Almost all mock drafts at this point project the Arizona Cardinals to select Oklahoma quarterback Kyler Murray with the first overall pick in the draft. In a new two-round mock draft with dueling picks from ESPN’s Todd McShay and Mel Kiper, this continues to be the case.
Both agree that the Cardinals will take Murray first overall. However, they do not have the Cardinals taking the same player in the second round.
Round 1, No. 1: Oklahoma QB Kyler Murray (McShay and Kiper)
Kiper and McShay project Murray as the first pick for different reasons.
Kiper:
Arizona is putting up smokescreens, but I’m not changing here. Murray is a perfect fit for what coach Kliff Kingsbury wants to do.
McShay:
It has been a month since the combine, and I still can’t find anyone close to the situation saying Arizona prefers keeping Josh Rosen over taking Murray here. Remember, though: This is lying season. Murray’s explosive athleticism would spark this docile offense.
Murray continues to be an intriguing pick because of the connection to coach Kliff Kingsbury. However, it only makes sense if the Cardinals can get a good deal for Josh Rosen.
Round 2, No. 33 overall (Kiper): Oklahoma WR Marquise Brown
If I’m giving Kyler Murray to the Cardinals at No. 1, I can get them his favorite receiver at the top of Round 2.
What a pairing — they could add Murray’s favorite target and a guy who could immediately be a game-changer on offense. There are concerns about his frame and the fact he is coming off a Lisfranc injury. Will that foot injury affect him long-term?
Adding him to Larry Fitzgerald and Christian Kirk would give the Cardinals three complementary pieces in the passing game. And if Kevin White can produce anything, the group goes from being awful to talented.
Round 2, No. 33 (McShay): Texas A&M C Erik McCoy
When you have a 5-foot-10 quarterback like Murray, you’d better protect him.
McCoy is a name that has popped up a lot in recent weeks. The Cardinals have two centers already in A.Q. Shipley and Mason Cole, the latter of which they drafted just a year ago, but McCoy is probably better than both. And with Cole’s versatility, it might be worth it moving him over to guard to add McCoy. As stated in our recent podcast, McCoy is probably a Day 1 starter at center and no one has to worry.
Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Stitcher Radio.
