With a high pick likely, the Cardinals should consider finding a QB of the future: Fernando Mendoza may lack the athletic traits of Kyler Murray, but he has NFL size and outstanding accuracy.

The secondary should be a primary point of emphasis again in this year’s draft: Arizona has five defenders with at least 120 coverage snaps who have allowed a passer rating of 117.0 or higher this season, and with safety Jalen Thompson likely headed for free agency, secondary help should be a major priority.

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For many fans, the writing is already on the wall for their teams’ seasons, and it’s time to look to the future. That means getting an early look at the 2026 NFL draft class, and PFF is here to help. Each week, we’ll add mock drafts for new teams, and this time it’s Arizona’s turn.

The Cardinals appear to be at a crossroads at the QB position, as it may be time for them to consider life after Kyler Murray, who will be entering the final year of his current deal before his contract becomes voidable.

This is not meant to be a predictive exercise — we aren’t close to knowing the actual draft order — but rather an introduction to expected team needs and potential targets. Think of it this way: this is the one series you can afford to wait on for your team, because the longer it takes for them to appear, the better they are performing on the field this season.

Round 1, Pick 7: QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana

A prototypical pocket passer, Mendoza has delivered a truly program-altering season for the Hoosiers. His accuracy is his superpower, as his 9.5-yard average depth of target is the highest among all quarterbacks with an adjusted completion percentage of at least 77.0%.

Round 2, Pick 39: CB Keith Abney II, Arizona State

Nothing translates to the NFL for cornerbacks quite like ball production, and Abney has been one of the nation’s best with the ball in the air over the past two seasons. Targeted 169 times across 2024 and 2025, he allowed just 80 catches while recording five interceptions and forcing an impressive 27 incompletions.

Round 3, Pick 71: S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo

The secondary rebuild continues with the physical McNeil-Warren here in the third round. In 2025, he allowed just six receptions on 17 targets in his primary coverage while producing three interceptions and five pass breakups.

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Round 4, Pick 107: T Brian Parker, Duke

Parker delivered an outstanding 2025 season for Duke, allowing just one sack and seven total pressures in pass protection while splitting reps at both tackle spots. He also paired that with an excellent 82.9 run-blocking grade.

Round 5, Pick 146: G Kobe Baynes, Kansas

Baynes logged 891 pass-blocking snaps over the past three seasons at Kansas and did not allow a single sack or hit. He also improved his run-blocking grade each year, earning a career-high 72.9 in 2025.