NFL Draft: Ranking the last 20 No. 1 overall draft picks
By Kyle Edmond
No. 9 – Kyler Murray, Quarterback, Arizona Cardinals, 2019 NFL Draft
After a strong rookie season that resulted in being named the 2019 Offensive Rookie of the Year, Kyler Murray is already hearing the MVP talk, but so did Baker Mayfield. Without jumping to conclusions too much, Murray has already shown his value in the Cardinals’ system and has high potential.
Starting all 16 games in his lone season, Murray totaled 3,722 passing yards as well as 544 rushing yards, totaling 24 touchdowns, 20 threw the air and four on the ground. However, Murray led the league in times sacked, ending up on his back 48 times.
Now with DeAndre Hopkins, there will be few excuses for Murray if he shows any signs of a sophomore slump, similar to what Mayfield had with Odell Beckham Jr. Murray has shown to be a playmaker, but there’s no doubt the lights will be brighter this coming season.
What Murray also has going for him in this rank is his class. Nick Bosa has proven to be a wrecking ball, but in terms of quarterbacks, Murray has a clear advantage.
Daniel Jones and Dwayne Haskins both have small sample sizes, but Murray has shown the most upside of the bunch, making him the spot on pick after a single season.