New Cardinals NFL Mock Draft Expert Roundup for 1st-Round Pick

It's a new era in Arizona, where Mike LaFleur will look to find his first franchise cornerstone. He will need as many as possible to compete in a division with the reigning Super Bowl champions and two established contenders.

Ahead of the first round of the draft on April 23, here's a look at what experts are projecting the Cardinals to do with the No. 3 overall pick:

Expert: B/R NFL Scouting Department (4/15)

Selection (No. 3): Edge David Bailey, Texas Tech

The Arizona Cardinals are a bit of an unknown near the top of this year's draft, because they have a new head coach, as well as plenty of roster areas to address. This spot also serves as a possible trade-down candidate for the right offer.

The organization can just do the smart thing by drafting a premium position and bringing in Texas Tech's David Bailey.

"Josh Sweat reportedly requested a trade and Baron Browning has been underwhelming since the Cardinals acquired him a couple of years ago, recording just four sacks in 23 games," B/R scout Matt Holder said. "So Arizona could use some pass-rush help, especially after trying for 28th last season with just 30 sacks. Meanwhile, Bailey is the best pure pass-rusher in the draft and one of the best in recent memory, according to advanced statistics."

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Expert: Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN (4/15)

Selections (No. 3 & 30 via projected trade with Miami): Edge Arvell Reese, Ohio State & QB Ty Simpson, Alabama

Expert: Field Yates, ESPN (3/24)

Selection (No. 3): Edge Arvell Reese, Ohio State

Expert: Matt Miller, ESPN (3/30)

Selection (No. 3): OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami

Expert: Lance Zierlein, NFL.com (3/31)

Selection (No. 3): Edge David Bailey, Texas Tech

Expert: Daniel Jeremiah, NFL.com (3/17)

Selection (No. 3): OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami

Expert: Dane Brugler, The Athletic (4/15)

Selection (No. 3): OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami

Expert: Danny Kelly, The Ringer (3/4)

Selection (No. 3): Edge David Bailey, Texas Tech

Summary

Whether it's on the offensive or defensive side of the ball, the Cardinals will look to draft the best player available in the trenches. It's one of the first steps the organization must take to compete in an incredibly tough division. They need a powerful presence who can give them consistent high-level production on a roster lacking such players outside of Trey McBride and Budda Baker.