Arizona Cardinals trade up, select Josh Rosen with first round pick

The Arizona Cardinals have selected Josh Rosen, the quarterback out of UCLA, with their first round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft.

The Arizona Cardinals had to move up from 15 and have done so by trading #15, #79 and #152.

Rosen has been a name associated with being a first round pick in the NFL Draft since he stepped on campus at UCLA under the moniker “The Rosen One”.

Rosen is a fearless worker at quarterback, with a feel for the game like few college quarterbacks show. Rosen improved his completion percentage each season while at UCLA, going from 59.6% as a freshman to 62.5% in his final season at UCLA while throwing for 3,755 yards, 26 touchdowns and only 10 interceptions as a junior.

Rosen is an enigma to some, but he is a leader, someone who is confident in his ability and believes in himself.

He wants to be on the same page with the offensive coordinator, which is why he can push them and ask questions, which does rub some the wrong way, but that shows more of who the OC is than the quarterback.

Rosen has a more than adequate arm as a passer; he can make throws to each level of the field and has a natural feel and nearly fearless mentality working from the pocket. In fact, his work from the pocket can sometimes be too fearless and he’ll take big hits, leading to concussions and shoulder issues, and can take come chances because he believes in his own arm.

Rosen is a franchise type player at the quarterback position who can be the guy the Arizona Cardinals have been searching for years to find.

I’ve made the high end comparison to Matt Ryan, that looks like the type of ceiling Rosen has, which is to say a potential MVP and franchise passer.

PFF Notes:

Posted the highest grade in the draft class on intermediate throws.

Generally throws with good balance, but capable of throwing accurately when off-platform.

Has the full arsenal of throws. Can fire the seam or layer the ball over linebackers. Has a good feel for back-shoulder throws.