Cardinals Land Offensive Line Anchor in ESPN Mock Draft

The Arizona Cardinals do the right thing with the third overall pick in this mock draft.

Nov 29, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Miami Hurricanes offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa (61) blocks against Pittsburgh Panthers defensive lineman Joey Zelinsky (45) during the third quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images | Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

The Arizona Cardinals have several needs up and down their roster entering the 2026 offseason.

After the Cardinals settle on their head coach, whenever that may be, some serious decisions will be made on who stays and goes — quarterback Kyler Murray being a top priority.

When it comes the draft, Arizona has the third overall pick with a variety of options sure to be at their disposal.

ESPN's Mel Kiper revealed his first mock draft of the cycle, and he's got quite anchor for Arizona heading their direction:

Mel Kiper Sends Stud Miami OT to Cardinals

Jan 17, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Hurricanes lineman Francis Mauigoa during media day for the 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship at Miami Beach Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Miami Hurricanes OT Franchis Mauigoa was the pick for Arizona.

"Mauigoa would have just missed the chance to join his brother, linebacker Kiko Mauigoa, with the Jets, but I still have Francis as a top-three pick thanks to his mauling play style, experience (41 career starts) and overall consistency as a blocker," wrote Kiper.

"Since Kelvin Beachum is a free agent, Mauigoa could slide in at right tackle and help spring James Conner and Trey Benson for big runs next season. The quarterback situation is still unsettled, but no matter who is under center, the protection has to be right."

Ahead of the Cardinals, the Las Vegas Raiders took Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza while the New York Jets took Ohio State LB Arvell Reese.

Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey went to the Tennessee Titans at No. 4 while the New York Giants round out the top five with Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate.

Why Francis Mauigoa Makes Sense in Arizona

Jan 8, 2026; Glendale, AZ, USA; Miami Hurricanes offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa (61) against the Mississippi Rebels during the 2026 Fiesta Bowl and semifinal game of the College Football Playoff at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The Cardinals need a bookend tackle opposite of Paris Johnson Jr. along their line of scrimmage, as Jonah Williams' contract runs out (though he was anything but reliable) while veteran swing tackle Kelvin Beachum could be eying retirement.

As a result, a massive hole rests at right tackle entering 2026, and Mauigoa could fill it quite nicely. He's shown up on college football's biggest stages and looks primed to emerge as a viable starting tackle in the NFL.

That will be needed — regardless of who is coaching or throwing the ball — as the Cardinals' path in the NFC West against elite defensive fronts on a routine basis.

It's not a sexy pick. This won't sell jerseys or get fans in the seats at State Farm Stadium off the name of excitement alone — though it would be a step in the right direction.