Prioritizing the Arizona Cardinals' 2026 Needs
By Walter Mitchell
1. New GM/Director of Football Operations
Three main reasons why Monti Ossenfort should not be the GM beyond this season:
1. Tanking games.
2. Hiring the most inexperienced and underqualified coaching staff in the NFL.
3. Alienating NFL GMs in an irresponsible breach of GM decorum. Unlikely to be able to move up in a Round 1 draft trade.
2. New Head Coach
Three main reasons why Jonathan Gannon should not be the HC beyond this season:
1. Breaking NFL rules, lying about it, tanking games and still acting like he's got it made.
2. A defensive-minded HC whose "caution and cushion" defense does nothing well and is last in the league in tackling in YEAR THREE. He's not a fixer. SOS DD.
3. His offense can't run a 2-minute drill, which is often a key to winning close games.
3. New Direction at QB
It's time for the Cardinals to move on from Kyler Murray via trade or release.
4. Making the correct positional need priorities this time around
2026 Depth Chart (players who are signed or are RFAs or ERFAs)
Positions of Need:
Scale: 5 - highest; 4-heavy; 3-moderate; 2-minimal; 1-none
* QB Jacoby Brissett, Kedon Slovis --- Need: 5
* RB James Conner, Trey Benson, Emari Demercado, Bam Knight, Corey Kiner --- Need: 2
* WR Michael Wilson, Marvin Harrison Jr., Xavier Weaver, Bryson Green, Tejhuan Palmer --- Need 4
* TE Trey McBride, Elijah Higgins, Tip Reiman, Travis Vokolek --- Need: 1
* T Paris Johnson Jr., Josh Fryar, Christian Jones, Demontrey Jacobs, Valentin Senn --- Need 3 (I believe that Josh Fryar can be a good starter at RT and that Christian Jones and Demontrey Jacons are solid depth)
* G Isaiah Adams, Jon Gaines II, --- Need 3 (depth needed)
* C Hjalte Froholdt, Hayden Conner --- Need: 1
* NT Dalvin Tomlinson, P.J. Mustipher --- Need: 3
* DI Walter Nolen*, Darius Robinson, Dante Stills, Zachary Carter --- Need: 4
* ED Josh Sweat, Baron Browning, Zaven Collins, Jordan Burch, B.J. Ojulari --- Need: 3
* ILB Mack Wilson Jr.*, Cody Simon, Akeem Davis-Gaither, Owen Pappoe --- Need 4 (Cody Simon should be the starter at MIKE, Cards could use un upgrade at WILB)
* CB Max Melton, Will Johnson, Garrett Williams*, Elijah Jones, Denzel Burke, Kei'Trel Clark, Jaden Davis, Starling Thomas V*, Sean Murphy-Bunting (release) --- Need: 2
* S Budda Baker, Dadrion Taylor-Demerson, Kitan Crawford, Joey Blount* --- Need: 3
* ST Chad Ryland --- Need: 4 (re-sign P Blake Gillikin and LS Aaron Brewer)
Highest Needs (beside STs):
1. QB
2. DI
3. WR
4. WILB
5. T
Best Options in Free Agency or through Trades:
QB:
* Tanner McKee (PHI trade)
* UFA Daniel Jones (IND)
* UFA Malik Willis (GB)
DI:
* UFA David Onyemata (ATL)
* UFA John Franklin-Myers (DEN)
* UFA Roy Lopez (DET)
WR:
* UFA Deebo Samuels (WASH)
* UFA TuTu Atwell (LAR)
* UFA Jauan Jennings (SF)
* UFA Alec Pierce (IND)
WILB:
* UFA Matt Milano (BUF)
* UFA Willie Gay (MIA)
* UFA Christian Harris (HOU)
* UFA Leo Chenal (KC)
RT:
* Braden Smith (IND)
* Jermaine Eluemunor (NYG)
How Round 1of the 2026 NFL Draft Aligns to Cardinals' Top Needs:
QB:
* Fernando Mendoza (Indiana)
* Dante Moore (Oregon)
* Ty Simpson (Alabama)
DI:
* Peter Woods (Clemson)
WR:
* Jordyn Tyson (Arizona St,)
* Carnell Tate (Ohio St.)
