General Manager Steve Keim made some high-profile moves in free agency, adding J.J. Watt, Rodney Hudson, A.J. Green, Malcolm Butler and others. The Cardinals have lofty goals in 2021, and finding impact rookies would help fortify the roster. We will break down each position group heading into the draft, which will be held from Thursday, April 29 through Saturday, May 1.
Free agent primer: Quarterback
Players under contract: Kyler Murray, Colt McCoy, Chris Streveler, Cole McDonald
Need: Low
The Cardinals' situation: Murray is one of the most talented young signal-callers in the NFL, and the Cardinals should be set at the position for years. McCoy was added in free agency, and while it's only a one-year deal, he is capable backup for 2021. Streveler and McDonald will compete for a roster spot this offseason.
The draft class: It's a strong quarterback class, and the most intriguing thing for the Cardinals will be what happens at No. 3 overall. The 49ers traded up into that spot and will be choosing a signal-caller they hope to groom into a star. Trevor Lawrence and Zach Wilson are widely expected to be taken 1-2, so the options at No. 3 would be Mac Jones, Justin Fields and Trey Lance. A couple of developmental quarterbacks in the draft include Texas A&M's Kellen Mond and Feleipe Franks of Arkansas.
The conclusion: The Cardinals have some short- and long-term needs on their roster, but quarterback isn't one of them. There is an outside shot that the scouting department likes a late-round option enough to take a flier as a backup for Murray. However, with more pressing areas on the roster, there would have to be a lot of conviction behind the choice. The Cardinals will likely pass on quarterbacks in this draft.
