We have a few extra weeks left to get a number of extra mock drafts executed earlier than the precise 2026 NFL draft begins on April 23. We will then know what the Arizona Cardinals will do with the third overall decide. Will they take a sort out or a move rusher, or will they commerce again like in 2023?
On the Check the Mic podcast, Sam Monson dropped his mock draft. Quarterback Fernando Mendoza goes first overall to the Las Vegas Raiders, and Ohio State defender Arvell Reese goes second overall to the New York Jets.
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Who is the decide at No. 3 for the Arizona Cardinals?
It is Miami EDGE Rueben Bain Jr.
They move on the extra prototypical move rusher David Bailey out of Texas Tech. He goes fourth overall to the Tennessee Titans. They additionally move on a sort out. The first sort out who comes off the boards is Utah’s Spencer Fano, who goes ninth overall to the Kansas City Chiefs.
It is sensible for the Cardinals to take a move rusher over a sort out third overall. They reportedly wish to prioritize sort out however haven’t got one graded for the third decide, and they also want to commerce again. Not with the ability to do this, a move rusher must be the decide.
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Now, they’ve a higher want off the sting than at proper sort out. Josh Sweat gave them 12 sacks in 2025, however he had zero in any fourth quarter, and the remainder of the OLBs mixed for five.5 whole sacks. At proper sort out, they’ve many choices for a starter, together with free agent addition Elijah Wilkinson, who began 17 video games and performed each snap in 2025 for the Atlanta Falcons at proper sort out.
Bain, although, just isn’t doubtless the decide if Bailey can also be on the board. While Bain appears dominant on tape, his quick arms in all probability put him behind Bailey on the Cardinals’ draft board.
If each Bailey and Bain can be found, count on the Cardinals to go together with Bailey, as common supervisor Monti Ossenfort is not one to draft bodily outliers. Bailey has the higher athletic and bodily profile, all whereas main the nation with 14.5 sacks final yr.
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This article initially appeared on Cards Wire: NFL mock draft: Arizona Cardinals take Rueben Bain 3rd overall