The Arizona Cardinals have finished no better than third in the NFC West over the past three seasons. Their last playoff appearance came in 2021, when they lost in the Wild Card round.
But after multiple drafts aimed at reshaping the roster, there’s growing belief the Cardinals could be poised for a breakthrough in 2025.
Arizona’s 2024 draft class was especially notable, featuring 12 total picks. Among them was Florida State running back Trey Benson, who may be in line for a breakout sophomore season.
"Benson’s speed and explosiveness flashed in limited touches as a rookie. Entering 2025, the Cardinals are expected to put more on his plate for a player who provides a home-run dimension to the Arizona offense," wrote Ryan Fowler of The Draft Network.
"With 4.3 speed at 210-plus pounds, Benson is built to be a three-down back in today’s NFL. What separates him? Suddenness and the way he is able to maintain top-end speed through contact. While James Conner may remain a part of the equation, the Cardinals’ goal is to build around Kyler Murray’s mobility while surrounding him with explosive weapons. Benson averaged more than 4.5 yards per carry as a rookie and is a threat to score from anywhere on the field—it’s hard to keep those types of players on the sideline."
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Benson was the first of four third-round selections by the Cardinals, taken No. 66 overall. In 13 games last season, he rushed for 291 yards and one touchdown on 63 carries. A late-season ankle injury limited his production, but the flashes were there.
When asked back in February about Benson’s development, Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon didn’t hold back his optimism.
"If (Trey) takes the necessary jump from Year 1 to Year 2, I think we have two starting backs," Gannon said. "That's how I view those guys. You see certain teams out there with two '1s,' I would say, and I think we should have two '1s' next year."
If Benson can pair with Conner to solidify the backfield while Marvin Harrison Jr. develops as a top weapon on the outside, all eyes will turn to Kyler Murray. The pressure is on for the former No. 1 overall pick to finally put together the season Arizona has been waiting for.