Kyler’s position and more about creating a succession plan, ensuring that the Cardinals won’t face a sudden gap at the most critical position in football.

Fernando Mendoza: A Star in the Making

Fernando Mendoza enters the NFL with a reputation as a polished, highly cerebral quarterback with the tools to develop into a franchise leader. At his college program, Mendoza showcased a blend of accuracy, poise under pressure, and adaptability that made him stand out in a crowded quarterback class. While some critics questioned the timing of his selection, Arizona’s coaching staff emphasized that Mendoza’s development will be gradual, measured, and aligned with Murray’s mentorship.

Mendoza isn’t just a raw prospect; he’s a quarterback with the mental acuity to understand complex NFL schemes, the work ethic to absorb film and coaching, and the physical tools to make all the necessary throws at the professional level. His arrival in Arizona is seen as an investment in continuity—a future star learning under a present MVP.

Mentorship and Development

Arizona’s vision is clear: Kyler Murray remains the unquestioned starter. Mendoza’s role in the first year—or likely the first several years—is that of a learner, a backup, and, importantly, a mentee. The Cardinals’ coaching staff believes that having a quarterback of Mendoza’s caliber observing, practicing with, and receiving guidance from Murray provides an invaluable developmental edge.

“The goal isn’t to create competition for Kyler,” said a source inside the Cardinals’ quarterback room. “It’s about preparing a player who can carry this offense forward when the time comes. Kyler is our quarterback. Fernando is our quarterback of the future. Having both in the building at the same time is a luxury many teams don’t have.”

This approach mirrors successful models seen across the league, where veteran quarterbacks mentor young prospects, creating a seamless transition when it’s time for the torch to pass. The Cardinals believe Mendoza is that type of player—someone who can learn from Kyler’s leadership, timing, and decision-making without the pressure of immediately winning games.

Strategic Implications for the Offense

Adding Mendoza to the roster does more than secure the future; it also impacts the present. His presence allows the coaching staff to experiment in practice with two quarterbacks, explore creative package plays, and develop new strategies that keep the offense ahead of defenses. The combination of Murray’s proven elite skills and Mendoza’s developmental potential creates a unique environment: a dual quarterback room where both players can thrive and elevate each other.

Mendoza’s skill set complements the offense Kyler has built. With receivers like [insert key receivers], a dynamic running game, and one of the league’s most versatile offensive lines, Mendoza can grow within a system designed to maximize a quarterback’s strengths. By the time Mendoza is called upon to take the reins, the team envisions him fully prepared to step into an offense that is both familiar and finely tuned to his abilities.

The Timing Debate

Critics have argued that drafting a quarterback so high while Murray remains at the top of his game is unnecessary. Yet, Arizona’s front office stresses that waiting could have risks: free agency, injuries, or unexpected declines in performance can leave a team scrambling at the most critical position in football. By selecting Mendoza when they did, the Cardinals are proactively planning for every scenario, ensuring they retain control over their future.

Moreover, the choice signals to fans, media, and other teams that Arizona is serious about long-term stability. It’s not a gamble against Kyler; it’s a calculated investment in a blueprint that values continuity, mentorship, and sustained excellence.

The Learning Curve

Transitioning to the NFL is never easy, especially at quarterback. Mendoza will face a faster game, more complex defenses, and the constant pressure of proving himself. Yet, his temperament, study habits, and adaptability make him well-suited to learn in a structured environment alongside one of the league’s most dynamic quarterbacks.

Arizona’s staff believes that exposure to game-day situations, even in a backup role, combined with consistent mentoring from Kyler, will accelerate Mendoza’s development. Over time, he is expected to evolve into a quarterback capable of leading the Cardinals’ offense with confidence, poise, and innovation.

Looking Ahead

The addition of Fernando Mendoza represents more than a draft pick; it represents a philosophy. Arizona is committed to ensuring that Kyler Murray’s peak years are maximized while simultaneously preparing for the future. This strategy allows the Cardinals to remain competitive today while safeguarding tomorrow.

