The Arizona Cardinals have needs all over the field, but they also potentially have an elite talent at quarterback in Kyler Murray.
Over the past two seasons, Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray has been a revelation in September and October. Unfortunately, he has also cooled off in November and December each season and, despite respectable numbers, Murray cannot seem to get the Cardinals out of late-season slumps.
So to help remedy the situation, it may be in the Cardinals‘ best interest to surround Murray with talent. Especially after they had the misfortune of seeing receiver Christian Kirk walk. However, they are still in decent shape, with James Conner, Zach Ertz, and Maxx Williams returning. DeAndre Hopkins should also be ready to roll by September.
But it isn’t enough. The Cardinals would benefit from another running back and another receiver. Say what you will about drafting a corner, an edge rusher, or a defensive tackle. There are still plenty of free agents to help fill the gaps. So let’s shift gears and talk about centering this draft around one common goal: Bringing out the best in Kyler Murray.
Murray has yet to win a playoff game as the Cardinals starting quarterback. He has yet to win a division title or even see his name stay in the MVP race over the long haul. In other words, Murray has underperformed as a first overall pick.
But he has tons of natural talent and it shows during the first half of the long NFL season. So who should the Cardinals target in the draft to elevate Murray to elite status? Keep reading for five sensational names the Cardinals could draft within the first three rounds.
Garrett Wilson – WR (Ohio State)
Many have Garrett Wilson projected as the top receiver in this season’s draft. But let’s go out on a limb and assume he drops to the 23rd overall spot. He’s an obvious shoo-in for the Cardinals and a potential upgrade over Christian Kirk.
Wilson is a smaller, speedier complement to Hopkins, but he carries far more size than Rondale Moore. The latter of whom is best suited for a slot role.
For starters, Wilson’s production is off the charts, with the receiver finishing his career averaging nine catches, two touchdowns, and 124 yards over his final three college games. A sure-handed receiver, Wilson also excels in the open field. But he can slip out of a defender’s grasp with ease.
He has a very limited downside that can be coached, such as spotty route running and questionable footwork. Overall, he’s comparable to Washington Commanders receiver Terry McLaurin.
Abram Smith – RB (Baylor)
Smith would be a great Day 2 pick for the Cardinals. Projected to start his career as a backup, Smith can immediately contribute as an RB2 behind James Conner. He’s dealt with knee injuries in the past, and he’s not the most elusive back.
However, Smith has a running style like former Pittsburgh Steeler Le’Veon Bell. A patient runner who waits for his blocks to develop, Smith also doesn’t shy from contact. He plays with remarkable instincts, and he’s excellent when cutting inside to turn nothing into something.
Smith is also a jack-of-all-trades type of back. In 2019, he played a pivotal role on special teams, which immediately increases his value as a draft prospect. He’s also a willing blocker in pass protection, which would further help Kyler Murray on third-and-long.
Overall, Smith is a great third-down back who can be an upgrade over the departed Chase Edmonds. His presence will give Murray more time to find open receivers, and he can also pick up positive yardage himself.
Drake London – WR (USC)
Kyler Murray could just throw the ball in the air and odds are pretty good that Drake London will come down with the catch. London carries rare size, at 6-foot-4, 219 pounds. He also has a workhorse mentality, meaning he’s not afraid to catch the ball in traffic, nor is he afraid to put his body on the line to make a big play.
London doesn’t come without his flaws, however. He’s not the fastest receiver and he has a tough time developing routes. Meaning if he were to go to Arizona, Murray couldn’t just drop back and immediately fire the ball his way. Some have even referred to London, given his limited athletic ability, as a small tight end.
Overall, London could evolve into a hybrid type of player. Comparable to what Marques Colston was for the New Orleans Saints. So if he lands in Arizona, expect immediate production who will atone for the ill-fated Hakeem Butler pick a few years ago.
Zamir White – RB (Georgia)
White would be a fantastic speedy complement to James Conner and he gives Murray more power as a second solid option at running back. He contains a bodybuilder-like physique and his rare blend of speed and power makes White a solid Day 2 pick.
He loves contact and absorbs it well. However, he also carries the elusiveness to avoid contact when necessary. If he gets to the next level and faces smaller linebackers and defensive backs, the odds are in his favor to take it the distance.
Despite his solid upside, White offers little in pass protection. This doesn’t help Murray on third-and-long. He’s also torn both ACLs in back-to-back seasons (right ACL in 2017 and his left in 2018). Finally, if he finds himself in space, he has a tough time warding off defenders.
Overall, White is a great running back whose work ethic will set the tone in the weight room and on the practice field. He plays like a smaller version of Derrick Henry and has also drawn comparisons to Marion Barber III.
Skyy Moore – WR (Western Michigan)
Skyy Moore is another prospect who will be available on Day 2 if not Day 3 of the draft. The New Kensington, PA native will best serve as a WR4 for the Cardinals should they draft him, meaning they would still need to find a solid WR2. However, Moore benefits Kyler Murray with the depth that he brings to the position in the event DeAndre Hopkins or Rondale Moore go down again with injuries.
A more productive version of former Cardinal KeeSean Johnson, Moore is an explosive receiver off the line of scrimmage. He’s also one of a few draft picks whose production remained even-keel but upper-echelon over his college career.
However, he loses momentum following a break. And despite his blazing 4.41 40-yard-dash, Moore cannot sustain his speed downfield. His route running overall needs to get better.
Despite Moore’s flaws, he’s an excellent target for the Cardinals if they’re looking to add depth to the receiver position. And throughout the wear and tear of an 18-week season, Kyler Murray may just thank the front office for a guy like Moore.