We have a couple of more weeks left to get a few more mock drafts done before the actual 2026 NFL draft begins on April 23. We will then know what the Arizona Cardinals will do with the third overall pick. Will they take a tackle or a pass rusher, or will they trade back like in 2023?
On the Check the Mic podcast, Sam Monson dropped his mock draft. Quarterback Fernando Mendoza goes first overall to the Las Vegas Raiders, and Ohio State defender Arvell Reese goes second overall to the New York Jets.
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Who is the pick at No. 3 for the Arizona Cardinals?
It is Miami EDGE Rueben Bain Jr.
They pass on the more prototypical pass rusher David Bailey out of Texas Tech. He goes fourth overall to the Tennessee Titans. They also pass on a tackle. The first tackle who comes off the boards is Utah’s Spencer Fano, who goes ninth overall to the Kansas City Chiefs.
It makes sense for the Cardinals to take a pass rusher over a tackle third overall. They reportedly want to prioritize tackle but don’t have one graded for the third pick, and so they would like to trade back. Not being able to do that, a pass rusher has to be the pick.
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Now, they have a greater need off the edge than at right tackle. Josh Sweat gave them 12 sacks in 2025, but he had zero in any fourth quarter, and the rest of the OLBs combined for 5.5 total sacks. At right tackle, they have many options for a starter, including free agent addition Elijah Wilkinson, who started 17 games and played every snap in 2025 for the Atlanta Falcons at right tackle.
Bain, though, is not likely the pick if Bailey is also on the board. While Bain looks dominant on tape, his short arms probably put him behind Bailey on the Cardinals’ draft board.
If both Bailey and Bain are available, expect the Cardinals to go with Bailey, as general manager Monti Ossenfort isn’t one to draft physical outliers. Bailey has the better athletic and physical profile, all while leading the nation with 14.5 sacks last year.
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This article originally appeared on Cards Wire: NFL mock draft: Arizona Cardinals take Rueben Bain 3rd overall
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