While the Arizona Cardinals are expected by almost everyone to select Oklahoma quarterback Kyler Murray with the first overall pick in the NFL draft later this month, it might not be a popular pick in the locker room.
Why?
For some veteran players, it might not send the right message.
Since Kliff Kingsbury was hired, the message was getting things turned around quickly and being competitive. It was the promise of improvement and competitiveness that in part quelled cornerback Patrick Peterson’s desire for a trade.
They have been following a blueprint. They brought in an offensive-minded coach to help develop the quarterback who was drafted the year before. They added key veterans at positions of need. They are adding talent in the draft.
But if the Cardinals take Kyler Murray first overall, it starts the rebuild over in a way.
Part of the excitement for 2019 for the players is the fact that Josh Rosen showed his toughness and showed flashes he could be the guy at quarterback. He went to war with his teammates, winning them over.
Giving up on Rosen is a step back, as rookie quarterbacks starting almost always means a team struggles.
It very well might be the best move for the Cardinals to make long-term, especially if Murray can be a star like Patrick Mahomes has become, but it might make 2019 a second consecutive throwaway season in terms of competition.
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