This Arizona Cardinals mock draft will attempt to address issues that caused the team to go 3-14 in 2025. The biggest issue was the defense, which gave up 28.7 points per game (29th in the NFL) and 6,081 yards (27th). Much of that problem can be traced back to the pass rush and pass defense in general. The team managed only 19 turnovers all year (21st), 30 sacks (29th), and 114 pressures (29th).
The offense wasn’t much better, but it was better. The Cardinals averaged 20.9 points per game (23rd) and put up 5,538 yards (19th). The passing offense was decent. The team’s 3,955 passing yards were seventh in the league; the quarterback responsible for that is playing in Minnesota next season. The quarterback duo of Jacoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew will be expected to carry the passing game in 2026.
There will be no trades in this mock draft, even though Arizona is definitely going to make trades in real life. The Cardinals pick in every round. They will draft 3, 34, 65, 104, 143, 183, 217. Without trades to move up when needed or back when it benefits them long term, the Cardinals will need to be savvy in drafting both sides of the ball in 2026.
