2026 NFL Mock Draft fuels Arizona Cardinals reset under Mike LaFleur

The Arizona Cardinals enter the Mike LaFleur era with a big question mark at quarterback as a decision surrounding Kyler Murray loom. 

Will the team move on from the veteran or will they add another arm to compete for the starting role?   

Well, LaFleur didn’t seem to rule out any possibility at the NFL Combine where he was asked about QB options going into the offseason.

“I am open and embracing playing the best quarterback possible for the Arizona Cardinals,” LaFleur said during the Combine. “We’re working through that process right now. There’s going to be a lot of factors that’s going to lead to that.” 

Could that process involve selecting a quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft? 

With many top needs entering the draft process, that possibility can’t be ruled out.  With the No. 3 overall pick in the draft, LaFleur and the Cardinals can add a cornerstone piece either offensively or defensively to help the team in a key area of need.  They also have the option of trading the pick for more draft capitol, but the price must be right to pass on a top 3 talent at any position for a team that was 3-14 a year ago.

Whether it’s building the offensive line, adding a high impact edge rusher, finding a dynamic running back threat or landing a young QB prospect, the Cardinals explore all options in this 7-round NFL Mock Draft.

Cardinals score a big-time edge with top pick

Round 1, No. 3 – Rueben Bain Jr, ED, Miami (FL)

Will the Cardinals draft for need, draft the best player available or trade down for more draft capital with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft? The choice here is going with the best player available who also feels a need.  The Cardinals have drafted defensive talent at the position in the past few drafts but haven’t found that stand out star off the edge that will make quarterbacks shiver until now.  Rueben Bain Jr is a game-wrecker off the edge who will enter the NFL with a bit of a chip on his shoulder.  Bain Jr’s presence will instantly reshape the defensive line and suddenly give the Cardinals depth at edge rusher.

Round 2, No. 34 – Kadyn Proctor, T, Alabama

The Cardinals decision to go edge over offensive line with their top pick pays off given the depth at tackle in this draft as Alabama’s Kadyn Proctor falls to them at No. 34.  Big, powerful and athletic, Proctor should immediately take over for Jonah Williams at right tackle as the veteran is slotted to hit free agency.  Proctor also has the upside to slide to left tackle in the future if needed.

Round 3, No. 65 – Jadarian Price, RB, Notre Dame

Can Arizona get this lucky in the draft?  If they do, they will have an A+ draft with the selection of Notre Dame running back Jadarian Price early in the third round.  The sidekick of Jeremiyah Love, Price has been overshadowed a bit but is considered possibly the second-best running back in the draft class.  With James Conner on the other side of 30, LaFleur will be looking for a player who can flourish in his outside-zone rushing system.  Price is the perfect candidate.

Round 4, No. 104 – Genesis Smith, S, Arizona

The Safety position isn’t a huge need now, but the Cardinals must start thinking about a long-term plan with Budda Baker approaching 30.  With the selection of Genesis Smith, they get a player who can learn behind Baker but also step in if the team loses Jalen Thompson in free agency.  Projected a third-round pick, the Cardinals continue to find value in every round as Smith is noted as a versatile defender with great leadership traits.

Round 5, No. 141 – Beau Stephens, G, Iowa

The Cardinals address the interior of the offensive line with the selection of Beau Stephens in te fifth round. With Evan Brown as a possible cut candidate, the addition of Stephens could make that a reality.  At 6-foot-5, 315 pounds, Stephens is an elite pass protector who has the strength of a mauler.  His discipline and his zone blocking will be of value to LaFleur and a Cardinals’ offensive line that was one of the team’s main weaknesses a year ago.

Round 6, No. 182 – Jalon Daniels, QB, Kansas

With the Kyler Murray pending drama, the Cardinals address the QB position with the selection of Jalon Daniels.  If the Cardinals decide to move on from Murray, they should have a plan at the position beyond veteran backup Jacoby Brissett.  This could mean they take a stab at QB in the draft sooner, but given the lack of high projected talent, they take a shot a player in Daniels who has arm talent (particularly the deep ball) and a dual-threat ability that will make him a fan favorite during camp. 

Round 7, No. 217 – Parker Brailsford, C, Alabama

The Cardinals get more help on the interior of the offensive line with the selection of Alabama’s Parker Brailsford.  The 6-foot-2, 290-pound center is great in zone-blocking systems like LaFleur’s and can move over to right guard if needed.  In all, Brailsford has higher draft value, but due to the position, he could fall a bit in the draft not due to talent but just how the draft board flows.