New NFL Trade Rumors on Cardinals' 2026 Draft Plans, Arvell Reese Links

Ohio State linebacker/edge-rusher Arvell Reese is the likeliest candidate for the Arizona Cardinals with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft, according to The MMQB's Albert Breer.

Breer and The Ringer's Todd McShay discussed the Cardinals' plans in the newest episode of McShay's podcast.

"I think so. I just think it's a big need for them," Breer said when asked if Reese will be the guy. "I think Arvell Reese would've been a really good fit for Jonathan Gannon, and it's easy to forget his defense is still there. Nick Rallis was held over as the defensive coordinator, so they're effectively gonna be running the same defense they were running before."

McShay added that he thinks the Cardinals could explore a trade down from No. 3 to acquire extra picks.

"I'm told the Cardinals are hoping the phones ring and could maybe move down and acquire an additional pick," he said.

ESPN's Matt Miller echoed that sentiment on Thursday.

"One source predicted the Cardinals would trade out of their original pick with a team trying to move up for a pass rusher," Miller wrote. "Another said Arizona should stick and pick either David Bailey (Texas Tech) or Arvell Reese (Ohio State), depending on whom the Jets select at No. 2."

Breer and McShay agreed that Miami offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa would be the alternative if the Cardinals aren't sold on Reese.

With Reese, Breer questioned whether ownership may feel burned by prospects who had a somewhat similar profile.

Arizona selected Isaiah Simmons and Zaven Collins in the first round of successive drafts. Both were athletic linebackers who theoretically could occupy multiple roles, and neither has done much in the pros.

The head coach and general manager who made those picks aren't still around, but owner Michael Bidwill is. Perhaps he feels a bit scarred by the Simmons and Collins experience and expresses as much to coach Mike LaFleur and GM Monti Ossenfort.

Reese is the No. 4 overall player on Bleacher Report's big board and went second overall to the New York Jets in the B/R mock. With the Buckeyes star unavailable, Arizona took Texas Tech edge-rusher David Bailey.

The Cardinals allowed the sixth-most yards in the league in 2025 and tied for the third-fewest sacks. Josh Sweat was the team leader with 12, and Calais Campbell was the only other with more than two. This is an area the team has to address in the draft.

Reese may not be a natural off the edge to this point in his career, but he has all the tools necessary to thrive there at the next level. He had 6.5 sacks and 10 tackles for loss as a junior.

If the OSU standout is the pick for Arizona, its fanbase is likely to get on board.