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Cardinals Target Safeties: A 7-Round Draft Plan
24 Apr
Summary
- Cardinals identify seven potential safety targets in the 2026 NFL draft.
- Top prospects include Caleb Downs from Ohio State and AJ Haulcy from LSU.
- The team considers players for various rounds, from Round 1 to Round 7.
The Arizona Cardinals are poised to address multiple team needs in the upcoming 2026 NFL draft, with a significant emphasis on bolstering their safety corps. The team has meticulously scouted potential talent, identifying targets for each of the seven draft rounds.
In the first round, Caleb Downs of Ohio State is a highly touted prospect, drawing comparisons to Budda Baker. The second round could see the Cardinals targeting AJ Haulcy from LSU, who demonstrated strong performance with eight tackles and three interceptions in 2025.
Further down the draft, Treydan Stukes of Arizona, a versatile player noted for his athleticism and four interceptions in 2025, is considered for the third round. Genesis Smith, also from Arizona, offers size and elite athletic measurables, making him a potential fourth-round pick.
Rounding out the potential safety acquisitions, Jakobe Thomas from Miami is eyed for the fifth round due to his production and coaching staff connections. Bishop Fitzgerald of USC, an All-American in 2025, is a sixth-round possibility, while Cole Wisniewski from Texas Tech, with his physical presence, is considered for the seventh round.
