The Arizona Cardinals entered the 2025 offseason with one glaring weakness that needed addressing.
After doubling their win total from four to eight between 2023 and 2024, the franchise appeared poised for another significant leap forward—if they could solve their defensive line problems.
General Manager Monti Ossenfort didn’t merely patch the issue; he orchestrated a complete transformation.
The defensive trenches in Arizona underwent such a dramatic renovation that it’s catching attention around the league.
Former NFL defensive lineman Leger Douzable has made a bold prediction about the Cardinals’ upcoming season.
“I actually have this team winning the NFC West this year…. I’m saying it right now. I believe the Cardinals will win the NFC West. Just because of what you talked about, even when they were talent deficient, how hard this team played, right? That’s what was the missing piece. They actually needed the talent to equate with playing hard. And now they have that in Walter Nolen and Calais Campbell, Dalvin Tomlinson. They have a bevy of rushers up front that can affect the quarterback,” Douzable said.
“I believe the Cardinals will win the NFC West [this year].”
–@LegerDouzable 👀 pic.twitter.com/yBuI4DeVjO
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) April 30, 2025
The defensive upgrades extend beyond the front line.
Arizona substantially improved their secondary depth with additions like Sean Murphy-Bunting, Starling Thomas, and Max Melton, alongside standout slot defender Garrett Williams.
The selection of Will Johnson in the draft provided another defensive boost, health permitting.
On the offensive side, Kyler Murray remains the catalyst for success. Douzable notes the team could benefit from adding another speed threat at receiver to create more space for Marvin Harrison Jr. and tight end Trey McBride.
Despite this minor shortcoming, he considers Arizona among the most balanced and dangerous teams heading into the new campaign.
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