Which 2026 NFL draft prospects should the Arizona Cardinals be already scouting in this way-too-early NFL Mock draft?
Coming off an 8-9 season, the Cardinals are a team to watch in the 2025 NFL season. After adding high-end talent on both sides of the ball via the last two drafts, Cardinals fans could be in for an interesting season. While the team and rest of the NFL is well into training camp mode, NFL Mocks peeks into potential prospects who may fill needs in 2026.
Obviously, needs could change depending on how the season shapes out, but potential areas of need for the Cardinals following the 2025 NFL season could be at safety, another defensive lineman and more wide receiver help. The team may also decide to take a quarterback in the later round of the draft.
In this three-round NFL Mock Draft, we look at prospects who might be appealing additions for this NFC West squad.
Cardinals get more explosive on both sides of the ball
Round 1, Pick 17: LT Overton, ED, Alabama
The Cardinals signed Josh Sweat to a 4-year deal in free agency to solve their pass rush needs. The team will also look for 2024 NFL Draft first round pick Darius Robinson to take a big leap in Year 2. If he does, the need here might change. But, as of training camp we have Alabama’s LT Overton going to the Cardinals with the No. 17 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
A 6-foot-5, 280-pound edge rusher, this top 15 recruit really came into his own in 2024 earning a 82.2 overall ProFootball Focus (PFF) season grade. Overton recorded just 2 sacks last season, but his run-stopping ability and versatility along the line would give the Cardinals a dominant defensive front of youth anchored by Walter Nolen, Sweat, Robinson and potentially Overton. Along with his upper body power, Overton’s high motor and extreme athleticism could have the Cardinals’ defense turning up the heat in the desert.
Round 2, Pick 49: Makai Lemon, WR, USC
The Cardinals are looking for a breakout season from second-year receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. If that happens, the Cardinals could look towards the 2026 NFL Draft for another playmaker to add to the mix. USC’s Makai Lemon would be an interesting target to add to the mix.
In his sophomore season at USC, Lemon hauled in 52 receptions for 764 yards and 3 touchdowns. His highlight reel catches, and big-play quickness will appeal to many teams in the NFL. But what really stands out about Lemon is his ability to go up and pluck the ball out of the air despite being just 5-foot-11. In all, Lemon would be a great Robin to Harrison Jr’s batman in a Cardinals’ offense that looks to be in great shape entering the 2025 NFL season. Adding this prospect in 2026 might be the Lemon-flavored icing on the cake.
Round 3, Pick 81: Riley Mahlman, T, Wisconsin
Sticking with offense, the Cardinals will address the offensive line with the selection of Wisconsin’s Riley Mahlman. At 6-foot-8, 308 pounds, Mahlman’s massive frame and overall size is ideal for a tackle.
The Cardinals do have Paris Johnson Jr. and Jonah Williams at the tackle positions so the addition of Mahlman might be more of a depth selection, but he could be the eventual replacement for Williams who will be in the final year of a 2-year contract in 2025. There is also a possibility the Cardinals test his versatility by moving Mahlman inside. But, his power and continued improvement blocking against speed rushers will give the Cardinals another starting caliber tackle.