T:
* Francis Mauigoa (The U)
BPA: Top 7 on Big Boards
Mel Kiper Jr.
2026 NFL draft Big Board rankings: Mel Kiper's top prospects - ESPN
1. Dante Moore, QB, Oregon*
Height: 6-foot-3 | Weight: 206 | Prev. rank: 1
2025 stats over 12 games: 72.5% completion rate, 2,733 passing yards, 24 TD passes, 6 INTs, 1 rushing TD
Moore is a third-year sophomore with some impressive traits. His accuracy has been solid all season, and he shows good touch on his deep ball. Moore can throw from different arm angles with precision and delivers strikes while rolling either left or right out of the pocket. He can scramble a bit too.
Moore started five games at UCLA in 2023 before sitting behind Dillon Gabriel in 2024, so he has only 17 career starts to date. Moore is still developing and will be only 20 years old at draft time. But the toolbox is loaded, and he plays with true command of the Ducks' offense. I see a lot of confidence in Moore's game; nothing ever seems to faze him.
2. Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana*
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 225 | Prev. rank: 2
2025 stats over 13 games: 71.5% completion rate, 2,980 passing yards, 33 TD passes, 6 INTs, 6 rushing TDs
Mendoza transferred to Indiana after playing two seasons at Cal, and his game has taken off. The key? He has cut down on sacks, with only 18 so far this season after taking 41 in 2024. Mendoza is getting the ball out quicker. And while he doesn't have a huge arm, he can make all the necessary NFL-level throws. His ball placement is fantastic. I wouldn't consider him a dual threat, but Mendoza also has enough mobility to pick up first downs as a scrambler.
3. Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame*
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 214 | Prev. rank: 3
2025 stats over 12 games: 199 carries, 1,372 rushing yards, 18 rushing TDs, 27 catches, 280 receiving yards, 3 receiving TDs
Love reminds me a lot of Reggie Bush. The 20-year-old has vision and burst between the tackles and to the outside, and he can break tackles with ease (60 forced missed tackles on the season). Once he gets into space, he can take it to the house with his breakaway speed too. But Love isn't only an outstanding runner. He also is a high-impact pass catcher. An NFL team will be able to flank him out wide and create a whole other dimension of the offense.
4. Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State*
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 243 | Prev. rank: 4
2025 stats over 13 games: 62 tackles, 9 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, 9 run stops, 2 pass breakups
This is a complete football player. Reese jumps off the Ohio State tape, playing the game like a veteran. I see natural instincts at the linebacker position that allow him to make plays most guys just can't make, and he has the burst to get home when turned loose as a pass rusher. Reese has been a big riser in this class.
5. Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami*
Height: 6-6 | Weight: 315 | Prev. rank: 9
2025 stats over 12 games: 12 starts, 1 sack allowed
Here's a true mauler. Mauigoa is fun to watch for the way he just destroys pass rushers at the point of attack. He has more than 2,400 snaps at right tackle and has the pass protection skill to stick there, but he could absolutely slide inside and become a Pro Bowl-caliber guard at the next level. Mauigoa has allowed one sack and blown only nine run blocks since the start of last season.
6. David Bailey, OLB, Texas Tech
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 250 | Prev. rank: 11
2025 stats over 13 games: 65 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, 13.5 sacks, 65 pressures, 7 run stops, 3 forced fumbles, 2 pass breakups
A transfer from Stanford, Bailey gets after the quarterback. He had 14.5 sacks over three seasons for the Cardinal, and he has notably become more of a finisher this season. His 19.9% pressure rate is the best in the nation, and he is up to 13.5 sacks in 13 games with the Red Raiders, unlocking another level of his game.
7. Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State*
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 200 | Prev. rank: 5
2025 stats over nine games: 61 catches, 711 receiving yards, 8 receiving TDs
The Colorado transfer has lit up defenses for two seasons with the Sun Devils. Tyson's superpower is being open even when it looks like he's completely blanketed. It makes him essentially uncoverable in the red zone. He wins on 50-50 balls and outmuscles defensive backs. A hamstring injury cost him time this season, but he still posted solid numbers.
_________________________
B/R NFL:
B/R NFL Scouting Dept.'s 2026 NFL Draft Top 150 Big Board (bleacherreport.com)
1. S Caleb Downs, Ohio State (9.3)
2. Edge Rueben Bain Jr., Miami (8.7)
3. CB Mansoor Delane, LSU (8.6)
4. QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana (8.5)
5. RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame (8.5)
6. LB Arvell Reese, Ohio State (8.5)
7. CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee (8.5)
_________________________________
- Jeremiyah Love (RB, Notre Dame): Jeremiah has compared Love to Reggie Bush, highlighting his vision, burst, and ability to be a high-impact pass catcher.
- Carnell Tate (WR, Ohio State): He notes Tate as a top prospect due to his precise route running, great hands, and outstanding body control.
- Francis Mauigoa (OT, Miami): Jeremiah has identified Mauigoa as a potential top offensive tackle in the class, capable of competing for a starting role immediately.
- Caleb Downs (S, Ohio State): Jeremiah considers Downs a top safety prospect with excellent versatility.
- Peter Woods (DT, Clemson): Mentioned as a disruptive, athletic interior player with great value.
- _______________________________
Pro Football Sports Network
2026 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings: Updated Big Board (profootballnetwork.com)
RANK | PLAYER | POS | SCHOOL |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | Rueben Bain Jr. | EDGE | Miami (FL) |
2 | Fernando Mendoza | QB | Indiana |
3 | Dante Moore | QB | Oregon |
4 | Arvell Reese | LB | Ohio State |
5 | Peter Woods | DT | Clemson |
6 | Keldric Faulk | EDGE | Auburn |
7 | Caleb Downs | S | Ohio State |
________________________________
PFF 2026 Big Board Top 7
2026 NFL Mock Draft Simulator (pff.com)
| SEASON | SNAPS | SEASON GRADE |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 619 | 83.8 |
| 2024 | 917 | 87.9 |
| 2023 | 890 | 85.6 |
| SEASON | SNAPS | SEASON GRADE |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 588 | 73.3 |
| 2024 | 309 | 76.4 |
| 2023 | — | — |
| SEASON | SNAPS | SEASON GRADE |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 707 | 92.5 |
| 2024 | 422 | 79.8 |
| 2023 | 627 | 82.2 |
| SEASON | SNAPS | SEASON GRADE |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 448 | 92.9 |
| 2024 | 465 | 91.1 |
| 2023 | 147 | 76.1 |
| SEASON | SNAPS | SEASON GRADE |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 782 | 90.5 |
| 2024 | 754 | 77.4 |
| 2023 | 549 | 67.5 |
| SEASON | SNAPS | SEASON GRADE |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 759 | 92.1 |
| 2024 | 29 | 58.4 |
| 2023 | 432 | 57.7 |
| SEASON | SNAPS | SEASON GRADE |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 555 | 83.6 |
| 2024 | 738 | 80.3 |
| 2023 | 17 | 51.7 |
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- 4EDGEMiami (FL)
- 5QBIndiana
- 6QBOregon
- 7
Hire Davis Webb with experience coaching staff or hire OC Klint Kubiak as HC a with experience coaching staff. Trade Murray with eating his Salary to Vegas for M Crosby DE. Sign Deebo in FA along with DL J. Franklin Meyers in FA. Draft the best available QB in top 5. Draft Dunker from Iowa at RT in RD 2 and D Jackson jr from FSU in RD 3 at DT.
