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The 2012 NFL Draft is the next big event on the calendar for the Arizona Cardinals. They will pick 13th overall and don't have a second-round selection.
The Arizona Cardinals are one of those teams that needs new players at multiple positions. One potential upgrade could be in the front seven.
Mel Kiper of ESPN has his final mock for the 2012 NFL Draft (You can see the full mock if you have a full ESPN Insider account; click here to view it.), and he has the Cardinals taking a defensive end, one Melvin Ingram out of South Carolina. Kiper believes Ingram is a good fit for the Cardinals because of defensive purposes.
They could really use an offensive tackle, but Ingram is a steal in this spot. (Seattle could certainly be in play for him.) While we can quibble with short arms and a lack of height, Ingram is a disruptive pass-rusher with an arsenal of moves, and doesn't get engulfed by bigger tackles the way you'd worry he might. Arizona won't pass on a guy many consider the best sack artist in the draft.
To discuss how well Ingram would fit in Arizona with Cardinals fans, head on over to Revenge of the Birds. To talk about Ingram with South Carolina fans, go to Garnet and Black Attack. Talk about mock drafts in general over at Mocking the Draft.
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With less than 24 hours before the start of the 2012 NFL Draft, NFL fans in all corners of the globe are waiting with faded breath for who their favorite teams will be selecting this year.
NFL.com's Chad Reuter has been keeping himself uber-busy with his complete seven round mock draft, with each and every pick made by the Arizona Cardinals mapped out. You can check out his selections below.
First round:
13. Cordy Glenn, OT/OG, Georgia. The Cardinals must find a tackle to pair with Levi Brown, and Glenn showed scouts at the Senior Bowl he has the footwork to handle it.
(No second round pick)
Third round:
80. Juron Criner, WR, Arizona. Keeping Criner in the state gives the team an option when Larry Fitzgerald is bracketed.
Fourth round:
112. Senio Kelemete, OG/OT, Washington. Arizona continues to rebuild its line with a versatile lineman who can compete for playing time right away or move to tackle when Levi Brown's time is done.
Fifth round:
151. Emmanuel Acho, OLB, Texas
Sixth round:
177. Chris Greenwood, CB, Albion
Seventh round:
185. DaJohn Harris, DT, USC
Personally I think these are some solid choices for the Cardinals, especially with their first round pick of Cordy Glenn and in-state talent Juron Criner out of Arizona. Former Texas standout and current Cardinal Sam Acho's little brother Emmanuel could also be a solid late round selection, while netting some more Pac-12 talent in DaJohn Harris and Senio Kelemete as well.
Now well have to see how many of these Reuter gets correct.
For more discussion and analysis of the Arizona Cardinals, please check out Revenge of the Birds and SB Nation Arizona. For more on the NFL draft in general, head over to Mocking the Draft and SB Nation's dedicated NFL hub.
With the 2012 NFL Draft about 24 hours away, Sports Illustrated Don Banks has released his final mock draft, version 7.0, and has the Arizona Cardinals selecting wide receiver Michael Floyd out Notre Dame.
Here is Banks with the commentary:
While the Cardinals would go for a Cordy Glenn or a Riley Reiff if they were drafting by a need-first approach, they'll be instead pleasantly surprised that a playmaker like Floyd has fallen to them. That'll make Larry Fitzgerald happy, and if you think Ken Whisenhunt and the Cardinals front office don't care about that, you haven't been paying attention.
Picking up a player the caliber of Floyd would be a great pick up for any squad in the first round, especially a team like the Cardinals, who could add another deep threat to Larry Fitzgerald to help lengthen the field.
For more in depth discussion and analysis of everything Arizona Cardinals, make sure that you head over to Revenge of the Birds, SB Nation's crazy dedicated Cardinals blog. For more on the draft in general head over to Mocking the Draft.
The Arizona Cardinals have been linked to a ton of players through various mock drafts these last few months, but the need for an offensive lineman has remained throughout. That being said, do not be surprised to hear whispers of a wide receiver or pass rusher come draft day.
According to this final mock from FOX Sports, the Cardinals will be taking David DeCastro out of Stanford with the No. 13 overall pick.
Plenty of scouts consider DeCastro one of the surest things in this draft. The Cardinals need to bolster their offensive line, so this could be the pick, especially if Michael Floyd and Melvin Ingram are off the board. They could really use a tackle more than a guard, but they'll likely value DeCastro over available tackles like Cordy Glenn and Riley Reiff, although Glenn would be a good fit, too, with the versatility to play either tackle or guard.
