Arizona Cardinals
Picks: Nos. 3, 34, 65, 104, 143, 132, 217
The Cardinals are in desperate need of an offensive identity. Though star tight end Trey McBride is certainly legit, it's hard to run an entire offense through the tight end and nobody else. A few seasons ago, the identity was the physical running game powered by James Conner. But the offensive line hasn't taken a step forward, and Conner is returning from a major foot injury. The hope that Marvin Harrison Jr. would prove so dominant a receiving threat that the offense could run with him looks duller and duller by the day.
Grabbing a quarterback of the future (i.e., Ty Simpson) at the draft would serve the Cardinals well. Jacoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew collectively hit the cap for less than $15 million in 2026, and neither is signed beyond the season. There's plenty of room for a third passer who can sit and develop. Simpson probably would cost pick No. 34, or perhaps Arizona would make a small trade up into the first round to secure the fifth-year option. Using such a pick would not at all deter the Cardinals from taking a superior prospect in the early first round of the 2027 draft. After all, this is the same team that selected Kyler Murray No. 1 just one year after drafting Josh Rosen with the No. 10 pick.
If the Cardinals instead elect to approach the quarterback spot patiently, then they should build through the line. Francis Mauigoa (Miami) could slide naturally into the void at right tackle, but the third pick is rich for his talent level -- a small trade back would be best. The Cardinals should pray that the Jets take David Bailey at No. 2 so they can drum up trade interest around Arvell Reese at No. 3. Both center and right guard could stand improvements as well, and No. 34 is a great spot for guards Keylan Rutledge (Georgia Tech) and Chase Bisontis (Texas A&M).
The Cardinals do have a defensive need at edge rusher, though the continued return to health of BJ Ojulari and development of tweener Jordan Burch could be enough at that position. It's a deep edge-rusher class, and adding another speed threat in Jaishawn Barham (Michigan) or Dani Dennis-Sutton (Penn State) in Round 3 would give Arizona another reasonable dart throw at the position.
The bottom line: Herald in a new offensive identity with either an early QB selection or a heavy investment in the offensive line.
www.espn.com
Picks: Nos. 3, 34, 65, 104, 143, 132, 217
The Cardinals are in desperate need of an offensive identity. Though star tight end Trey McBride is certainly legit, it's hard to run an entire offense through the tight end and nobody else. A few seasons ago, the identity was the physical running game powered by James Conner. But the offensive line hasn't taken a step forward, and Conner is returning from a major foot injury. The hope that Marvin Harrison Jr. would prove so dominant a receiving threat that the offense could run with him looks duller and duller by the day.
Grabbing a quarterback of the future (i.e., Ty Simpson) at the draft would serve the Cardinals well. Jacoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew collectively hit the cap for less than $15 million in 2026, and neither is signed beyond the season. There's plenty of room for a third passer who can sit and develop. Simpson probably would cost pick No. 34, or perhaps Arizona would make a small trade up into the first round to secure the fifth-year option. Using such a pick would not at all deter the Cardinals from taking a superior prospect in the early first round of the 2027 draft. After all, this is the same team that selected Kyler Murray No. 1 just one year after drafting Josh Rosen with the No. 10 pick.
If the Cardinals instead elect to approach the quarterback spot patiently, then they should build through the line. Francis Mauigoa (Miami) could slide naturally into the void at right tackle, but the third pick is rich for his talent level -- a small trade back would be best. The Cardinals should pray that the Jets take David Bailey at No. 2 so they can drum up trade interest around Arvell Reese at No. 3. Both center and right guard could stand improvements as well, and No. 34 is a great spot for guards Keylan Rutledge (Georgia Tech) and Chase Bisontis (Texas A&M).
The Cardinals do have a defensive need at edge rusher, though the continued return to health of BJ Ojulari and development of tweener Jordan Burch could be enough at that position. It's a deep edge-rusher class, and adding another speed threat in Jaishawn Barham (Michigan) or Dani Dennis-Sutton (Penn State) in Round 3 would give Arizona another reasonable dart throw at the position.
The bottom line: Herald in a new offensive identity with either an early QB selection or a heavy investment in the offensive line.
2026 NFL draft: How all 32 teams can ace their picks, needs
A week before the NFL draft, Ben Solak hits the top priorities for every single team -- and the prospects who can meet those needs.
