Cardinals Mock Draft: What if Arizona keeps Kyler Murray?

In our first team-specific mock draft of the 2023 regular season, the Arizona Cardinals go under the microscope. But this exercise ponders the question: What if Kyler Murray stays with the franchise?

The Arizona Cardinals have been subject to relentless jokes and accusations of tanking after an eventful offseason. A new regime took the reins, quickly parting ways with multiple starters from the 2022 opening week roster. DeAndre Hopkins and Josh Jones are just a couple of such names. One man who didn’t get shipped out — at least yet — is quarterback Kyler Murray.

Tank For Caleb Williams Or Keep Kyler Murray? The Cardinals Will Face A Difficult Decision

The former No. 1 overall pick is still recovering from a devastating knee injury that ended his 2022 campaign prematurely. While the franchise committed a market-altering deal to Murray last offseason, murmurs have already started about the new front office jettisoning the superstar signal-caller and starting fresh with Caleb Williams.

As exciting as Williams is, might the franchise opt to stick with Murray and instead pawn off the No. 1 overall pick to the highest bidder? The return in a hypothetical trade-down would be unprecedented. Now, I know what you’re saying, ‘Hunter, why would anyone give up the chance at Williams’?

To that, I say fair enough. I would certainly not argue with anyone who chooses to restart with Williams on a rookie deal. But let’s have fun for a minute and take a different route. What would an early-season mock draft look like for the Cardinals if they keep Kyler Murray?

Arizona Cardinals Mock Draft: What If Kyler Murray Stays?

*For the purpose of this article, we will use the inverse Super Bowl odds to determine the NFL Draft order. Without further ado, it is time to get this mock draft underway!*