2019 NFL Draft: Grades, recaps, and analysis for all 32 teams

29 of 32

TEMPE, ARIZONA – APRIL 26: Quarterback Kyler Murray of the Arizona Cardinals poses during a press conference at the Dignity Health Arizona Cardinals Training Center on April 26, 2019 in Tempe, Arizona. Murray was the first pick overall by the Arizona Cardinals in the 2019 NFL Draft. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

. . . Arizona Cardinals. . team. 32

1 (1): Kyler Murray, QB, Oklahoma
2 (33): Byron Murphy, CB, Washington
3 (62): Andy Isabella, WR, Massachusetts
4 (65): Zach Allen, DE, Boston College
5 (103): Hakeem Butler, WR, Iowa State
6 (139): Deionte Thompson, S, Alabama
7 (174): KeeSean Johnson, WR, Fresno State
8 (179): Lamont Gaillard, C, Georgia
9 (248): Joshua Miles, OT, Morgan State
10 (249): Michael Dogbe, DT, Temple
11 (254): Caleb Wilson, TE, UCLA

General manager Steve Keim has officially tethered his job status in Arizona to Kyler Murray, Oklahoma’s Heisman winning quarterback.

After drafting Murray, the Cardinals traded away Josh Rosen, effectively and officially changing course.

It’s not unprecedented (I don’t think) but the Cardinals made the right choice here. If your gut tells you Kyler Murray is a superstar, you don’t pass on him just because you liked Josh Rosen a year ago. He was the 4th QB taken in the 2018 NFL Draft.

Murray can help the Cardinals compete with Russell Wilson if he develops right.

After snagging Murray at no. 1 overall, the Cardinals picked the top cornerback in the draft in my estimation, getting Washington’s Byron Murphy. Murphy should be an immediate starter opposite Patrick Peterson.

The pick acquired in the Josh Rosen trade was Andy Isabella, a speedy slot player who is going to be a very fun weapon for this Kliff Kingsbury offense.

Zach Allen is sort of the prototype 5-technique defensive end in a 3-4 front. Vance Joseph employs a lot of nickel looks, but in base, he can use Allen as either a right or left defensive end.

My favorite pick beyond the top overall pick for Arizona was Hakeem Butler in round four. Butler had a great career with Iowa State, and showed while he was there that not many receivers have a better catch radius.

Throw it up to that guy and let him win.

Deionte Thompson is another steal, and a player many thought early on in this process would go in the first or second round. He has starter potential as well.

I’m a big fan of KeeSean Johnson, who has some of the best hands and route running ability in this draft class.

Lamont Gaillard was underrated in my opinion and I think he can develop into a starting guard or center in the NFL.

Caleb Wilson and Michael Dogbe are two late-round players worth watching here.

Grade: A

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