Revenge of the Birds
The Arizona Cardinals don’t have a head coach.
That doesn’t matter, we can still dream about the 2026 NFL Draft, and tonight, we see some of the best players, and potentially best fits for the Arizona Cardinals, even if we don’t know who the head coach is.
Let’s take a look.
Fernando Mendoza, QB – Indiana
You would have to assume any new head coach would like to add a new quarterback, and while it is highly, highly unlikely the Cardinals have a bite at the Mendoza apple, we still have to acknowledge his presence as the Heisman winner and likely first pick in the 2026 NFL Draft… If he declares.
Rueben Bain Jr., Edge – Miami
While the Cardinals have heavily invested in the defense, they have not added a complete game changer yet. Bain could be that coming off the edge. And while no one wants to talk about the third overall pick in terms of “bust” his floor is a six sack a year guy who is elite against the run. If he reaches his ceiling, we could be talking an All Pro type of player.
Francis Mauigoa, OT – Miami
Maybe the one player all Cardinals fans can agree on if the draft falls Mendoza/Bain at 1 and 2. Mauigoa is a monster and has been everything and more for the Hurricanes offensive line. Mauigoa is only 20 years old and has already started over 40 games in his collegiate career, he is as blue chip as they come.
Others to watch
While there are plenty more names, those are likely the only three good enough to be picked at third overall, but that doesn’t mean there are not a dozen or so more players that will be drafted.
