Arizona Cardinals 2026 NFL Draft: CFN College Take on Every Pick

Originally posted on College Football News
By Pete Fiutak | Last updated Apr 26, 2026 5:08 PM ET

In a draft full of okay talent and without a whole lot of splash, the two big moves of Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love with the third pick and Miami quarterback Carson Beck in the third might turn out to be the defining moment in the draft.

Even if it doesn't work out, the Cardinals went for it. If the goal is to be among the elite, getting these two was a shot for the stars.

Cardinals Draft Quick Hits

Best Value: Carson Beck, QB
Biggest Need: Playmakers
Missed: Defensive Linemen
Big Call: Jeremiyah Love could be the best player in the draft

What They Got Right

They made the big call on Jeremiyah Love at the 3. You're not supposed to take running backs early, especially with the third overall pick, but Love has the potential to be a franchise player and one of the five best backs in the league right away.

What They Missed

Where are the defensive linemen? They barely waved at the tackle spot and didn't do anything for the pass rush.

Best Value Pick

Carson Beck with the first pick in the third round. There was a time a few years ago when Beck was considered a possible No. 1 overall pick.

There are a few questions about his consistency and power in his arm, but there's a shot the Cardinals got their franchise quarterback in the third round.

Biggest Reach

Kaleb Proctor, DT SE Louisiana
An okay prospect in the fourth round, but Oklahoma defensive tackle Gracen Halton was still on the board.

CFN Draft Grade

Grade: A
They went for it.

Bisontis in the second round was a great call at the right time, but that got lost in the two massive picks of Love in the first and Beck in the third.

It was bold, decisive, and a huge signal to the fan base that the franchise is ready to begin a new era.

2026 Arizona Cardinals Draft Class

Round 1, (3): Jeremiyah Love, RB Notre Dame
It’s a statement. You don’t take a running back early - unless he’s Jeremiyah Love.

Round 2, (34) Chase Bisontis, OG Texas A&M
Terrific get at the right time, a versatile option who’ll play at guard, but
can work at tackle.

Round 3, (65) Carson Beck, QB Miami
Power move with little risk in the third round. All the tools are there to start right away.

Round 4, (104) Kaleb Proctor, DT SE Louisiana
He might not be massive, but he’s a strong power defender for the interior.

Round 5, (143) Reggie Virgil, WR Texas Tech
Receiver wasn’t a desperate need, but they got a tall deep threat with No. 3 upside.

Round 6, (183) Karson Sharar, LB Iowa
Experienced tackler who can move, but he’s just okay in pass coverage.

Round 7, (217) Jayden Williams, OT Ole Miss
This doesn’t solve the tackle need, but the 6-4, 320-pounder was a fine late shot at the stars.

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