With just a few hours remaining before the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft, the landscape could shift dramatically with the Arizona Cardinals reportedly receiving fresh interest for the third overall pick.
It is no secret that the Cardinals want to trade back to maximise their draft capital with many holes to fill across their roster, but suitors to take the pick off their hands have yet to strike a satisfactory deal.
However, in what promises to be an unpredictable first round with teams said to have widely varied grades on some of the top prospects, there could be a huge early twist with ESPN reporter Dianna Russini reporting Arizona are mulling a series of draft-day offers to trade up to number three.
Although Kyler Murray is set to miss the start of the season due to a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), the Cardinals do not have a long-term need at quarterback, but with a dire shortage of talent elsewhere on the roster, it makes complete sense to stockpile picks and rebuild; it is going to take more than one high-end player to make them a contender.
The Tennessee Titans and New England Patriots are among the possible teams who could look to jump up the draft board on Thursday evening to get their quarterback of the future, with Ryan Tannehill's days with the Titans seemingly numbered, while widespread reports have shed light on a frosty relationship between Pats QB Mac Jones and head coach Bill Belichick.
With Bryce Young almost certainly going to the Carolina Panthers with the first overall pick and the Houston Texans reportedly looking at the defensive side of the ball at number two, top QB prospects Will Levis, CJ Stroud and Anthony Richardson could all be on the board for whoever is picking at three.
ESPN insider Adam Schefter reporters Arizona's hopes of trading the pick could rest on Houston following through on their intention to pick a defensive player, despite their lack of a franchise quarterback.
"If the Texans take a quarterback at number two, I think the Cardinals are going to have limited options," he said. "They are not going to be able to move that pick, so obviously, they would be very anxious to hear what Houston are going to do at two because if Houston goes quarterback, I think their trade prospects are greatly diminished.
"If the Texans go with a defensive player, all of a sudden the value of the Cardinals' pick goes up dramatically and you could trade out with a team who would like to take CJ Stroud. "But if the Texans go quarterback, the Cardinals don't have that leverage anymore and they can't deal the pick and they are stuck where they are."
If the Cardinals are unable to secure a trade partner, Schefter believes there is a strong chance Ohio State offensive tackle Paris Johnson Jr is the pick. "I think that in itself would surprise people because he is forecasted as a potential top-10 pick, maybe not that high, but the Cardinals' offensive line has been leaky, they need to protect their quarterback and he is a player they need to think long and hard about," he added.
