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Arizona Cardinals 2026 NFL Draft: CFN College Take on Every Pick
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- Arizona Cardinals 2026 NFL Draft: CFN College Take on Every Pick
In a draft full of okay talent and without a whole lot of splash, the two big moves of Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love with the third pick and Miami quarterback Carson Beck in the third might turn out to be the defining moment in the draft.
Even if it doesn't work out, the Cardinals went for it. If the goal is to be among the elite, getting these two was a shot for the stars.
Cardinals Draft Quick Hits
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Best Value: Carson Beck, QB
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Biggest Need: Playmakers
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Missed: Defensive Linemen
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Big Call: Jeremiyah Love could be the best player in the draft
The Arizona Cardinals introduce their first-round draft pick running back Jeremiyah Love during a press conference at the Cardinals Dignity Health training facility on April 24, 2026, in Tempe, Ariz.© Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
What They Got Right
They made the big call on Jeremiyah Love at the 3. You're not supposed to take running backs early, especially with the third overall pick, but Love has the potential to be a franchise player and one of the five best backs in the league right away.
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What They Missed
Where are the defensive linemen?They barely waved at the tackle spot and didn't do anything for the pass rush.
Best Value Pick
Carson Beck, QB Miami
There was a time a few years ago when Beck was considered a possible No. 1 overall pick.
There are a few questions about his consistency and power in his arm, but there's a shot the Cardinals got their franchise quarterback in the third round.
Biggest Reach
Kaleb Proctor, DT SE LouisianaAn okay prospect in the fourth round, but Oklahoma defensive tackle Gracen Halton was still on the board.
CFN Draft Grade
Grade: A
They went for it.
Bisontis in the second round was a great call at the right time, but that got lost in the two massive picks of Love in the first and Beck in the third.
It was bold, decisive, and a huge signal to the fan base that the franchise is ready to begin a new era.
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Cardinals Draft Class
Round 1, (3): Jeremiyah Love, RB Notre Dame
It's a statement. You don't take a running back early - unless he's Jeremiyah Love.
Round 2, (34) Chase Bisontis, OG Texas A&M
Terrific get at the right time, a versatile option who'll play at guard, but
can work at tackle.
Round 3, (65) Carson Beck, QB Miami
Power move with little risk in the third round. All the tools are there to start right away.
Round 4, (104) Kaleb Proctor, DT SE Louisiana
He might not be massive, but he's a strong power defender for the interior.
Round 5, (143) Reggie Virgil, WR Texas Tech
Receiver wasn't a desperate need, but they got a tall deep threat with No. 3 upside.
Round 6, (183) Karson Sharar, LB Iowa
Experienced tackler who can move, but he's just okay in pass coverage.
Round 7, (217) Jayden Williams, OT Ole Miss
This doesn't solve the tackle need, but the 6-4, 320-pounder was a fine late shot at the stars.
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This story was originally published by College Football News on Apr 26, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL Draft section. Add College Football News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
