- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Cardinals Face Risky NFL Draft Pick with Versatile Linebacker
Arizona's third overall selection could make or break GM Monti Ossenfort's tenure
Mar. 17, 2026 at 10:24pm
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
The Arizona Cardinals hold the third overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, and there is growing speculation they could select versatile Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese. While Reese's talent is undeniable, he is considered a polarizing prospect due to questions about his best NFL position - inside linebacker or edge rusher. The Cardinals' recent history of drafting similarly versatile players like Isaiah Simmons and Zaven Collins has some fans wary of taking another 'tweener' so high in the draft, especially with more 'sure-thing' players available at positions of need.
Why it matters
The Cardinals' third overall pick is a pivotal selection for GM Monti Ossenfort, who is entering a crucial fourth year with the team. After some mixed results in the first round under Ossenfort, the decision on Reese could make or break his tenure, especially with a new head coach in Mike LaFleur taking over. The Cardinals' pass rush was a weakness in 2025, so Reese's potential as an edge rusher is intriguing, but his versatility also raises concerns about whether he can excel at one position in the NFL.
The details
Reese was a standout at Ohio State, racking up 6.5 sacks and 9 tackles for loss in 2025. He is drawing comparisons to Micah Parsons, though scouts caution against expecting that level of impact. The debate around Reese centers on whether his versatility is an asset or a liability - some see it as a plus, while others prefer an elite player at a single position. The Cardinals have brought in more help at inside linebacker in free agency, so Reese would likely play outside linebacker opposite Josh Sweat, who led the team with 12 sacks in 2025.
- The 2026 NFL Draft is just over a month away (April 24-26, 2026).
- The Cardinals hold the third overall pick in the draft.
The players
Monti Ossenfort
The Arizona Cardinals' general manager, who is entering a crucial fourth year with the team.
Mike LaFleur
The new head coach of the Arizona Cardinals, taking over ahead of the 2026 season.
Arvell Reese
A versatile linebacker prospect from Ohio State, who is projected to be selected by the Cardinals with the third overall pick.
Josh Sweat
The Cardinals' starting outside linebacker, who led the team with 12 sacks in 2025.
Micah Parsons
An elite linebacker in the NFL, who Reese has drawn comparisons to, though scouts caution against expecting that level of impact.
What’s next
The Cardinals will make their decision on the third overall pick at the 2026 NFL Draft, which takes place from April 24-26, 2026.
The takeaway
The Cardinals' decision on Arvell Reese with the third overall pick will be a high-risk, high-reward gamble that could define GM Monti Ossenfort's tenure. Reese's versatility is enticing, but the team's recent history of drafting similar 'tweener' players raises concerns among fans about whether he can excel at one position in the NFL.
