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NFL mock draft: Arizona Cardinals get OT, QB in 7-round mock draft
TL;DR
The Arizona Cardinals are preparing for the NFL draft with one selection in each round, focusing on their pressing need for a defensive edge. In a recent mock draft, they notably did not address this need until Day 3, raising concerns about their strategy.
The NFL draft is just over a week away, and the Arizona Cardinals have one selection in every round. One of their biggest needs, and perhaps their most pressing one, is on the defensive edge. They have Josh Sweat, who had a career-high 12 sacks in 2025, but he had almost no production in the fourth quarter of games, and the rest of the outside linebackers combined for only 5.5 sacks.
It is a need that feels like an absolute must to address, especially since they did exactly zero to change the outside linebacker room this offseason. To ignore it early in the draft would feel like a failure.
And that is what happens in a seven-round mock draft from The Athletic's Dane Brugler. The Cardinals pass on perhaps the best pass rusher in the draft and then don't address the defensive edge until Day 3.
Cardinals 7-round mock draft results
- Round 1: Miami OT Francis Mauigoa
- Round 2: Alabama QB Ty Simpson
- Round 3: Georgia WR Zachariah Branch
- Round 4: Alabama EDGE LT Overton
- Round 5: Houston CB Latrell McCutchin Sr.
- Round 6: Alabama C Parker Brailsford
- Round 7: Boston College EDGE Quintayvious Hutchins
Analysis of mock draft picks
Well, the Tennessee Titans had the Cardinals' perfect combination of picks for Rounds 1 and 2. The Cardinals could have had pass rusher David Bailey and tackle Max Iheanachor. They were selected by the Titans the pick after the Cardinals made their selections.
Taking a tackle third overall is a reach with Bailey available, and that leads to passing on Iheanachor, instead taking a quarterback who likely needs a good team to be successful, and the Cardinals are not a good team.
Branch has blazing speed, but he is little. While Greg Dortch was built similarly, he was already on the team. Every receiver they have added in the last three years has been at least six feet tall. Branch is under 5-9.
Overton is a strong player who doesn't have great burst.
McCutchin is the pick that makes sense, as the Cardinals love drafting cornerbacks, and he is long and athletic.
Nothing is exciting about either of their final two picks.
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This article originally appeared on Cards Wire: NFL mock draft: Arizona Cardinals get OT, QB in 7-round mock draft
Q&A
What are the Arizona Cardinals' biggest needs in the 2026 NFL draft?
The Arizona Cardinals' biggest needs include strengthening their defensive edge, particularly at outside linebacker, where they had limited production last season.
Who is the best pass rusher in the 2026 NFL draft that the Cardinals might miss?
While the article does not specify a name, it indicates that the Cardinals may pass on the best pass rusher available in the draft, which could be a significant oversight.
When is the 2026 NFL draft scheduled to take place?
The 2026 NFL draft is just over a week away from the time of the article's publication, although the exact date is not provided.
