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2019 NFL Mock Draft: Odell Beckham trade throws first round into chaos

By John Mitchell

PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 25:Wide receiver Odell Beckham #13 of the New York Giants leaves the field after losing 22-25 to the Philadelphia Eagles during the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on November 25, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 25:Wide receiver Odell Beckham #13 of the New York Giants leaves the field after losing 22-25 to the Philadelphia Eagles during the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on November 25, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Brett Deering/Getty Images)
(Photo by Brett Deering/Getty Images) /

Oklahoma. Kyler Murray. 1. player. 32. . QB

Barring something unforeseen, it now seems much more likely than not that Kyler Murray is going to be the No. 1 overall pick to the Cardinals. Ex-Texas Tech head coach Kliff Kingsbury has long been infatuated with the Oklahoma Heisman Trophy winner, and his measurement of 5-foot-10 at the combine seems to have solidified his place at the top of the draft.

Taking Murray No.1 is a curious decision for the Cardinals – not because Murray isn’t talented enough to be worthy of such a lofty selection; rather, because Arizona used their first round pick last year on UCLA’s Josh Rosen.

Rosen didn’t light the world on fire during his rookie season for the Cardinals, but he had very little help around him; the jury remains firmly out on whether or not he can develop into a franchise quarterback. He doesn’t have Murray’s upside, though, which is ultimately what is driving this decision.

Murray has superstar potential on and off the field. If you ignore his on-the-field play, which is nothing short of brilliant, he’s also an extremely marketable player who will drive ticket sales and fan interest to fever pitches in the desert, a not insignificant part to consider when you’re talking about the business side of a franchise.

The Cardinals desperately need a jolt, and Murray could provide that. There wouldn’t be a shortage of suitors for Rosen, either, with plenty of QB-needy teams who would likely give up a decent draft pick to bring Rosen in as a developmental prospect. They aren’t likely to get back the first rounder they have invested in him, but a team with multiple second round picks – maybe even the Patriots – might be willing to part with one to land him.

Arizona has a lot needs, but they also have ten draft picks, and potentially another to come with a Rosen trade, to address those with. The allure of landing a franchise-altering talent, and pairing him with a coach who has a reputation as an offensive savant and QB-whisperer, is likely to be too alluring to pass on in April.

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