Breaking down the Arizona Cardinals draft picks, team needs and 2026 first-round mock draft projections, including Francis Mauigoa.
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The Arizona Cardinals showed flashes of excitement at times last season, but wins were hard to come by. A nine-game losing streak to close the year left them with just three victories and the third overall pick in the draft.
The team’s struggles ultimately cost Jonathan Gannon his job. Monti Ossenfort remains in place as general manager, while Mike LaFleur steps in as head coach, signaling a shift from a defensive-minded leader to an offensive approach.
The Cardinals have needs at several of the game’s most important positions, making it intriguing to see how they approach the early rounds of this year’s draft. Interestingly, Arizona holds all seven of its original picks in this year’s draft — no more, no less.
Let’s take a look at the full list of 2026 Arizona Cardinals NFL Draft picks, team needs and first-round mock drafts.
Arizona Cardinals Draft Picks | 2026 NFL Draft
| Round | Pick | From |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3 | |
| 2 | 34 | |
| 3 | 65 | |
| 4 | 104 | |
| 5 | 143 | |
| 6 | 183 | |
| 7 | 217 |
Arizona Cardinals NFL Draft Needs
Quarterback
The decision to part ways with Kyler Murray this offseason means that the Cardinals are once again in the market for a long-term franchise quarterback. Jacoby Brissett is poised to be the team’s starter once again after taking over the role last year. Gardner Minshew was also signed in free agency to add depth. While it would hardly be a shock to see Arizona draft a player at the position during the course of the 2026 NFL Draft, there is no need to get cute and reach for a player given the veterans in place and the preferred QB class coming next year.
Offensive Tackle
The Cardinals’ offensive line was ravaged by injuries a season ago and thus is expected to be a focal point during this draft. The team already addressed it during free agency, signing Isaac Seumalo at guard and Elijah Wilkinson, who projects as the current top option at right tackle. However, in a class this loaded with O-line talent, Arizona could certainly stand to upgrade that right tackle spot opposite 2023 first-rounder Paris Johnson.
EDGE
The edge rusher position is an interesting one in Arizona, as one could argue that last season’s production did not match the pool of talent assembled. Josh Sweat was last offseason’s big acquisition, and he did his part with a dozen sacks. Unfortunately, Zaven Collins and the rest of the depth chart was underwhelming. If the Cardinals look to invest in their pass-rush at the top of the draft once again, this unit could quickly become a team strength.
Other Cardinals Draft Needs
- Defensive Line
- Linebacker
- Wide Receiver
With these needs in mind, let’s take a look at how analysts are projecting the Cardinals to approach the first round.
Cardinals Mock Drafts | First-Round Picks
Here are four Arizona Cardinals mock drafts for the first round from ESPN, CBS, NFL Network and FlurrySports. Who do draft pundits think the Cardinals will select with the third overall pick?
No. 3 | Cardinals NFL Draft Pick
Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami | ESPN, CBS & NFL Network
Profiling as the most NFL-ready tackle in this year’s class, it’s easy to see why Francis Mauigoa is widely projected to the Cardinals at No. 3 overall. Explosion at the snap, followed by churning leg drive once engaged, enables him to move blockers very well. While his footwork is becoming of a tackle, Mauigoa’s build and arms are more befitting of a guard. Thus, he will afford whichever team drafts him some flexibility in where they choose to line him up.
David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech | FlurrySports
Next to Arvell Reese, David Bailey is the best pass-rusher in this draft class. If drafted by Arizona, he and Josh Sweat would form a truly nasty tandem. Bailey’s quick twitch and explosiveness, combined with excellent bend, enable him to wreak havoc in opposing backfields. He also has great ball instincts to be a force against the run.
