2018 NFL Draft: Biggest steals of the first round
10. player. 32. . Quarterback. UCLA Bruins. Josh Rosen
When the Arizona Cardinals saw that their man was still available at No. 10 overall, they pounced. Arizona parted with the No. 15, No. 79, and No. 152 overall selections to move up five spots, and one could easily argue that it was the right decision.
With superstars at running back and wide receiver, and a defense that’s proven to be postseason-caliber, the Cardinals now have a franchise quarterback in Josh Rosen.
Rosen is a polarizing individual, but as a player, there are few who question his ability to play the game at a high level. He can make every throw at all three levels and does an excellent job of leading his receivers to the ideal spots on the field.
Rosen will have David Johnson and Larry Fitzgerald to ease his transition to the NFL, as well as a head coach in Steven Wilks who should solidify the defense as elite.
It would be enough for Arizona to select a quarterback whom many to be the most NFL-ready at No. 10 overall. The fact that what they lost was essentially just a third and a fifth, however, makes this an even greater steal.
Arizona traded up, didn’t lose much in the process, and acquired a player who could be the face of the franchise for the next decade—if not longer.