NFL mock draft: Bucky Brooks projects Arvell Reese to Arizona Cardinals
TL;DR
The 2026 NFL draft starts Thursday at 8 p.m. ET, with Bucky Brooks projecting Ohio State EDGE/LB Arvell Reese to the Arizona Cardinals. The mock draft lacks trades or surprises for the Cardinals.
Key points
- 2026 NFL draft starts Thursday at 8 p.m. ET
- Bucky Brooks projects Arvell Reese to Arizona Cardinals
- No trades or surprises for the Cardinals in the mock draft
It is draft week. The 2026 NFL draft begins Thursday at 8 p.m. ET, and that means we are getting the final mock drafts for the notable analysts. When it comes to the Arizona Cardinals, we want to see who is projecting trades and who is projecting different players.
NFL.com's Bucky Brooks released his final mock draft, and it was pretty boring for the Cardinals. There was no trade down. There was no taking running back Jeremiyah Love. There was no trade back into the first round to get quarterback Ty Simpson.
After the Las Vegas Raiders take Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza and the New York Jets take Texas Tech EDGE David Bailey, the Cardinals go with Ohio State EDGE/LB Arvell Reese.
Despite his inexperience as a full-time edge rusher, Reese's athleticism, explosiveness and versatility could make him an All-Pro-caliber playmaker early in his career. Although he only started one full season at Ohio State, the hybrid defender oozes big-play potential, displaying outstanding awareness as a "see ball, get ball" menace.
Many are concerned about another hybrid player, but he had 6.5 sacks last season for Ohio State with a 22.7% pressure rate, which is incredible. He had production. He has good physical traits. He has elite athleticism.
The Cardinals badly need pass-rushing help. While Josh Sweat had a career-high 12 sacks last season, he had none in the fourth quarter of any game, and the rest of the outside linebackers ā Zaven Collins, Baron Browning, Jordan Burch and BJ Ojulari ā combined for only 5.5 sacks.
While there might be a little more excitement to get a running back who might be the best player in the draft or to get a player who hopefully is a franchise quarterback, we can't forget how dreadful the defense was last season and how they did absolutely nothing to improve the outside linebacker position in the offseason.
If the pick end up being Reese, it won't be a bad thing.
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,Ā YouTubeĀ orĀ Apple podcasts.
This article originally appeared on Cards Wire: NFL mock draft: Bucky Brooks projects Arvell Reese to Arizona Cardinals
Q&A
Who is projected to be picked by the Arizona Cardinals in the 2026 NFL draft?
Bucky Brooks projects Ohio State EDGE/LB Arvell Reese to be selected by the Arizona Cardinals.
What are Arvell Reese's strengths as a player?
Arvell Reese is noted for his athleticism, explosiveness, and versatility, with potential to become an All-Pro-caliber playmaker.
When does the 2026 NFL draft begin?
The 2026 NFL draft begins on Thursday at 8 p.m. ET.
