The Arizona Cardinals have finally found their man. After a prolonged coaching search, the franchise is turning the page with a new leader at the helm: former Los Angeles Rams offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur, who’s agreed to a five-year deal to become Arizona’s next head coach.
It’s a move that signals a fresh direction for a team in transition. The Cardinals are entering a pivotal offseason with more questions than answers-especially under center, where Kyler Murray’s long-term status remains murky following another injury-plagued season. And with the No. 3 overall pick in the draft, Arizona is likely out of range for top quarterback prospect Fernando Mendoza, forcing them to get creative in how they build this roster.
So what does a Mike LaFleur-led rebuild look like? Let’s dive into a full seven-round mock draft that shows how the Cardinals could start laying the foundation-starting with a defense that’s in need of serious reinforcements.
Round 1, Pick 3: Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State
Arizona’s defensive front has some intriguing young pieces, but they need a tone-setter in the middle. Enter Arvell Reese.
The Ohio State linebacker brings a rare blend of speed, size, and instincts. He’s the kind of player who can develop into a defensive cornerstone-whether as a true linebacker or potentially even an edge rusher in certain packages.
Reese offers the kind of versatility and upside that fits perfectly in a modern NFL defense. For a team still trying to establish its identity, he’d be a foundational piece.
Round 2, Pick 34: Emmanuel Pregnon, G, Oregon
Whoever lines up at quarterback next season-Murray or someone else-will need better protection than what Arizona provided in 2025. Emmanuel Pregnon is one of the most physically dominant interior linemen in this class.
He made a name for himself at USC before finishing strong at Oregon, and his tape is full of punishing blocks at the point of attack. He’s a plug-and-play guard who could help stabilize the offensive line and open up the run game, something LaFleur’s system will rely on heavily.
Round 3, Pick 65: Skyler Bell, WR, UConn
With Marvin Harrison Jr. and Michael Wilson on the outside, the Cardinals have size and physicality covered. What they need now is a shifty, explosive slot receiver who can stretch the field and create separation underneath.
Skyler Bell fits that mold perfectly. The UConn standout is a smooth route-runner with burst and reliable hands.
He’s a threat at all three levels and would be a dynamic complement to Arizona’s existing weapons-especially in a LaFleur offense that thrives on mismatches and timing.
Round 4, Pick 104: Tacario Davis, CB, Washington
Arizona made a smart move last year snagging Will Johnson in the second round, but the secondary still needs more juice. Tacario Davis could be the answer.
After a down year in 2024, he bounced back in a big way this past season, showing the kind of physical tools that make scouts take notice. At 6’2” with long arms and fluid movement skills, Davis is the type of high-upside corner worth betting on.
He might not be a Day 1 starter, but with the right coaching, he could develop into a key piece of the defense.
Round 5, Pick 141: Drew Allar, QB, Penn State
With the top-tier quarterbacks likely off the board by No. 3, Arizona may look to the middle rounds to find a developmental option.
Drew Allar is an intriguing candidate. Once viewed as a potential first-rounder, his stock dipped after an inconsistent 2025 campaign, but the tools are still there-size, arm strength, and mobility.
LaFleur and his staff could see Allar as a project worth investing in. He wouldn’t be expected to start right away, but he offers a high ceiling if groomed properly behind a veteran.
Round 6, Pick 181: Febechi Nwaiwu, G, Oklahoma
Depth along the offensive line is always a priority, and Febechi Nwaiwu brings just that-plus versatility. Over the past two seasons at Oklahoma, he played all three interior positions, showing solid technique and adaptability.
He’s not a finished product, but his ability to step in at multiple spots makes him a valuable Day 3 addition. For a team trying to build a deep, reliable O-line unit, Nwaiwu is the kind of developmental piece that makes sense.
Round 7, Pick 217: Eric Gentry, LB, USC
Eric Gentry is one of the most fascinating prospects in this draft. At 6’6” with ridiculous length and athletic traits, he doesn’t fit the mold of a traditional off-ball linebacker-but that’s exactly what makes him so intriguing.
He’s a matchup nightmare in space and brings a unique skill set that creative defensive coordinators will love to experiment with. There’s some projection involved here, but on Day 3, Gentry is the kind of swing worth taking.
Final Thoughts
The Cardinals are in the early stages of a rebuild, and Mike LaFleur’s arrival signals a commitment to reshaping both sides of the ball with a long-term vision. This mock draft reflects that approach-prioritizing high-upside athletes, positional versatility, and foundational pieces on defense and the offensive line.
With a roster still in flux and questions looming at quarterback, Arizona’s path back to contention won’t be quick. But if they hit on even a few of these picks, they’ll be taking real steps in the right direction.