NFL mock draft: Arizona Cardinals trade back into Round 1, not for QB

What will the Arizona Cardinals do in the first round of the 2026 NFL draft? Many are expecting them to trade back into the back of the first round to get quarterback Ty Simpson.

In the final mock draft for NFL.com's Lance Zierlein, the Cardinals made a trade and get back into the first round, but it isn't get a quarterback. It is to get an offensive lineman.

With the third overall pick, with all the chatter about running back Jeremiyah Love, that is who they take third overall.

It turns out the late smoke comes from a fire. If the Cardinals can't trade the pick, they stick and take their best available, regardless of positional value.

That would mean passing on Ohio State's Arvell Reese, who doesn't get drafted until the sixth pick in these predictions.

Then the Cardinals move back into the first round, moving from the 34th pick in the draft to the 26th overall selection, making a deal with the Buffalo Bills. It does not specify what it costs the Cardinals, but such a move would be expected if a quarterback is the target. It isn't.

They take Clemson tackle Blake Miller after trading up.

Getting a running back in Round 1 is questionable to begin with, considering the roster construction. A tackle makes sense, but it will depend on what it costs.

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