DeCastro was excellent with Stanford these last few seasons and you would have to think he would see immediate playing time on Arizona. Given their need to do a better job of protecting Kevin Kolb (or whoever the quarterback happens to be that week) you can bet the thought of adding a talented lineman such as DeCastro has to be very appealing for head coach Ken Whisenhunt and his staff.
For more on the Cardinals and their draft plans, check out Revenge of the Birds.
We are now one day away from the 2012 NFL Draft, and analysts and football writers around the nation are submitting their final mock drafts, basing their picks on the most current information available. Generally speaking, these mocks are much more reliable (if any mock drafts could be considered 'reliable') than those from a couple of months, weeks, or even days ago, and as writers try and get as close to the real thing as possible, they eschew wild ideas and scenarios for what they believe will happen.
CBS Sports and NFL Draft Scout's Rob Rang published his most recent mock and had a familiar name going to the Cardinals:
13. Arizona Cardinals
Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa: By re-signing Levi Brown and adding former San Francisco swingman Adam Snyder, the Cardinals have already addressed some of the concerns they have up front. The club hasn't made re-signing right tackle Brandon Keith a priority and so it appears the team could be targeting a potential replacement for him via the draft. Reiff's short arms are a concern for some and therefore some believe his future lies inside at guard. With the versatile Snyder on board, offensive line coach Russ Grimm could put Reiff inside or outside based on how he fills his top five linemen project best.
Reiff has been mocked the Cardinals at 13 for some time now, so this pick comes as no surprise. Arizona may well look to bolster their offensive line, improve their pass rush, and protect the investment they've made in concussion-prone Kevin Kolb. Reiff certainly fits the bill.
For more news and notes on the Arizona Cardinals offseason, including the draft and upcoming training camps, make sure that you head over to Revenge of the Birds to get in on the action. For more on the draft in general, please check out Mocking the Draft.
The Arizona Cardinals have one essential need in the 2012 NFL Draft. They really need to upgrade their pass protection. Last year their quarterbacks got sacked a lot, and that isn't really conducive to moving the football up and down the football field.
Greg Cosell of NFL.com files this mock draft report and the Cardinals apparently need USC Trojans left tackle Matt Kalil the most. Will they be in a position to draft him?
It is probably the best overall fit. But the Cardinals aren't probably going to get close to sniffing Kalil unless they trade up on draft night.
To discuss the NFL Draft further with Cardinals fans and whether Kalil would be a good fit, go to Revenge of the Birds. To talk about how natural a fit Kalil would be with USC football fans, go to Conquest Chronicles. Check out Mocking the Draft to get more comprehensive mock draft coverage.
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The Arizona Cardinals have one pressing need in the 2012 NFL Draft: Pass protection. The Cardinals do have a first round pick in the 13th spot, and they really need to upgrade their offensive line to ensure that their quarterbacks aren't always running for their lives in the pocket. The Cardinals gave up way too many sacks last year
DraftTek releases their latest mock, and the Cardinals do take the best offensive tackle prospect on the board, one Riley Reiff of the Iowa Hawkeyes. Reiff could be a good fit at one of the tackle positions and provide at least more quality depth.
Arizona just keeps getting lucky. I would be truly surprised to see Reiff fall this far on draft day, but Arizona would be fools not to scoop him up should the opportunity present itself. Arizona had one of the worst statistical offensive lines in the league last year. They brought back their LT at a reduced rate to play RT and let their RT walk in free agency. Look for Reiff to step in and start on the left side from day one.
To talk about the draft with Cardinals fans, head on over to Revenge of the Birds. To discuss Reiff with Iowa football fans, go to Black Heart Gold Pants. Check out more coverage of mock drafts at Mocking The Draft.
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The Miami Dolphins could use a wide receiver in this draft, particularly after they let go of Brandon Marshall. MIami's offense stagnated in the vertical passing game last year, and they definitely could use more capable players on the outside to help stretch the field.
DraftTek releases his latest mock, and the Dolphins end up using the 42nd pick in the second round of the NFL Draft. Miami end up picking Arizona Wildcats wide receiver Juron Criner in this mock. Criner had some of the best hands in the Pac-12 before he got injured, and is still a very capable talent that could very well pan out.
