Duke QB Darian Mensah Stays in College, Impacting Cardinals’ Draft Strategy
The Arizona Cardinals find themselves at a crucial crossroads as they prepare for the upcoming offseason. With the future of their quarterback position in question, they were eyeing the 2026 NFL Draft as a potential avenue to secure a franchise signal-caller. However, a significant player has just removed himself from consideration.
Mensah Chooses Another Year at Duke
Darian Mensah, the standout quarterback for the Duke Blue Devils, has decided to forgo the NFL Draft and return for his redshirt junior season. This news, first reported by college football insider Pete Thamel, means that Arizona will need to adjust its draft strategy. Mensah had garnered attention for leading the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) in passing yards and was positioned as a potential late first or early second-round pick.
In a post on X, Thamel shared that Mensah had communicated his decision to Duke, stating, “Sources: Duke QB Darian Mensah will be returning to Duke for his redshirt junior year after exploring entering the NFL draft.” This announcement leaves the Cardinals searching for alternatives as they contemplate the future without Kyler Murray, who is anticipated to depart.
A Closer Look at Mensah’s Game
While Mensah’s statistics are impressive, leading the ACC in passing yards, there are concerns about his ability to transition to the NFL. His lighter frame has raised questions regarding his durability at the professional level. Nevertheless, his skill set remains intriguing, offering potential for development within the right system.
As the Cardinals ponder their next steps, Mensah’s decision underscores the unpredictable nature of college football and the draft landscape. With the QB market becoming increasingly competitive, Arizona must now recalibrate its focus and explore other options to bolster their roster. The 2026 NFL Draft may still hold promise, but for now, the Cardinals will have to look elsewhere in their pursuit of a new quarterback.
