Who Will Be the First Pick in the 2019 NFL Draft?
Kyler Murray, Quarterback, Oklahoma
FanDuel Sportsbook Odds: -800
Back in October, Kliff Kingsbury, then head coach of the Texas Tech Red Raiders, spoke in praise of Kyler Murray, saying that he would take him with the first pick in the NFL Draft if he could. Little would Kingsbury know at the time that, some months later, he would be in position to do just that.
Much has made of Murray's physical shortcomings, but not all are immediate cause to doubt his ability to succeed at the NFL level.
After Baker Mayfield was drafted first overall by the Cleveland Browns, Murray stepped into the starting quarterback spot for the Oklahoma Sooners in 2018, and the Sooners' offense barely missed a beat. Murray won the 2018 Heisman Trophy on the back of his 4,361 passing yards and 42 touchdowns, along with a further 1,001 yards and 12 scores on the ground.
The Cardinals' quarterback spot in 2018, and how it was compiled, was something of a dark comedy. First the team spent big on the oft-injured Sam Bradford, as well as Mike Glennon, in free agency. They then spent the 10th overall pick on Josh Rosen.
Poor offensive line play and a below supporting cast did little to aid Rosen when he eventually unseated Bradford after two games. Still, Rosen looked far from ready for the NFL. He finished with -0.23 Passing Net Expected Points (NEP) per play, the lowest mark of any quarterback with at least 300 drop backs last season. (You can learn more about NEP in our glossary).
Selecting Murray could give the Cardinals' offense a jumpstart, but while Kingsbury didn't select Rosen, the Cardinals' current front office did. Any lingering sense of loyalty may lead them to look at another position with this pick.
