It’s NFL DRAFT TIME. Here are 5 moves the Arizona Cardinals could make with the first pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, the one I think they will, and the one I think they should. #GuysontheSideline
1. Draft Oklahoma QB Kyler Murray at number 1, and KEEP Josh Rosen: This move is a little out there, but I honestly would LOVE to see it. Stay with me on this one. It’s a little New England-like, which is why it should be considered. What’s one position teams will always overspend on? QB, obviously. If the Cards can’t get what they want for Rosen this year, why not keep him, assuming his development will flourish under first-year coach and offensive mastermind Kliff Kingsbury? Then, the Cards will be in a stronger position next year to keep the QB they want, either Rosen or Murray, and trade the other for A LOT, like multiple first-rounders.
2. Draft Murray and trade Rosen: The Cardinals appear smitten with Murray, and therefore they’ll likely be moving last year’s first-round selection, Rosen. Interested parties include the New York Football Giants, Washington Redskins, and New England Patriots. I would consider this option, so long as they can secure a first-rounder. But rumors are circulating that they will only net a second-rounder. If that’s the case, I would strongly consider the first move listed above.
3. Trade the first pick and fill holes on the team with multiple picks: There’s a reason the Cardinals are picking first and it’s because their roster is a bit depleted, to put it kindly. Oakland needs an explosive, exciting QB on the cheap to pair with newly acquired wide receiver Antonio Brown, and they really want to land someone before their inaugural season in Las Vegas. Because of this, I think Raiders Coach Jon Gruden will be willing to wheel-and-deal any of their 3 first round picks this year. If the Cards could swap their first for the fourth pick and the 24th Pick, among others, I would do it. Then they would keep Rosen, draft a defensive stud to bolster the D, and then select an offensive tackle that can protect Rosen later. This would be the smartest move.
4. Draft Nick Bosa at number 1: If the Cards can’t get a team to bite on a trade, they could simply stay put and draft Nick Bosa (or Quinnen Williams). I’ve long been a proponent of drafting guys in the trenches, either a D-line or an O-line player in the first round, and then selecting a skill-player later on.
5. Pull a Mike Tice move and forget to turn in the envelope in a timely manner, therefore surrendering the first pick to their rivals, the San Francisco 49ers: Yeah, Mr. Bidwell and Steve Keim, let’s not do this.
And so what is most likely to happen and what move should the Cardinals make?
Honestly, I think the Cardinals will take option 2 and pick Murray and trade Rosen. Murray could be the next best thing. I just worry about putting all of our eggs in one basket. This is the NFL, and you need close to 25 players in key positions to win.
I think they should make move number 4, and select Ohio State stand-out Defensive End Nick Bosa. (He’s going to be a difference-maker immediately). I think they should do this IF they can’t get a team to give them a crazy number of high draft picks.
Tune in this week to Episode 19 of Guys on the Sideline podcast, as Chris and I break down the Cardinals, the Raiders, and the rest of the NFL’s first night if the NFL Draft.
One thing’s for sure: the NFL Draft is a crazy event that is quite difficult to predict, but so impactful on a team’s short-term—and more importantly—long-term future. But that’s what makes it the best day of the year! #NFLDraft #GuysontheSideline