For the 2019 NFL Draft, the grades are trickling in.
While we will not know how the Arizona Cardinals actually did in the draft for a couple of seasons, that won’t stop the internet and the pundits from handing out grades after the fact.
So, let’s kick it off with a look at what the Godfather had to say about the Arizona cardinals 2019 NFL Draft.
Here is Mel Kiper’s grade on E$PN In$ider:
Grade: B+
I liked GM Steve Keim’s picks on Day 2. Byron Murphy (No. 33) finished as my top-ranked corner, so Arizona should have a starter at the top of Round 2. Wide receiver Andy Isabella will help Murray, as I wrote Friday night. He’s a big-play receiver with a small 5-foot-9 frame. And defensive lineman Zach Allen, who could play end or put on a few pounds and play tackle, was a nice pick at No. 65.
Arizona got more help for Murray to start Day 3, taking Hakeem Butler (No. 103), a massive 6-foot-5 athlete with great ball skills but only so-so route running. If he can get coached up, this could be a steal for Kingsbury’s system. KeeSean Johnson (No. 174) also has some interesting physical traits as an outside receiver. Safety Deionte Thompson (No. 139) fell to Round 5, but he is talented enough to start as a deep safety. And Mr. Irrelevant, Caleb Wilson (No. 254), also has some receiving skills.
So you can see that the Cardinals are trying to build around Kingsbury and Murray and putting a team together that suits this offense. This is a strong start.
Kiper is one of many who recognizes what the Cardianls are doing. They are creating a team in the image of what their head coach wants to do. This was a draft about Kliff Kingsbury and giving Kingsbury the tools to fit his offense.
Now, we’ll see if Kingsury’s offense can flourish.