ReplyDeleteVery thought provoking comprehensive list Walt. Gotta get a coach if we draft QB early. Must improve the interior OL and too soon to expect one of our young Ts to grow into pro bowler and Pro Bowlers are what we need on the OL. WILB in the draft early is a must unless they sign any of the choices you list. Deebo would be a nice addition at the right price-playmaker.
ReplyDeleteI am just not that excited for our off-season. I just do not have faith in MB making decision to clean-house as we should expect from this dumpster fire. Walt, you've given plenty of reasons and good rationale behind firing the existing staff. I just don't trust our owner to see things clearly or to be objectionable to level of play of the organization. I'm sorry to be such a downer, its supposed to be a new year and new lease on life...Unfortunately the track record is one of futility.
ReplyDeleteHi Walt, I’m curious why you say that MO and JG were tanking. Are you referring to this year, or earlier years? I may be wrong, and perhaps I’m ignoring some obvious evidence, but it seems to me that they are trying to win games. I would love to hear more about why you believe they’re taking. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI don’t think Walt is suggesting anyone is intentionally tanking on the field. He is like all
DeleteOf us wondering how aggressive they are about winning at this miserable irrelevant Deja vu season. This is an organization that too many times has been accused of tanking but way too rarely accused of aggressively doing all they can to win.
Maybe I’m being too literal, but Walt’s number one reason for firing MO and JG is “tanking games,” which I interpret to mean that the Cardinals are tanking games. There are other ways to describe lethargic effort by a team, such as failing to extract maximum effort or to motivate the team to give peak performance. As a former English teacher, I’m assuming that Walt chose his words carefully, and that he meant what he said. While I have endless criticism of the Cardinals (inexperienced coaching staff, drafting too many players with injury histories, playing people out of position, failure to make in-game adjustments, terrible free agent singings, etc, etc, etc), I’ve never had the impression the Cardinals were deliberately losing games. But that’s not to say it’s not true. I have a great deal with respect for Walt, so my post is not meant to be antagonistic. I’m genuinely curious as to why he believes the Cardinals are tanking.
DeleteHey CF31, thanks for the question. I don't think there is any question that MOJO were tanking games their first year in 2023. There was no urgency whatsoever to try to win. Gannon even had some kind of mantra going something to the effect of "slip it in 2023 to rip it in 2024." The two Matt Prater missed FGs vs SEA were not a fluke. Bidwill was listening very keenly to the vociferous "Tank for Marv" refrains. After each loss, Gannon was pure Teflon --- showed absolutely no concern about losing --- in fact, looked upbeat and unfazed (while his players were in the locker room tending to their wounds). Gannon sounded like everything was going according to the plan. There is absolutely no integrity in tanking games. Look at how Max Crosby reacted this week when told he wouldn't be playing vs the Giants. Players want to play and the whole point of playing such a punishing sport is to win. There was no integrity in any part of Monti's and Gannon's plan --- breaking NFL rules, lying about it, agreeing to blow up the roster, agreeing to immediately accept Kyler Murray as franchise QB, promoting DJ Humphries as the team's super captain while playing things coy with Budda Baker. Losing a 3rd round draft pick. Using the taping of a privileged draft day trade conversation with a fellow GM and letting it go public as a hyped-up, self-aggrandizing propaganda piece. Hiring the NFL's youngest and most inexperienced staff without any senior advisors and somehow thinking the staff could survive tanking games, save face in the building and then thinking that they could somehow compete against the outstanding veteran staffs in the NFC West --- all of it is egregious. The. moral of the story: if you are willing to come in the door believing it's ok to lose --- that somehow losing is going to get everyone ahead --- when you now actually want to win games, you woefully can't. Oh, the irony.
DeleteOne might think they were tanking in 2025 as well. When you look at the way we lost games with so many laughable mistakes in play-calling, decision making, penalties, and plays that were 'just missed' that could have made a difference. The Kyler drama. The number of players placed on IR and number of games missed looked a lot like a team taking a break and coasting to whatever result come, losing preferable to winning. That is a major reason I am out on this staff as a whole. There is no fire will to win. That starts from top down. Players want to win!
