Syndication: Arizona Republic
GLENDALE – While not a lot has gone right for the Arizona Cardinals in 2025, their rookie class has been a pleasure to watch. The seven-man class has had six of the players become crucial parts of Arizona’s operations. From first-round pick Walter Nolen to seventh-round pick Kitan Crawford, the class has been stellar.
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The only hurdle for the group has been injury, with four of the seven guys missing significant time due to injuries. When they’re on the field, their impact is felt. However, which rookie has had the biggest impact when on the field?
Nov 3, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Arizona Cardinals defensive tackle Walter Nolen III (97) walks off the field after the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Arizona Cardinals at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Cardinals rookie’s PFF grades through 11 weeks:
- Kitan Crawford: 90.8 PFF Grade
- Walter Nolen: 86.5 PFF Grade
- Will Johnson: 75.5 PFF Grade
- Cody Simon: 68.5 PFF Grade
- Denzel Burke: 63.2 PFF Grade
- Jordan Burch: 52.6 PFF Grade
Cardinals linebacker Cody Simon (50) looks over the Raiders’ offensive line during a preseason game at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Aug. 23, 2025.
Crawford has the highest grade of any rookie, but he only has 48 defensive snaps on the year. The next name in Nolen has a similar problem. Despite his stellar debut vs. the Dallas Cowboys, where he recorded a sack and batted ball, his snap count is still under 100 in only three games played.
Simon has had limited snaps due to linebacker Mack Wilson Sr. excellent play in the first half of the season. Despite that, Wilson’s recent injury has allowed Simon to become the Green Dot for Arizona’s defense for the past two weeks. The Cardinals have allowed 40+ points in both weeks, but there is no real correlation between the two facts.
Oct 19, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) watches his pass soar by Arizona Cardinals linebacker Jordan Burch (52) during the second half at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
The final three rookies all have around 300+ snaps, with Burch having the least amount. The third-round pick has the lowest PFF grade of any of the rookies. After a strong preseason showing, Burch hasn’t found his footing yet with zero sacks and 13 tackles on the year.
Easily the top two candidates for best Cardinals rookie is down to Burke and Johnson. The pair of cornerbacks have had major roles this season due to the injuries plaguing the secondary. The counting stats would likely favor Burke.
In the six games with more than 30 defensive snaps, Burke has two interceptions, seven pass deflections and 20 tackles. As a fifth-round pick, Burke has more than out played his draft selection. His development has been one the feel-good stories for Arizona this season.
Nov 9, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Arizona Cardinals cornerback Denzel Burke (29) celebrates an interception during the third quarter against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Ng-Imagn Images
However, the answer is still clearly Johnson. The former Michigan Wolverine fell heavy in the draft, going from a first-round talent to mid-second rounder. Johnson has essentially been propelled into the Cardinals CB1 role early in the season. Injuries have held him back from finding a rhythm. Regardless, Johnson has six pass deflections, 19 tackles and hold the best PFF coverage grade of any defensive back on the roster.
The 22-year-old is already at a level where the game is boring for him because teams are afraid at throwing the ball towards him. Johnson’s length matched with his IQ has been the saving grace for Arizona’s secondary.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
