Sitting at the annual NFC coaches breakfast during the NFL league meeting, Mike LaFleur fielded questions for the first time in more than a month. Among the topics were the Cardinals' goals heading into NFL Draft. Could the Cardinals go after best player available? How does he view the current quarterback room and could they add someone like Ty Simpson to the mix? While the head coach wasn't going to show his cards, the experts believe they have the answers.
This mock draft tracker, the third of six versions, will feature opinions from NFL experts about their choices for the Cardinals at pick No. 3.
OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami
As the draft gets closer, the more aligned many experts appear to be surrounding Francis Mauigoa. Miami's offensive tackle seems to be the favorite at No. 3. When the draft process began, Mauigoa and Utah's Spencer Fano were linked as the top lineman in the class, but after the Scouting Combine and pro days, the gap between the two has grown. In the case the Cardinals draft Mauigoa, a boost will be provided to the run game and the offensive line will have its bookend tackles of the future.
What some of the experts are saying:
"Mauigoa (6-feet-5 1/2 inches and 329 pounds) moves people in the run game, and he's a pretty awesome athlete for his size. With Tyler Allgeier joining James Conner (returning from injury), the Cardinals are building a physical, downhill identity. Locking in the OL now sets the foundation for a future QB addition — whether that's Ty Simpson this year or someone from the stronger 2027 class." - Todd McShay, The Ringer
"This pick can be the start of their future foundation. Mauigoa is the draft's top-ranked offensive lineman and allowed only two sacks during Miami's run to the national title game. He is a fierce run blocker who would be an immediate replacement for right tackle Christian Jones opposite Paris Johnson Jr., giving Arizona a pair of young offensive line bookends." - Matt Miller, ESPN
"Arizona's biggest need is along the offensive line. I tend to think offensive-minded head coach Mike LaFleur would like to go in that direction if it makes sense. In a relatively weak draft class at the top, and knowing the offensive linemen are going to fly off the board prior to their next season, it is conceivable that the Cardinals will make that move while it is within their power." - Josh Edwards, CBS Sports
Others who have mocked Mauigoa to the Cardinals: Mike Band, NFL.com; Ryan Wilson, CBS Sports; Mark Schofield, SBNation; Luke Easterling, Athlon Sports; Chad Reuter, NFL.com; Rob Rang, Fox Sports
QB Ty Simpson, Alabama
Rising quarterback? Well, it depends on who you ask. Alabama's Ty Simpson isn't necessarily rising on any draft boards, but with the nature of the quarterback position, a team might stretch to acquire him. In Charles Davis' mock draft, he has the Cardinals taking Simpson at No. 3. That opinion is in the minority. However, the hype surrounding Simpson acquisition via trading back into the first round is starting to pick up some steam. Field Yates has the Cardinals trading with the Bills. The Cardinals would trade their second- and third-round picks in 2026, and a third-round pick in 2027. If the Cardinals believe Simpson is the quarterback of the future, a deal like that could be worth entertaining.
What some of the experts are saying:
"Last year, I opined in one of my early mocks that Jaxson Dart would go to the Giants with the third overall pick, but I didn't stick with the pairing as the process unfolded. Dart, of course, ultimately ended up with New York after Big Blue traded back into the first round and selected the quarterback at No. 25. This year, I think Simpson ends up with the Cardinals, even if this is not the spot where they pick him." - Charles Davis, NFL.com
"Arizona can execute its own version of what the Giants accomplished in 2025. New York landed edge rusher Abdul Carter at No. 3 before trading up to take quarterback Jaxson Dart at No. 25. After taking Arvell Reese up top, the Cardinals can land the clear-cut second-best quarterback in this class here. Through the early part of the 2025 season, Simpson stood out with his ability to navigate the pocket and throw with accuracy and power when he can set his feet. With Jacoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew on Arizona's depth chart, the team can bring Simpson along methodically. All 15 of his collegiate starts came this past season." - Field Yates, ESPN (via trade with Buffalo)
"A move back into Round 1 for Simpson would align with the growing smoke around his fit in Mike LaFleur's offense, giving the Cards a play-action-friendly passer they can develop behind a veteran bridge. Meanwhile, the Bills are strong trade-down candidates, as they don't have a second-round pick and rank 27th in draft capital over the next two years, according to NFL IQ." - Mike Band, NFL.com (via trade with Buffalo)
"The Cardinals use their second pick of the first round to acquire him as their quarterback of the future — one selection before where he has been heavily mocked, to the Pittsburgh Steelers... Jacoby Brissett can start for as long as necessary until the Cardinals are ready to transition to the rookie." - Jordan Plocher, PFF (via trade with Dallas)
LB Arvell Reese, Ohio State
In recent weeks, Arvell Reese's draft stock has fluctuated. Some have him calling New York home with the Jets at No. 2, while others have him sliding towards the back end of the top 10. Ultimately, it's his potential as a pass rusher that has teams intrigued. As he continues to prepare ahead of the draft, Reese has been working with pass rush specialist BT Jordan, who has worked with Walter Nolen III.
What some of the experts are saying:
"The Cardinals' biggest need is quarterback, but this isn't the right draft to address that need at this spot. So Arizona goes with Reese, who combines edge-rushing talent with an ability to play inside linebacker — also needs for the Cards." - Ben Arthur, Fox Sports
"BPA at No. 3? General manager Monti Ossenfort could indeed grab the best player available here, adding a dynamic defender to Nick Rallis' unit." - Bucky Brooks, NFL.com
"Like the Jets, the Cardinals can add to their recent front-seven investments, which include edge rusher Josh Sweat from last free agency. Reese is a unique defensive player in this class, playing a hybrid position at Ohio State as an off-ball linebacker and pass rusher. He has massive length at 6-foot-4, explosive athletic traits and major upside if the Cardinals keep him at edge rusher. Reese said at the combine that he hasn't "scratched the surface" as a pass rusher. He generated 19 pressures on a mere 97 pass-rush reps in 2025." - Field Yates, ESPN
OLB David Bailey, Texas Tech
In Mock Draft Tracker 2.0, it was clear that David Bailey was the heavy favorite for the Cardinals if they opted to focus on defense in the draft. In 3.0, the tide has slightly shifted towards Reese, but it's because Bailey might be off the board before the Cardinals are on the clock. Bailey's skill as a true pass rusher coming off the edge would fit in Nick Rallis' scheme, lining up opposite from Josh Sweat. He plays with a motor that Rallis would appreciate and a bend that would challenge offensive tackles.
What some of the experts are saying:
"Texas Tech's David Bailey is the consensus top-ranked pass rusher and EDGE represents sensible value for Monti Ossenfort. Bailey's first-step quickness would pair nicely opposite Josh Sweat, and you've got a complete unit with Walter Nolen III and Darius Robinson also on the defensive line." - Justin Melo, Sports Illustrated
"Adding Bailey to a front with Josh Sweat would give the Cardinals a nice 1-2 punch on the edge. They could also consider tackle here, but Bailey is a better prospect." - Pete Prisco, CBS Sports
"Texas Tech's David Bailey can legitimately provide Arizona with an identity on one side of the ball, particularly after the organization's previous first-round investments in Darius Robinson and Walter Nolen III (with Jordan Burch thrown in for good measure)." - Bleacher Report Scouting Department
