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Arizona Cardinals completely overhaul the defense, and add some running back insurance in latest 7-round 2026 NFL mock draft
Ken Ruinard / USA Today Network South Carolina / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Arizona Cardinals completely overhaul the defense, and add some running back insurance in latest 7-round 2026 NFL mock draft

Originally posted on A to Z Sports  |  By Ryan Roberts  |  Last updated Oct 15, 2025 3:57 PM ET

The Arizona Cardinals have had signs of life for head coach Jonathan Gannon during his career, but it hasn’t been nearly consistent enough to date. The talent on the roster has gotten better, but there are still several holes that the staff will need to fill. They are a team in desperate need for impact talent. 

This team needs to focus on the 2026 NFL Draft, an opportunity to find that impact talent that the roster needs. In the latest 7-round 2026 NFL mock draft, the Cardinals were able to find a bevy of playmakers on the defensive side of the football. They also found some insurance at the running back position, which has quietly become one of the deepest groups in the NFL. 

Round 1, Pick 10: Peter Woods, DT, Clemson

While Clemson has been awful in 2025, Woods has played very well. At 6-3 and 315 pounds, he is a ball of chaos that can do a little bit of everything. Woods is strong enough to make plays at the point of attack and explosive enough to create havoc in the backfield. This would be a huge playmaking presence in the middle for the Cardinals defense.  

Round 2, Pick 41: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State 

A former safety for the Buckeyes, Styles has developed into one of the more versatile linebackers in the entire 2026 class. At around 6-4 and 240 pounds, there are no limits to what Styles can do on a defense. He can blitz, cover, and run to the football with absurd range. 

Round 3, Pick 72: Justice Haynes, RB, Michigan 

After serving as a role player at Alabama, Haynes has developed into one of the better running backs in the 2026 class with the Wolverines. For a bigger runner at 5-11 and 210 pounds, Haynes has some outstanding long speed. His skill set should fit perfectly on the NFL level. 

Round 4, Pick 107: Davison Igbinosun, CB, Ohio State

There is a lot to like about Igbinosun from a physical perspective. He is tall, long, and moves exceptionally well for his size. Igbinosun has had a lot of issues with penalties in the past, but he has been better in that regard so far in 2025. 

Round 5, Pick 151: Duce Robinson, WR, Florida State

Robinson is a very linear player at 6-6 and 223 pounds, but he can make a lot of plays in the vertical game. You can also project Robinson some inside in the slot where his frame can be a big help. The former USC transfer has made a lot of plays during his lone season with the Seminoles so far. 

Round 6, Pick 189: Nico Iamaleava, QB, UCLA

If Iamaleava is projected to go this low, there is a good chance that he returns to college in 2026, but you never know. From a pure talent perspective, there is a lot to love about the former Tennessee quarterback. At 6-6 and 220 pounds, Iamaleava has a lot of natural tools to develop. 

Round 7, Pick 225: Trey Zuhn III, OT, Texas A&M

After starting at left tackle for Texas A&M for multiple years, the lack of length for Zuhn could push him inside on the next level. While his overall physical talent isn’t anything special, Zuhn is a very consistent player. His ability to back up multiple positions could give him a chance to hold down a spot on the NFL level.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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