Feb 25, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Arizona Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort speaks during the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
GLENDALE – The first round of the 2026 NFL draft is projected to be hectic one. Plenty of teams are eyeing to move up in the draft, with the Arizona Cardinals in primed position to take advantage of their third overall pick. The top players in this year’s class could change franchises, and with the depth of the draft, Arizona could move down a few spots and still secure a key piece for the future.
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ESPN’s Bill Barnwell wrote a piece projecting a trade from every spot in the first-round, with the Cardinals third pick being a part of two trades that make sense for general manager Monti Ossenfort.
Feb 24, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Arizona Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort speaks at the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Barnwell’s two proposed NFL draft day trades for Cardinals:
Cardinals get: seventh overall, 2027 second-round pick Commanders get: third overall
Cardinals get: eighth overall, 73rd overall, 2027-second round pick Saints get: third overall
Dec 31, 2025; Arlington, TX, USA; NFL Miami Hurricanes offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa (61) walks off the field after the 2025 Cotton Bowl and quarterfinal game of the College Football Playoff at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
“The Cardinals could also be looking at right tackle options, but with Miami’s Francis Mauigoa, Georgia’s Monroe Freeling (played mainly LT in college) and Utah’s Spencer Fano, general manager Monti Ossenfort should have options if the team drops a little deeper into the top 10,” Barnwell said.
Plenty of the top names in the NFL draft are pass rushers, and while an area of concern, Barnwell sees offensive line more dire. Ossenfort did sign plenty of depth in free agency at the position, bringing in four new offensive lineman. However, selecting Maugioa, Freeling and Fano could step in and make a serious difference at right tackle.
At the moment, Arizona has Elijah Wilinson slated on the depth chart as the starting right tackle, but that could change very quickly. A line with Paris Johnson Jr., Hjalte Froholdt and newly signed Isaac Seumalo could cause serious improvement for one of the worst pass and rushing O-line in the NFL.
Oct 19, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; NFL Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Paris Johnson Jr. (70) against the Green Bay Packers at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Whether the franchise moves to seventh or eighth overall, one of the three offensive line prospects mentioned should be available for Ossenfort to select. The depth for edges is quick impressive in this year’s draft, and the Cardinals could wait till their 34th pick to address that issue. Clemson’s T.J. Parker or Auburn’s Keldric Faulk could be the answer for Ossenfort late to solve the team’s lackluster pass rush.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