In short, Mendoza’s role is clear: observe, learn, and prepare. Kyler Murray remains the engine driving Arizona’s offense, but Mendoza is the investment that ensures the engine continues to run at elite levels long into the future. The Cardinals’ vision—a quarterback room built for both today and tomorrow—is a testament to careful planning, foresight, and a commitment to sustained success in one of football’s most important positions.

For fans, Mendoza’s presence may initially be a curiosity, even a point of debate. But as the season unfolds, and as the mentorship between Murray and Mendoza strengthens, it could become one of the most praised moves of the draft—a forward-thinking decision designed to protect, preserve, and perpetuate excellence at quarterback.

Arizona has no plans to move from Murray. Instead, they are building a legacy: Kyler Murray now, Fernando Mendoza for the future. And if executed correctly, it could be a model for every franchise seeking to balance present success with long-term stability.

— Inside The Nest

Quartebacks

Name	Age	Hgt	Pos	Arch	OVR	SPD	ACC	AGI	COD	THP	SAC	MAC	DAC	TUP	TOR	PAC	BKS
Kyler Murray	30	5'10"	QB	Scrambler QB	80	91	93	90	88	90	88	82	83	83	90	85	86
Fernando Mendoza	23	6'5"	QB	Strong Arm QB	75	83	80	83	81	93	86	81	78	85	82	89	74
Noah Fifita	23	5'10"	QB	Scrambler QB	63	81	82	79	81	84	69	68	88	92	85	61	60

Backs

Name	Age	Hgt	Pos	Arch	OVR	SPD	ACC	AGI	COD	STR	AWR	JKM	SPM	SFA	TRK	BCV	CTH	SRR	RBK	IBK	LBK
Trey Benson	25	6'1"	HB	Elusive Back HB	91	93	94	85	89	77	78	96	94	79	79	95	70	66	43	40	36
Joe Mixon	31	6'1"	HB	Power Back HB	85	90	90	87	88	81	88	86	79	87	85	90	75	65	58	43	46
Kaytron Allen	23	5'11"	HB	Elusive Back HB	72	88	89	87	82	80	74	79	83	79	86	78	63	59	28	42	46
Reggie Gilliam	30	6'1"	FB	Blocking FB	80	87	90	83	77	76	86	65	54	69	72	66	74	66	69	72	87

Receivers

Name	Age	Hgt	Pos	Arch	OVR	SPD	ACC	AGI	COD	STR	AWR	JMP	JKM	SPM	SFA	TRK	BCV	CTH	CIT	SPC	SRR	MRR	DRR	RLS	RBK	IBK	LBK
Marvin Harrison Jr	25	6'3"	WR	Physical WR	93	93	93	91	93	57	90	93	89	77	45	41	94	95	95	94	92	93	91	92	48	38	21
Kaden Prather	24	6'4"	WR	Deep Threat WR	86	90	90	87	87	67	82	77	79	72	44	59	87	93	93	94	90	88	86	89	46	35	30
Tank Dell	27	5'10"	WR	Slot WR	84	92	94	90	93	50	85	81	87	82	35	28	87	88	86	88	83	86	84	84	51	33	22
Stefon Diggs	33	6'0"	WR	Slot WR	83	89	91	89	91	62	85	89	87	87	64	42	86	89	87	88	86	84	82	86	53	49	29
Marcus Burke	24	6'3"	WR	Deep Threat WR	79	93	90	85	86	71	78	89	78	70	50	49	80	87	88	84	82	79	82	79	47	37	39
Jacolby George	24	5'11"	WR	Slot WR	68	87	88	91	89	62	62	86	75	68	44	42	76	79	77	79	73	75	73	71	51	42	24
Trey McBride	27	6'4"	TE	Vertical Threat TE	93	87	90	76	72	73	95	94	71	65	68	70	83	98	89	89	85	83	77	83	60	67	52
Evan Engram	32	6'3"	TE	Vertical Threat TE	78	87	88	83	76	66	83	88	77	66	71	72	78	85	72	80	72	68	67	72	61	69	50
Greg Dulcich	27	6'4"	TE	Vertical Threat TE	70	84	88	82	75	67	60	82	77	73	67	64	78	82	81	81	69	67	66	68	54	60	56
CJ Dippre	25	6'5"	TE	Vertical Threat TE	63	83	85	75	63	78	62	83	60	54	60	62	65	74	73	72	59	53	47	67	67	67	57

