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Mel Kiper mock draft predicts Arizona Cardinals trade up, draft Ty Simpson
TL;DR
Mel Kiper's final mock draft predicts the Arizona Cardinals will trade up to select quarterback Ty Simpson. Additionally, they are projected to draft pass rusher Arvell Reese with the third overall pick.
The 2026 NFL draft is just over a week away, and that means we will get some final projections from reporters and analysts in the form of mock drafts. Perhaps the biggest name in mock drafts is ESPN's Mel Kiper.
He released his final mock draft of the season, going two full rounds.
In these projections, he doesn't have the Arizona Cardinals taking an offensive tackle at all. He does, though, have them trading back into the first round. They land a pass rusher and a quarterback.
Round 1, No. 3 overall: Ohio State EDGE/LB Arvell Reese
Reese is a promising freak athlete, and he fills one of the Cardinals' greatest needs, giving them a pass rusher opposite Josh Sweat after the foursome of Zaven Collins, Baron Browning, Jordan Burch and BJ Ojulari combined for only 5.5 sacks.
If the Cardinals select him third overall, it means they view him as an edge defender, and it would make it four consecutive years drafting someone out of the Big Ten or SEC in the first round. He would be the third Ohio State player in four years in Round 1.
New coach Mike LaFleur will want some foundational players on his defense, and Reese has a sky-high ceiling. He has extended experience at off-ball linebacker and off the edge, and Arizona could use him at either spot. His future is probably rushing the passer, though, and he had 6.5 sacks last season. The Cardinals -- who were in the bottom five in pressure rate (28.5%) last season -- need someone such as Reese opposite Josh Sweat in a division that features quarterbacks Matthew Stafford, Sam Darnold and Brock Purdy.
Cardinals-Dolphins trade
To move back into the first round, the Cardinals give the Miami Dolphins the 34th and 65th picks (their second and third-round picks) for No. 30 and No. 94, meaning they would still have a pick in the third round.
Round 1, No. 30 overall: Alabama QB Ty Simpson
The Kyler Murray era is over, but I'm not putting a lot of stock in Jacoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew being anything more than bridge options. The Cardinals could absolutely wait until 2027 to find their next franchise QB, and this small trade up at the end of Round 1 wouldn't keep them from doing so anyway. But there's an opportunity for Arizona to land a talented passer at good value.
You might have heard that Simpson has started only 15 games, and that lack of experience is a concern. But he is also accurate, mobile and smart in the way he dissects opponent defenses. He threw 28 touchdown passes to only five interceptions last season. Why not take a swing at the most important position in the game?
This is a trade that isn't terrible. They don't end up losing any picks. They move up four spots at the cost of moving back 29 in the third round.
This only makes sense if the Cardinals feel that Simpson is the long-term answer at quarterback. If that is the case, of course they should do it. But it does likely mean betting jobs on it.
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 Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.
This article originally appeared on Cards Wire: Mel Kiper mock draft predicts Cardinals trade up, draft Ty Simpson
Q&A
Why are the Arizona Cardinals trading up in the 2026 NFL draft?
The Arizona Cardinals are trading up to secure a quarterback, specifically Ty Simpson, to enhance their roster.
Who is Ty Simpson and why is he a top draft pick?
Ty Simpson is a highly regarded quarterback prospect known for his strong performance in college, making him a valuable pick for teams in need of a quarterback.
What position will the Arizona Cardinals draft with the third overall pick?
The Arizona Cardinals are projected to draft pass rusher Arvell Reese with the third overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft.
What are the implications of the Cardinals trading back into the first round?
Trading back into the first round allows the Cardinals to address multiple needs, including acquiring a quarterback and a pass rusher, which could significantly impact their future performance.
