49ers: 10 things for which fans can be thankful at 2019 Thanksgiving

10 things for which 49ers fans can be thankful at 2019 Thanksgiving

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 11: Strong safety Jaquiski Tartt #29 and free safety Jimmie Ward #20 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrate Tartt stripping the ball from wide receiver D.K. Metcalf #14 of the Seattle Seahawks at the two yard line to prevent a Seattle Seahawks touchdown in the second quarter at Levi's Stadium on November 11, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

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Quarterback Kyler Murray of the Arizona Cardinals (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

No. 8: Cardinals Wanting Kyler Murray in 2019 NFL Draft

The 49ers were able to land Nick Bosa because the Cardinals, who owned the top overall pick in this year’s NFL Draft, passed up on him.

Arizona kicked off its own rebuild this year, starting with the hiring of head coach Kliff Kingsbury, who had eyes on one player in the draft, Oklahoma quarterback Kyler Murray.

Despite the Cardinals already having spent a top draft pick on another high-profile quarterback the year before, UCLA’s Josh Rosen, Kingsbury and Co. didn’t care. He wanted Murray.

In terms of player rankings and big boards, Murray was surely far behind Bosa, who was widely viewed as the top prospect coming out in this year’s NFL Draft. But remember, quarterback values always increase leading up to draft day. And if Murray was Kingsbury’s guy, what’s the problem with moving on from Rosen and using the top pick to ensure Murray is selected?

Especially with the Niners getting Bosa as a direct result.

Granted, Murray already teased San Francisco with his talents in the two games these two teams have played this season. And Murray could be a massive thorn in the 49ers’ side for years to come.

But for now, fans can be thankful Kingsbury wanted a quarterback, not a prolific pass-rusher.