ESPN released its first multi-round mock draft ahead of the big event that occurs in April. Written by Matt Miller, he provided color to all 64 picks split between two rounds, adding reasoning behind each pick and more.
The Cardinals hold pick No. 3 and pick No. 34 after rounding out 2025 with a 3–14 record. There are many directions that Arizona can take with these picks, with needs on both sides of the ball. But Miller has the team addressing offense only with the first two picks.
Addressing offense makes sense, as the Cardinals just hired Mike LaFleur, an offensive mind, as their head coach.
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No. 3 - Francis Mauigoa - OT - Miami
ESPN: “Mauigoa to the Cardinals is one of the most seamless fits in the first round. Arizona must shore up its offensive line and needs a long-term starter at right tackle opposite Paris Johnson Jr. The 6-foot-6, 315-pound Mauigoa was a three-year starter at Miami and allowed only two sacks in 16 games during the Hurricanes' run to the national title game last season. The Cardinals are desperate for that type of consistency, with 36-year-old Kelvin Beachum starting 11 games in 2025 and no long-term answer on the roster.” - Matt Miller
Our take: It's not a question of what the Cardinals will do at pick No. 3; it's a matter of who they choose to select. Tackle will be the selection, and it's between Mauigoa and Utah’s Spencer Fano.
No. 34 - Germie Bernard - WR - Alabama
ESPN: “Marvin Harrison Jr.'s first two seasons haven't quite gone to plan, and the Cardinals don't have much at receiver behind him and Michael Wilson. Bernard has elite ability to make plays after the catch and is a dynamic player who is capable of lining up all over the alignment -- including in the backfield, in the slot, and at X receiver.” - Matt Miller
Our take: The Cardinals have two cornerstones as their first two options at wide receiver in Marvin Harrison Jr. and Michael Wilson, but depth proved to be a massive issue. The team had to rotate from guy to guy when it came to filling the No. 3 wide receiver slot.
Selecting Bernard or any other wide receiver would fill the need perfectly. Cheap rookie contract, high upside, low-risk.
It will be an offense-heavy draft for Arizona, as LaFleur looks to give himself more weapons to work with in his first year as head coach.