9 potential first-round prospects for Cardinals fans to know in 2026 NFL Draft

At the beginning of the season, it appeared that the Cardinals were poised to be a playoff team. Fast forward to now, Arizona sits at 3-8, and it seems all the attention has shifted to what the team will do in the upcoming offseason in hopes of a better outcome in 2026.

So, as we slowly turn the page, here are nine potential first-round prospects that could be on the Cardinals’ radar leading up to April’s draft.

OT Spencer Fano, Utah

Paris Johnson Jr. will be manning the left tackle position for the foreseeable future. But with Jonah Williams set to hit free agency, they will need to address the opposite side. Fano has been a dominant force for the Utes over the past couple of seasons and possesses the desired skill set to start in the NFL from Day 1. Arguably one of the most athletic offensive linemen in the draft class, Fano is a loose mover with the power to sustain blocks and move bodies in the run game.

OL Francis Mauigoa, Miami

Mauigoa is another player who could be in contention to start at right tackle from the jump. However, he could be seen by the coaching staff as an option to move inside to guard, a position that the Cardinals will also need to upgrade. Hulking at 6-foot-6 and 335 pounds, Mauigoa is a well-built offensive lineman with high-level athleticism, powerful hands and is strong as an ox to hold defenders at bay and create movement.

OL Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State

Tabbed as the top interior offensive lineman in this class, Ioane possesses overwhelming size and mass at 335 pounds. Despite his stature, he moves very well. He has impressive hand strength and an excellent anchor in pass protection. While he’s primarily played left guard for the Nittany Lions, Ioane has experience at all positions along the offensive line. On 285 pass-block snaps, he hasn’t allowed a single sack.

WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State

I’m a firm believer that the Cardinals need to improve the offensive line first before taking a wide receiver in Round 1. However, don’t count out the idea of them adding a player to bolster the position room and form a formidable duo with Marvin Harrison Jr., especially considering Michael Wilson and Xavier Weaver are free agents after the 2026 season. Tate, who would reunite with Harrison, is a precise route runner with excellent hands and body control for high-pointing the ball, along with a willingness to be a physical blocker. In eight games, he has 39 catches for 711 yards and seven touchdowns with 18.2 yards per reception.

WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State

The Cardinals could look in their own backyard to grab a wide receiver. Tyson has great footwork, an array of release packages, excellent body control at the catch point, and significant playmaking ability after the catch. Tyson has been slowed by a hamstring injury this season. But the numbers speak for themselves that he lives in the end zone, as he has 18 touchdowns over his last 20 games.

QB Ty Simpson, Alabama

The Kyler Murray era is nearing an end, so the Cardinals must think about finding their future franchise signal-caller. Despite only having one year as the Crimson Tide’s starting quarterback, Simpson plays the game like someone with “pro-ready” skills. Simpson shows exceptional mental processing and pre-snap acumen, and he is an exceptionally accurate thrower with clean mechanics and excellent ball placement. He has 2,934 passing yards, 22 touchdowns, and a 71.9 completion percentage.

RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame

The Cardinals’ running back situation remains a long-term question mark. While Trey Benson was drafted in 2024, James Conner isn’t going to be around much longer. Love would bring an element that Arizona’s backfield doesn’t have, as he has a blend of speed, explosiveness, and versatility as both a runner and a pass-catcher. He has run for 1,306 yards and 17 touchdowns to go with 26 catches for 274 yards and three scores this season.

DT Peter Woods, Clemson

The Cardinals addressed the defensive tackle position in the first round of this most recent draft with the selection of Walter Nolen. But beyond Nolen, there are few guaranteed long-term answers. Dalvin Tomlinson is in his 30s and will be a free agent after the 2026 season. Calais Campbell is also a free agent in 2026. Woods is a high-energy and athletic interior defensive lineman with good pass-rush and run-stopping ability. He has two sacks this season.

S Caleb Downs, Ohio State

Safety isn’t a huge need for the Cardinals. Still, they could opt to address the back end of the defense, as Jalen Thompson is set to hit free agency and Budda Baker will be 30 next season. Downs is a competitor who has the instincts and coverage ability to man up against receivers and tight ends as well as the tackling skills and physicality to play in the box and make plays in the open fields.