Arizona Cardinals’ Draft Position Drama
As the Arizona Cardinals approach the final weeks of the NFL season, they find themselves on the cusp of a significant opportunity in the upcoming draft. With 12 weeks of football behind them, the Cardinals are trending toward a top ten selection for the 2026 NFL Draft. ESPN’s Football Power Index (FPI) gives Arizona a robust 74.2% chance of finishing in the top ten, alongside a 17.8% likelihood of landing a coveted top five pick.
Current Draft Position and Projections
Currently sitting at ninth in the draft order, the Cardinals’ standing is fluid; the final games of the season could shift their position significantly. The draft landscape as it stands includes several teams vying for a similar outcome:
Tennessee Titans: 90.5% chance to finish in the top five, 99.7% in the top ten
Las Vegas Raiders: 79.1% for top five, 98.6% for top ten
New Orleans Saints: 72.3% chance for top five, 97.8% for top ten
New York Jets: 70.8% chance for top five, 97.9% for top ten
Cleveland Browns: 58% for top five, 95.5% for top ten
New York Giants: 41.6% for top five, 92.2% for top ten
Washington Commanders: 27.4% for top five, 83.7% for top ten
Cincinnati Bengals: 19.9% for top five, 75.5% for top ten
Arizona Cardinals: 17.8% for top five, 74.2% for top ten
Minnesota Vikings: 8% for top five, 56.6% for top ten
With the eighth-toughest strength of schedule remaining, the Cardinals’ path to a top pick looks more promising. Their only remaining game where they are favored to win is against the Atlanta Falcons.
Draft History Under GM Monti Ossenfort
General Manager Monti Ossenfort has overseen a transformative phase for the Cardinals, with recent drafts yielding picks of varying significance. Over the last three years, Arizona has selected at the third, fourth, and sixteenth positions. They also hold the No. 27 overall pick in 2024, courtesy of a previous trade with the Houston Texans that allowed the team to move down from No. 3 to 12 before trading back up to select offensive tackle Paris Johnson Jr.
In the 2024 draft, the Cardinals added wide receiver Marvin Harrison with the fourth pick and defensive lineman Darius Robinson at No. 27. Walter Nolen was also a notable selection made this past offseason. With another top ten finish on the horizon, the Cardinals could be set for a pivotal draft that would mark their third in four years.
Potential Directions for the First-Round Pick
As the Cardinals contemplate their strategy for the first-round pick, the most pressing question centers on the quarterback position. The fate of Kyler Murray looms large over Arizona’s decision-making process. Should the Cardinals pursue a new quarterback, the availability of suitable candidates will be crucial, particularly with a few teams ahead of them also in need of a signal-caller.
However, bolstering the offensive line remains a priority, particularly at positions like right tackle and left guard. The wide receiver position also merits attention, especially if the Cardinals opt for a new offensive play-caller.
Additionally, the safety position could become a focal point as Jalen Thompson heads into free agency. With the Cardinals frequently employing dime personnel, acquiring a high-caliber defensive back could enhance their defensive strategy.
In a roster that stands to benefit from upgrades across the board, the upcoming draft cycle promises to be an exciting one to watch for Arizona fans and analysts alike.
