The Arizona Cardinals face a critical decision with the third overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. General Manager Monti Ossenfort is weighing options, but some prospects could hinder the team's progress.
Key points
Arizona Cardinals have the third overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft
General Manager Monti Ossenfort is evaluating multiple prospects
John Gambadoro provided a list of top five options for the Cardinals
The team's decision could significantly impact their future
Some prospects may hinder the team's progress
Mentioned in this story
Monti Ossenfort
John GambadoroArizona Cardinals
Arizona Cardinals General Manager Monti Ossenfort speaks to the media during training camp at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on July 28, 2024.
Arizona Cardinals General Manager Monti Ossenfort speaks to the media during training camp at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on July 28, 2024.
GLENDALE â The night of the NFL draft is upon the Arizona Cardinals, who have a massive decision to make third overall. The franchise have been the wild card all draft process flipping from prospect to prospect to confuse many experts. Through all the smoke and mirrors, Arizona Sports John Gambadoro still was confident to put out his âGambo 5â, a list of the top five most likely options for Arizona at the third pick.
All the names make sense, and have been connected to the Cardinals for the past few months, but which one would be the worse and set the team back even more.
Nov 22, 2025; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Love (4)runs the ball against the Syracuse Orange during the first half at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael Caterina-Imagn Images
Who out of the âGambo 5â who be the worse choice for Cardinals:
Norte Dame RB Jeremiyah Love
Texas Tech Edge David Bailey
Miami OL Francis Mauigoa
Ohio State Edge Arvell Reese
Miami edge Rueben Bain Jr.
Q&A
Who are the top prospects for the Cardinals in the 2026 NFL Draft?
The top prospects for the Cardinals include players listed in John Gambadoro's 'Gambo 5', which highlights the most likely options for the third pick.
What factors could make a prospect the worst choice for the Cardinals?
A prospect could be considered the worst choice if they fail to address the team's immediate needs or if their performance history raises concerns about their fit within the Cardinals' system.
How does the Cardinals' third overall pick impact their future?
The third overall pick is crucial for the Cardinals as it can significantly influence their rebuilding efforts and overall team performance in the coming seasons.
What has been the Cardinals' draft strategy leading up to 2026?
The Cardinals have been unpredictable in their draft strategy, frequently changing their focus among various prospects to keep experts guessing.
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Jan 8, 2026; Glendale, AZ, USA; Miami Hurricanes offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa (61) against the Mississippi Rebels during the 2026 Fiesta Bowl and semifinal game of the College Football Playoff at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
For all intents and purposes, Bailey and Reese are seen as two home run selections. The Ohio State linebacker has been connected to the New York Jets all draft process and likely wonât be available third overall to Arizona. Bailey at 6â3 250 pounds had 14.5 sacks his senior year and is an athletic freak. Each edge rusher would be a massive improvement to the Cardinals lackluster pass rush that was one of the worst in the NFL.
Love doesnât make much sense to draft with three running backs on the roster. However, the skillset that the 21-year-old possess make him a no-worry prospect. In his final two collegiate seasons, Love had 35 rushing touchdowns and 2,497 rushing yards. The All-American is a machine, and if he would to be fail it would be a systematic issue and not because of him.
Jan 19, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) passes the ball under pressure by Miami Hurricanes defensive lineman Rueben Bain Jr. (4) in the third quarter during the College Football Playoff National Championship game at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
Mauigoa and Bain are the final two options. The Miami teammates are each talented in their own way, but the clear answer for who would be the worse selection is Bain. The scenario where Bailey or Reese is available at third overall and general manager Ossenfort elects not to take him could be embarrassing down the line.
Bailey and Reese are projected to be All-Pro level edge rushers, and while Bain will likely be great in the league, itâs not to the level of the other two. The trio playing the same position would make it easier in the future for Cardinals fans to look back and compare what the franchise couldâve done, even though hindsight is 20/20.
Dec 31, 2025; Arlington, TX, USA; Miami Hurricanes offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa (61) walks off the field after the 2025 Cotton Bowl and quarterfinal game of the College Football Playoff at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
If Ossenfort would take Mauigoa third overall, it would be a slight reach but a necessary one. The Cardinals offensive line was one of the worst in the NFL last season. The injuries just exposed the teamâs lack of depth at the position. Mauigoa would be a stellar option to pair alongside Paris Johnson Jr. and Isaac Seumalo, for a running game that has three capable backs.
