Now in its 13th year, the SB Nation NFL writers’ mock draft is back. If you’ve missed the previous 12 iterations, the idea is fairly simple. We bring together the SB Nation team sites that have a first-round pick. It can lead to some interesting twists with picks, and the best part is that you get to grade every selection.
2019 NFL mock draft: The Cardinals are starting over again at QB
The SB Nation NFL writers’ mock draft is back, and Arizona is on the clock.
Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
We’ll have three picks each weekday starting today, so get ready because Seth Cox from Revenge of the Birds checks in below with the choice for the Arizona Cardinals at No. 1.
Four words threw the 2019 NFL Draft in complete flux. “Right now, for sure.” That was Steve Keim, the general manager of the Arizona Cardinals at the NFL Combine talking about the Josh Rosen’s future as Arizona’s starting quarterback.
At that moment, the focus for the Cardinals and the first-overall pick shifted. Elite defensive players like Nick Bosa and Quinnen Williams were out of the equation. Instead, the heavy lean has been electric Oklahoma quarterback Kyler Murray. That’s where Cox goes with the No. 1 pick.
1. Arizona Cardinals: Kyler Murray, QB, Oklahoma
Cox: There is no question this will be one of the most controversial picks among fans in a long time. However, the teardown of the 2018 season would be completed if this is the way the Cardinals go. Murray offers a tantalizing package of skills that could foster a new offensive revolution in Arizona, and along with Kliff Kingsbury as head coach, the hope is this one will last longer than the Kurt Warner or Carson Palmer eras.
Analysis: Heck, all it has to do is last longer than the brief Rosen tenure. With Murray, the Cardinals are finding their franchise quarterback for the second time in as many years. That would not be such a shock if Keim weren’t around. But he is, making his 2018 trade up for Rosen a self-indictment on his own ability as a talent evaluator. Keim is essentially throwing away most of his 2018 draft to take another quarterback. If it doesn’t work out with Murray, Keim will be looking for a new job before long.
Top five remaining players:
- 1. Nick Bosa, DE, Ohio State
- 2. Quinnen Williams, DT, Alabama
- 3. Josh Allen, edge, Kentucky
- 4. Ed Oliver, DT, Houston
- 5. Devin White, LB, LSU
Coming up next in the 13th annual SB Nation NFL writers’ mock draft is Kyle Posey of Niners Nation making the pick for the San Francisco 49ers.
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