After wrapping up the 2025 season on a nine-game losing streak, the Arizona Cardinals hold the No. 3 pick in April’s draft. With that being set in stone, there are so many needs that have to be addressed in order for the team to compete in the new year.
From determining who will be the team’s quarterback in 2026, all the way to reloading on defense, general manager Monti Ossenfort has a ton of tasks on his plate that must be checked off come training camp.
Lucky for Ossenfort, he doesn’t have any notable players set to hit free agency aside from Jalen Thompson. However, if Thompson does choose to walk, there is a perfect alternative waiting in the NFL Draft. On top of that, there could be a scenario where Ossenfort pairs his 2025 fifth-round pick with his former college teammate.
Arizona could select either Caleb Downs or Arvell Reese with the No. 3 overall pick
Let’s start with Downs, who is almost guaranteed to be a top-ten lock in the draft. First off, he had a 3.9 GPA in college, which proves how smart he is on and off the field. Second, he has elite instincts, excellent closing speed, and can be the backbone of that Cardinals defense if they choose to take him.
Downs, in his junior year, racked up 68 tackles, had one sack, and two interceptions. The 21-year-old flies all over the field. He, alongside veteran safety Budda Baker in Arizona, would be one of the best duos in the league at that position.
As for Arvell Reese, selecting him would pair Cody Simon with a former teammate of his. Simon and Reese won a National Championship together in 2024, and they would have a chance to add to their chemistry as a duo.
Reese racked up 69 tackles with 6.5 sacks on the year, being one of the best at his position across not just the Big Ten, but all of college football.
Monti Ossenfort needs to conduct a deep dive into Ohio State.