DeleteMerry Christmas and happy new Year Walt! Great breakdown!
ReplyDeleteI’m thrilled to see you’ve labeled a new GM as our #1 priority. I’ve been near certain we’ve got the wrong guy since the end of the 3rd round in 2024 draft and developed 100% certainty when we got thrashed 42-14 at home by KK, a rookie QB and a HC who spurned Bidwill’s interest.
Calling his time here a failure almost seems to be an understatement. It’s been a really ugly tenure and he’s gotta go. An owner serious about winning would’ve canned him already.
It seems we’re about to be staring near $100,000,000 in dead cap in the face here this summer. Once we rid the roster of Murray, SMB, Nichols, Jonah, and Jones (already released).
THEN you’ve got the following to reconcile in 2026 salaries…
—Budda near 20M
—Tomlinson 16M
—Browning 10M
We’re about to be in cap hell with a roster that’s not even close to talented enough to be anything but the doormat of the division. Our only way out is cleaning house and catching lightning in a bottle with a great GM and HC hire. We should be sitting at rock bottom right now but I’m afraid we’re not.
Happy holidays to you Burberry. You get it and define and support your spot on observations as well as anyone on the Cards web. Best to you
DeleteNothing like a little gold, frankincense and brrr this time of year!
DeleteI also want a new GM and coaching staff, but I have 0 confidence in MB getting better guys. The common thread between MO and JG is that they were not in high demand (low cost), they both show a lack of integrity, and they both show a willingness to be yes men. They are there because that's what MB wants. You fire those guys, MB is likely hiring the exact same type. Ever since BA "retired" (was forced out) MB has shown 0 interest in having someone who will stand up to him in the organization.
ReplyDeleteYou're right, Bidwill is a control freak. An NFL owner who is about as racist and paranoid as they come. Absolutely no football smarts whatsoever.
DeleteGreat article Doctor. Holiday wishes to all. I much prefer reading your dedicated following over some of the other opinions. But still I must say: Thank goodness we can all agree that Kyler did beat Seattle in his return in 2023 and our beloved Cardinals were destined to be 4 and 4 that year with a terrible team. Hell if we have not tanked Kyler return season we would have been 5 and 12 and would have selected either the tight end at Las Vegas, Doctor your number one choice, or the offensive lineman from the Chargers. Either selection would have vastly improved our 2024 record. And a far as 2025, well Kyler was 2 and 3, please let me rehash history, it is the only joy I have of the worst Cardinal season ever, and I’ve seen many bad ones, we should have won San Fran, two dropped touchdowns and a first down pass that would have sealed the game, Kyler would have beaten Seattle in overtime, and of course the worst lost a team could ever perpetrate on its fan base, Tennessee. And to think in the end we were up be 2, had the ball, got a first down, and decided to run three plays consecutively to burn off the other teams time outs with more than 2 minutes left in he game. Talk about tank. And finally Kyler should have been reinserted into the lineup after he was ready, probably, after the colts game, and let the chips fall where they may. Maybe the results would have been the same, maybe Kyler would have gone 0 for, maybe just maybe we would have found a way to rally the troops and we would be somewhat respectable, not the 1 and 12 that we have become. The joke of the league. And yes JB throws a somewhat nice rock, but remember Gannon and the boys wanted Kyler to be a game manager who keep the games close, gave the team the lead, and turn it over to our vaulted defense led by none other than Captain Debo, leader of giant men on the defensive line, and best man of our defensive coordinator. Just kidding there, but how in the world was that allowed to happen. Our defensive line was our savior. To rap up, Kyler is going. My hope is he will be cut, get to choice who he plays for, make an extra 1.5 million on top of the genius Cardinals franchise 40 million and lead Atlanta, Seattle, Minnesota, Indianapolis, ir Pittsburgh to the promise land. Guys blessings. I’m out because next year will be WORSER than 2025. Au Revoir.
ReplyDelete