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Cardinals secure third overall pick in 2026 NFL draft

Originally posted on Burn City Sports
By Tanner Tortorella | Last updated Jan 4, 2026 7:45 PM ET

GLENDALE – The Arizona Cardinals were in a tough race to get near the top of the 2026 NFL draft leaderboards. Arizona entered Sunday as the fifth pick and needed some help to secure a top three pick. The New York Giants were happy to oblige routing the Dallas Cowboys by 17 points, while the Cincinnati Bengals surprising loss to the Cleveland Browns soften the Cardinals strength of schedule.

New York moved Arizona to fourth, but Cincinnati’s defeat helped the franchise move to top three over the Tennessee Titans due to a weaker strength of schedule.

Cardinals picking third in 2026 draft:

The Cardinals did their part by losing the Los Angeles Rams in the season finale 37-20. If he remains at his position, General manager Monti Ossenfort will be tasked to find the franchise’s next starting quarterback in the top of the draft. The problem for Ossenfort is the two teams ahead of Arizona. The New York Jets and Las Vegas Raiders are both eyeing for a new franchise quarterback to save their team.

Reports have indicated that Las Vegas could be interested in quarterback Kyler Murray, which could allow Arizona to eliminate one of their competitions for a top QB in the draft. Heisman Trophy winner in Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza could be heading to the Valley if the cards fall the right way for the Cardinals.

This article first appeared on Burn City Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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