Every year, some NFL writer seems to project the Arizona Cardinals to take a quarterback in the first round of the NFL draft, even though the team has Kyler Murray entrenched as its starting quarterback.
2026 will evidently not be any different.
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In his early 2026 NFL mock draft, NBC Sports’ Reuben Frank has the Cardinals selecting LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier with the No. 15 pick in the first round.
He wrote of the pick: “Kyler Murray is a decent quarterback, and at times has been very good. But he’ll be 29 in 2026, he’s never won a playoff game, and he’s only had one winning season since the Cards made him the first pick in 2019, and that was back in 2021. At some point the Cards have to start thinking about a succession plan, and Nussmeier – whose dad was the Eagles’ quarterbacks coach during the 2024 season – could make sense in the middle of the first round. Nussmeier sat behind Max Johnson for one year and Jayden Daniels for two before a promising 2024 season with over 4,000 passing yards, 64 percent accuracy and 29 touchdowns. The biggest question about Nussmeier is how he’ll hold up in the NFL at 6-2, 200. The last quarterback 200 pounds or less drafted in the top 10 was Jim McMahon in 1982. If he shows he can withstand the punishment for another year, he’ll likely be a 1st-round pick in 2026.”
Could the Cardinals really take a QB in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft? I guess anything is possible. But if Kyler Murray leads Arizona to a good season in 2025, like some expect, it’s going to be hard for the Cardinals’ front office to justify taking a quarterback early in next year’s draft.
Here are more early NFL mock draft projections for the Arizona Cardinals for the 2026 NFL Draft:
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FOX Sports: Cardinals select Penn State RB Nicholas Singleton with No. 12 pick
Rob Rang writes: “The Cardinals have bigger concerns than running back, but with James Conner aging, GM Monti Ossenfort could be looking for a more dynamic element to pair with Kyler Murray. Singleton is a true bell-cow back with breakaway speed, who at this early juncture would seem to be a steal at this portion of the draft.”
CBS Sports: Cardinals pick Alabama edge LT Overton with No. 15 pick
Josh Edwards writes: “Overton has prototypical size for an NFL pass rusher and the athleticism is there as well. He was trending toward being a part of the 2025 draft, but opted to return to Tuscaloosa. Overton should have even more opportunities this coming season with Que Robinson, Jihaad Campbell and others moving on since the season ended.”
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Bleacher Report: Cardinals draft Florida OG Roderick Kearney with No. 12 pick
Brent Sobleski writes: “Florida’s Roderick Kearney is inexperienced after redshirting as a true freshman in 2023 and battling injuries last year. But he was a highly rated recruit coming out of high school and enters the summer as NFL Draft Buzz’s No. 1 guard.”
The 33rd Team: Cardinals take Washington WR Denzel Boston with No. 15 pick
Kyle Crabbs writes: “Boston is a big-bodied target who thrives on the outside. He appears due for a breakout season in 2025 after appearing on the scene in 2024. Boston had just 66 career receiving yards in his first two seasons before an 834-yard and nine-touchdown season. He would pair quite well with Marvin Harrison Jr. to give the Cardinals a pair of physical receivers outside.”
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Cleveland.com: Cardinals choose Tennessee CB Jermod McCoy with No. 20 pick
Matt Goul writes: “McCoy tore his ACL in January, but could still return for the 2025 season after earning All-America honors following a transfer from Oregon State. He had four interceptions and nine pass breakups with 44 tackles in his first year with the Volunteers.”
USA TODAY Sports: Cardinals end up with Oregon WR Evan Stewart at No. 16
Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz writes: “In a class that looks to be light on top-flight receivers in the early going – at least ones who are draft-eligible – Stewart has the chance to set himself apart from his peers. The 6-0, 175-pounder consistently creates separation with his quick-twitch movements, making him a fitting running mate for Marvin Harrison Jr. and Trey McBride in the Cardinals’ aerial attack.”
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The Score: Cardinals opt for Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love with No. 14 pick
Dane Belbeck writes: “Love is the type of running back who can change the game every time he touches the ball. The Notre Dame star is known for his breakaway speed but showed multiple times in the Irish’s playoff run that he’s as tough as they come at the position.”
An early 2026 NFL mock draft has the Arizona Cardinals selecting LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Pro Football Network: Cardinals land Clemson WR Antonio Williams with No. 11 pick
Ian Cummings writes: “The 2026 NFL Draft WR class is wide open right now, and there isn’t a lot of established early-round talent. My early favorite in the group is Clemson’s Antonio Williams — a natural-born separator with lightning-level twitch and second-nature body control. At 5’11”, 190 pounds, Williams isn’t the biggest receiver, but he compensates with hyperactive foot speed, electric quickness and sharp angle freedom in and out of breaks, and reliable hands for his size. In Arizona, he’d be a picture-perfect WR2 for Kyler Murray alongside Marvin Harrison Jr.”
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Read more: Breaking down Arizona Cardinals’ top remaining needs after NFL draft
Reach Jeremy Cluff at jeremy.cluff@arizonarepublic.com. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter @Jeremy_Cluff.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: NFL mock draft 2026: Arizona Cardinals pick Kyler Murray’s successor