It is no secret that the Arizona Cardinals are looking at the potential of drafting Kyler Murray, but the Oakland Raiders might also be targeting Murray and could trade up.
Raiders coach Jon Gruden praised Murray for what he did at the NFL Combine and, even though they have Derek Carr, it should be noted that the Raiders are in rebuild mode.
Having a lot of needs, Murray could present a tool worth trading up to go get, and with three first-round picks, the process could be easy to make a trade with the Cardinals.
While Gruden has shown to be very vocal, new Raiders GM Mike Mayock has endorsed Carr to be the franchise quarterback so the Raiders could stay at their spot with no trade.
Murray, who didn’t throw at the NFL Combine, will throw eventually; most likely at a Pro Day. If the Raiders are serious about taking him, they will need to get on the phone quickly.
Despite not throwing at the Combine, Murray showed flashes in his only season starting at Oklahoma. With Murray getting the top award in collegiate football and turning heads with his running style, he has moved up draft boards.
The Cardinals, in most mock drafts, have been selecting outside rusher Nick Bosa, but after the performance Murray put on, there are several people (including new coach Kliff Kingsbury) who are open to getting him on the team.
The Raiders, if they draft Murray, could use this as a tool to give Carr some motivation to have a good 2019 season.
If the trade does happen, don’t be surprised to hear Murray’s name.
In order to get up to No. 1, the Raiders will have to use one of three picks they already own (or multiple) to make the move.
As free agency opens up this week, the Raiders are in the middle of a rebuild and Murray could help jump-start the process.