The Arizona Cardinals are exploring various options for the upcoming NFL draft, including selecting a quarterback and addressing key positions like edge rusher and offensive tackle. The unpredictability of this year's draft adds to the excitement as they prepare for their No. 3 overall pick.
Key points
Arizona Cardinals have the No. 3 overall pick in the NFL draft.
They may target positions like edge rusher, linebacker, or offensive tackle.
Fernando Mendoza is the top quarterback prospect this year.
The draft's unpredictability creates various possibilities for the Cardinals.
Mentioned in this story
Fernando Mendoza
Arizona Cardinals
The beauty of this year’s NFL draft lies in its unpredictability. Beyond Fernando Mendoza, there is no consensus atop the first round. That stems from a lack of blue-chip prospects, but it creates an element of uncertainty that rarely exists by mid-April.
It also means that a world of possibilities remain on the table for the Arizona Cardinals. They could opt for any of four different positions (edge rusher, linebacker, offensive tackle, running back) at No. 3 overall. They could seek a quarterback solution with their next pick. They could fortify the offensive line or bolster the defense.
Here is our latest attempt to make sense of the uncertainty, with a seven-round Cardinals mock draft.
Arizona Cardinals president Michael Bidwill with former Cardinals star cornerback Patrick Peterson during his retirement news conference at the Cardinals' Tempe facility on April 14, 2025.
Arizona Cardinals guard Jonathan Cooper (61) against the Green Bay Packers at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, on Dec. 27, 2015.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Deone Bucannon.
Arizona Cardinals offensive tackle D.J. Humphries (74) yells towards the fans after taking a 18-15 lead in the fourth quarter during NFL action against the San Francisco 49ers on Oct. 28 at State Farm Stadium.
Q&A
What positions could the Arizona Cardinals target in the NFL draft?
The Arizona Cardinals could target edge rusher, linebacker, offensive tackle, or running back in the NFL draft.
Who is the top quarterback prospect in the 2024 NFL draft?
Fernando Mendoza is currently considered the top quarterback prospect in the 2024 NFL draft.
What is the significance of the Cardinals' No. 3 overall pick?
The No. 3 overall pick gives the Cardinals a chance to select a high-impact player or address a critical position in their roster.
How does the unpredictability of this year's NFL draft affect the Cardinals?
The unpredictability allows the Cardinals to explore multiple strategies and positions, enhancing their options for building a competitive team.
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Arizona Cardinals defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche (90) is introduced before playing against the Chicago Bears at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. September 23, 2018.
Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker (3) celebrates his interception against the Jacksonville Jaguars at State Farm Stadium on Nov. 23, 2025.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen (3) looks to pass against the Seattle Seahawks during the first quarter at CenturyLink Field in Seattle, on Dec. 30, 2026.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) makes a throw against the Tennessee Titans during the fourth quarter at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, on Oct. 5, 2025.
Cardinals linebacker Isaiah Simmons (9) runs after an interception against the Patriots during the first half of a game at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Dec. 12, 2022.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Zaven Collins (25) against the Kansas City Chiefs during a preseason NFL game at State Farm Stadium in Aug. 9, 2025, in Glendale.
Cardinals offensive lineman Paris Johnson Jr. (70) warms up during a preseason game at State Farm Stadium on Aug. 9, 2025, in Glendale.
Marvin Harrison Jr. #18 of the Arizona Cardinals makes a catch ahead of Daron Bland #26 of the Dallas Cowboys during the second quarter in the game at AT&T Stadium on Nov. 3, 2025, in Arlington, Texas.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Walter Nolen III (97) is introduced before their game against the San Francisco 49ers at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Nov. 16, 2025.
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Arizona Cardinals 1st-round NFL draft picks over the years
Arizona Cardinals president Michael Bidwill with former Cardinals star cornerback Patrick Peterson during his retirement news conference at the Cardinals' Tempe facility on April 14, 2025.
