Arizona Cardinals NFL Mock Draft Roundup 1.0

Moore could have entered the 2026 draft and beaten out new Rams QB Ty Simpson to be the second quarterback selected, but I love that he returned to hone his game. He lacks ideal size (6-foot-3, 206 pounds) but is a gifted natural passer with an effortless delivery and excellent accuracy to all levels of the field.

I'm projecting another hurdle cleared by Mestemaker, who has done nothing but exceed expectations since arriving at North Texas as a zero-star walk-on. Now he gets the chance to prove himself against Power 4 competition for the first time in his college career.

Maiava was one of my favorite players to watch last season; he's a well built, big-armed QB who shows good touch on layered throws, but needs to play with more consistency from start to finish.

Pairing Manning with Jeremiyah Love would give the Cardinals two elite building blocks. Manning, at 6-foot-4, 219 pounds, is a sturdy dual-threat quarterback. He finished with 3,163 passing yards, 26 touchdown throws and seven interceptions in his first year as a starter while adding 10 rushing touchdowns. Manning's throwing motion, footwork and progressions are still inconsistent, leading to scattershot ball placement and holding on to the ball too long, but he continued developing as the season went on. He has all the traits of a No. 1 pick -- he just needs to unlock the next stage of his development.

Even after they drafted Carson Beck in the third round last week, QB is absolutely in play for the Cardinals if they have a high pick.

Had Manning been in the 2026 draft class, the Fernando Mendoza-vs.-Manning debates would have commanded all the pre-draft attention. If the Texas star continues to build off his improvements from the second half of last season, he will be the clear favorite to be 2027's top pick.

After weighing a potential jump to the 2026 NFL Draft following his first full season as a starter in Eugene, Moore opted to return to Oregon, aiming to help Dan Lanning and the Ducks pursue a national title. Widely regarded as one of the most natural passers in the class, his decision to return should only strengthen his case to be in the conversation for the No. 1 overall pick.

It's difficult to envision a scenario in which the Cardinals are not searching for a quarterback near the top of next year's draft, even though they selected Carson Beck in the third round this year. Sayin was the highest-graded FBS quarterback last season, but he will need another full year in the spotlight for the preseason national championship favorites. If this pure pocket passer replicates his play from last year, he should be a top selection.

Inconsistencies aside, with a prototypical frame, athleticism far beyond the capabilities of his uncles Peyton and Eli and a storybook NFL pedigree, I would be shocked if a QB-needy team passed on the tools of Arch. He's currently the favorite at +225 to be the 1st overall selection on Draft Kings.