The Arizona Cardinals are evaluating options for their roster ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft, according to an April 20 announcement. General Manager Monti Ossenfort is considering how best to strengthen the team’s offensive and defensive lines as they hold the third overall pick.
The approach matters because recent league trends show that many of the highest-paid players are quarterbacks or pass rushers who were drafted by their current teams. This strategy has influenced teams like the Cardinals, who previously traded up in 2023 to select left tackle Paris Johnson Jr., while the Houston Texans used their acquired pick on edge rusher Will Anderson. Anderson recently became the highest-paid non-quarterback in football, and Johnson’s fifth-year option was picked up with a contract extension expected soon.
Ossenfort said evaluating prospects can be challenging: “That is not always a clean evaluation. I think when you’re talking about a big school guy versus a small school guy that jump in competition is probably a little cleaner to see from a guy coming from a big school. In terms of position, I think you really just have to look at, ‘Hey, what was this player asked to do?'” He added that projecting how college talent will fit into professional roles makes scouting “a bit of an art.”
Among potential draft targets are outside linebacker David Bailey and linebacker Arvell Reese. Bailey led college football with 14.5 sacks last season at Texas Tech, while Reese drew attention for his athleticism but had fewer snaps as a pass rusher than some peers. Ossenfort also addressed concerns over Rueben Bain Jr.’s arm length: “I think ultimately it always goes back to the tape… But there’s always exceptions.” Offensive tackles Spencer Fano and Francis Mauigoa could also be considered if the team trades down from its current draft spot.
The Cardinals have continued investing in their offensive line through both free agency signings—such as Elijah Wilkinson and Isaac Seumalo—and recent drafts under Ossenfort’s leadership. Not every team builds exclusively through drafting linemen; for example, only three of five Rams starters were drafted by Los Angeles last year according to Sharp Football Analysis.
The Arizona Cardinals are recognized as one of professional football’s oldest franchises according to their official website. The team serves fans throughout greater Phoenix according to its official website and hosts home games in Glendale as reported by its official site. The franchise captured an NFC championship in 2008 according to its official website and competes in the NFC West division as noted by its official site.
Looking ahead, Ossenfort said: “Every decision affects every decision moving forward… Our goal is to put as competitive as a team as we can to go into ’26 and go 1-0 every week.” The upcoming draft offers another chance for Arizona’s front office staff to build upon these efforts.