Miami jettisoned Brandon Marshall for a pair of 3rd round picks, depleting their roster of a true #1 WR. Could Criner be a feasible replacement? He's similar in size (6'3", 224 lbs) to the man he'd be replacing (6'4", 230 lbs). One glaring change between the soon-to-be rookie and Marshall would be their hands, or catching ability. Criner has arguably the best hands in the draft and should be a reliable possession WR early, while he hones his route running skill.
To discuss Criner with Arizona football fans, check out Arizona Desert Swarm. To talk about Criner with Dolphins fans, hit up The Phinsider. Talk about mock drafts in general with Mocking The Draft.
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The Arizona Cardinals always seem to have a strong showing at the NFL Draft. Even if they miss on a higher round pick, they always find a guy in the later rounds that tends to contribute for multiple years. Most scouts operate on nothing more than stats, video and gut feelings, but this latest study suggests there may be a method to drafting troubled college players.
According to the report from the AP, players who either had a run in with the law or were suspended during their three- or four year tenures in college tend to perform better in the NFL. This is not to say that those charged with abusing their girlfriend or armed burglary are smart choices come draft day, but those with minor offenses seem to work out better for more teams.
A provocative new study suggests an almost surefire way for any GM to maximize the value of his pick: Choose a player who's already had a run-in with the law.
"So if you're on the fence about a player and worried about his criminal record," said Stephen Wu, an economics professor at Hamilton College in Clinton, N.Y., "the data says take a chance."
That sounds strange, but makes sense when you consider the study found that players with so-called "character issues" get drafted, on average, 15 to 25 spots lower than players who performed similarly during their college career and at the NFL's annual scouting combine but had zero entries on their rap sheets. Apparently, it's already a consideration during draft-day planning in Arizona, Cincinnati, San Francisco and Chicago, where teams led the league in making shrewd picks out of problem children during the five drafts covered by the research.
'With the twelfth pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Arizona Cardinals select..."
And that's where it gets tricky. The Cards have a number of different ways to use their first round pick this year, though much of their game plan will likely hinge on where other players fall before them in the draft. Sports Illustrated's Peter King has been trying to figure this out, and in his latest mock draft eventually settles on Stanford's David DeCastro as their first round choice.
Here is Peter King with the commentary:
When offensive line coach Russ Grimm sees DeCastro, he sees a young Russ Grimm: nasty, efficient, mistake-free. And though I'm sure that the Cardinals would love to see Michael Floyd fall to them here, the best guard to come out in several years is a good consolation prize, especially for a team that's had nothing but trouble on the O-line.
King hits the nail on the head with his analysis, knowing full well that as much as the Cardinals would like a playmaker like Floyd, their more pragmatic need is certainly the offensive line, and DeCastro is one of the brightest O-lineman this year by far.
For more news and notes on the Arizona Cardinals offseason, including the draft and upcoming training camps, make sure that you head over to Revenge of the Birds to get in on the action. For more on the draft n general, please check out Mocking the Draft.
The verdict is still out on what the Arizona Cardinals are expected to do at the 2012 NFL Draft. The team has been linked to a ton of players in recent months, especially those who project to play offensive line or wide receiver. There are also those who believe the Cardinals will look to upgrade their defensive unit with a defensive lineman or linebacker, both of which are likely big needs for the coming years.
USA Today recently surveyed five football experts for their picks in the first round. Here were the results for Arizona:
According to Rob Rang of NFL Draft Scouting and Nate Davis of USA Today, they expect the Cardinals to draft OT Riley Reiff from Iowa.
Jim Corbett, who also writes for USA Today, sees the team going with an offensive lineman as well, but they would select Stanford guard David DeCastro with the 14th pick in his version of the draft.
Jason Bell of USA Today projects the Cardinals to take defensive tackle Fletcher Cox from Mississippi State, while Wes Bunting of National Football Post sees the team going with linebacker Melvin Ingram from South Carolina.
The first round of the 2012 NFL Draft will start on Thursday, April 26 from New York City.
For more on the Cardinals, head over to Revenge of the Birds.
Months to weeks, weeks to days, days to hours; the 2012 NFL draft is slowing creeping closer and closer.
But the Mock Draft's are still coming hot off the presses, like this one from our friends over at National Football Post, who really like DE/OLB Melvin Ingram out of The University of South Carolina as the top choice for the Arizona Cardinals this year.
