All Cardinals

Best Quote From Every New Cardinals Draft Pick

The Arizona Cardinals welcomed seven new players - here's what they had to say.
Cardinals defensive lineman Walter Nolen speaks during the introductory news conference inside the Arizona Cardinals training facility on April 25, 2025, in Tempe.
Cardinals defensive lineman Walter Nolen speaks during the introductory news conference inside the Arizona Cardinals training facility on April 25, 2025, in Tempe. | Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

In this story:


ARIZONA -- The Arizona Cardinals added seven new players to their roster once the dust settled on the 2025 NFL Draft, an impressive haul that could possibly see the team reach the postseason after narrowly missing the playoffs in 2024.

From first-round pick Walter Nolen to last selection Kitan Crawford, reporters had the opportunity to speak with every draft pick made by Arizona - here's the best quote from every new Cardinal:

Walter Nolen

On his pre-draft visit in Arizona: "It was really the younger personalities in the building and I feel like out of everybody, Arizona actually wanted to get to know me. They didn’t think about anything that the other people were saying about me.

"They came straight to the source and that’s the type of person I am. I’m a straight-forward person. So for them to believe in me and put faith in me, I just can’t wait to get out there and perform.”

LINK: Cardinals Draft Walter Nolen

Will Johnson

On falling in draft: "Definitely very frustrating. It’s just one of those things that motivates you more than anything else. I know what type of player I am and I’m just happy to be where I am now.

"I’m going to give my all to Arizona and they’re going to get a great player. I promise that.”

LINK: Cardinals Draft Will Johnson

Jordan Burch

On how offensive tackles fared against him and now Cardinals teammate Xavier Thomas when the two played with each other in high school:

“It was pretty bad. They kept him on the edge and then I think they started game planning for him, so they moved him to linebacker for a bit. But that left me with a one-on-one, so things got ugly quick.”

LINK: Cardinals Draft Jordan Burch

Cody Simon

On strengths of his game: "As a linebacker you need to have great instincts, and I think that's my biggest strength. Having great instincts and being able to tackle well. Being a great leader and communicator is vital for a good defense.

"If your middle linebacker can have that, you can have a good middle linebacker.”

LINK: Cardinals Draft Cody Simon

Denzel Burke

On his best football being ahead: "I have been through a lot, especially these past few years at Ohio State. A lot of ups and downs, a lot of ebbs and flows, I know what it takes to be a complete football player. I am chasing to be one of the best corners to ever step foot into the league.

"You try to just take it one day at a time and prove to everyone wrong who did not take a chance on me.”

LINK: Cardinals Draft Denzel Burke

Hayden Conner

On him playing guard at the next level: "Yeah, that’s where I have the most starts, but I’m a five-position guy. I can do tackle. I can do center as well. I think I’m going to end up being somewhere in those three interior spots, but I can do it all.”

LINK: Cardinals Draft Hayden Conner

Kitan Crawford

On his pre-draft conversations with the Cardinals: “My plan coming in, because I’m going into the room with (S) Budda Baker, I watched Budda Baker a lot. I studied his game a lot. I’m a fan of his game.

"I’m coming in just being an impact on special teams, learning from Budda and just being an all-around good safety.”

LINK: Cardinals Draft Kitan Crawford


Published
Donnie Druin
DONNIE DRUIN

Donnie Druin is the Publisher for Arizona Cardinals and Phoenix Suns On SI. Donnie moved to Arizona in 2012 and has been with the company since 2018. In college he won "Best Sports Column" in the state of Arizona for his section and has previously provided coverage for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Arizona State Sun Devils. Follow Donnie on Twitter @DonnieDruin for more news, updates, analysis and more!

Share on XFollow DonnieDruin