Breaking Down Arizona’s Options at third overall in the 2026 NFL Draft
The 2026 NFL Draft is quickly approaching, and the Arizona Cardinals hold the third overall pick. The Cardinals struggled during the 2025 season, finishing 3-14 and missing the playoffs for the fourth consecutive year since the 2021 season. The 2026 draft is crucial for the Cardinals' future success. As they near a complete rebuild of the team, following the hiring of coach Mike Lafleur and the potential trade of their former star quarterback, Kyler Murray. This upcoming draft could make or break Arizona's potential roster renovation. The question remains, who will the Arizona Cardinals take third overall?
Offensively, Arizona ranked among the bottom of the NFL in all categories. Most notably, they ranked 31st in rushing yards per game and 23rd overall in points per game. The Cardinals need help scoring, specifically at the running back or quarterback position. Especially if current quarterback Kyler Murray is traded or released, as well as star running back James Conner. The 2026 draft has little quarterback depth, with the best available quarterback, Fernando Mendoza, likely going to the Las Vegas Raiders. The Cardinals will need to look at other positions on the offense to strengthen. If Conner were to be released, the Cardinals could look at taking Jeremiyah Love at third overall. Love was the star running back for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. In Love's last season with the Irish, he shattered the school's single-season touchdown record with 21 touchdowns in only 12 games while also sharing the backfield. Love was voted a unanimous All-American and the winner of the Doak Walker award. Arizona could use a strong runner in the backfield to split time with Trey Benson once he comes back from the injured reserve. Love could help Arizona with its goal-line scoring and short-distance conversions if Conner were to be released. While the Cardinals’ quarterback picture may still be foggy and unresolved, bolstering the pass protection might be the smartest move to steady the offense and whoever ends up under center. OT Francis Mauigoa from The University of Miami could be a possible choice at third overall. During the 2025 season with Miami, Mauigoa only allowed two sacks, three QB hits, and 10 total pressures, making him an elite offensive tackle. Mauigoa was voted a Consensus All-American and first team All-ACC in his final season with the Hurricanes. Above all, the elite OT held a run block grade of 84.8, among the best in college football. The All-ACC offensive tackle could help Arizona's offensive line remain one of the best in the NFL alongside Paris Johnson Jr. While also helping push forward the bland Arizona run game. With uncertainty at QB, Arizona's offensive line must be prepared to protect any style of QB that could end up in the starting role.
Meanwhile, the Cardinals' defense also ranked as one of the worst in the league. Although the defensive struggles could be explained by some notable injuries at the cornerback and defensive line positions, including Garrett Williams, rookie Will Johnson, and Bilal Nichols. Arizona could look towards an elite edge rusher to help produce sacks and pressures on the ball, where Arizona ranked 28th in sacks and 21st in pressure rates this past season. Drafting an elite edge rusher could lighten the workload on their cornerbacks and safeties. At number three overall, the Cardinals could choose edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr out of Miami. Bain finished with 54 total tackles, nine and a half sacks, and 57 total QB pressures. In his final season with Miami, Bain earned the ACC Defensive Player of the Year Award as well as the Ted Hendricks Award. The award-winning edge also helped the Hurricanes reach the college football title game. Another intriguing possibility at third overall? Clemson defensive tackle Peter Woods, a disruptive force who can collapse the pocket and flip a game in a single snap. Woods finished the 2025 season with 40 tackles, three and a half tackles for loss, and two sacks. Earning him second team All-American in his final season with the Tigers. What makes Woods a notable prospect is his disruption ability on the inside, along with his size. The second team All-American could help Arizona stop the run game alongside Dalvin Tomlinson, where they struggled last season, ranking 31st in rush yards allowed per game.
The Cardinals have a major decision to make in the 2026 NFL Draft; their pick could make or break their season. In the meantime, the Cardinals could take OT Francis Mauigoa at third overall. Which signifies the focus on the dwelling offense first, ensuring they can be a competitive scoring team. Choosing Mauigoa at third will help with protection, getting the run game started, and allowing playmakers like Marvin Harrison Jr. to get downfield and make plays. For the moment, strengthening the defense may take a backseat, as they proved to be competitive without significant injuries to their star players.
