Arizona Cardinals: First pick in 2019 NFL Draft might be a shocker

Everyone is anticipating who the Arizona Cardinals take as the first pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, but they could surprise everyone with their selection.

The direction of the Arizona Cardinals, by their first overall pick, will set off a flurry of activity in the 2019 NFL Draft. Trades could really heat up if Arizona passes on Nick Bosa and selects a quarterback. Unless the free agency period spoils the suspense, you might be surprised by the Cardinals’ first pick.

The new league year begins on March 13 at 4:00 p.m. ET. Teams are able to sign free agents and make trades. Expect the phone to be ringing in the Cardinals front office.

Arizona could elect to move down from the first pick via trade. There are several teams that are looking for their franchise quarterback. Perhaps the Redbirds move down and acquire an additional pick as well. The Cardinals currently have 11 picks in the upcoming draft. They were rewarded with four additional compensatory picks, an additional sixth round and three extra seventh round picks.

There is a very good opportunity to acquire young talent in this draft. The Cardinals could stockpile linemen with the additional picks. Don’t expect Arizona to trade away the first pick, but they might surprise you with their selection.

Bosa seems to be the logical pick for Arizona. However, new head coach Kliff Kingsbury gushed over Oklahoma quarterback Kyler Murray last fall. Those two players have the attention of most people — just look at all the mock drafts.

Could the Cardinals throw a curveball? While all eyes are on Bosa and Murray, could Kingsbury spoil the draft for those quarterback needy teams? How surprised would you be if they selected Dwayne Haskins as the overall No. 1 pick?

Haskins is the prototypical air-raid offense quarterback. He has the ideal height, weight and arm strength. Physically, he and Kingsbury are the same at 6-3, weighing 220 pounds. Maybe Haskins is Kingsbury’s choice at quarterback.

If so, he should let Haskins and Rosen battle for the starting quarterback spot — assuming Rosen remains in Arizona. The Cardinals could use both guys, since injuries are so prevalent among NFL quarterbacks. Let’s see them go head-to-head in camp.

Remember, only Arizona knows what they are going to do. As the draft approaches, there will be free agent signings and potential trades.