NFL mock draft: Arizona Cardinals land OT, QB speed in 7-round projections
Check out the Cardinals' picks in the new 7-round mock draft from ESPN's Matt Miller.
The NFL draft is in under four weeks, which means there is still plenty of time for more mock drafts and projections. ESPN's Matt Miller released a full seven-round mock draft . In it, the Arizona Cardinals draft a quarterback, but it isn't the first round and it isn't Alabama's Ty Simpson, so this is a change from the recent trends.
Let's look at the projections for the Cardinals. Round 1, No. 3 overall: Miami OT Francis Mauigoa Kyler Murray and Calais Campbell are gone, so the Cardinals lack an identity.
With the drop-off after Mendoza at QB, Arizona could choose to stick with veteran Jacoby Brissett in 2026 and wait until a deeper 2027 draft to select their next signal-caller. So this pick can be the start of their future foundation. Mauigoa is the draft's top-ranked offensive lineman and allowed only two sacks during Miami's run to the national title game.
He is a fierce run blocker who would be an immediate replacement for right tackle Christian Jones opposite Paris Johnson Jr. , giving Arizona a pair of young offensive line bookends. Miller missed the fact that Mauigoa would not be replacing Jones.