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The Arizona Cardinals finally find defensive difference makers and more Kyler Murray support in latest 2026 NFL mock draft
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The Arizona Cardinals finally find defensive difference makers and more Kyler Murray support in latest 2026 NFL mock draft

Originally posted on A to Z Sports  |  By Ryan Roberts  |  Last updated Sep 26, 2025 12:43 PM ET

The Arizona Cardinals are in a very interesting stage of their franchise. They are currently a team in the middle of the pack, with quarterback Kyler Murray and head coach Jonathan Gannon still having many questions to answer. Whether you support either or not, the Cardinals are going to continue building their team around those two.

With that in mind, continuing to add talent to this roster is a top priority. The 2026 NFL Draft should offer the chance to replenish the talent and find potential difference makers. In my latest 7-round mock draft, defense was the top area of concern, as well as putting more talent around Murray.

Round 1, Pick 23: Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State

There may not be a bigger riser in the 2026 class so far this season than Reese, who has gotten off to an extremely fast start. At around 6-4 and 245 pounds, Reese has the look of a modern MIKE linebacker. He also possesses the explosiveness and versatility to play multiple roles in a defense as a true difference maker.

Round 2, Pick 54: Drew Shelton, OT, Penn State

The Cardinals are a team that could all use some upgrading on the offensive line. That could come at some point in the near future at right tackle as Jonah Williams continues to age, or even inside at guard, depending on what the biggest need is. Shelton is a pure blindside protector but has the all-around skill set to do a lot for an offense.

Round 3, Pick 85: Zane Durant, DT, Penn State

While Durant is only 6-1 and 290 pounds, he is a lot stronger than you would expect. He makes his living with his first step and flexibility, showing nice upside as a penetrating interior defensive lineman. Durant should be a plug-and-play three technique for an NFL defense very early on in his career.

Round 4, Pick 120: Tacario Davis, CB, Washington

At over 6-3 with extremely long arms, Davis is an impressive blend of size and movement skills. After a tremendous year with the Arizona Wildcats in 2024, his last season with the program was a down one for the talented cover man. Davis has been a lot better so far this season, and he looks like he is rounding back into form.

Round 5, Pick 163: Dalton Brooks, S, Texas A&M

Brooks hasn't quite turned the corner as a football player, and he has also been a bit banged up so far in 2025. The talent is undeniable, bringing impressive physicality to the table at 6-0 and 200 pounds. The junior is also a really explosive athlete who has flashed the ability to make some plays from depth.

Round 6, Pick 206: Trebor Pena, WR, Syracuse

After previously starring at Syracuse, Pena transferred to Penn State this offseason and is leading the Nittany Lions in receiving so far in 2024. During his career, Pena has hauled in 122 receptions for 1,378, and 11 touchdowns. Pena makes his living out of the slot, where he is a very quick pass catcher who is extremely smooth out of his breaks. Consistency is the name of Pena's game.

Round 7, Pick 239: Roy Williams, EDGE, Northern Illinois

Williams is a long and lean pass rusher who moves very well off the edge. He is a high-cut defensive end, so his change of direction isn't always the smoothest, and Williams also needs to improve his overall strength profile. At this point in the draft, however, those tools are worth taking a gamble on to develop.

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

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