Feb. 15, 2026, 1:01 p.m. MT
The Arizona Cardinals have the third overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft, which means they will be able to get one of the top prospects in the draft. They have the second pick in the second round, and that sometimes means that first-round talent can slip. Last season, cornerback Will Johnson, seen by some as a top-10 talent, fell to the 47th pick, and the Cardinals drafted him in the second round.
But if we go by the draft rating of ESPN’s Matt Miller, the chances of the Cardinals getting a true first-round talent seems slim.
Why?
He only has 11 players graded as true first-round talents.
11 true first-round talents in 2026 draft
According Miller, these are the 11 players truly with a first-round grade, listed by Miller’s rankings:
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The Cardinals will easily land one of these players with the third overall pick. Reese and Mauigoa have been connected to them in multiple mock drafts.
However, at least right now, should not expect see any of these player slip to the second round.
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