All eyes will be on the NFC West in 2026. In a division that features three Super Bowl contenders in the Los Angeles Rams, San Francisco 49ers and defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks and an Arizona Cardinals team contending for the No. 1 overall pick, the division will be filled with storylines beyond the impact of the 2026 NFL Draft class.
With the top two running backs from the 2026 NFL Draft, Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price, joining the Cardinals and Seahawks respectively, considerable attention will be directed toward their performance and influence on the division's competitive race. As teams evaluate their needs in anticipation of the 2027 NFL Draft, the Cardinals are expected to pursue one of several promising quarterback prospects in April, guided by the results of the ongoing divisional race.
Who will they be in position to draft?
Potential 2027 NFL Draft targets for every NFC West contender
In a way-too-early mock draft, NFL Mocks looks at prospects who fit current needs, including who the Cardinals could select with the No. 1 overall pick based on a draft order determined by current Super Bowl odds.
No. 1 Arizona Cardinals: Julian Sayin, QB, Ohio State
If Julian Sayin continues his strong form from his 2025 debut as a starter at Ohio State, he'll be a serious contender with Arch Manning and Dante Moore for the nation's top quarterback. The Cardinals, needing a quarterback, will have their choice of the top signal-callers in the draft.
That Sayin deep ball is a thing of beauty 😮💨
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) November 1, 2025
Julian ➡️ Carnell for 57 yards ‼️ pic.twitter.com/gwwgxZZ1GB
Sayin over Manning or Moore? In throwing to the nation’s best wide receiver in Jeremiah Smith, Sayin will have a great chance to compete for the 2026 Heisman Trophy and improve on a historic season in which he set the NCAA record with a 77.0% completion percentage. Although he is slightly undersized, his accuracy, mechanics and aggressive approach to the position give the Cardinals a young quarterback they can build around for years to come.
No. 27 San Francisco 49ers: Trevor Lauck, T, Iowa
The 49ers' top priority in the 2027 NFL Draft is finding Trent Williams' eventual replacement at left tackle, and if they pick late in the first round, Trevor Lauck should be a target.
The Iowa Hawkeyes star tackle hasn’t allowed a sack in over 700 total snaps which earned him Third-team All-Big Ten honors. Standing at 6-foot-4, 310 pounds, Lauck exhibits the technical skills to be an NFL-level left tackle, and his pass protection speaks for itself. Although he isn't regarded as the most athletic offensive lineman, Lauck makes up for it with sound fundamentals, mobility and technique. He’s strong, tough and excels at setting the edge. He’s at the very least an adequate successor to Williams if not someone who could grow into All-Pro status given his technique and versatility in zone schemes.
No. 29 Seattle Seahawks: John Henry Daley, ED, Michigan
The Seahawks address their need for a long-term answer at pass rusher with the selection of John Henry Daley. The Michigan star fits the mold of what Mike Macdonald looks for a defensive end with his size, quickness and relentless motor.
Although his 2025 season was cut short due to a ruptured Achilles tendon, Daley is still classified as one of the top pass rush prospects in the nation due to his impact season in 2025 with the Utah Utes. In a breakout season, Daley racked up 11.5 sacks and 17.5 tackles for a loss. If he has a similar or better season playing in the Big Ten in 2026, his draft stock will explode even higher. Of course, this depends on how well he recovers from the ruptured Achilles.
N/A Los Angeles Rams: No first round pick in 2027
The Rams traded their 2027 NFL Draft first-round pick as part of the blockbuster trade to acquire edge rusher Myles Garrett. With wide receiver among the team's key needs, a late first-round selection could have been used on the 6-foot-6, 223-pound Duce Robinson. Robinson's size and dynamic playmaking abilities position him as a strong candidate to replace Deavante Adams, should Adams depart following the 2026 NFL season. Since Robinson is currently projected as a potential Day 2 pick, he may still be available when the Rams make their second-round selection.
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