Offensive Line

Name	Age	Hgt	Pos	Arch	OVR	ACC	AGI	COD	STR	AWR	PBK	RBK	IBK	LBK
Paris Johnson Jr	26	6'6"	LT	Pass Protector OL	87	80	75	58	89	86	88	82	89	88
Drew Shelton	25	6'5"	LT	Pass Protector OL	75	76	73	59	84	79	86	75	82	77
Evan Brown	30	6'2"	LG	Pass Protector OL	77	65	54	52	90	83	79	75	81	83
Charles Jagusah	21	6'7"	LG	Power OL	73	69	72	67	95	75	71	75	83	67
Hjalte Froholdt	31	6'5"	C	Power OL	80	66	66	55	91	86	76	83	82	86
Hayden Conner	25	6'6"	C	Power OL	66	75	64	57	86	68	72	74	80	77
Will Hernandez	31	6'2"	RG	Power OL	77	69	60	53	94	73	82	73	89	74
Isaiah Adams	27	6'5"	RG	Power OL	71	70	59	56	86	70	76	78	83	85
Taylor Moton	33	6'5"	RT	Pass Protector OL	85	64	62	56	88	95	86	78	90	81
Jonah Williams	29	6'5"	RT	Power OL	75	71	66	54	85	88	78	77	82	83

Defensive Line

Name	Age	Hgt	Pos	Arch	OVR	SPD	ACC	AGI	COD	STR	AWR	BSH	FMV	PMV	TCK	PWR	PUR	PRC
Jordan Burch	25	6'4"	LEDGE	Run Stopper DL	78	83	85	81	72	81	75	84	73	77	86	84	81	72
Bryan Longwell	22	6'1"	LEDGE	Run Stopper DL	71	79	83	82	77	78	68	82	45	68	72	82	70	89
Walter Nolen	23	6'4"	DT	Run Stopper DL	89	81	88	82	71	87	85	92	72	82	93	85	86	82
Christian Wilkins	31	6'4"	DT	Run Stopper DL	89	79	78	73	62	90	87	91	68	81	93	82	84	91
Darius Robinson	25	6'5"	DT	Run Stopper DL	75	74	77	77	58	87	73	83	71	76	80	81	76	72
C.J. Fite	24	6'1"	DT	Power Rusher DL	63	65	78	72	64	84	57	69	60	71	69	81	75	67
Josh Sweat	30	6'5"	REDGE	Speed Rusher DL	85	85	89	83	70	81	86	80	86	78	88	78	84	84
Simote Pepa	24	6'3"	REDGE	Power Rusher DL	60	53	63	57	38	95	62	66	63	68	76	78	74	68

Linebackers

Name	Age	Hgt	Pos	Arch	OVR	SPD	ACC	AGI	COD	STR	JMP	AWR	BSH	FMV	PMV	TCK	PWR	PUR	PRC	ZCV	MCV
Cody Simon	25	6'2"	WILL	Pass Coverage LB	80	87	94	77	74	73	81	75	69	58	56	90	80	81	79	80	73
Drue Tranquill	32	6'2"	WILL	Field General LB	75	84	86	81	76	72	89	89	70	58	52	77	83	81	84	69	64
Harold Perkins Jr.	24	6'1"	WILL	Pass Coverage LB	74	93	93	84	81	75	91	71	69	64	55	79	87	82	71	72	62
Owen Pappoe	26	6'0"	MIKE	Pass Coverage LB	83	89	92	77	74	78	85	80	64	60	55	84	86	88	82	80	80
Shaq Thompson	33	6'0"	MIKE	Run Stopper LB	72	84	83	80	72	70	83	79	77	61	52	81	83	78	82	63	61
Jamien Sherwood	27	6'2"	SAM	Run Stopper LB	76	86	87	78	75	67	86	78	66	49	50	86	85	87	79	68	70
Jack Kelly	24	6'2"	SAM	Run Stopper LB	66	85	88	83	79	78	79	70	64	50	52	74	87	76	69	59	60

