TEMPE — The regular season is winding down, meaning the top of the 2026 NFL Draft order gets clearer and the mock drafts become more frequent.
Between now and the time the NFL Draft rolls around in April, the mock draft chaos is going to vary, as will the names going to their respective teams in said exercises.
But from a real-world approach, the Arizona Cardinals, who currently hold the No. 8 overall pick at 3-10, should already have a good idea of first-round avenues to go down given how this season has gone and what lies ahead.
Quarterback is going to remain a hot topic this offseason with a split from Kyler Murray likely in the cards. Do the Cardinals run it back with Jacoby Brissett, especially if the offensive thinking flips? Or do they opt to add a rookie quarterback this draft and let the chips fall where they may?
Whatever the answer is, they’re going to need an offensive line capable of consistently winning in the trenches.
Brissett has stepped in mightily in place of Murray this season. But through eight starts, the veteran is facing 21.4 pressures per game. That’s 171 pressures (fifth most in the NFL), highlighted by 29 sacks (seventh most), in eight games played.
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Only two players — New York Jets QB Justin Fields (46.5%) and Los Angeles Chargers signal caller Justin Herbert (43.9%), have faced a higher pressure rate than Brissett (43.4%).
Some of that is due to Brissett holding onto the rock as he stays in the pocket and lets plays develop — his time to throw of 2.92 seconds is sixth in the NFL — but most of the issues stem from the line.
Not only has Brissett gotten beat up as a starter, but the once potent run game the offense was built around has been nonexistent.
On top of the injuries piling up, Paris Johnson Jr.’s knee issue being the latest, the line’s performance has noticeably stunted.
There’s going to be some turnover in the position room, too. Jonah Williams (15 starts) is not expected back after a rough tenure in Arizona. Kelvin Beachum (69) hits free agency and could very well decide to hang it up after 14 NFL seasons. Will Hernandez (42) will also enter the market after his return didn’t live up to the hype.
Some of those reps are bound to be replaced by in-house options like Isaiah Adams or through free agency. But when it comes to revamped the tackle spot opposite Johnson, the draft marks a golden opportunity to do, especially when there are two legit options to consider within the top 10 picks.
Utah’s Spencer Fano figures to be the top offensive lineman taken this draft. His abilities in the run game fit the mold of what the Cardinals offense desperately needs and would help anchor right tackle, a spot he’s played the past two years as a Ute, for years to come.
And if he’s not available, Miami prospect Francis Mauigoa is another potential game-changing addition to the room. A strong showing in the College Football Playoff would only boost that thinking even more.
The Cardinals may not have to do much maneuvering to be in the position to land, either. Retooling must happen if this team wants to find success in 2026. If you don’t have to burn extra draft capital and can still land a top prospect to work in at a major position of need, that’s a major positive.
What if the Cardinals don’t go OL in the first round of 2026 NFL Draft?
But if a high-level offensive line upgrade this draft isn’t in Arizona’s plans, that likely means it’s rookie signal caller time.
The work must be thorough and down to the minute details if the Cardinals’ current regime is going to put its eggs in the quarterback prospect basket.
It’s likely going to cost a little extra if the order keeps up as is, with other QB-needy teams either sitting ahead of Arizona or holding additional draft capital to move up via trade, and a slip-up of these proportions would mean multiple heads are rolling.
Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza, who may have the best postgame interview of the season, has likely played himself into the No. 1 overall pick territory.
Oregon’s Dante Moore could very well be in the top five range, too.
It may be just a handful of spots from where Arizona currently sits, but it’s going to take a lot to be in a position to nab them.
And if signal caller ends up being the route the Cardinals take, general manager Monti Ossenfort better have a clear direction on how to properly revamp an O-line that has largely been down and out this season.
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