The Arizona Cardinals have many roster holes that need to be filled, so trading down to accumulate extra picks seems logical
It’s been quite a long time since the Arizona Cardinals received this much attention. Having the first-overall selection in the upcoming NFL Draft has given the club a tremendous amount of publicity. The Cardinals, in all probability, are likely enjoying every minute of it.
Being in such a position affords the organization a bevy of options. There isn’t a Cards fan in the country who doesn’t have a heartfelt opinion on what the franchise should do with their prized pick.
The scenario that makes the least amount of sense for Arizona on April 25th is the one that involves drafting Oklahoma’s Kyler Murray. After all, general manager Steve Keim used a first-round choice on a quarterback just 12 short months ago. Giving up on a talented passer like Josh Rosen so quickly could be a decision that the Cardinals would regret for years to come.
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Another direction that the front office could go with the selection would result in the defense being supplied with a top-notch performer. Ohio State’s Nick Bosa, who is arguably the best prospect of 2019, would raise the Cards’ pass rush to an elite level. Alabama’s Quinnen Williams, who may be the most complete defender in the draft, would fill a huge hole on the squad’s defensive line.
While both Bosa and Williams would be outstanding additions, there’s another avenue that the Arizona brain trust could travel that could benefit them the most. Trading down in the opening round of the draft would allow management to acquire extra picks. Fortunately for Keim and company, finding trade partners to facilitate such a move may not be a difficult task.
One organization that may be willing to move up in the first round is the Oakland Raiders. Their head coach, Jon Gruden, is reportedly enamored with the diminutive Murray. And “Chucky” may be gullible enough to give up the farm for the 5-10 signal-caller.
The Raiders, coincidentally, have not one but THREE first-round selections (No. 4,24,27) that they could use to entice the Cardinals into a deal for the top selection. Keim would most likely come away with at least two of those picks, and probably more, in a trade with the “Silver and Black.” Oakland’s 4th-overall choice would almost certainly be included in any agreement that would land them Murray.
Other quarterback-needy clubs may covet the top spot in the draft as well. The New York Giants, who own the 6th-overall slot, are said to be eyeing a replacement for Eli Manning. The Denver Broncos, who are sitting at No. 10, are looking for a young signal-caller to groom behind Joe Flacco.
The Miami Dolphins and Washington Redskins could also be interested in trading up. The Dolphins, who hold the 13th-overall selection, need a youngster to compete with journeyman Ryan Fitzpatrick. The Redskins, the owners of the 15th overall pick, have an injured Alex Smith and mediocre Case Keenum on their roster at the present time.
The possibilities are endless. To their credit, the Cards have not indicated what they’ll do with their valuable pick. The National Football League, and everyone who loves it, will get that answer soon enough.