If the Cardinals take a pass rusher in Round 1, this local tackle prospect would be great in Round 2.
The Arizona Cardinals have their eyes on offensive tackle prospects in the 2026 NFL draft. While there have been numerous projections where they take a tackle with the third overall pick or trade back a few spots to get one, a perfect scenario could have them land a local prospect. According to SI.com's Justin Melo, the Cardinals are a good fit for Arizona State tackle Max Iheanachor.
The Arizona Cardinals are another team that has hosted Iheanachor on a pre-draft visit. They're expected to take a defensive player at No. 3 overall, with Arvell Reese, David Bailey, and Sonny Styles as shortlisted options. An offensive tackle like Iheanachor could make sense with their second-round selection.The Cardinals are looking to replace Jonah Williams at right tackle.
They signed veteran journeymen like Eiljah Wilkinson and Oli Udoh in free agency as break-in-case-of-emergency options. Ideally, they draft a higher-upside player like Iheanachor with the 35th pick.While tackle is possible at the top of the first round, the Cardinals' two biggest needs for 2026 are a pass rusher and a tackle, especially one who can play right tackle. If the Cardinals can get a pass rusher like Reese or Bailey in Round 1 and Iheanachor in Round 2, they get two rookie starters.
The trick is whether Iheanachor makes in out of the first round. Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire's Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.This article originally appeared on Cards Wire: 2026 NFL draft: Arizona Cardinals a good fit for OT Max Iheanachor