The 2026 NFL draft begins on April 23 in Pittsburgh, when the Arizona Cardinals will pick No. 3 in Round 1. The draft continues with Rounds 2-3 on April 24 and Rounds 4-7 on April 25 (ESPN, ABC and ESPN the app).
The Cardinals have seven total picks: Nos. 3, 34, 65, 104, 143, 183 and 217. But how will they use them? Which positions need to be addressed? Which prospects are coming in for visits and getting buzz with the Arizona front office and coaching staff?
Cardinals reporter Josh Weinfuss has the latest intel on the team's draft plans, potential targets and more in the lead-up to the 2026 draft.
See more on the NFL draft: Latest mock draft | Prospect rankings
Could the Cards go QB in Round 1
With the chatter connecting the Cardinals to former Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson growing by the day, a source told ESPN "who knows" if Simpson is a first-round caliber quarterback.
"I think you can win with him, not because of him. Whatever round that is," the source said. "He's got ability and if you need one, you take one. You can talk yourself into or out of anything."
The Cardinals have the third-overall pick and have three quarterbacks currently on their roster, including two -- Jacoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew -- with starting experience.
Candidates for No. 3 pick
Friday, April 10: The Cardinals, who own the third overall pick, have reportedly hosted 15 players on predraft visits with 13 days left until the first round of the NFL draft begins. Eight are offensive players, including two quarterbacks: Miami's Carson Beck and Alabama's Ty Simpson.
Arizona has also hosted Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love, who a source has told ESPN could be in play at No. 3. Arizona has also hosted two wide receivers and three offensive linemen while bringing in four defensive linemen and two of the best edge rushers in the draft in Texas Tech's David Bailey and Ohio State's Arvell Reese.
Edge rushers in play
Wednesday, April 8: The Cardinals have been linked to edge rushers with the third overall pick in a number of mock drafts despite having a crowded outside linebackers room.
Arizona currently has the likes of Josh Sweat, Zaven Collins, BJ Ojulari, Baron Browning and Jordan Burch on the roster, a group that Collins described as versatile.
"I think we have multiple guys that play different styles," Collins said.
He added: "I think we have a bunch of great guys. We have Jordan that's coming up. B.J.'s getting healthy again. Obviously, Sweaty's Sweaty."