Cardinals 2026 NFL mock draft: Arizona lands elite falling talent, adds CFP wide receiver, among other moves after firing head coach Jonathan Gannon
Arizona has a massive NFL Draft ahead of them this year.
The Arizona Cardinals will have a new head coach in the 2026 NFL season. With that, it is worth taking a look at how their new leader could navigate the 2026 NFL Draft. With Kyler Murray’s future cloudy and a limited quarterback rookie class, how will general manager Monti Ossenfort address Arizona’s biggest needs along the roster?
Check out the latest 7-round Cardinals mock draft scenario below.
Latest Cardinals 2026 NFL Mock Draft
Round 1, Pick 5: Arvell Reese, EDGE/LB, Ohio State
Reese dips a bit, compared to many recent mock drafts here. Arizona wouldn’t mind, though. Reese may have the highest upside of any player in this entire class and projects as an immediate impact off the edge in the pros.
The Cardinals defense needs more juice in a dire way. The unit started off the season with some buzz, but injuries and tougher competition threw a wrench in the season on that side of the football. I would expect them to attack their defensive line and overall front seven in this year’s draft process in some capacity.
Round 2, Pick 36: Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
Along with athleticism, I believe that Arizona needs more leadership on defense. Thieneman is a veteran playmaker who has phenomenal instincts for the Ducks. He leads one of the brightest secondaries in the country and has played a key role in their College Football Playoff run so far. The fit makes sense here, and I think it’s solid value, too.
Round 3, Pick 67: Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana
Cooper’s progression this season has been exciting to watch. His catch against Penn State is arguably the best of the college campaign around CFB, and he projects as a wideout that can be moved around an NFL offense. Along with Marvin Harrison Jr. and Trey McBride, he can join an offense where there’s not a ton of attention on him and attack those matchups on a weekly basis.
Round 4, Pick 102: Kage Casey, OL, Boise State
Casey could go a tad earlier than this, but Arizona gets lucky in this scenario. The Broncos product has earned first-team All-Mountain West the last two season and was second team in 2023. He’s an ultra-consistent left tackle prospect with loads of experience. Casey is one of the better tackles in pass protection in this class.
Round 5, Pick 143: Anthony Smith, DL, Minnesota
While Smith may not be the most impressive athlete on the defensive line, he makes up for it with rigor and toughness. He possesses a ton of power and uses it effectively when getting after the quarterback. The Minnesota lineman needs to work on technique, but at this portion of the draft, this makes a ton of sense for the Cardinals defense.
Round 6, Pick 185: J’Mari Taylor, RB, Virginia
Taylor is one of the most productive backs in America. He’s elusive but also uses power in his rushing style. Also think his receiving ability is still a bit underrated. With James Conner’s future up in the air and limited proven production in the depth for Arizona, Taylor could make an early impact if he lands there.
Round 7, Pick 219: Aiden Fisher, LB, Indiana
Fisher is amidst a CFP run, just like his teammate in Cooper. Fisher plays a cerebral game at linebacker and is a tackling machine. Intrigued to see what his draft stock is following a strong postseason performance with the Hoosiers. The Cardinals have to address linebacker at multiple points this offseason.
Let us know what you think about this mock draft via social media, Cards fans!
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