Arizona Cardinals MUST Trade Back from #3 if They Plan to Draft Ty Simpson in Late First Round

On this episode of Locked On Cardinals, Alex Clancy analyzes the evolving Arizona Cardinals draft strategy—particularly what happens if they target Ty Simpson as their quarterback of the future. The episode dives deep into whether the team should trade back from the third overall pick, explores multiple hypothetical draft day scenarios, and debates the merits and risks of spending a premium pick on Simpson a year before a reportedly loaded 2027 QB class. Alex Clancy breaks down the logic behind maximizing draft capital, arguing that trading back is essential if the Cardinals reach for a quarterback this year. He considers potential trade partners, the impact of acquiring additional picks, and how the team's roster could be reshaped as a result. A substantial segment is dedicated to examining the "ecosystem" Ty Simpson would enter in 2026—detailing leadership questions, the fragility of the coaching staff and roster, and the unfair expectations often placed on rookie quarterbacks. Alex Clancy highlights the challenges a young QB would face on an incomplete roster with a first-time head coach, the pressure from fans, and the potential pitfalls of repeating past missteps. In the final segment, Alex Clancy reminds listeners just how pivotal this upcoming draft is for the Cardinals—not only for immediate improvements but for setting the stage for a bigger leap in 2027. He reviews key position groups, talks about the importance of adding impact players (whether the team stays at #3 or trades back), and underscores how this draft can ensure the franchise doesn't take a step back as it builds toward sustained success. Throughout, Alex Clancy maintains a critical but hopeful tone, urging fans to recognize the significance of the upcoming draft and its massive implications for the Cardinals’ future trajectory. Let's discuss.   Everydayer ClubIf you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! TurboTax This year you’re getting a major upgrade — Intuit TurboTax now has in-person locations nationwide. Visit http://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get two-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game. Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast. Rugiet Get 15% off your treatment → https://rugiet.com/lockedonnhl Rugiet. Performance medicine for men. Rocket MoneyLet Rocket Money help you reach your financial goals faster. Join athttp://RocketMoney.com/LOCKEDON   FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)     Find and follow Locked On Cardinals on your favorite podcast platforms:     Apple https://apple.co/3gzT6Pg Spotify https://spoti.fi/3wsOL7a Audacy https://bit.ly/3xdaqjU Stitcher https://bit.ly/3cFWffn Google https://buff.ly/2yH7WOl Megaphone https://bit.ly/2RUBlC5x Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.