TEMPE, ARIZ. — The Arizona Cardinals might not wait around to find their quarterback of the future. While the rest of the league watches the Las Vegas Raiders prepare to crown Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza at No. 1 overall, Arizona sits at No. 3 with a massive decision for new head coach Mike LaFleur. Rather than forcing a pick early, a shocking new scenario has emerged: Arizona uses its top pick on a defensive star, then aggressively trades back into the first round to secure Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson.
The Art of the Steal
ESPN draft guru Field Yates dropped a bomb on the First Draft podcast this week. Yates predicts Arizona will package pick No. 34, along with their 2026 and 2027 third-rounders, to jump up and snatch Simpson from the Buffalo Bills. The blueprint mirrors exactly what the New York Giants did last year to secure Jaxson Dart. Sitting in the press box during the NFL Combine last month, you could feel the raw energy every time Simpson stepped onto the turf. He simply commands the field.
Simpson brings serious firepower to the desert. He weighs in at an imposing 6-foot-1 and 211 pounds, boasting a rocket arm and elite processing speed. He forces defenses to respect the entire field, highlighted by his explosive 77-yard rushing touchdown in 2024. Late-season ball security issues caused his draft stock to slip slightly, making him available at a discount. But Simpson’s personal journey—battling through brutal SEC adversity and refusing to back down after a mistake—shows the exact mental toughness LaFleur demands. If the front office believes they can clean up those late-season mechanics, Simpson becomes the absolute steal of Thursday night.
“I’m looking for guys who eat, sleep, and breathe this game. We need leaders who will step into the huddle, take a hit, and command respect from the very first snap.”
— Mike LaFleur, Head Coach, Arizona Cardinals
Playoff Implications / What’s Next
Arizona operates in a brutal NFC West, and LaFleur needs a rock-solid foundation. Selecting a blue-chip cornerstone at No. 3 fortifies the roster immediately. Trading back into the late first round for Simpson is a masterstroke; it secures the all-important fifth-year option on a rookie quarterback contract. This move protects the franchise financially while giving Simpson time to adjust to NFL speed. If Simpson flashes even a fraction of his SEC brilliance, Arizona accelerates their rebuild by two full years. LaFleur gets his guy, the fan base gets a thrill, and the rest of the division gets put on notice. The draft kicks off April 23 in Pittsburgh, and all eyes are suddenly locked on the Cardinals’ war room.
