Cardinals’ Draft Aspirations Dashed by Rival Victories
The Arizona Cardinals suffered a heavy defeat against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 13, marking their tenth loss in eleven games. While the 45-17 scoreline was a harsh reality, the true impact of this loss extends far beyond the scoreboard. The Cardinals’ most significant setback lies in their positioning for the 2026 NFL Draft, where a chance at a coveted top-five pick slipped through their fingers amidst a fifth consecutive loss.
Draft Positioning Takes a Hit
Entering Week 13 with the eighth overall pick, the Cardinals were hoping for favorable outcomes from other struggling teams, namely the Cleveland Browns, Washington Commanders, and New York Jets, all of whom held 3-9 records alongside Arizona. For the Cardinals to ascend into the top five, they needed these teams to falter. However, the day unfolded unfavorably, as each of their rivals secured victories, leaving Arizona stagnant in their draft aspirations.
As the Cardinals gear up for Week 14, they find themselves still at the eighth spot in the draft order, but now entangled in a five-way tie among teams bearing a 3-10 record. Due to their strength of schedule, Arizona currently sits fifth among these teams, a position that complicates their quest for a higher draft pick.
Future Quarterback Prospects
With speculation surrounding a potential split from quarterback Kyler Murray, the Cardinals are eyeing the top prospects in the upcoming quarterback class. Simply put, holding onto the eighth overall pick may not suffice if they intend to make a significant change at the quarterback position. The need for strategic maneuvering is evident, as Arizona seeks to position itself for a chance at one of the elite quarterbacks available in the draft.
While fans may clamor for a tanking strategy, the reality is that NFL teams operate under a different ethos. Coaches and players do not intentionally lose games. The Cardinals, despite their struggles, will continue to compete fiercely on the field. However, they entered Week 13 hoping for some assistance from their rivals, which ultimately did not materialize.
Looking Ahead
According to projections, Arizona holds a robust 98% chance to secure a top ten pick, with a 44% likelihood of landing in the top five. With only four games remaining in the season, the Cardinals are favored to win in just one matchup against the Atlanta Falcons. As they navigate the final stretch, the focus remains on maximizing their positioning for the draft, a critical factor in shaping the future of the franchise.
