5 players to know for the Arizona Cardinals' first-round pick at No. 16 overall
5 players to know for the Arizona Cardinals' first-round pick at No. 16 overall John Gambadoro gives Cardinals fans the names to know for the team's first-round selection at No. 16 overall.
It has been a tradition the day before the NFL draft for years here in the Phoenix area. Arizona Sports 98.7 FM host and reporter John Gambadoro gives Arizona Cardinals five names to know for the team's first-round pick in the draft. He gives five names of which the team will make their pick, and it has been quite accurate. From predicting Hasson Reddick, Isaiah Simmons and Zaven Collins in the first round and even second-round picks like Budda Baker and Christian Kirk, the "Gambo 5" is always worth paying attention to.
He released his "Gambo 5" on Wednesday, the eve of the 2025 NFL draft.
Here is what there is to know.
Which players were eliminated from consideration
Gambadoro ruled out the following players because of their positions. He doesn't believe that the Cardinals will target receiver or cornerback in the first round.
Texas WR Matthew Golden
Missouri WR Luther Burden III
Notre Dame CB Banjamin Morrison
Michigan CB Will Johnson
Texas CB Jahdae Barron
Eliminated for No. 16
A couple of pass rushers were the last cuts, although they could end up being targets if the Cardinals trade back from the 16th pick.
Tennessee EDGE James Pearce Jr.
Texas A&M EDGE Shemar Stewart
The 'Gambo 5' names to know
Gambadoro actually gives us six names — his five plus an honorable mention wild card.
Alabama G Tyler Booker
Ohio State OT Josh Simmons
Texas OT Kelvin Banks
Ole Miss DT Walter Nolen
Georgia EDGE Mykel Williams
(Honorable mention) Oregon DT Derrick Harmon
Based on what has been coming out in final mock drafts with some guys who are dialed in around the league, Banks and Williams probably will be off the board, already selected before the 16th pick. That would leave Booker, Simmons and Nolen.
Booker fills the most immediate need, as he would be able to slide into the starting right guard spot from Day 1. Simmons could perhaps do that as well and would then be the right tackle of the future. He has a knee injury that he is recovering from, but the latest intel suggests that teams aren't too concerned.
Nolen would add to an already deep defensive line room.
The same would go for Harmon. Both Harmon and Nolen are incredible talents.
They are all names to know. The actual NFL draft begins Thursday at 5 p.m. Arizona time.
Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire's Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.
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