Mock drafts already linking Cardinals to 2027 1st-round QBs

Well, that didn’t take long.

Days removed from the conclusion of the 2026 NFL Draft, the Arizona Cardinals are already being connected to 2027 quarterback prospects.

And given where the Cardinals are projected to finish in the draft order (top five) and the question marks surrounding the quarterback spot — even with the addition of third-round quarterback Carson Beck, it shouldn’t come as much of a surprise.

Honestly, it’s more surprising to find a Cardinals 2027 first-round projection that isn’t a signal caller in the way-too-early exercises coming down the wire this week.

A look at the quarterbacks linked to Arizona for 2027:

Note: The Cardinals’ first-round standing is based on 2026 Super Bowl odds

2027 quarterback prospects already being mock-drafted to Cardinals

Moore to the equation

Oregon’s Dante Moore is currently the frontrunner as the most mocked quarterback to the Cardinals, falling between pick Nos. 1 and 3.

It’s not hard to see why.

After being in the conversation as one of the top quarterback prospects last year, Moore opted to return to school in 2026.

While he impressed with 3,565 yards and 30 touchdowns to 10 interceptions on 71.8% passing last year, getting another season of experience under his belt could set him apart from the rest of the class.

He’s only had one season as a full-time starter in three years of work, after all.

– CBS Sports (Cooper Petagna): No. 2 overall

– Pro Football Sports Network (Alex Kennedy): No. 1 overall

– The McShay Show (Todd McShay): No. 3 overall

– USA Today (Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz): No. 3 overall

– Draft Wire (Curt Popejoy): No. 1 overall

– Fox Sports (Rob Rang): No. 2 overall

– Sporting News (Vinnie Iyer): No. 3 overall

– Fantasy Life (Kody Malstrom): No. 1 overall

– SI.com (Daniel Flick): No. 1 overall

March for Arch

OK, maybe the tagline needs some work, but it shouldn’t be shocking to see Texas quarterback Arch Manning on the list.

In contrast, not seeing him closer to Moore in the way-too-early mock draft tally is very interesting.

Already getting a lot of love heading into last year as a potential 2026 draft prospect given his traits and his family lineage with just two starts under his belt, Manning turned in a full season of work with Texas as a sophomore.

He completed 61.4% of his passes for 3,163 yards and 26 touchdowns to seven interceptions.

Manning was a threat in the run game, too, recording another 399 yards and 10 scores on 92 carries. He also flashed his pass-catching abilities with a four-yard touchdown catch.

Moore might have Manning beat statistically through the air, but it’s the latter who is far and away the more lethal running option.

– ESPN (Jordan Reid): No. 1 overall

– Sharp Football (Brendan Donahue): No. 1 overall

– The Athletic (Dane Brugler): No. 1 overall

– Bleacher Report (Brent Sobleski): No. 2 overall

That’s Sayin something

Rounding out the trio of signal callers being paired with the Cardinals already is Ohio State’s Julian Sayin.

Sayin exploded for the Buckeyes last year with 3,610 yards and 32 touchdowns to eight interceptions on 77% passing. No one in FBS had a better completion percentage than Sayin last year, while he finished second in the Big Ten in scores and yards.

For his efforts, he was among the top five in Heisman Trophy voting (fourth).

He, however, does not bring a rushing threat to the equation.

– Pro Football Focus (Daire Carragher): No. 1 overall

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