https://theathletic.com/1560158/202...riters-pick-again-knowing-what-they-know-now/
Spoiler AZ and SF got it right
1. Arizona Cardinals
The pick: Taking quarterback Kyler Murray with the No. 1 pick — a year after selecting Josh Rosen at No. 10 — was certainly an unconventional decision by Arizona but one that proved correct. Murray had a terrific rookie season and, given his position and the responsibility he inherited, should be the leading candidate for offensive rookie of the year.
They should have picked: No one else. The Cardinals have their franchise quarterback in Murray, and he’s on a rookie contract. It’s an ideal situation for a rebuilding team, particularly one with more than $50 million in cap space. If general manager Steve Keim makes sound decisions this offseason, Arizona can go from a last-place NFC West team each of the last two seasons to a playoff contender in 2020.
— Scott Bordow
2. San Francisco 49ers
The pick: There were two worries about Nick Bosa: Would he be injury-prone? And would his Trump-leaning political views clash in the 49ers locker room? Both turned out to be unfounded. Bosa played in every game this season and quickly became part of perhaps the most tightknit — and certainly the most dominant — position group on the 49ers.
They should have picked: Bosa. It was as if the 49ers drafted a six-year veteran in the body of a 21-year-old. Bosa arrived not only with advanced-level pass-rush skills but with an older player’s work, study and recovery habits. He seems like the top candidate to win defensive rookie of the year.
— Matt Barrows
Spoiler AZ and SF got it right
1. Arizona Cardinals
The pick: Taking quarterback Kyler Murray with the No. 1 pick — a year after selecting Josh Rosen at No. 10 — was certainly an unconventional decision by Arizona but one that proved correct. Murray had a terrific rookie season and, given his position and the responsibility he inherited, should be the leading candidate for offensive rookie of the year.
They should have picked: No one else. The Cardinals have their franchise quarterback in Murray, and he’s on a rookie contract. It’s an ideal situation for a rebuilding team, particularly one with more than $50 million in cap space. If general manager Steve Keim makes sound decisions this offseason, Arizona can go from a last-place NFC West team each of the last two seasons to a playoff contender in 2020.
— Scott Bordow
2. San Francisco 49ers
The pick: There were two worries about Nick Bosa: Would he be injury-prone? And would his Trump-leaning political views clash in the 49ers locker room? Both turned out to be unfounded. Bosa played in every game this season and quickly became part of perhaps the most tightknit — and certainly the most dominant — position group on the 49ers.
They should have picked: Bosa. It was as if the 49ers drafted a six-year veteran in the body of a 21-year-old. Bosa arrived not only with advanced-level pass-rush skills but with an older player’s work, study and recovery habits. He seems like the top candidate to win defensive rookie of the year.
— Matt Barrows