The Arizona Cardinals' seventh-round pick, safety Kitan Crawford, has a tough road ahead in his rookie season. With a rich background in special teams, where he logged over 1,000 snaps in college, his chances of making the roster will depend heavily on his performance in that area. The Cardinals already have established safeties in Budda Baker, Jalen Thompson, and Rabbit Taylor-Demerson, along with Joey Blount, who is a key special teams player.

Crawford's path to a roster spot will require him to outshine Blount, who is known for his contributions on special teams. If Crawford fails to secure a position, he might find himself on the practice squad. Given the competition, particularly from proven players, it will be crucial for Crawford to excel in special teams drills and show his potential to contribute on defense.

The Arizona Cardinals are poised for a potential reshuffle, with discussions of trading two key players who could attract interest from other teams. Tackle Jonah Williams is under scrutiny due to his versatility but comes with concerns about his knee injury. His contract, worth over $10 million for the upcoming season, may deter trades unless he proves he’s healthy.

On the defensive side, safety Jalen Thompson has emerged as a more viable trade asset. With Pro Bowl potential and a reasonable salary, he could be appealing to teams looking to bolster their secondary. However, the Cardinals have a promising backup in Rabbit Taylor-Demerson, which could factor into their decision-making. The timing of these trades could align with the draft or the preseason, depending on the market dynamics.

The Arizona Cardinals' offseason priorities center around bolstering the front seven, with a notable focus on edge rushers and interior defensive linemen, while also addressing the need for versatile offensive linemen. With Budda Baker and Jalen Thompson in the safety positions, the discussion may seem to overlook safety as a need, but Georgia's Malaki Starks emerges as a compelling candidate for the 2025 NFL Draft. His unique skill set and playmaking ability could make him a valuable asset for the Cardinals' defense.

Starks, a five-star recruit, has made a name for himself with exceptional performances during his collegiate career, earning accolades such as First-Team All-American. While safety doesn't seem like an immediate need for the Cardinals, Starks' versatility makes him an ideal candidate to fill various roles within the secondary. Adding him could not only enhance the defensive depth but also provide a long-term solution alongside Baker and Thompson.

The Arizona Cardinals' rookie safety Dadrion Taylor-Demerson emerged as a promising talent during the 2024 season, showcasing his skills despite limited snaps. Drafted in the fourth round, Taylor-Demerson played in all 17 games, stepping up significantly when fellow safety Jalen Thompson was injured. His performance in two consecutive starts against the New York Jets and Seattle Seahawks was particularly noteworthy, where he recorded three passes defensed and 15 total tackles.

Despite being overshadowed by established players like Budda Baker and Thompson, Taylor-Demerson's high motor, quick reaction times, and impressive open-field tackling made him a standout. Finishing with a solid 75.5 PFF grade, he demonstrated raw coverage skills, which could translate to an expanded role in the upcoming season. With Baker recently signing a lucrative extension, the Cardinals' coaching staff is expected to continue utilizing a rotational approach, offering Taylor-Demerson ample opportunities to develop further. His potential to boost the Cardinals' defensive secondary in 2025 is promising, marking him as a player to watch.

PFF's NFL Week 17 Team of the Week has been unveiled, showcasing standout players based on performance grades and snap counts. The selections highlight those who not only excelled in their individual performances but also demonstrated consistency over a significant number of plays. The criteria emphasize the importance of maintaining high performance levels, which is crucial in the competitive landscape of the NFL.

Leading the offensive lineup is quarterback Joe Burrow from the Cincinnati Bengals, who delivered an outstanding performance against the Denver Broncos, completing 39 of 49 passes for 412 yards. His efforts were pivotal in keeping the Bengals' playoff hopes alive. Joining him in the offensive spotlight are notable players like Derrick Henry from the Baltimore Ravens and rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers from the New York Giants, who had a remarkable game against the Indianapolis Colts.

On the defensive side, edge rusher Nolan Smith of the Philadelphia Eagles made a significant impact against the Dallas Cowboys, achieving an impressive run-defense grade. His ability to disrupt plays was complemented by strong performances from other defensive players, including Myles Garrett of the Cleveland Browns and John Franklin-Myers of the Denver Broncos. The special teams also made their mark with standout players like kicker Cam Little from the Jacksonville Jaguars.

This week's selections demonstrate the depth of talent across the league, with players rising to the occasion in critical moments as the season heads into its final stretch.