The top QB prospects, sleepers and deep sleepers in the 2026 NFL Draft
USA TODAY Sports’ Christian D’Andrea breaks down the top quarterback studs, sleepers and deep sleepers in the 2026 NFL Draft.
- After releasing Kyler Murray, the team has a need for a franchise quarterback.
- Top prospects for the Cardinals’ first-round pick include edge rushers and an offensive tackle.
The Arizona Cardinals need a franchise quarterback after releasing Kyler Murray.
But that’s just one of several positions of need for a team that consistently finishes among the worst in the NFL.
It’s also likely out of the realm of possibility in the 2026 NFL Draft, which begins April 23. Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the Heisman Trophy winner and national champion, is expected to be selected No. 1 overall by the Las Vegas Raiders. Scouts believe there is no significant depth at the position behind him, at least not worthy of a high first-round grade.
The Cardinals own the No. 3 overall selection and seven total draft picks, one in each round. The picks are Nos. 3, 34, 65, 104, 143, 183 and 217.
Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort could explore trading down from the third pick to accrue more assets or make any number of moves with those selections.
Beyond quarterback, the team is in the market for help at running back, guard, right tackle, inside linebacker, defensive tackle and slot receiver.
Assuming no trades, here’s a look at three prospects the Cardinals could consider with each of their seven draft picks:
Round 1 (Pick 3)
David Bailey (EDGE, Texas Tech, 6-4, 251): An explosive pure pass rusher who led power conferences in sacks (14.5) and ranked second in the nation in tackles for loss (19.5).
Francis Mauigoa (OT, Miami, 6-5, 329): The consensus top offensive lineman would provide a “plug-and-play” solution at right tackle to bookend Paris Johnson Jr.
Arvell Reese (EDGE, Ohio State, 6-4, 241): A versatile defender compared to Micah Parsons. Experts consider him the best overall defensive prospect in this class.
Round 2 (Pick 34)
Max Iheanachor (OT, Arizona State, 6-6, 321): A local standout who projects as a Week 1 starter at right tackle if the team passes on Mauigoa in Round 1.
T.J. Parker (EDGE, Clemson, 6-4, 263): A powerful edge setter with interior versatility who could be a value selection if he slides into the early second round.
Ty Simpson (QB, Alabama, 6-1, 211): A polarizing but high-upside prospect who is often linked to Arizona as a developmental successor to the current bridge veterans.
Round 3 (Pick 65)
Carson Beck (QB, Miami, 6-5, 233): An accurate, experienced quarterback who could learn behind Jacoby Brissett without pressuring the team to pass on a deeper 2027 QB class.
Daylen Everette (CB, Georgia, 6-1, 196): A high-pedigree cornerback who could address the long-term depth needs in a secondary led by aging veterans.
Gracen Halton (DT, Oklahoma, 6-3, 293): A disruptive interior presence who could bolster a defensive line that struggled with health in 2025.
Round 4 (Pick 104)
Jalen Farmer (G, Kentucky, 6-5, 312): A powerful interior blocker known for his high-end run-blocking ability and massive 34-inch arms.
Tim Keenan (DT, Alabama, 6-1, 327): Described as a “space-eater” rather than a pure playmaker. He could help the defensive line depth and improve run defense.
Febechi Nwaiwu (G, Oklahoma, 6-4, 319): A powerful, wide-bodied interior lineman with a stout anchor who excels at stonewalling bull rushers.
Round 5 (Pick 143)
Keyshaun Elliott (LB, ASU, 6-2, 231): A high-IQ, “thumping” inside linebacker and former defensive signal-caller with excellent instincts for run defense.
Cole Payton (QB, North Dakota State, 6-3, 232): A mobile and imposing developmental dual-threat quarterback who pairs a rocket arm with elite athleticism.
Kaleb Proctor (DT, Southeastern Louisiana, 6-2, 291): Pass-rush specialist from the FCS level who had two sacks against LSU.
Round 6 (Pick 183)
Kobe Baynes (G, Kansas, 6-4, 315): Aggressive interior blocker noted for his upper-body strength and solid anchor.
Enrique Cruz (OL, Kansas, 6-5, 313): Swing tackle with impressive athleticism, he ran the 40 in 4.94 seconds and had a 35-inch vertical jump, among the best for his position.
Domani Jackson (CB, Alabama, 6-1, 194): A high-upside but inconsistent prospect with elite physical traits who ran the 40-yard dash in 4.41 seconds.
Round 7 (Pick 217)
Eric Gentry (LB, USC, 6-7, 221): Considered a unique athlete and project, his frame and extensive college experience make him an intriguing late-round option.
Jamarion Miller (RB, Alabama, 5-10, 209): A barrel-chested, north-south runner with excellent contact balance and a reputation as an excellent blocker.
Harrison Wallace III (WR, Ole Miss, 6-0, 192): A vertical threat who could add competition to the Cardinals’ receiving corps.
Tips or story ideas? Email sports features and investigative reporter Jason Wolf at jason.wolf@usatodayco.com. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter, at @JasonWolf.
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