We missed a mock draft weekend, but that just means we get a mock draft Monday night. Each week until the 2026 NFL draft, we will run mock draft simulations for the Arizona Cardinals, trying to play out different scenarios.
Using Pro Football Network’s mock draft simulator, I mocked the first three rounds, which will continue to be the case until compensatory picks are announced and the full seven-round order is set.
In this mock draft, the goal was to maneuver in a way to build a great offense and acquire picks. After all, new head coach Mike LaFleur is an offensive guy, so it would look good for him to make the offense look good. And if someone like Malik Willis ends up being the Cardinals’ starting quarterback, they need weapons and protection.
How did the Cardinals get the fifth pick?
The Giants offered the Cardinals the fifth pick and pick No. 37 to move up to No. 3. They got linebacker Arvell Reese, and my goal was to get Love. The Cardinals land a potential elite running back and add a second-round pick.
Imagine Love, Trey McBride, Michael Wilson and Marvin Harrison Jr. playing together. That would help any quarterback look good.
The right tackle position is now taken care of. Freeling is 6-7 and 315 pounds with long arms.
The offense is taken care of.
There was another trade. The Eagles offered the 54th pick, the 68th pick (Round 3) and a 2027 sixth-round pick to move up to No. 37.
With pick No. 54, the Cardinals get a pass rusher. Lawrence had seven sacks and 11 tackles for loss last season. He is 6-4 and 253 pounds.
Two trades happened.
The Titans offered pick No. 66 and a 2027 seventh-round pick to move up to No. 65.
Then the Falcons wanted the 66th pick and offered the 79th pick and a 2027 third-round selection.
This pick was the one received from the Eagles in Round 2.
Neal is long at 6-2, like Will Johnson. He had two picks and 10 pass breakups in the SEC after four years at Fresno State. And the Cardinals can’t keep cornerbacks healthy, so they need to keep drafting them.
He is an Alabama linebacker. It isn’t too early to get one, and the Cardinals need players there. He is 6-3 and 226 pounds.
This pick was from the trade with the Falcons.
In all, the Cardinals turned their three original picks into five players in the first three rounds and into 2027 picks in the third, sixth and seventh rounds.
They get a running back and tackle. They add to the defense.
That could be a great draft.
This article originally appeared on Cards Wire: Arizona Cardinals land RB Jeremiyah Love and picks in 3-round mock
