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Arizona Cardinals: The Quarterback of the Future

By Johnathan Henson

Sep 13, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians (right) with general manager Steve Keim (center) and team president Michael Bidwill on the field prior to the game against the New Orleans Saints at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Saints 31-19. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 13, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians (right) with general manager Steve Keim (center) and team president Michael Bidwill on the field prior to the game against the New Orleans Saints at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Saints 31-19. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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For years, the Arizona Cardinals have invested in the amount of wealth and knowledge that Carson Palmer has attained since joining the Cardinals in 2013, and for the most part it’s been a success. Palmer was in the top-2 MVP rankings consistently (losing to Cam Newton, presumably), and leaving behind a lackluster NFC Championship performance for the decades.

Carson Palmer is also not getting any younger, and so, I will begin to assess the quarterbacks that the Cardinals could invest in the first round this year, assuming no other team takes the guys before the 29th selection. Let’s get this quarterback pros and cons sheet going!

Mandatory Credit: Erich Schlegel-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Erich Schlegel-USA TODAY Sports /

Connor Cook – QB
Michigan State – Redshirt Senior
6-4, 220 Pounds
Est draft position: 1st-2nd round
229 CMP, 408 ATT, 56.1 CMP%, 3214 yards, 24 touchdowns, 7 interceptions

A lot has been said about how Connor Cook didn’t participate in the Senior Bowl, and which I agree and also disagree at the same time. The statistics above show a very solid 3-to-1 ratio of touchdowns-to interceptions, very potent. The problems consist in accuracy, as was shown during games against Western Michigan, Iowa, and Maryland, combining for a measly 49.2 competition percentage.

Yet there are plenty of advantages to Connor Cook, he has ideal height and length, and still has good arm strength. He is very up-and-down, his maturation seems to have develop his reads, and if there is any doubt that he can get it done at the next level, ask the Big 10. It seems more realistic that Cook makes it to 29, and with such a “quarterback whisperer” as Bruce Arians, it makes this an intriguing combo.

I see many problems with the selection, other the ideal heights and weights, he has the same throwing technique as Matt Barkley, who the Cardinals just traded for in the beginning of the season. If not for great footwork and the ability to make Aaron Burbridge better, Cook wouldn’t be very appealing. The quarterback of the future may be a Sparty.

Next: Memphis Blues

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