Mel Kiper Jr. 2026 NFL Mock Draft has the Arizona Cardinals trading up for a quarterback
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 06: Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Arvell Reese (8) rushes into the backfield during the Big 10 Championship game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and Indiana Hoosiers on December 6, 2025, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN. (Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty ImagesAs we are finally a week away, the Arizona Cardinals and the rest of the NFL are going to end the parade of 2026 NFL Mock Drafts.
Yet, when Mel Kiper Jr. talks, we listen.
Mel dropped a new two-round 2026 NFL Mock Draft and has the Arizona Cardinals sticking and picking at three, but then moving up a couple of spots to get their quarterback of the future.
From ESPN:
3.Arizona CardinalsArvell Reese, OLB, Ohio State
New coach Mike LaFleur will want some foundational players on his defense, and Reese has a sky-high ceiling. He has extended experience at off-ball linebacker and off the edge, and Arizona could use him at either spot. His future is probably rushing the passer, though, and he had 6.5 sacks last season. The Cardinals - who were in the bottom five in pressure rate (28.5%) last season - need someone such as Reese oppositeJosh Sweatin a division that features quarterbacksMatthew Stafford,Sam DarnoldandBrock Purdy.
In this projected deal, the Cardinals send Nos. 34 and 65 to the Dolphins for Nos. 30 and 94. The Dolphins would then have five total picks in the top 75 and would still be able to get an impact player early on Day 2.
30.Arizona Cardinals(via projected trade with MIA/DEN)Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
The Cardinals trade 34 and 65 for 30 and 94, so they still have a third round pick, but lose about 30 spots with the move up.
In a class like this, where the talent lies in the 15-75 range, it is a gamble, but hitting on a quarterback makes everything better.
Could they hit on Ty Simpson, would Monti be around to see it through?
What do you think of the newest Kiper mock?