After months of evaluation and debate, the 2026 NFL Draft will finally begin with the first round of the event on April 23. The Arizona Cardinals have the third overall pick in the first round, and there is a lot of mystery over what direction general manager Monty Ossenfort is going with.
The Cardinals could take an offensive tackle, but with Paris Johnson solidified on the left side, selecting a right tackle looks like going No. 3. The pass-rusher needs to be in the game, but the Cardinals are already committed to a $76 million contract with Josh Sweat, though he could certainly use help on the other side.
Meanwhile, there has also been talk of the Cardinals being open to a trade in the fall, where they would have a great opportunity to address multiple needs for a team with no identity, or even a starting quarterback for 2026.
According to NFL insider Tony Pauline of Essential Sports, the Cardinals "want an edge rusher with the third pick, which will likely mean David Bailey if he goes ahead of the Jets." Poulin adds that "Ossenfort will consider moving to the bottom of Round 1 and drafting quarterback Ty Simpson if the opportunity arises."
Simpson being selected in the first round will come as a draft day surprise, but it's not too far off from his projections as a second-round selection. Additionally, QBs are often selected ahead of projections, and in a year where Simpson may be viewed as the only other starting-caliber option as a rookie outside of Fernando Mendoza, it makes sense for the Cardinals to make sure they get their guy.
For now, the Cardinals have seven draft selections, one in each round. This includes No. 3, No. 32, and No. 65. Chances are, at least one of those picks will be used on a QB, and it won't be No. 3.
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