Defensive Backs

Name	Age	Hgt	Pos	Arch	OVR	SPD	ACC	AGI	COD	STR	JMP	AWR	ZCV	MCV	BSH	TCK	PWR	PUR	PRC
Will Johnson	24	6'2"	CB	Zone CB	82	89	90	86	83	62	89	83	90	83	49	65	66	74	83
Max Melton	25	5'11"	CB	Man-to-Man CB	80	93	94	85	85	60	94	69	78	85	45	55	73	75	73
Mansoor Delane	25	6'0"	CB	Man-to-Man CB	78	95	92	92	86	60	91	73	75	80	43	52	70	68	70
Denzel Burke	24	5'11"	CB	Zone CB	71	90	92	84	82	61	85	73	73	72	52	51	68	75	71
Ja'Quan Sheppard	27	6'2"	CB	Zone CB	63	86	91	76	77	59	80	65	68	67	43	50	51	63	63
Dadrion Taylor-Demerson	26	5'11"	FS	Hybrid S	78	92	93	85	86	57	90	69	82	70	51	77	74	77	77
Cole Wisniewski	24	6'4"	FS	Zone S	66	86	83	86	82	74	85	66	70	59	57	65	82	76	66
Javien Toviano	23	6'1"	FS	Hybrid S	65	89	91	88	75	71	92	67	69	67	51	58	63	62	52
Jalen Huskey	23	6'2"	FS	Zone S	64	86	91	84	85	64	87	65	67	59	47	57	63	74	65
Budda Baker	31	5'10"	SS	Zone S	89	89	89	90	88	71	86	91	83	81	61	78	86	91	90
Jabrill Peppers	31	5'11"	SS	Zone S	85	88	89	85	81	73	86	84	84	78	62	80	90	83	85
Kitan Crawford	25	5'11"	SS	Hybrid S	69	92	90	83	86	64	95	65	70	64	50	65	76	76	61
Jett Elad	24	6'1"	SS	Zone S	64	87	92	85	83	63	84	62	70	60	49	59	78	68	61

Special Teams

Name	Age	Hgt	Pos	Arch	OVR	SPD	ACC	AGI	COD	STR	AWR	KPW	KAC	LS
Ka'imi Fairbairn	33	6'0"	K	Power K	81	79	82	64	53	39	69	96	88	10
Ryan Wright	27	6'3"	P	Power P	76	81	84	64	58	62	63	92	86	10
Alan Ali	28	6'4"	LS	Strong Arm QB	26	65	61	54	50	79	69	10	11	17

Regular Season

Week 1

Player	Comp/Att	%	Yards	TDs	INTs	Long	Rating
K.Murray	641/985	65.1	11232	122	54	96	122.3
R.Wilson	50/81	61.7	970	9	4	77	120
J.Brissett	26/44	59.1	527	3	3	64	95.7
M.Harrison Jr	4/0	0	0	0	0	0	2.1
X.Weaver	2/0	0	0	0	0	0	2.1
T.Benson	1/0	0	0	0	0	0	2.1
W.Levis	0/1	0	0	0	1	0	0
Totals	724/1111	65.2	12729	134	62	96	121.3

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Inside The Nest – Kyler Stays, Mendoza Learns

Kyler Murray: The Cornerstone of Today

Fernando Mendoza: A Star in the Making

Mentorship and Development

Strategic Implications for the Offense

The Timing Debate

The Learning Curve

Looking Ahead

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