For what seems like an eternity now the chatter has been that Kyler Murray will be a number one pick thanks to the Cardinals deciding to move on from Rosen after one season. However, anyone who bothered to watch his performances last year would be aware of the fact that he played behind a horrendous offensive line and that he had limited support from the rest of the offensive cast. One possibility is that the Cardinals have been trying to flush out potential trade partner, and since no one has shown that hand it could be that they use a number one pick elsewhere (there are plenty of needs on the roster). If this transpires then who will be next in line for the Oklahoma passer?
Positions 2 to 15 are currently as follows together with their current quarterback positions:
2. 49ers Jimmy Garoppolo – There is no chance of them drafting a QB
3. Jets Sam Darnold – In his second season and showing enough to think he might be a long-term starter
4. Raiders David Carr – it’s possible they could move on from him but apart from Gruden wanting his own man, there is no justification.
5. Buccaneers Jameis Winston – Has not set the world alight, however, he is probably going to get at least one more season with the team
6. NY Giants Eli Manning – Eli may be in the twilight of his career however the Giants look committed to him for at least another season (and his stats weren’t as bad as everyone keeps making out)
7. Jaguars Nick Foles – the jags have not paid him a fortune in free agency just to draft a quarterback to sit behind him. They are in win-now mode.
8. Lions Matthew Stafford – is a franchise quarterback, and will remain started barring injury for a few years yet.
9. Bills Josh Allen – coming off a good rookie season he showed that he can run as well as use that Canon arm of his. He will likely see out his rookie career with the Bills.
10. Broncos Joe Flacco – he may have been cast aside by the Ravens however John Elway seems to do better with veteran quarterbacks. Murray dropping to 10 may be tempting?
11. Bengals Andy Dalton – the Bengals may be on the verge of rebuilding, however, it’s hard to see them starting this year and Dalton is a dependable starter.
12. Packers Aaron Rodgers – say no more.
13. Dolphins Ryan Fitzpatrick – this is a possible landing spot given that Fitzpatrick is obviously a stopgap, and renowned as being a great mentor for young QB’s. However, they do have Luke Falk on the roster and he does have potential judging by his Washington State days.
14. Falcons Matt Ryan – see Green Bay above
15. Redskins Case Keenum – Coach Jay Gruden most likely needs to win now if he is to stay in a job, so although given Alex Smith’s injury position they may need a long-term option they may wait to next year.
So if the Cardinals don’t pull the trigger is money set for a slide? It wouldn’t be the first time-just think back to Aaron Rodgers, who should’ve gone top 10 at least in the 2005 draft, but end up sliding to 24. Well from the above thoughts it is highly unlikely anyone would trade up to number two position given that the Jets aren’t interested, and it’s more likely that the Raiders add a position of need rather than move on from David Carr. This leaves the Buccaneers nicely positioned for a potential trade with either the Broncos or Dolphins as it is just possible that the Giants would view taking him at six as worth the cost. If this doesn’t happen and the Giants pass then 10 or 13 looks the most likely landing area and after that, it looks like freefall.
The chances of this happening remain slim, however, if he doesn’t go number one will certainly add to the excitement of round one this year.
