Cardinals' fifth-rounder thinks he's best QB in draft class

Houston QB Clayton Tune was selected by the Arizona Cardinals in Round 5 of the 2023 NFL Draft. 

When Tune spoke to the media after being drafted by the Cardinals one would think Tune was a top pick in the draft, not pick No. 139. 

"I think I’m the best quarterback in this class," Tune said.

How Tune perceives himself and how scouts view him aren't even in the same ballpark. Even so, there's no denying Tune had a great collegiate career, including 4,074 passing yards and 40 touchdown passes last season. 

Tune believes he elevates those around him and is a "natural leader". 

"I have that no-flinch mentality when things get going tough," Tune explained. "Those are some of the intangible things, and then being able to make every throw on the field, being able to make plays off schedule and be more mobile than people realize."

It's easy to write off Tune calling himself the best quarterback in the draft as laughable. What's a bit harder to do is write him off in the quarterback competition heading into the season. 

Kyler Murray is rehabbing from a torn ACL. Per USA Today, Murray "will likely miss games to start the season". The other healthy options beyond Tune are Colt McCoy and David Blough, both of whom were uninspiring in 2022, combining for a starting record of 1-4 with three touchdowns and five interceptions. 

Tune proclaiming he's the cream of the crop is absurd, but there's a realistic chance he could be Arizona's Week 1 starter if Murray is still on the shelf. Strange days in Arizona, indeed. 

Tune may be served a hefty helping of humble pie in the pros. A wiser strategy for the rookie QB would be to go out there with a chip on his shoulder and prove the naysayers wrong. 

No player has become the best by telling others how good he is. Actions and quality of play speak louder than words.