TEAM: Arizona Cardinals
Overall Draft Grade: B
CLASS OVERVIEW
Total Picks: 7
Primary Needs Entering Draft: Defensive Front, Offensive Line, Cornerback, Wide Receiver Depth, Quarterback Depth
Positions Addressed: RB, G, QB, DT, WR, LB, OT
Summary
The Arizona Cardinals entered the 2026 NFL Draft looking to continue building around a young offensive core while improving the overall talent level of the roster. General Manager Monti Ossenfort remained committed to a best-player-available approach, selecting Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love with the third overall pick despite several needs elsewhere on the roster. Arizona added talent throughout the draft, particularly on offense, but questions remain regarding whether enough was done to address the team’s defensive shortcomings. Overall, this was a solid draft that improved the roster, though it lacked the balance and impact necessary to earn a higher grade.
PICK-BY-PICK BREAKDOWN
Round 1, Pick 3 – Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
- Evaluation: Elite playmaker with rare acceleration, vision, and big-play ability.
- Value: Outstanding prospect, though positional value at No. 3 overall will be debated.
- Scheme Fit: Perfect fit for Mike LaFleur’s offensive system.
- Projected Role: Immediate starter and centerpiece of Arizona’s rushing attack.
Round 2, Pick 34 – Chase Bisontis, G, Texas A&M
- Evaluation: Physical, versatile offensive lineman with starting-caliber traits.
- Value: Excellent value and one of Arizona’s best selections.
- Scheme Fit: Can compete for immediate snaps at guard while offering tackle flexibility.
- Projected Role: Potential Day 1 starter along the offensive line.
Round 3, Pick 65 – Carson Beck, QB, Miami
- Evaluation: Experienced quarterback with extensive starting experience and developmental upside.
- Value: Strong value in the third round.
- Scheme Fit: Gives Arizona a developmental option behind its veteran quarterbacks.
- Projected Role: Backup quarterback with future starter potential.
Round 4, Pick 104 – Kaleb Proctor, DT, Southeastern Louisiana
- Evaluation: Productive small-school defensive tackle with intriguing upside.
- Value: Appropriate value for a developmental defensive lineman.
- Scheme Fit: Adds needed depth to the defensive front.
- Projected Role: Rotational defensive tackle.
Round 4, Pick 143 – Reggie Virgil, WR, Texas Tech
- Evaluation: Athletic receiver with vertical-play potential.
- Value: Solid Day 3 value.
- Scheme Fit: Provides depth behind Arizona’s young receiving corps.
- Projected Role: Developmental receiver and special teams contributor.
Round 6, Pick 183 – Karson Sharar, LB, Iowa
- Evaluation: Tough, productive linebacker who plays with effort and physicality.
- Value: Good late-round selection.
- Scheme Fit: Fits as a special teams contributor with backup linebacker upside.
- Projected Role: Core special teamer.
Round 7, Pick 217 – Jayden Williams, OT, Ole Miss
- Evaluation: Developmental tackle with NFL size and athletic traits.
- Value: Worthwhile late-round investment.
- Scheme Fit: Provides long-term offensive line depth.
- Projected Role: Developmental tackle and practice squad candidate.
TOP ADDITION
Jeremiyah Love, RB
Love immediately becomes one of the most explosive players on Arizona’s roster. The Cardinals struggled to establish a consistent rushing attack in 2025 due to injuries and lack of production from the running back room. Love has the ability to transform the offense and gives Arizona another young cornerstone alongside Marvin Harrison Jr. and Trey McBride. While the positional value can be debated, the talent cannot.
BIGGEST QUESTION MARK
Defensive Needs Remain
Arizona invested heavily in offense with three of its first four selections, but several defensive concerns remain. The Cardinals needed additional impact talent along the defensive front and in the secondary, yet those areas were not aggressively addressed early in the draft. While Kaleb Proctor offers developmental upside, Arizona may still need to rely heavily on veteran additions and future drafts to fully rebuild its defense.
SLEEPER PICK
Chase Bisontis, G
Bisontis has a legitimate chance to become one of the better offensive linemen selected in this draft. His versatility, durability, and ability to play multiple positions make him a valuable addition to Arizona’s offensive front. While Love will generate the headlines, Bisontis may ultimately become one of the most important long-term contributors from this class.
SCHEME & ROSTER FIT ANALYSIS
Scheme Alignment
Arizona clearly prioritized improving the offense. Love brings explosive playmaking ability, Bisontis strengthens the offensive line, and Beck provides developmental quarterback depth. All three selections fit Mike LaFleur’s vision for building a more balanced and efficient offense.
Roster Impact
Love and Bisontis should compete for immediate starting roles, while Beck provides long-term quarterback insurance. The remaining selections add depth and developmental talent, but few project as immediate impact contributors.
Positional Value
The Cardinals added talented players throughout the draft, but the class feels somewhat offense-heavy considering the team’s defensive needs entering the offseason. While the talent level is solid, the overall roster balance prevents this class from receiving a higher grade.
FINAL TAKE
Arizona added several talented football players and strengthened its offensive foundation for the future. Jeremiyah Love has star potential, Chase Bisontis could become a long-term starter, and Carson Beck offers intriguing developmental upside. However, the decision to select a running back with the third overall pick and the lack of major defensive reinforcements keep this class from reaching the upper tier of the league’s draft hauls.
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