Arizona Cardinals Targeting Specific Position at 3 + Trade Into Late First-Round

After months of evaluations and debates, the 2026 NFL Draft finally kicks off on April 23 with the first round of the event. The Arizona Cardinals have the third overall pick in the first round, and there’s been a lot of mystery as to which direction general manager Monti Ossenfort is headed in.

The Cardinals could take an offensive tackle, but with Paris Johnson entrenched on the left side, picking a right tackle feels like a reach at No. 3. Pass-rusher should be in play, but the Cardinals are already committed to a $76 million contract with Josh Sweat, though he could certainly use help on the other side.

Meanwhile, there has also been chatter of the Cardinals being open to trading down, where they’d have a greater chance at addressing multiple needs for a team without an identity, or even a starting quarterback for 2026.

According to Essentially Sports’ NFL insider Tony Pauline, the Cardinals “want an edge rusher with the third pick, likely meaning David Bailey if he gets past the Jets.” Pauline adds that “Ossenfort will look to move into the bottom of Round 1 and draft quarterback Ty Simpson if the opportunity arises.”

Seeing Simpson become a first-round pick would come as a draft day surprise, but it’s not far off from his projections as a second-round selection. Plus, QBs are often selected ahead of projections, and in a year where Simpson may be viewed as the only other starting-caliber option as a rookie outside of Fernando Mendoza, it makes sense for the Cardinals to make sure they get their guy.

For now, the Cardinals have seven draft selections, one in each round. That includes 3, No. 32, and No. 65. Chances are, at least one of those selections will be used on a QB, and it won’t be No. 3.

Related: Kansas City Chiefs Working on Big Trade in 2026 NFL Draft

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