The 2019 NFL Draft is just three days away, and when the Arizona Cardinals are put on the clock, months of mock draft speculation will come to an end.
We'll also get the answer to the big question: Will the Arizona Cardinals select Kyler Murray with the No. 1 pick in the 2019 NFL Draft?
If the answer is yes, then most mocks, including Sporting News' Vinnie Iyer's latest mock, will go according to plan. That is the most-logical scenario and leaves little to the imagination. The rest of the draft will simply be a scramble for edge-rushing talent and some quarterback drama with Dwayne Haskins, Drew Lock and Daniel Jones.
Murray, however, can shake up the NFL Draft more than any other player.
Here's a look at six big shakeups involving Murray, and where he could end up as a result.
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Cardinals don't take Kyler Murray No. 1
It's not out of the realm of possibility considering Arizona took Josh Rosen with the No. 10 pick last year and could use the No. 1 pick to land either Ohio State's Nick Bosa or Alabama's Quinnen Williams. CBS Sports' NFL insider Pete Prisco reported that as a possibility over the weekend, and it would make sense if the Cardinals have cooled on Murray, who has faced questions about his size throughout the process. Arizona could pass on No. 1, but they could still get it on Murray later.
Cardinals trade Josh Rosen to the Giants
The Giants did not take a franchise quarterback in last year's draft, but they have two first-round picks to work with as a result of the Odell Beckham Jr. trade and can get Rosen at a better price than last year. You could make a strong argument that Rosen is better than the other quarterbacks New York has been linked to in this draft, including Dwayne Haskins, Drew Lock and Daniel Jones.
Rosen could learn from Eli Manning for a season – or even a half-season – before taking over as the full-time starter in New York. The only question is which first-round pick the Giants would give up to get Rosen from Arizona.
Cardinals still get Murray at No. 6 overall
We don't think this could happen, but what if the Cardinals are able to risk taking Bosa, then waiting until the Giants are on the clock to complete a deal with Rosen before taking Murray at No. 6. This is the old "Draft Day" script. Imagine the buzz around new coach Kliff Kingsbury if he's able to land Bosa and Murray within the first hour of the 2019 NFL Draft.
For a franchise that is concerned about ticket sales, that would certainly provide a big boost heading into the season. They would have Bosa, a defensive player the entire unit can build around, and Murray, the one player we want to see work within Kingsbury's offense at the next level. It's a stretch, especially because Murray could easily still go in the top five.
Raiders draft Murray at No. 4 overall
The Raiders need a splash at No. 4 under second-year coach Jon Gruden, especially after a year in which Oakland traded Khalil Mack and Amari Cooper. With new GM Mike Mayock on board, would Murray be a possibility here? That would certainly infuse some excitement around the franchise, and it's the kind of boldest-man-in-the-room-thinking that worked sometimes and didn't work in others for owner Al Davis.
Oakland can land Murray then address pass rusher and receiver later in the draft; maybe even pair Murray with college teammate Marquise Brown – the cousin of new acquisition Antonio Brown. Oakland can run with that.
Murray falls out of the top 10
If Murray falls out of the top 10, then it becomes a real guessing game as to where he could fall. Would it be Cincinnati at No. 11? The Bengals have a new coach in Zac Taylor and can still start Andy Dalton for another year if Murray isn't ready. Does Green Bay take offers at No. 12, given the Packers have two first-round picks?
The most-logical spot would be Miami at No. 13 knowing that veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick is listed as the current starter. That No. 13 was lucky for Miami once upon a time. Would Murray be the franchise-building replacement that takes the Fins back to the days of Dan Marino?
Patriots draft Murray
Can you imagine the reaction if New England, which has the No. 32 pick and two second-round picks to work with, jumps up to get Murray? Maybe they use him as a package player as a rookie. Maybe they trade him later. It would be another way for Bill Belichick to be the smartest guy in the draft room, and if Murray slips down the draft board it's something to keep an eye on. The Pats have done this with Jacoby Brissett, Jimmy Garoppolo and Ryan Mallett, but none of those quarterbacks were first-round picks. Would Belichick be willing to spend a first-rounder on Murray?
We don't think so, which is exactly why it could happen.
