Rankings: Which Tough WRs Will the Cardinals Face in 2025?

The
Arizona Cardinals
‘Secondary is facing a tough lineup of wide receivers this season.’

Arizona faces a challenging lineup of wide receivers in 2025.

I
previously ranked each defense
On Arizona’s schedule and the significant decrease in experience, there isn’t anything similar for receivers. Actually, I only included ten players, with several others not making the list.

I don’t think the top-10 can be disputed, however, these items are not included on the list:

Calvin Ridley, Tennessee Titans

Brandon Aiyuk, San Francisco 49ers

Cooper Kupp, who plays for the Los Angeles Rams

Chris Olave, New Orleans Saints

Chris Godwin, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Jayden Reed, Green Bay Packers

Michael Pittman, Indianapolis Colts

…and I’m certain there are many others equally worthy of recognition.

However, the top-10 list remains unquestionable, and once you see it, you will comprehend why.

1. Ja’Marr Chase, from the Cincinnati Bengals

Maybe the top wide receiver in football will face off against the Cardinals for the second time in three seasons. The team from Arizona is counting on their much-improved defensive backfield to provide a tougher challenge this round following Chase’s impressive performance with 15 catches, 192 receiving yards, and three touchdowns last time they met.

Chase has concluded an exceptional individual season, securing only the fifth triple crown in history (127 catches, 1,708 yards, 17 TDs), which earned him a substantial contract extension. Few receivers match his caliber, and being just 25 years old, he’s poised to keep dominating opposing defenses.

2. CeeDee Lamb, from the Dallas Cowboys

If we consider the top receiver matchups for the Cardinals this season, Lamb could easily take second place behind Chase. Despite what some may call a down year, the Cowboys’ standout player managed an impressive stat line of 101 receptions for 1,194 yards and six scores, all while adapting to throws from three distinct signal-callers. This performance stands out as exceptional for most wideouts.

The player from Oklahoma ranks among the best in the league at his position and poses a significant challenge to any defense. With Dak Prescott fully healthy, their synergy could make Gallup an even greater menace against defensive backs.

3. Puka Nacua, Los Angeles Rams

It wasn’t long before the BYU star made waves in the NFL. In 2023, Nacua shattered rookie records for receiving yards, amassing an impressive total of 1,486 yards from 105 catches—the second-highest reception tally among rookies—and secured six touchdowns.

Despite mixed outcomes in their past encounters with Nacua over three games, Arizona recognizes his status as an exceptional receiver and one of the top players in the league. They have the unenviable task of going up against him two times each season.

4. Nico Collins, from the Houston Texans

In 2023, Collins emerged unexpectedly, racking up almost 1,300 yards following two strong initial seasons. After this, he managed to gain 1,006 yards over just 12 games. However, before getting injured, he was on track to top the league in receiving yards.

The bond between Collins and C.J. Stroud is unique, and they continue to enhance their synergy, becoming one of the most formidable duos in the league. Collins showcases his skills by effectively utilizing his height, swiftness, and reception abilities across every part of the field.

Arizona will face several challenges with him, but the absence of experienced players across from him might help restrain his impact.

5. Davante Adams, Los Angeles Rams

The seasoned veteran still proves his worth. Even after switching teams from the Raiders to the Jets during the previous season, Adams managed to accumulate more than 1,000 yards receiving for the fifth consecutive year, complemented by scoring eight touchdowns. Now at the mature age of 32 years, Adams shows signs of slowing down—but not as rapidly as many would expect.

Adams returned to California during the recent off-season and inked a two-year contract with the Rams to join forces with the mentioned Puka Nacua. His ability to be an asset near the end zone will nicely pair with Nacua’s skills, potentially allowing Adams to compete for the top spot in scoring, much like he has consistently achieved over his career.

6. Mike Evans, from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The future Hall of Famer might be slowing down slightly, yet he continues to accumulate significant yardage and boasts touchdown records across all end zones in the league. Last season, Evans achieved his 11th straight 1,000-yard receiving campaign along with scoring 12 touchdowns.

When the season begins, Evans will be 32 years old, yet he remains far from finished performing at his best. The Tampa Bay team also boasts players like Chris Godwin, Jalen McMillan, and their recent first-round draft pick, Emeka Egbuka, who can all help enhance Evans’ performance and create more one-on-one opportunities for him moving forward.

Arizona will have to choose which path to take when deciding whom to concentrate on, but Evans isn’t going to be an easy target.

7. Tee Higgins, from the Cincinnati Bengals

Following an intense “will he stay, will he go” contract discussion with the team, Higgins secured a lucrative deal alongside his partner Ja’Marr Chase, ensuring that the NFL’s top receiving pair remained together.

Higgins recently concluded what might be the most outstanding season of his career, amassing 911 yards and setting a personal record of 10 touchdowns over 12 games. He will remain within the same offensive system alongside the same set of teammates as he continues to progress.

When fit and well, Higgins is considered an elite wide receiver and could be the main target for numerous professional teams. However, with the Bengals, he takes on more of a supporting role alongside Chase, effectively playing second fiddle—yet he thrives in this capacity. Defending against either Higgins or Chase presents enough challenges; dealing with both simultaneously will test the Cardinals’ defense significantly.

8. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Seattle Seahawks

In 2024, Smith-Njigba had the breakthrough campaign everyone anticipated after not being fully fit since 2021. During the Rose Bowl, he broke the record for most receiving yards with an impressive total of 347 yards from 15 receptions. That same year, he also claimed his institution’s single-season record for receiving yards, amassing 1,606 yards.

There has never been doubt about his ability, just his health with JSN. Last year, he showcased his potential, and as we look ahead, he continues to improve. Moving forward, he will likely become a constant challenge for the Cardinals’ defense.

He is an ideal choice for Seattle to direct targets towards, and with a high volume of activity, JSN has the potential to become the key playmaker for the Seahawks.

9. Brian Thomas Jr., from the Jacksonville Jaguars

Thomas made an impressive NFL debut, catching for 87 receptions, accumulating 1,282 yards, and scoring 10 touchdowns. These remarkable stats were achieved despite playing alongside a injured Trevor Lawrence and Mac Jones, as well as being part of an overall underperforming team.

Jacksonville’s offense is set for significant improvement in 2025 as Lawrence returns to full fitness and new offensive coordinator Liam Coen assumes command. Thomas demonstrated his prowess last season and is expected to enhance even further. His combination of size and speed will pose challenges for the Cardinals’ defense.

10. Drake London from the Atlanta Falcons

Last season marked London’s breakout as he surpassed 1,000 receiving yards for the first time. The third-year player from USC managed to secure 100 catches for 1,271 yards and scored nine touchdowns, even though he had to deal with subpar quarterbacking from Kirk Cousins and Michael Penix Jr.

Atlanta is committed to Penix going forward, and the quarterback will likely target his tall receiver frequently. London’s substantial frame makes him a formidable option for one-on-one matchups that few Arizona defensive backs can handle effectively.

This piece was initially published on
www.si.com/nfl/cardinals
as
Rankings: Which Tough WRs Will The Cardinals Encounter in 2025?
.