👋 GOOD MORNING
Happy Thursday! NFL Draft day is here, and I hope you’re ready! Make sure to tune in to our live show tonight, from Gila River Resorts and Casinos – Wild Horse Pass, as our PHNX Cardinals team provides instant reaction to the Cardinals’ 16th overall selection (or wherever they pick, if there’s a trade).
The show kicks off at 4:30 pm, and you can catch it right here. Of course, if you’d like to be there live-and-in-person, doors open at 4 pm, and you can either purchase tickets beforehand, or at the door! You’ll also enjoy an all-you-can-eat buffet, drink tickets and raffles throughout the night.
One last note: Remember, if you want to get this delivered to your inbox every morning, you can sign up for the newsletter right here, and I’ll keep you in the loop with everything going on this summer! Don’t miss a beat!
On to the show!
4 Local Players To Watch At The NFL Draft
The day is finally here.
After months of mock drafts and trade speculation, the 2025 NFL Draft kicks off tonight! All eyes will be tuned in during the first round festivities in Green Bay, but don’t lose sight of the rest of the selections throughout the weekend, because there are plenty of storylines to follow along with.
But what about the local gridiron heroes? Here’s a look at a few of the most prominent NFL hopefuls that maintain Arizona ties:
Local Prospects Set to Make Their Mark on NFL Draft
Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
Fran’s Big Board ranking: 17
Considered by some to be the top wide receiver in the NFL Draft, McMillan will almost assuredly have an instant impact with whatever NFL team he joins. “T-Mac” tied for second in overall score among wideouts at the combine according to NFL Next Gen Stats, and the 6-foot-4 receiver is projected by most to go in the top 10 of the draft, potentially as high as six. If that happens it would mark the second consecutive year that a Wildcat is taken in the first round; tackle Jordan Morgan was taken 25th overall by Green Bay last year.
Cam Skattebo, RB, Arizona State
Fran’s Big Board ranking: 146
Few players have been as polarizing as the Sun Devils‘ star running back. Critics will tell you he’s undersized and lacks speed, while his supporters (including basically everyone in Tempe) will tell you he’s got the talent, drive and work ethic of a budding young star. He has been likened to Detroit’s David Montgomery, and though he’s projected by most to go in rounds three or four, he will likely make any team better in the long run.
Jonah Savaiinaea, OL, Arizona
Fran’s Big Board ranking: 41
Savaiinaea reportedly met with the Giants yesterday, and the under-appreciated offensive lineman is projected by most as a first-or-second rounder. He’s got plenty of athleticism and strength, though the two-year starter is known more for his pass protection than his run blocking. The Wildcats will certainly make their mark on this year’s draft!
Tyler Shough, QB, Louisville (Chandler Hamilton High School)
Fran’s Big Board ranking: 54
No, you’re not seeing things. Shough finally exhausted his eligibility following a six-year collegiate career, which featured stops at Oregon (2019, 2020), Texas Tech (2021-2023) and Louisville (2024). The 25-year-old Chandler native is considered a solid prospect at quarterback, and reportedly just had a pre-draft meeting with the New York Jets. Shough, who graduated high school the same year as 49ers QB Brock Purdy, has battled his fair share of injuries, but is still projected to be a second-or-third round pick.
Take a deeper dive: Check out the PHNX Cardinals 100, a big board all about how Arizona can address its biggest needs.
Musings From Around (and Sometimes Beyond) The Valley
Win or Go Home: The Tucson Roadrunners fell 4-3 in Game 1 of their first-round matchup against Abbotsford yesterday, making tonight’s Game 2 a must-win. If Tucson does pull out the win, a deciding Game 3 will be played in Abbotsford on Saturday.
No Rays of Sunshine: The D-backs fell 7-6 to the Rays in 11 innings last night, snapping their two-game winning streak while evening the series at one game each. Arizona faces Tampa once more tonight before hosting the Braves for a three-game set Friday through Sunday.
Paul Ray’s Power: Multi-sport athlete Paul Ray Powell will have his number added to the Sun Devil Baseball Wall of Honor this Saturday, a nod to the center fielder’s massive contributions to the program. Powell, who also played football at ASU, joins other legends such as Dustin Pedroia, Barry Bonds and Reggie Jackson as players who have earned the honor.
🧢 Tip of the Hat by Branded Bills
Make sure to catch up on the PHNX Cardinals’ final predictions heading into tonight’s draft!