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Arizona Cardinals 1st-round NFL draft picks over the years
Arizona Cardinals president Michael Bidwill with former Cardinals star cornerback Patrick Peterson during his retirement news conference at the Cardinals' Tempe facility on April 14, 2025.
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Arizona Cardinals 1st-round NFL draft picks over the years
Arizona Cardinals guard Jonathan Cooper (61) against the Green Bay Packers at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, on Dec. 27, 2015.
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Arizona Cardinals 1st-round NFL draft picks over the years
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Deone Bucannon.
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Arizona Cardinals 1st-round NFL draft picks over the years
Arizona Cardinals offensive tackle D.J. Humphries (74) yells towards the fans after taking a 18-15 lead in the fourth quarter during NFL action against the San Francisco 49ers on Oct. 28 at State Farm Stadium.
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Arizona Cardinals 1st-round NFL draft picks over the years
Arizona Cardinals defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche (90) is introduced before playing against the Chicago Bears at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. September 23, 2018.
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Arizona Cardinals 1st-round NFL draft picks over the years
Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker (3) celebrates his interception against the Jacksonville Jaguars at State Farm Stadium on Nov. 23, 2025.
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Arizona Cardinals 1st-round NFL draft picks over the years
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen (3) looks to pass against the Seattle Seahawks during the first quarter at CenturyLink Field in Seattle, on Dec. 30, 2026.
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Arizona Cardinals 1st-round NFL draft picks over the years
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) makes a throw against the Tennessee Titans during the fourth quarter at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, on Oct. 5, 2025.
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Arizona Cardinals 1st-round NFL draft picks over the years
Cardinals linebacker Isaiah Simmons (9) runs after an interception against the Patriots during the first half of a game at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Dec. 12, 2022.
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Arizona Cardinals 1st-round NFL draft picks over the years
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Zaven Collins (25) against the Kansas City Chiefs during a preseason NFL game at State Farm Stadium in Aug. 9, 2025, in Glendale.
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Arizona Cardinals 1st-round NFL draft picks over the years
Cardinals offensive lineman Paris Johnson Jr. (70) warms up during a preseason game at State Farm Stadium on Aug. 9, 2025, in Glendale.
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Arizona Cardinals 1st-round NFL draft picks over the years
Marvin Harrison Jr. #18 of the Arizona Cardinals makes a catch ahead of Daron Bland #26 of the Dallas Cowboys during the second quarter in the game at AT&T Stadium on Nov. 3, 2025, in Arlington, Texas.
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Arizona Cardinals 1st-round NFL draft picks over the years
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Walter Nolen III (97) is introduced before their game against the San Francisco 49ers at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Nov. 16, 2025.
Round 1, No. 3 overall: Arvell Reese, Edge/LB, Ohio State
The New York Jets, at No. 2 overall, have increasingly been linked to Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey. Within the past week, he has gone from +220 to -115, per DraftKings, to be the selection there — usurping Reese, who had long been seen as the most likely Jets’ pick.
If Reese is indeed available for the Cardinals, it would be hard to go elsewhere.
There is certainly risk to his profile. An off-ball linebacker by trade, he moved into a hybrid role last season at Ohio State and used his elite athleticism to disrupt the quarterback when aligned as an edge rusher. But he remains — by his own admission — raw in that area and needs to develop a full arsenal of pass-rush moves. That creates risk, and an understandable tendency to label Reese as a prospect without a position.
His ceiling, though, is immense. He’s an excellent off-ball linebacker prospect who could, in turn, develop into a do-everything weapon for a defensive front. The Cardinals could go for the safe pick at a non-premium position in running back Jeremiyah Love, or reach on a right tackle in Francis Mauigoa, but Reese’s upside is unmatched by the other options here.
Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson (15) runs the ball in the second half against the Oklahoma Sooners at Gaylord Family OK Memorial Stadium on Dec. 19, 2025.
Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson (15) runs the ball in the second half against the Oklahoma Sooners at Gaylord Family OK Memorial Stadium on Dec. 19, 2025.
