Mel Kiper Mock: Cardinals Pick Reese at 3

It's March 18th.

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Free agency is wrapping up its first week in the NFL, and teams like the Arizona Cardinals

have mostly filled their veteran gaps.

Now eyes are turning to the 2026 draft.

ESPN's Mel Kuiper Jr. just dropped his latest first round mock draft after those moves.

For the Cardinals holding the number 3 pick, he has them grabbing Ohio State edge rusher

Arvel Reese.

The Cardinals still have key holes at quarterback, tackle, and defensive edge after free agency.

They tie for 28th in the league, with just 30 sacks last season.

Kuiper sees Reese as the perfect running mate for Josh Sweat.

Thanks to his quick burst and instincts to pressure quarterbacks.

Reese brings solid production with 6.5 sacks and nine tackles for loss in his last year

at Ohio State.

He even played off-ball linebacker there, adding versatility that could appeal in the pros.

Plus, he fits new general manager, Monty Austin for its pattern of picking from the big

10 and SEC in early rounds.

Most other mock drafts send the Cardinals a tackle, like Miami's Francis Maui Goa instead.

But Kuiper argues the edge spot is just as urgent, and Reese has huge potential.

If Reese slips away early, say at number 2, folks like Texas Tech's David Bailey could

be next up.

Quarterbacks do not make sense here though.

Back to see mock, swinging between rushers and tackles for weeks ahead.

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Some chase piece.

I'll put my head in it, s-o-l-i-soli-pilo.com.