ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. continues to switch it up when it comes to the Arizona Cardinals’ No. 3 overall pick.
In his first mock draft of the offseason, the NFL Draft analyst had Miami offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa heading to Arizona at No. 3. He flipped to defense the second time around with Texas Tech pass rusher David Bailey.
And although he stuck with the defensive side of the football in his latest mock draft published Tuesday, Kiper has a new prospect linked to the No. 3 overall pick in Ohio State pass rusher Arvell Reese.
The Cardinals weren’t much better than the Jets in the sack department, tying for 28th with 30. Josh Sweat needs a running mate, and Reese has the instincts and burst to get home on the QB. Of course, Reese also played off-ball linebacker at Ohio State, and though he said during the combine that he would be an NFL edge rusher, that sort of versatility is a big plus. He had 6.5 sacks and nine tackles for loss last season.
Reese continues to be an intriguing prospect this draft cycle given his versatility to play both inside and outside linebacker. He’s been commonly associated with the Cardinals’ No. 3 overall pick, too.
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In the Arizona Sports Mock Draft Tracker, he’s the second-most mocked prospect (24) to the Cardinals behind only Mauigoa (60) and holds a slight edge over Bailey (21).
But while his versatility could go a long way in helping Arizona’s defense take a step forward in 2026, Arizona has already gone down that road before.
Whether it be Haason Reddick, Isaiah Simmons or Zaven Collins, the Cardinals have struggled to fully utilize positionless linebackers’ strengths. All three were moved all over, with only Collins still on the roster, albeit playing a position he wasn’t originally drafted for.
Can Reese buck that trend?
He may have all the traits to be successful at the next level, but Arizona landing on either Mauigoa or Bailey makes a lot more sense. They would also make for a safer bet.
The Cardinals did sign veteran Elijah Wilkinson, who started every game at right tackle for the Atlanta Falcons last season, but could immediately plug Mauigoa into the starting role opposite left tackle Paris Johnson Jr.
Mauigoa represents both a short- and long-term option at a position of need.
Bailey, meanwhile, is coming off a very productive final season at Texas Tech where he led the FBS in sacks with 14.5 and tackles for loss with 19.5.
He followed it up with an impressive NFL Draft Combine showing, highlighted by a 4.51-second 40-yard dash.
In terms of pure pass rusher, Bailey is at the top of the list this draft.
Bringing him aboard would give Arizona another starting option to pair with Sweat, who is coming off a career year in Arizona.
Toss Bailey into a starting competition with Baron Browning, BJ Ojulari, Jordan Burch and Collins and see what happens.
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