Injuries Pave the Way for New Talent

The Arizona Cardinals' cornerback room faced a significant shakeup early in the 2025 NFL season. With the loss of Sean Murphy-Bunting and Starling Thomas V to knee injuries, the team turned to a trio of young cornerbacks—Garrett Williams, Max Melton, and Will Johnson—to fill the void. These players, though inexperienced, have shown promise and are ready to take on the challenge.

Garrett Williams: A Versatile Asset

Garrett Williams, drafted in 2023, has been a standout player for the Cardinals. Despite recovering from an ACL injury during his college years, Williams has quickly adapted to the NFL. This season, he has taken on a dual-position role, playing both outside cornerback and nickel corner. His ability to switch positions seamlessly has been crucial for the Cardinals' defense.

"It's been cool," Williams said. "I think the good thing is at Syracuse, I think it's a lot of the similar stuff that I'm asked to do here, and so it's just really just the biggest thing of just getting the reps and just getting that comfortable."

Will Johnson: A Quick Learner

Will Johnson, a second-round pick from Michigan, has also made a significant impact. His quick grasp of the playbook and ability to defend against top receivers have earned him a spot with the first team. Despite some early mistakes, Johnson has shown resilience and a willingness to learn.

"He's showing that he can go out there and hang with some really good receivers," defensive coordinator Nick Rallis said. "He's got improvements to make, still."

Max Melton: Ready for the Spotlight

Max Melton, entering his second season, has been lining up as the other outside corner. Despite some rocky performances in his rookie year, Melton has shown significant growth and is ready to take on a more prominent role.

"I can't wait for it," Melton said. "This is every kid's dream. Everybody wants to start in the NFL one day or just be in the NFL period."

Building a Strong Future

The Cardinals' coaching staff is focused on molding these young players into the type of defensive backs they envision. With detailed coaching and a supportive environment, the team believes these cornerbacks can reach their full potential.

"We get very, very detailed," cornerbacks coach Ryan Smith said. "And for me as the coach...I feel like I'm a teacher that's teaching ninth grade, 10th grade, 11th grade, and 12th grade."

Conclusion

Despite the challenges posed by injuries, the Arizona Cardinals' young cornerbacks are stepping up to the plate. With their versatility, resilience, and determination, they are poised to make a significant impact in the 2025 NFL season.