Here's National Football Post's Wes Bunting with the commentary:
Ingram has the ability to play with his hand on the ground or rush off the edge from a two-point stance. He's a sudden pass rusher with natural change of direction skills, long arms and could offer some talent and versatility to the Cardinals defense on third down.
The Arizona Cardinals are no doubt looking to land some gifted athletes that can help the team for a long time to come, but so is everyone else in the league. If a player the caliber of Ingram was still available at No. 13, it would certainly behoove them to take him in that spot.
For more news and notes on the Cardinals head over to Revenge of the Birds for top notch discussion and analysis.
It's almost here. Only a week or so more and the 2012 NFL draft will finally arrive. Months and months of speculation, projecting and predicting the future will come down to that shining moment when your favorite NFL team finally makes their illustrious first pick of 2012.
One gentleman who has been on the mock draft grind is Sports Illustrated's Don Banks, who according to his Mock Draft 6.0, has the Arizona Cardinals selecting OT Riley Reiff out of the University of Iowa with their first round pick, No. 13 overall.
Here is Banks with the commentary:
I'm tempted to plug Stanford guard David DeCastro into this slot, but the good news in Arizona is the Cardinals will have their choice of whomever they've rated higher. Reiff doesn't seem to be inspiring much excitement, but he's the consensus second-best tackle in the draft.
The amount of offensive line talent in the top tier of the draft class is rather impressive, with Reiff certainly a part of that distinction. Arizona seemingly could hit a a home run with either DeCastro or Reiff in this position, essentially taking who's available or who they feel is a better fit for their club.
For more in depth discussion and analysis of everything Arizona Cardinals, make sure that you check out Revenge of the Birds to get in on the action. For more on the draft in general, make your way over to Mocking the Draft.
The Arizona Cardinals have numerous areas of need to address at the 2012 NFL Draft, one of which is at wide receiver. While the franchise already has an All-Pro option on one side of the field with Larry Fitzgerald, another one to help fill the void left by Anquan Boldin a few seasons ago would be huge for whichever quarterback is starting that week. This year's draft class isn't particularly deep with WR talent, but one of the guys projected for the first round hails from Notre Dame.
In the latest mock draft from Revenge of the Birds, Michael Floyd will be selected by Arizona next week.
13. Arizona Cardinals - Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame. With that in mind (that the team isn't interested in David DeCastro), and all of the talk of Floyd linked to Arizona, Michael Floyd is the selection here. While the Cardinals have tried many different internal options at the number two wide receiver position since Aquan Boldin was traded to the Ravens, non of them have stuck. With Larry Fitzgerald as a mentor, Floyd could very well put his act together and become the elite receiver his physical talents suggest he could be. Its an exciting choice for fans, and could help out the Cardinals inconsistent offense.
In addition to upgrading the offense in the first round, Revenge of the Birds also thinks a trade could happen. Could Alabama linebacker Don'ta Hightower be a fit with the Cardinals?
27. Arizona Cardinals from New England Patriots - Don'ta Hightower, ILB, Alabama. I'm not here to mock what pieces would be exchanged in this trade and I realize the Cardinals don't have a second round pick, but I'm not a GM, so you can figure out what it would take to trade up, I just think the prospect of drafting Hightower is too good to pass up on. Hightower instantly starts beside Washington, giving the Cardinals a great young linebacking corps with O'Brien Schofield and Sam Acho on the outside. Hightower is the prototypical 3-4 SILB and drastically improves one of the most important positions on the Cardinals defense. I'm a big fan of Hightower and you gotta figure the Cardinals are too, but will they be willing to pay the price to move up? That's for you to decide.
The first round of the NFL Draft is scheduled for April 26.
For more on the Cardinals, check out Revenge of the Birds.
NFLDraftScout.com and CBSSports.com's Dane Brugler published his most recent mock draft on Monday and had a very interesting player fall to the Arizona Cardinals at the 13th pick. Per Brugler:
13. Arizona Cardinals
Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State: The Cardinals need to address several needs along the offensive line and on defense, but a talent like Blackmon might be too good to pass up at No. 13. Arizona has been searching for a productive compliment to Larry Fitzgerald since Anquan Boldin left and Blackmon would certainly fill that need. It just happens to be a coincidence that the player Blackmon is most compared to is Boldin.
