There has been a lot of media attention on the first-overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft and the second-overall pick because they belong to the New York Jets. There has not been as much attention paid to the Arizona Cardinals with the third-overall pick. There have been projections of them taking players like Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese, Ohio State safety Caleb Downs, and Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey. In speaking with team sources, Arizona is high on Utah tackle Spencer Fano, and he is a top candidate to be the third-overall pick.
The Cardinals drafted left tackle Paris Johnson Jr. three years ago after trading down and then back up in the first round to land Johnson. The offensive line has continued to be a weakness for Arizona. Veteran right tackle Jonah Williams has had a lot of injuries, and the Cardinals need a long-term solution. Sources with the team feel that Fano has a really good skill set, tons of upside, he will be a better player in two years, and he has excellent character.
It looks like a foregone conclusion that the Las Vegas Raiders will take Fernando Mendoza with the first pick. The Jets have drafted offensive tackles in the first round the past two years, so they won’t be taking Fano second overall. There are still a lot of significant parts of the draft process to go with pro-days, team visits, and organizational draft meetings, so a lot can change. Currently, I have the Cardinals projected to take Fano and sources say he is a top candidate for their pick.
