Arizona Cardinals: Josh Rosen decisions signaling draft plans?
By Larry Brake
Josh Rosen is still on the Arizona Cardinals roster. So, will Arizona trade down from the first overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft?
The free agency frenzy has came and gone with some big blockbuster deals. Terrell Suggs signed with the Arizona Cardinals to solidify the defensive pass rush, and Jordan Hicks helped give linebacker depth. However, quarterback Josh Rosen is still on the roster.
Arizona holds the prized first pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. They will be able to get their coveted player without worrying about another team picking ahead of them. What they will do with the first pick, however, remains to be seen.
First of all, Mike Glennon was released leaving Rosen and Charles Kanoff as the only quarterbacks on the roster. Arizona signed Brett Hundley to battle for the back up quarterback job. Hundley played at UCLA, also. Hundley made an interesting remark upon signing, as reported by Darren Urban of AZCardinals.com:
"“That’s first and foremost,” Hundley said. “The offense fits me. It’s something I’ve been wanting to play in for a long time."
Could it be that Arizona has Rosen and Hundley to run the Kliff Kingsbury offense? Is it possible that they trade down from the first pick? Sometimes free agency signals the direction in the draft.
Since March 13, the Cardinals have added seven new players: three offensive linemen, two linebackers, a quarterback and a wide receiver. Charles Clay, a free agent tight end, was signed in February to a one-year deal.
Don’t be surprised to see the Redbirds trade down from the top pick to select a tight end. There are two outstanding tight ends from Iowa who are projected as first round picks. T.J. Hockenson and Noah Fant are considered the best of the draft prospects. Fant would be the better fit in the Kingsbury system. It’s highly doubtful that Arizona would take him at the first overall pick.
Next. 2019 NFL Mock Draft: Post-Combine two-round projection. dark
Arizona has 10 picks in the upcoming draft. Expect them to stockpile linemen from both sides of the ball. Injuries took a major toll on the Cardinals last season both offensively and defensively.
Rosen is still on the roster and first on the depth chart. Kingsbury has stated that Rosen is his quarterback. If Kyler Murray is the first player taken, Arizona has likely traded out of the first slot.