Arizona Cardinals 2008 NFL Draft Needs
June 6, 2008
The Cardinals must first decide how they want to handle the potentially tricky contract situations of a handful of key players in WR Anquan Boldin, SS Adrian Wilson and unrestricted free-agent LB’s in Karlos Dansby and Calvin Pace. Once they decide whether these players are worthy of a contract, then they can proceed to filling in their 2008 NFL Draft needs. The Cardinals avoided a losing record last season for only the 3rd time in 20 years since moving over from St. Louis. Look for this team to look for intelligent players on Draft Day after getting killed by penalties and dumb mistakes in head coach Ken Whisenhunt’s first full season in Arizona.
2008 Arizona Cardinals Team Needs:
1.) Running Back
Edgerrin James has proven he can handle the starting running back role for years now with a great career in Indy and a nice start with Arizona. But the fact is that James’ running style does not match up with the offensive system Whisenhunt prefers. James is great at avoiding tackles, but he seldom breaks tackles at the second level. Whisenhunt is looking for that back like Willie Parker who features a speed and burst that can produce long gains in more of the 15-20 yard range. James had only four runs of 20 yards or more with a long gain of 27 last season. Backup J.J. Arrington has the speed, but lacks the toughness to be a featured back and appears to be no more than a spot duty player to give backs a breather at the pro level.
2.) Cornerback
The Cardinals are happy with Rod Hood and Eric Green as their top corners, but they are lacking depth behind these two studs. They will likely use one of their top three picks in the upcoming draft to add depth to this position. Arizona knew this would be a trouble spot for them heading into the offseason when they decided to move former No. 1 draft pick Antrel Rolle to free safety.
3.) Defensive End
The Cardinals ranked below average in QB sack percentage last season and could use a more dependable pass rusher up front. This will create more big-play opportunities for DE-DT Darnell Dockett who’s sack total dropped dramatically in the second half of the year. Veteran Bertrand Berry will be 33 years old before next season and has suffered season-ending injuries for 3 years in a row now. Antonio Smith is average at best, and more pressure at the line will relieve the pressure that the Cardinals’ defensive backs had to face last season.
4.) Wide Receiver
The Arizona Cardinals got their most dependable receiver in Larry Fitzgerald signed in the offseason, but Anquan Boldin’s contract expires after the 2010 season and it’s unlikely they will be able to afford both players at the wide out position. Bryant Johnson has done a very good job as their No. 3 wide receiver, but is an unrestricted free agent who will also be difficult to bring back. The team would like to see ‘07 rookie Steve Breaston become that No. 3 man after having a brilliant year as a return specialist last season. He’s considered a work in progress who didn’t seem comfortable in the pass-catcher role.
5.) Offensive Line
First-year O-line coach Russ Grimm made a lot of progress with his offensive line last season. Grimm came over from Pittsburgh along with Whisenhunt to try and instill toughness and physicality up front. Grimm would love a little more depth in all three line positions so look for the Cardinals to spend at least a couple of picks this April on players to fortify the O-line unit.
2008 NFL Draft Prospects to fit Offensive Scheme:
Ken Whisenhunt would prefer to run the ball 55-60 percent of the time. This scheme brought the Pittsburgh Steelers a Lombardi Trophy a few seasons ago and he knows that you have to be able to run the ball effectively to win games in this league. A steady diet of passes to utilize the receiving talents of Fitgerald and Boldin will still be a must because otherwise they will be wasting this talent. RB Rashard Menenhall out of Illinois would be a good fit with his power running style. WR Early Doucet of LSU, OG Chilo Rachal of USC, RB Rashard Choice of Georgia Tech, C John Sullivan of Notre Dame and OT Geoff Schwartz of Oregon are a few names the Cardinals might have on their minds to match their offensive scheme.
2008 NFL Draft Prospects to fit Defensive Scheme:
The 3-4 defensive scheme is the Cardinals’ primary philosophy. They mix in 4-3 and nickel sets to keep opposing offenses guessing. Shifting around key defensive impact players in SS Adrian Wilson, DL Darnell Docket and LB’s Karlos Dansby and Calvin Pace put these guys in great positions to make plays. CB Patrick Lee of Auburn would be a solid first or second round selection for the Cardinals. DE Ken Iwebema of Iowa, DT Marcus Harrison of Arkansas, CB Justin King of Penn State, DE Darrell Robertson of Georgia Tech and DE Shawn Crable of Michigan may be a few names you see the Cardinals pick up throughout the 2008 NFL Draft.