Reflecting on Arizona Cardinals top draft picks of the Steve Keim Era
By Sion Fawkes
Josh Rosen
When quarterback Carson Palmer called it quits, the Cardinals needed a franchise quarterback. They took a chance with Rosen, who sustained concussion problems and a mediocre win-loss record at UCLA. Despite his low 60.1 completion percentage and having never thrown over 26 touchdown passes during his time with the Bruins, the Cardinals jumped.
Unfortunately, the elated Rosen, who drew criticism for comments made after the Cardinals drafted him, has become arguably the worst first-round draft pick at the position in the previous decade. Over 2018 and 2019, Rosen started 16 games and has posted a 3-13 record.
He currently holds a career completion percentage of 54.8, with 12 touchdowns compared to 19 interceptions and a quarterback rating of 63.5. Rosen has since bounced around to three other teams and even a couple of practice squads, having never come close to being the quarterback the Cardinals thought they were getting.
Despite Rosen’s failure, it may have been a blessing in disguise. The Cardinals held the first pick in 2019 and wisely, used it on a quarterback.