As the Arizona Cardinals look ahead to their future, the upcoming draft presents a critical opportunity to address key positions, particularly quarterback and secondary. With a probable high pick in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft, the Cardinals must carefully evaluate their options, potentially beginning a new chapter at the quarterback position. With Kyler Murray entering the final year of his contract, it’s becoming increasingly evident that the team may need to plan for life after him.
One of the standout prospects is Fernando Mendoza from Indiana. Standing out as a prototypical pocket passer, Mendoza has demonstrated impressive accuracy throughout his season, showcasing a 9.5-yard average depth of target paired with an adjusted completion percentage exceeding 77.0%. While he may not possess the same athletic traits as Murray, his NFL-ready size and precision could make him a valuable addition to the Cardinals’ offense.
In addition to addressing their quarterback situation, the Cardinals are urged to bolster their secondary—an area that has struggled with five defenders allowing a passer rating of 117.0 or higher this season. Safety Jalen Thompson’s impending free agency adds urgency to the need for enhancement in this part of the field. Thus, the draft could be pivotal for acquiring defensive talent.
With their second-round pick, Arizona could target cornerback Keith Abney II from Arizona State. Known for his ball production, Abney has excelled over the past two seasons, allowing only 80 catches after being targeted 169 times, while contributing five interceptions and 27 incompletions. This skill set may prove crucial in shoring up the Cardinals’ passing defense.
To continue strengthening the secondary, the Cardinals could also consider safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren from Toledo in the third round. Displaying strong capabilities, he allowed just six receptions on 17 targets last season while securing three interceptions and five pass breakups.
In further rounds, the Cardinals could focus on rebuilding their offensive line by selecting tackle Brian Parker from Duke in the fourth round. Parker’s impressive performance, allowing just one sack and seven pressures, coupled with a strong run-blocking grade, could provide the Cardinals with much-needed protection and versatility.
Lastly, selecting guard Kobe Baynes from Kansas in the fifth round would enhance depth, as he boasts a commendable record of not allowing a sack or hit throughout his pass-blocking snaps over three seasons, while consistently improving his run-blocking grade.
As the Cardinals navigate this turning point, the potential to reshape their roster with promising young talent brings hope for a brighter future. The decisions made during the draft will be pivotal in determining the direction of the team, setting the stage for a rejuvenated and competitive squad in the upcoming seasons.