It’s hard to ignore the buzz surrounding Simpson. They hosted the quarterback for a visit on Wednesday, April 15 — the final day teams can do so — and have repeatedly been linked to him by national insiders. Their front office, naturally, is aware of their need for a quarterback. And if betting markets are your thing, Simpson is now +105 to end up in Arizona.
It makes sense, too. Simpson is clearly the second-best quarterback prospect in this class, behind Mendoza. What he lacks in standout physical traits or starting experience, he makes up for in mental acumen. And, crucially, Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort is 15-36 in his role. There is a need to show that the organization is on the right path, and a quarterback can make that happen quickly.
The Cardinals could land Simpson at No. 34 overall, but trading into the first round would give them an extra year of team control, as first-round draft picks have a fifth-year option on their rookie contracts.
Nov 23, 2024; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines defensive end Cameron Brandt (91) rushes on defense at Northwestern Wildcats offensive lineman Caleb Tiernan (72) in the second half t Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Nov 23, 2024; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines defensive end Cameron Brandt (91) rushes on defense at Northwestern Wildcats offensive lineman Caleb Tiernan (72) in the second half t Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
With a glaring need at right tackle, the Cardinals have met with at least three second-tier prospects at the position, including Tiernan. He’s not the most natural athlete, but has an imposing 6-foot-7 frame and is one of the more technically advanced players in the class, with 44 career college starts. He could compete for the Cardinals’ right tackle job from Day 1, even if his ceiling is limited.
American defensive tackle Chris Mcclellan (97) of Missouri of Boston College works in a drill during American Senior Bowl practice at Hancock Whitney Stadium in Mobile, Ala., on Jan. 29, 2026.
American defensive tackle Chris Mcclellan (97) of Missouri of Boston College works in a drill during American Senior Bowl practice at Hancock Whitney Stadium in Mobile, Ala., on Jan. 29, 2026.
Round 4, No. 104 overall: Chris McClellan, DT, Missouri
Each year since Ossenfort has been in Arizona, he has had to invest anew in defensive tackle help in free agency — often with minimal success. To stop the trend, the Cardinals will need to continue taking swings on defensive tackles in the draft, as they did last year with Walter Nolen in the first round. McClellan is not Nolen, of course, but he’s an imposing run stuffer who can immediately step into a rotational role.
Offensive lineman Billy Schrauth, right, during Notre Dame football's Pro Day at Irish Athletic Center on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, in South Bend.
Offensive lineman Billy Schrauth, right, during Notre Dame football's Pro Day at Irish Athletic Center on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, in South Bend.
Round 5, No. 143 overall: Billy Schrauth, G, Notre Dame
The Cardinals have a handful of young guards contending for playing time, but they do not yet have a clear, long-term answer on the right side. And on the left side, Isaac Seumalo is a veteran playing on what is effectively a two-year contract. As such, a late-round addition would be beneficial. Schrauth could fit the bill. A second-team All-American, he grew up as one of eight siblings on a farm in Wisconsin and is noted for his aggressive play demeanor. Does anything scream interior offensive lineman more than that description?
Reggie Virgil #1 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders celebrates alongside Coy Eakin #3 after scoring a 12-yard touchdown reception against the Arizona State Sun Devils during the fourth quarter at Mountain America Stadium on Oct. 18, 2025, in Tempe.
Reggie Virgil #1 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders celebrates alongside Coy Eakin #3 after scoring a 12-yard touchdown reception against the Arizona State Sun Devils during the fourth quarter at Mountain America Stadium on Oct. 18, 2025, in Tempe.
Virgil is the only wide receiver with whom the Cardinals have thus far been reported to meet, and the fit makes sense. His 4.57-second 40-yard dash time doesn’t stand out, but he has good play speed and is at his best on vertical, downfield routes. He likely wouldn’t have a significant role right away, but could eventually be the type of threat who helps open up the rest of the offense for Arizona’s top playmakers.
By the seventh round, position no longer matters. Every pick is a swing on upside — finding a special teamer here is a win. Dugger has all the traits to develop into that type of a player, with standout size and athleticism. He could make the roster with a role on special teams and grow from there.