The Arizona Cardinals should try to keep these five Sun Devils in their native country by selecting them in the draft.

It goes without saying that Arizona State Sun Devils football exceeded all expectations in 2024. They succeeded because of excellent coaching and outstanding football players, many of whom will return for 2025. Naturally, they are losing certain players, and some of them may end up joining the Arizona Cardinals.

The Cardinals have historically been ready to take chances on their own players, and this year’s class should provide them a select few to choose from. A handful of the leaving Sun Devils are difference makers, so you would make an exception to include them even though they don’t necessarily address Arizona’s urgent requirements or gaps.

Even if there are only one ASU “big name” player selected in the 2025 NFL Draft, the few that are available have had an impact on the program and have demonstrated the ability to make the move to the professional ranks. The Sun Devils that I like the best to make it to the Cardinals are these few:

I have nicknamed him “The People’s Running Back,” and he is a Sun Devil legend and superstar. Skattebo has 1,711 yards in 13 games, 605 receiving yards, and 24 total touchdowns, setting the ASU single-season rushing record. We’ve seen enough to know he’s a unique player and just terrific at football, even though scouts don’t see the height, speed, or athleticism required to advance.

There is no need for another running back for the Cardinals. Trey Benson, a second-year player, will be James Conner’s main backup after the Pro Bowler signed an extension this offseason. Michael Carter Jr. and Emari Demercado are also listed on the team’s depth chart.

It might be considered a luxury to choose Skattebo, who is probably a day two pick, with one of Arizona’s few draft picks, but Valley football fans would be more than willing to ignore all of that and turn him into an Arizona sports legend.

Guillory was a member of Kenny Dillingham’s first transfer portal class in 2023, and his results were a tad unimpressive. In two seasons, Guillory piled up 43 receptions for 565 yards and six touchdowns. Although Guillory did miss three games in 2023 and another this season, the figures weren’t very noteworthy. Nevertheless, Guillory was always prepared for a major play. Guillory got 61 yards in a thrilling game against BYU and scored two touchdowns on two catches against Iowa State in the Big 12 Championship Game.

I’m not sure if Guillory fits in at the next level. I am aware that he is 200 pounds and 6’2″, has the pace, and obviously has the playmaking ability to at least try out for a job. The Cardinals’ receiving room includes two established players and then a bunch of bodies. I think Guillory stacks up well with the bottom of the room and can push the men ahead of him.

During his tenure at Arizona State and UNLV, the veteran starting center established himself as a deserving starter. Fautanu has started 47 straight games and played more than 3,300 snaps. When he was named to the First Team All-Big 12 Conference in 2024, everything fell into place.

Fautanu was the epitome of consistency and missed just one snap in two seasons, which occurred in 2024 when his helmet came off and he was forced off the field for a single play. However, ASU struggled along the offensive line during his two seasons in the desert. Additionally, Fautanu was excellent with the Sun Devils, giving up just four pressures in 2024. Arizona’s offensive line needs depth, and Fautanu has the ability to be a starter at the next level while still having good depth.

As someone who stuck with the program through its highs and lows, I’ve been saying for months that McCullough should be a fan favorite. During his five seasons at Arizona State, McCullough barely played between 2020 and 2022. McCullough was informed that although they wanted Dillingham to stay, they would understand if he left when he visited the program in 2023.

I’ve been arguing for months that McCullough should be a fan favorite since I’ve been with the program through all of its highs and lows. From 2020 to 2022, McCullough hardly played in his five seasons at Arizona State. When Dillingham visited the program in 2023, McCullough was told that while they wanted him to stay, they would understand if he left.

Nothing particularly noteworthy about his NFL chances leaps out; he is an average athlete and player overall. I think McCullough has a chance to make it to a practice squad and establish himself on special teams. However, considering his perseverance and maturity, I could see McCullough becoming well-known in the future.

For the two seasons that Simmons attended ASU, he was perhaps the team’s top defender. Ten pass deflections, two interceptions, and 145 tackles were recorded by the seasoned defensive back. In 2024 alone, Simmons also made four mistakes. Due to injuries at the position and depth at safety, Simmons moved to nickel cornerback, which is what made him so valuable to the Sun Devils, particularly last season. He responded with a team MVP-caliber season, becoming arguably the best run defender on the team while maintaining elite coverage ability.

With his versatility, experience, and ability to create plays, Simmons is a unique player. It doesn’t matter if he is selected as a safety or cornerback in the next round; he is just a good football player.

It wouldn’t take Simmons long to find the field, even in a secondary full of youthful talent, and the Cardinals could use more talented football players.

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