Cardinals' Draft Dilemma: Tackle or Rusher?

0:00It's April 20th. Welcome in. This is NFL News Today, where football meets AI. The Arizona Cardinals hold the number 3 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, kicking off Thursday, April 23rd. Mock Drafts from 7 Outlets show no clear consensus on their first round choice, but patterns are emerging with ed rushers and offensive tackles, leading the pack. Three projections point to Miami offensive tackle Frances Mauigua as the guy, including two scenarios where Arizona trades down from number 3 to maze. Grab him later while picking up extra assets. Meanwhile, Texas Tech Edge Russia, David Bailey, pops up twice at the top spot. Experts highlight the Cardinals' defensive needs and a stacked NFC West, pairing Bailey's sack-leading pressure with new free agent Josh Sweat for that. Punch, on offense, protecting the quarterback is huge after Arizona gave up 59 sacks last year. Fifth worst in the league, making Mauigua a plug-and-play right tackle fix.

1:04One mock has Ohio State Edgebacker Arville Reese, sliding to number 3, amid Jets buzz on Bailey, while another outlier sends Notre Dame running back. Jeremiah Love, Love to Arizona for Backfield Juice. Trading down seems tempting to stockpile picks, like swapping with Kansas City for number 9 and more on day 2. Whatever they do, this draft could reshape their line and pass rush for years.