clmchiefs'S MOCK DRAFT

clmchiefs'S MOCK DRAFT
RUN ON JAN 2, 2026

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clmchiefs DRAFTING FOR THE
Cardinals

PICK: 5 RND: 1 (ARI)

Fernando Mendoza

QB Indiana

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PICK: 36 RND: 2 (ARI)

Kayden McDonald

DL Ohio State

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PICK: 67 RND: 3 (ARI)

Drew Shelton

OT Penn State

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PICK: 102 RND: 4 (ARI)

Adon Shuler

S Notre Dame

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PICK: 144 RND: 5 (ARI)

Eric Rivers

WR Georgia Tech

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PICK: 185 RND: 6 (ARI)

Antonio Kite

CB Ole Miss

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PICK: 219 RND: 7 (ARI)

Bryce Foster

C Kansas

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Overall B

ValueB NeedA- TradesB- FutureB-

The Cardinals finally solved quarterback, and it carried them to a B.

The one hole that towered over the rest is filled. The Cardinals spent their marquee pick on Fernando Mendoza, and for the first time in a while there is a real answer at quarterback.

They will regret leaving edge rusher for another day if the season turns on it. They will need Shelton to outplay his draft slot in a hurry to justify it.

That is a safety worth more than the slot they spent on him, plainly.

All told, a solid class that does its job everywhere but edge rusher.

Pick5 Rnd1 Fernando Mendoza

In the 5th overall pick they get a long-term answer under center. Exactly the need they had to hit.

Pick36 Rnd2 Kayden McDonald

Kayden McDonald in the Round 2 slot is fine work, a shade of surplus and no downside. Another box on the needs board, quietly ticked.

Pick67 Rnd3 Drew Shelton

A reach on Drew Shelton in No. 67; the board had better options right there. This was priority one on the needs board, and now it is handled.

Pick102 Rnd4 Adon Shuler

Adon Shuler is a better player than the 102nd pick suggests; smart patience, rewarded. A quiet depth add at a thin-ish spot.

Pick144 Rnd5 Eric Rivers

A tidy little value on Eric Rivers in pick No. 144, a step better than break-even. They walked in needing this and walked out with it.