5 Best draft picks in Arizona Cardinals history

By Scott Allen | Apr 15, 2019

GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 16: Wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald #11 of the Arizona Cardinals runs with the football on a 75 yard reception against the Green Bay Packers in overtime of the NFC Divisional Playoff Game at University of Phoenix Stadium on January 16, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. The Arizona Cardinals beat the Green Bay Packers 26-20. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

3 of 5

TEMPE, AZ – NOVEMBER 10: Quarterback Jake Plummer #16 of the Arizona Cardinals drops back to pass during the NFL game against the Seattle Seahawks on November 10, 2002 at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Arizona. The Seahawks won 27-6. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images) /

3. Jake Plummer – 1997

The hometown favorite was staying put. After a college career at Arizona State, Plummer stayed put to play professionally at Sun Devil Stadium with the Cardinals.

Plummer, drafted 42nd overall in the second round in 1997, spent his first six seasons with the Cardinals. He then finished out the last four years of his career with the Denver Broncos.

He brought the Cardinals their first playoff berth in the desert in 1998. He lead the 1998 team to their first winning record in Arizona as well at 9-7.

He helped upset the favorite Dallas Cowboys in the NFC Wild Card round before bowing out to the Minnesota Vikings in the NFC Divisional playoff. His touchdown to interception ratio wasn’t very good but he still was the leader at quarterback the Cardinals had been desperately seeking.

His mobility combined with his strong arm is what endeared him to fans. Known as Jake ‘the Snake” because of that mobility, he managed to retire with 161 touchdowns and 161 interceptions.

Home/Cardinals Draft