The Arizona Cardinals will have the third overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, following a season that ended with a 3-14 record. This position in the draft was confirmed by tankathon.com.
This is not the first time the Cardinals have held the No. 3 pick. In 2023, under General Manager Monti Ossenfort, the team traded down from this spot and ultimately selected tackle Paris Johnson Jr. at No. 6. The last time Arizona used the third pick instead of trading it was in 2004, when they drafted wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, who is expected to be considered for induction into the Hall of Fame soon.
Looking back at recent drafts, previous No. 3 overall picks include Giants linebacker Abdul Carter (2025), Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (2024), Texans linebacker Will Anderson (2023), Texans cornerback Derek Stingley (2022), and 49ers quarterback Trey Lance (2021).
The Cardinals’ decision with this high draft pick will be closely watched as they look to improve their roster for future seasons.
