Cardinals Chart Draft Course: Arizona Swaps Picks and Targets Tackle in Seven-Round Projection

PHOENIX — With the 2026 NFL Draft just days away, the Arizona Cardinals sit in an intriguing position at third overall. The team is widely expected to move back from that pick and accumulate additional selections while targeting a franchise left tackle.

In a recent seven-round mock draft simulation, the Cardinals executed two trades to reshape their roster. In the first round, Arizona swapped the third overall pick to the Washington Commanders, receiving the seventh selection along with the 71st pick and a 2027 second-round choice. This trade positions the Cardinals to add multiple assets while still landing a premium player.

The second move came in round two, where Arizona sent the 34th overall selection to the Miami Dolphins in exchange for the 43rd and 94th picks. This allows the Cardinals to continue building depth across multiple rounds.

With the seventh pick in the opening round, the Cardinals selected Miami offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa. The tackle from Miami fills a pressing need on Arizona offensive line and should immediately compete for a starting role. Mauigoa brings size, mobility, and the kind of nastiness teams look for in a bookend tackle to protect the quarterback blind side.

The draft haul continued with a string of intriguing selections. Clemson edge rusher T.J. Parker went to Arizona in round two, adding pass-rushing prowess to a defense that can use more firepower off the edge. Safety Treydan Stukes arrived from Arizona in round three, followed by Auburn center Connor Lew and Florida State defensive tackle Darrell Jackson, also in round three. Wake Forest running back Demond Claiborne provides competition in the backfield, while North Dakota State quarterback Cole Payton offers developmental potential at a position of long-term importance. Arizona State linebacker Keyshaun Elliott and Ole Miss wide receiver Harrison Wallace rounded out the class in rounds six and seven.

The strategy reflects a team building for sustained success rather than chasing immediate fixes. By accumulating picks and targeting high-value positions early, the Cardinals aim to restock a roster that has shown promise but needs more talent to compete consistently in the NFC West. General manager Monti Ossenfort has been aggressive in previous drafts, and this projection suggests that approach will continue.

The draft begins on April 23, and all eyes will be on whether the Cardinals can execute their planned moves or if another team intercepts their strategy.