GLENDALE – The night of the NFL draft is upon the Arizona Cardinals, who have a massive decision to make third overall. The franchise have been the wild card all draft process flipping from prospect to prospect to confuse many experts. Through all the smoke and mirrors, Arizona Sports John Gambadoro still was confident to put out his “Gambo 5”, a list of the top five most likely options for Arizona at the third pick.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!All the names make sense, and have been connected to the Cardinals for the past few months, but which one would be the worse and set the team back even more.
Nov 22, 2025; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Love (4)runs the ball against the Syracuse Orange during the first half at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael Caterina-Imagn Images
Who out of the “Gambo 5” who be the worse choice for Cardinals:
- Norte Dame RB Jeremiyah Love
- Texas Tech Edge David Bailey
- Miami OL Francis Mauigoa
- Ohio State Edge Arvell Reese
- Miami edge Rueben Bain Jr.
Jan 8, 2026; Glendale, AZ, USA; Miami Hurricanes offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa (61) against the Mississippi Rebels during the 2026 Fiesta Bowl and semifinal game of the College Football Playoff at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
For all intents and purposes, Bailey and Reese are seen as two home run selections. The Ohio State linebacker has been connected to the New York Jets all draft process and likely won’t be available third overall to Arizona. Bailey at 6’3 250 pounds had 14.5 sacks his senior year and is an athletic freak. Each edge rusher would be a massive improvement to the Cardinals lackluster pass rush that was one of the worst in the NFL.
Love doesn’t make much sense to draft with three running backs on the roster. However, the skillset that the 21-year-old possess make him a no-worry prospect. In his final two collegiate seasons, Love had 35 rushing touchdowns and 2,497 rushing yards. The All-American is a machine, and if he would to be fail it would be a systematic issue and not because of him.
Jan 19, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) passes the ball under pressure by Miami Hurricanes defensive lineman Rueben Bain Jr. (4) in the third quarter during the College Football Playoff National Championship game at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
Mauigoa and Bain are the final two options. The Miami teammates are each talented in their own way, but the clear answer for who would be the worse selection is Bain. The scenario where Bailey or Reese is available at third overall and general manager Ossenfort elects not to take him could be embarrassing down the line.
Bailey and Reese are projected to be All-Pro level edge rushers, and while Bain will likely be great in the league, it’s not to the level of the other two. The trio playing the same position would make it easier in the future for Cardinals fans to look back and compare what the franchise could’ve done, even though hindsight is 20/20.
Dec 31, 2025; Arlington, TX, USA; Miami Hurricanes offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa (61) walks off the field after the 2025 Cotton Bowl and quarterfinal game of the College Football Playoff at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
If Ossenfort would take Mauigoa third overall, it would be a slight reach but a necessary one. The Cardinals offensive line was one of the worst in the NFL last season. The injuries just exposed the team’s lack of depth at the position. Mauigoa would be a stellar option to pair alongside Paris Johnson Jr. and Isaac Seumalo, for a running game that has three capable backs.
Cardinals new odds for third overall in 2026 NFL Draft shows unpredictability
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
