Cardinals Mock Draft: What if Arizona keeps Kyler Murray?

Nov 27, 2022; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) scrambles past Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Khalil Mack (52) during the first half at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Rondone-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2022; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) scrambles past Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Khalil Mack (52) during the first half at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Rondone-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 10, 2023; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders fans reacts during the first half against the Arizona Cardinals at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 10, 2023; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders fans reacts during the first half against the Arizona Cardinals at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

The Trade

Cardinals Send:
•No. 1 overall (2023)

Commanders Send:
•No. 6 overall (2023)
•No. 38 overall (2023)
•No. 97 overall (2023)
•Future first-round pick (2024)
•Future second-round pick (2024)
•Future first-round pick (2025)

The new ownership group in D.C. moves Heaven and Earth to position itself with a chance at USC quarterback Caleb Williams. The franchise has already been bitten in the butt with a similar trade-up for Robert Griffin III in 2012. But that shouldn’t dissuade them from trying again.

The price tag is astronomical, as it should be for a player of Williams’ talent. Remember, the 49ers traded three first-round picks to jump up the draft order for the third quarterback off the board in 2021. It will cost that much at minimum, with the likelihood of multiple Day 2 picks being needed to sweeten the pot.

It is a risky dice roll for both sides. The Commanders have to be right about Williams being a franchise-changing signal-caller. The Cardinals must be right about Kyler Murray rebounding and maintaining his health going forward. But for Arizona, all of those premium draft picks give them a nice safety blanket, regardless.