Cardinals 7-Round 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Arizona swings on potential, and take chance on Kyler Murray’s replacement
The Arizona Cardinals are looking to rebuild the roster and hit the ground running on life after Kyler Murray. This 7-round mock draft has them taking the best players and banking on potential at QB.
The Arizona Cardinals are looking to bounce back from moving on from Kyler Murray, and they have enough ammo to do so.
The QB class isn’t nearly as strong as it was expected to be, so they also need to decide how aggressive they want to be. QB also isn’t the only need they have, and they’ll need to support whoever they take.
This latest 7-round mock draft has the Arizona Cardinals loading up on talent and swinging on one intriguing QB prospect’s upside.
Round 1, Pick 3: Arvell Reese, EDGE, Ohio State
David Bailey is growing as the favorite to go No. 2 overall to the New York Jets, so that means Arvell Reese falls to the Cardinals. They need help on the EDGE, and Reese might be raw as a prospect, but the long-term reward is there with some patience. Reese is 6-4, 241 pounds, and plays explosively on every play.
Despite being new to the position, Reese is still an immediate impact player who will only get better over time. He also plays with great range and will be a strong run defender on day one. Don’t expect double-digit sacks as a rookie, but he will make plenty of impact plays off the EDGE or as a limited-time LB.
Round 2, Pick 34: Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State
The Cardinals still need to address the offensive line, especially right tackle, and Max Iheanachor is their selection in the second round. Iheanachor has been a quick riser this draft cycle, and it’s easy to see why when you watch the film. He has the size to dominate at 6-6, 326 pounds, but is still developing his technique.
Even as another raw prospect, the upside is there. Iheanachor plays with great pad level and footwork to get out of his stance quickly. He impressed against top talent this season and really made the most of his week at the Senior Bowl. He might have some rough bumps as a rookie, but the payoff will be worth it.
Round 3, Pick 65: Domonique Orange, DT, Iowa State
There are some injury concerns regarding Walter Nolan, who was the Cardinals’ first-round pick last year. They need a backup plan at DT, and Domonique Orange is as fun as it gets at pick No. 65 overall. Orange will thrive as an NT, but he can line up as a 1 to 3-tech DT, depending on the fronts.
He’s a 6-2, 322-pound workhorse up front who packs a strong punch in his hands. Orange is a lot faster than expected, and he can really move in space, especially on screens and in the run game.
Round 4, Pick 104: Bud Clark, Safety, TCU
The Cardinals also need to think about life after Budda Baker, and that’s where Bud Clark comes into play. Clark is an experienced, highly competitive safety who can come in as a rookie and make a statement. His ball skills flashed with 15 career interceptions, and he can cover a lot of ground with his range.
Clark is just as physical and aggressive in the run game and sets the tone as a leader. He’s one of the most underrated safeties in the NFL Draft, and an easy fourth-round steal.
Round 5, Pick 143: Drew Allar, QB, Penn State
The 2025 season wasn’t what anyone expected for Penn State, especially Drew Allar, who suffered a season-ending broken ankle. He came back for the NFL Scouting Combine and impressed scouts. Allar is still a raw project as Josh Allen was when he came out, but he has the arm strength and the traits to become a starting NFL QB.
Allar can sit behind Jacoby Brissett for a year to learn, and they’re both bigger QBs with a strong arm. Taking a swing in the fifth round is worth it, and they can always take a QB next year in a much stronger draft class. Allar recently visited the Arizona Cardinals, so he’s on their radar.
Round 6, Pick 183: Jeremiah Wright, OL, Auburn
The Arizona Cardinals continue to add to the offensive line with Jeremiah Wright, who can play on both sides of the line, but probably lands at right guard. At 6-5, 340 pounds, Wright is a people mover, and he’s gained a lot of interest from teams this draft cycle.
He has almost 34″ arms, and defenders struggle to get off his blocks with his strong hands and length. Wright needs to work on moving in space in the run game, but he has a strong base and high drive.
Round 7, Pick 217: Eric Rivers, WR, Georgia Tech
The Cardinals have a strong WR room after adding Kendrick Bourne, but they still lack depth. They finish off the draft by taking Eric Rivers in the seventh round, and he has a lot of upside as well. Rivers is a smaller WR at 5-11, 180 pounds, but he still thrived on the outside with a lot of positive flashes.
Rivers could be a slot WR at the next level and has a strong route tree with crisp cuts to easily create separation. He had over 1,800 yards and 14 touchdowns over the last two seasons, and can be a deep threat for the offense.