The Arizona Cardinals. A team that has tasted one SB appearance many years ago. Hungry to get back to the big game.
During the off-season, they lost a talented CB, DE/DT and talented defensive coordinator. The NFCW has reloaded around them, with the Rams and Seahawks already loaded with talent. Even the 49ers might sneak up on some teams and do some damage. Also, let’s not forget the brutal out of division schedule against the NFCN and the AFCN in 2015.
JP wrote a nice article for part 1 of 4. But I don’t give a crap about the Cardinals, so I’ll keep it brief.
According to NFL.com, the top needs for the Cardinals are the following: ILB, OLB, DT, RB, CB.
Cardinals Picks in 2015
1st Round #24 (24)
2nd Round #23 (55)
3rd Round #22 (86)
4th Round #24 (123)
5th Round #23 (159)
6th Round #22 (198)
7th Round #24 (241)
7th Round #39 (256)
With that in mind, I’ll focus in and identify three players that the Cards might look at in each of the first three rounds of the 2015 draft. I’ll put the players in order of preference for the Cardinals. I also threw in a few dark horse picks for shits and grins. I’m also assuming no trade ups or downs.
1st Round #24 (24)
Marcus Peters CB 6’0″ 198 Washington
A technician. He can play both zone and man to man. He has been utilized in off , as well as, bump and run coverage at UW. Not the swiftest CB, but he is a star waiting to happen. He would excel at Arizona with solid play makers around him.
Eric Kendricks ILB/OLB 6’0″ 230 UCLA
Kendricks provides a dynamic play-making slightly undersized LB. He excels at sideline to sideline coverage in passing and rushing situations. Three down LB, that can also play in the nickle.
Eric Rowe CB/S 6’1″ 205 Utah
A rapidly rising prospect. Flexibility in scheme. Good size and speed. He is a late riser on draft boards, but insiders say he will be a star in the NFL.
Dark Horses
Arik Armstead DT/DE 6’7″ 292 Oregon
Devin Funchess TE 6’4″ 232 Michigan
2nd Round #23 (55)
David Johnson RB 6’1″ 224 N. Iowa
A bigger back. He can hammer the ball, providing a solid 3rd down runner… and might even be able to be the “bell cow” down the road.
Duke Johnson RB 5’9″ 205 Nebraska
Solid RB. Plays bigger than his size. He can be an every down back. He has a different running style from any RB currently on the roster.
Grady Jarrett DT 6’1″ 304 Clemson
Disruptive and can maul offensive lineman. If the DT is not taken in the first, then this guy might be a great fit for the DL in the second round.
Dark Horses
Xavier Cooper DT 6’3″ 293 Washington State
Bryce Petty QB 6’3″ 230 Baylor
3rd Round #22 (86)
Davis Tull OLB 6’2″ 246 Tenn-Chattanooga
SPARQ warrior. Tremendous upside, but is coming off an injury. Why not double dip in the LB pool, even if they take one earlier, since there is dire need for youth in the LB position. The LB group is probably the weakest position on defense due to age and FA defections.
Josh Shaw CB 6’0″ 201 USC
SPARQ warrior. A CB who could also play some safety, if necessary. He has size and speed. Perfect fit in my opinion. Creates extreme scheme flexibility on base defenses and on sub packages.
Jesse James TE 6’7″ 261 Penn State
Excellent blocker. Not terribly swift of foot, but would be an excellent target on the inside and in the red zone. They need one more TE on the roster who can play and this guy can add something to the roster at TE… a physical presence.
Dark Horses
Chris Conley WR 6’2″ 213 Georgia
Lynden Trail DE/OLB 6’7″ 269 Norfolk State
That’s it. I know Cardinals fans will hate me for some thoughts…. like I give a crap. If you feel so inclined, send me your hate mail at [email protected].
