2026 NFL draft: A QB for every round

The Arizona Cardinals have a number of needs they will try to address in the 2026 NFL draft. They really could go with any position during the draft.

Over the next few articles, we will go over players who could be targets in each round.

Let's have a look at the quarterback position.

Round 1: Fernando Mendoza, Indiana

Mendoza will go first overall, but the Cardinals have the third pick, so if something crazy happened, they could get him.

Round 2: Ty Simpson, Alabama

Simpson is likely going to go in Round 1, and the Cardinals will likely be the team who goes up to get him, but many mock drafts have him going to the Cardinals in the second round.

Round 3: Garrett Nussneier, LSU

There was a time when Nussmeier was thought to be a guy who could be the top pick in the draft. Turnovers, a dreadful LSU season and some injuries have pushed him down, but he has some tools.

Round 4: Cole Payton, North Dakota State

He is big and very athletic. He does a lot of things NFL teams will like, but he comes from a small school.

Round 5: Carson Beck, Miami

Beck has played a ton of football and has won. He is smart and has the right size, but his arm strength took a hit last year after UCL surgery. He is a high-floor player.

Round 6: Taylen Green, Arkansas

He is an elite runner with sprinter speed (4.36 seconds in the 40). His physical traits will make a team want to try and develop him.

Round 7: Cade Klubnik, Florida

In 2024, he had 36 touchdown passes and only six interceptions.

Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire's Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on ,  or .