The Arizona Cardinals are focusing on their 2024 draft picks as they prepare for the 2025 season, including fourth-round selection Dadrion "Rabbit" Taylor-Demerson. During his rookie year, Taylor-Demerson was primarily utilized on special teams, logging 286 snaps, and was a reliable backup at safety, contributing significantly in dime packages. With a notable performance of 37 total tackles, including three tackles for a loss, and key defensive stats like a forced fumble and five pass breakups, he showcased potential that could lead to a starting role in 2026.

As the Cardinals look to build around their young talents, Taylor-Demerson's role is expected to remain pivotal. If the roster remains unchanged, he will continue to back up noted starters Budda Baker and Jalen Thompson, while also being a significant asset on special teams. His development over the offseason will be crucial, as he aims to solidify his place and potentially step into a starting position in the future. The Cardinals' coaching staff will be monitoring his progress closely, making his Year 2 outlook essential to the team's defensive strategy moving forward.

The Arizona Cardinals' organized team activities (OTAs) have started their second week, showcasing the players present and those who missed practice. Notably absent were outside linebacker BJ Ojulari, who is recovering from an ACL injury, and several newcomers including Josh Sweat, Bilal Nichols, Calais Campbell, and Dalvin Tomlinson. The absence of Justin Jones and Akeem Davis-Gaither is concerning as they were new to the list after attending last week. Budda Baker was seen working on the side, indicating a minor injury. Linebacker Zaven Collins confirmed that Sweat has been present in the building, heightening anticipation for his on-field debut.

The Arizona Cardinals have made significant strides this offseason, bolstering their roster, particularly on defense. Pro Football Focus has identified the trio of Kyler Murray, Trey McBride, and Budda Baker as the team's top players entering the 2025 season. Murray has shown flashes of his former self with an impressive 4.7% big-time throw rate, while McBride has emerged as a top-tier tight end, boasting an 89.8 receiving grade, second only to George Kittle. Baker's performance has been noteworthy too, achieving a career-high overall grade of 77.8.

However, there's debate over whether James Conner should be in this elite group, given his pivotal role in the 2024 offense alongside McBride. Looking ahead, the Cardinals are eyeing potential additions that could shake up this established trio, with prospects like Marvin Harrison Jr. and cornerback Garrett Williams on their radar.

In an evolving Arizona Cardinals defense, Budda Baker stands out as the centerpiece, drawing significant praise from NFL stars like George Kittle and Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel. Kittle highlighted the confusion Baker creates with his unpredictable movements, allowing the Cardinals to finish better than expected in defensive rankings despite their perceived lack of talent.

With Baker often appearing poised to blitz only to drop back into coverage, he complicates the opposing offense's planning, making it difficult to target the defense effectively. As the team adds new pieces, including significant investments in defensive talent, Baker's unique ability to adapt and disrupt remains crucial to their defensive strategy.