The NFL Draft is just over a week away, and the rumor mill is in overdrive. ESPN's legendary draft analyst Mel Kiper has dropped his final two-round mock, and it contains a blockbuster prediction for the Arizona Cardinals that would shake up their roster.

In a surprising pivot, Kiper doesn't have Arizona addressing their offensive line with the third overall pick. Instead, he projects them to select Ohio State's dynamic edge rusher, J.T. Reese. This move would immediately bolster a pass rush that struggled mightily last season, pairing Reese's explosive athleticism with Josh Sweat to pressure division rivals like Matthew Stafford and Brock Purdy.

The real drama, however, comes later in the first round. Kiper forecasts a bold trade where the Cardinals package their second and third-round picks to move back into the first round at No. 30 overall. Their target? Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson.

This signals a definitive new chapter in the desert. With the Kyler Murray era concluded and current options seen as temporary, securing a potential franchise QB like Simpson gives new coach Mike LaFleur a cornerstone for the future. While they could wait until 2027, Kiper's mock suggests Arizona is aggressive about finding their next leader now, even if it means sacrificing some draft capital to get their guy.