Arizona Cardinals have a Day 2 expected to have impactful rookie year

When the Arizona Cardinals selected running back Jeremiyah Love third overall in the 2026 NFL draft, he immediately came with expectations of making an impact as a rookie. However, he might not be the only draft pick to have a major impact for the Cardinals this coming season.

ESPN's Field Yates listed 10 offensive players and 10 defensive players drafted after the first round who could make an impact as rookies.

The first player listed was the Cardinals' second-round pick, offensive lineman Chase Bisontis.

It should not be surprising that the second pick of Day 2 is expected to have a legitimate early role. However, I'm particularly enthused by Bisontis' short-term outlook because of Arizona's needs on the right side of its line. While I fully expect Bisontis to settle in as the starting right guard, his experience as a right tackle as a freshman at Texas A&M indicates that he has the necessary versatility to play significant snaps immediately.

With the free agent signing of Isaac Seumalo, who has been a left guard for several years, Bisontis probably won't play his college position. That means he only needs to beat out Isaiah Adams for the starting right guard job.

As for the possibility of playing right tackle, he played that his freshman year because of injuries on the team. He likely won't play tackle in the pros. And while many view right tackle as a position of need, they do have options. Elijah Wilkinson signed a two-year deal in free agency after he played every snap at right tackle in 2025 for the Atlanta Falcons.

Bisontis was projected to be drafted as high as the late first round, so the idea of him being an impact player is almost expected. We will see where he works in OTAs and training camp.