Bruce Arians: Cardinals should take Lamar Jackson at No. 15 overall
Bruce Arians cultivated a reputation as one of the NFL's top quarterback gurus during his illustrious career, developing the likes of Ben Roethlisberger and Andrew Luck.
Unfortunately, the recently-retired Cardinals head coach won't be the man to mold Arizona's next franchise passer. But if he was, he'd select former Louisville quarterback Lamar Jackson with the team's first-round pick (15th overall).
"That's one guy I really am intrigued with because he can spin it and he's been in a pro-style offense and he's been hard coached by Bobby (Petrino)," Arians said, according to Bob McManaman of azcentral sports. "He brings that unique skill-set, and it makes me look back at Vince Young. Vince could beat you and he was a heck of a leader. I don’t know why it didn’t work out for him, but listening to him now, telling his story, he’s like, ‘I didn’t put the time in.’
"I think Lamar puts the time in. He's going to get better, and he just brings that unique ability to break the game open with his legs."
The NFL world appears to be split on Jackson's professional future. Some believe he would be best served trying to move to wide receiver due to his otherworldly athleticism, while others think the 2016 Heisman winner is a star in the making in the right system and with some significant development.
If selected by the Cardinals, Jackson - who racked up over 4,000 rushing yards in three college seasons - would form one of the most versatile and dynamic backfields in the league with David Johnson.
Asked about Jackson and Johnson playing together, Arians likely summed up the feelings of Cardinals fans everywhere.
"Oh, baby!" he replied.