Arizona Cardinals NFL draft odds: 2 favorites and 1 sleeper for No. 3 overall pick

Action picks up during the 2026 NFL Draft when the No. 3 pick hits the clock on Thursday night. 

Although the Arizona Cardinals currently hold the No. 3 pick, rumors of a potential trade are growing increasingly louder. Multiple mock drafts this week from ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. and Gennaro Filice from NFL.com have Arizona making a first-round trade — although both analysts differ on when the Cardinals might make a move.

Arizona could keep the pick and potentially go with the elite defensive talent the New York Jets (presumably) don’t take. Or the Cardinals might find a suitable trade down to pursue a new long-term quarterback or offensive tackle later in the first round. 

All the moving parts make for an interesting week for FanDuel Sportsbook’s NFL Draft Number 3 Overall Pick market. 

The last several weeks Texas Tech EDGE David Bailey (+150) and Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese (+210) established themselves as the likely picks behind quarterback Francisco Mendoza. FanDuel gives Reese the edge for No. 2 pick at -150 odds. That would leave Bailey as the most talented defensive player on the board for No. 3. That’s the scenario currently playing out in SB Nation’s latest NFL mock draft from James Dator — with Arizona ultimately keeping the No. 3 pick to select Bailey.

Should the Cardinals (or a trade partner) opt to go another direction besides Bailey or Reese at No. 3, Miami (FL) offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa (+420) is next in FanDuel’s odds. Linked early and often to the Cardinals in previous mock drafts, questions surrounding Mauigoa’s back could drop him a few selections. But if Mauigoa’s health checks out, Arizona could continue a busy off-season overhauling its offensive line.

Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love (+950) is a wildcard for the No. 3 pick. The electric Fighting Irish playmaker is the FanDuel favorite for the No. 4 pick to the Tennessee Titans (+100 No. 4 pick odds). If another team coveted Love and wanted to make a move for him, Arizona is rumored to be a willing trade partner and could facilitate a jump over Tennessee. 

Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles and Miami (FL) EDGE Rueben Bain Jr. (both +1800) are other potential options to watch with the third pick. Utah offensive tackle 

Spencer Fano (+2700) is the only other draft prospect under 40/1 odds for the third pick.