TEMPE – As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, Arizona Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort and first-year coach Mike LaFleur find themselves preparing from two different vantage points.
Since arriving in 2023, Ossenfort’s draft selections have produced mixed results. Players such as Paris Johnson Jr. and Garrett Williams have emerged as foundational pieces, while players such as BJ Ojulari and Darius Robinson have dealt with injuries and inconsistency early in their careers. Marvin Harrison Jr. still hasn’t developed into the game-breaking receiver many envisioned.
The uneven production has drawn outside scrutiny as the Cardinals have finished 4-13, 8-9 and 3-14 under Ossenfort, but Arizona remains committed to a long-term roster building approach.
The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled to take place April 23-25 in Pittsburgh, making it a crucial year for Ossenfort coming off of a disappointing season that led to the dismissal of coach Jonathan Gannon and the decision to release quarterback Kyler Murray.
While Ossenfort enters his fourth draft cycle with Arizona, LaFleur is navigating his first year with the franchise. Even with numerous changes over the offseason, Ossenfort said the process has remained consistent.
“I think every draft is different,” Ossenfort said. “The players are different, the evaluations are different. But really, the work and the process that we go through … that doesn’t change much.”
That consistency has helped guide a front office that has spent more than a year preparing for the draft. Ossenfort credited multiple departments, from college scouting to pro personnel, for laying the groundwork. Still, he acknowledged the uncertainty that defines draft week, including the possibility of dealing picks and moving up or down in a particular round.
“A lot of those (trade) discussions don’t happen until Thursday, Friday, Saturday,” Ossenfort said. “Right now, everything is just an idea.”
Arizona made the decision earlier this offseason to move on from Murray, who had been the team’s starter for seven seasons, signaling a new direction for the offense. The current quarterback room now includes veterans Jacoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew, offering experience but not necessarily a long-term solution.
Holding the No. 3 overall pick gives Arizona several options, whether it’s selecting an elite prospect at that spot or fielding trade offers to move down. But it’s the 34th pick that has gained attention. The Cardinals have been increasingly linked to drafting Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson. Simpson is a prospect with only 15 starts under his belt but thought to have major upside, as he is coming off of a season with 28 touchdown passes and five interceptions.
Arizona still has a plethora of needs on both sides of the ball, as pass rush and the offensive line are areas where they have consistently struggled. Defensive prospects such as Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese and Texas Tech defensive end David Bailey have been linked to the Cardinals in various mock drafts, aligning with the team’s needs to add speed and physicality to the defensive front. Bailey ended the 2025 college football season tied with Nadame Tucker of the Western Michigan Broncos for the most sacks in the FBS with 14.5.
LaFleur has been deeply involved in the evaluation process while simultaneously installing a new offensive system. He said juggling both responsibilities has been a challenge, but emphasized that the organization’s alignment has made the transition smoother.
“We’ve had great communication,” LaFleur said. “You’re always part of the draft process as a coach, but now it’s just been double duty.”
When it comes to player evaluation, both Ossenfort and LaFleur stressed that traits like competitiveness, intelligence and passion for the game often outweigh measurables or positional value.
“You can never go wrong taking the best player,” Ossenfort said. “Who fits this team? Who is about what we’re about?”
LaFleur echoed that sentiment, noting that a player’s love for football is often evident both on tape and in conversation.
“There’s guys that love the game and guys that just kind of like football,” LaFleur said.
The quarterback position remains a focal point, though Ossenfort made it clear the team is comfortable with its current group while remaining open to additions.
“Player acquisition never ends,” Ossenfort said. “We’re going to always look to improve every room.”
LaFleur added that experience matters, but ultimately, performance will dictate playing time.
“If we believe that young guy gives you the best chance, then you’re going to throw him out there,” LaFleur said.
As for draft strategy, Ossenfort emphasized adaptability. Whether trading up, trading down, or standing pat, the key is understanding value and being prepared for numerous scenarios.
“There’s a lot that goes into it,” Ossenfort said. “If we move back, are we comfortable with the player there? If we move up, what’s the cost?”
With preparation nearly complete, both leaders are eager for the process to play out. For LaFleur, one moment still stands above the rest.
“You’re changing a dude’s life,” LaFleur said. “That’ll never get old.”
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