With many mock drafts predicting Blackmon won't make it out of the top-5, landing a potentially elite wide receiver to put opposite Larry Fitzgerald might be a great move for the Cardinals, not to mention Kevin Kolb. As Brugler notes, many analysts have compared Blackmon to former Cardinal Anquan Boldin, and the Cardinals know first hand how effective two top-tier receivers can do for your offense.
To talk about Blackmon with Cardinals fans, head on over to Revenge of the Birds. Hit up Mocking the Draft to see what mock drafts are going on here.
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The Arizona Cardinals really need to get that offensive line in shape. They have made some acquisitions in free agency, but it might not be enough to totally protect their quarterbacks.
Ryan Van Bibber of SB Nation releases his latest mock draft, and the Cardinals pick up a Cardinal, one David DeCastro, offensive guard from Stanford. Van Bibber explains that just in terms of offensive line talent, DeCastro might be the best available player for the Cardinals to take.
Many put an offensive tackle here, but DeCastro is easily the second-best lineman in the draft, behind only Matt Kalil. Arizona could sure use him. The Stanford product will make life easier for an offense that struggled behind a weak line last year.
Related Video: David DeCastro Scouting Report
To talk about how good a fit DeCastro would be with Cardinals fans, head on over to Revenge of the Birds. To learn more about how good DeCastro was on the college level, check out Rule of Tree. Hit up Mocking the Draft to see what mock drafts are going on here.
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The Arizona Cardinals have probably one overriding concern this offseason: Upgrading their offensive line. The Cardinals didn't provide their quarterbacks with the adequate pass protection to keep their offense flowing. Arizona probably needs to address this situation during the draft.
DraftTek releases their latest mock, and it has the Cardinals taking Riley Reiff of the Iowa Hawkeyes with the 13th pick in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft. Reiff could provide Arizona with a much necessary offensive tackle who can protect either Kevin Kolb or John Skelton.
Once again, Arizona gets lucky and sees the second best offensive tackle fall to them. Kevin Kolb struggled to stay upright in his inaugural Cardinals season and if they expect him, or John Skelton, to have prolonged success, they will need some improved protection up front. Adam Snyder was brought in to likely take over a guard position so that leaves tackle as the one major need left before fielding a competent OL.
To talk about what type of player the Cardinals should take with their first rounder, head on over to Revenge of the Birds. To learn more about Reiff from Iowa football, check out Black Heart Gold Pants. Hit up Mocking the Draft for more mock draft coverage.
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The first round of the annual SB Nation blogger mock draft has already become an instant classic, mere hours after it's completion. These are the best and brightest minds of each and every NFL team putting in the man hours to get their respective franchise the best pick in the first round.
The Arizona Cardinals are certainly no different as Revenge of the Birds brings us their choice for the Cards, selecting offensive lineman Jonathan Martin out of Stanford with the No. 13 overall pick. Here's ROTB with the commentary:
The offensive line is clearly the Cardinals' greatest need. With both David DeCastro and Jonathan Martin on the board, the decision is tough. DeCastro could be an elite guard. Martin has great film, but has one glaring weakness -- his weakness (lack of strength). In the end, Martin is the guy to go with because the Cardinals seek a tackle, especially someone who could play left tackle. Martin's technique is great, his athleticism is without question and if strength is the only thing lacking, he can acquire that with John Lott, one of the best in the business at strength and conditioning.
There aren't many folks I trust more with my Cardinals draft knowledge than Revenge on the Birds. You should do the same.
For more news and notes on the Cardinals offseason, including free agency and of course the draft, make you way over to Revenge of the Birds, SB Nation's hopelessly devoted Cardinals blog. For more on the NFL draft in general, please check out Mocking the Draft.
Sports Illustrated's Don Banks has been furiously studying this year's NFL draft class, trying to figure out just where all the pieces may fall once the Colts go on the clock on April 26th. He, as many of his fellow NFL writers, have the Arizona Cardinals taking an offensive lineman with their first round pick. Such is the case in his latest mock, where Iowa's Riley Reiff is headed to the desert No. 13 overall.
Here is Banks with the commentary:
The Cardinals' offensive line needs upgrading, and with both Reiff and Stanford guard David DeCastro still available, Arizona's in the right place at the right time in this round.
It would make the most sense for Arizona to try and upgrade their offensive line in this year's draft, with a number of talented guys predicted to go in the first round. They might have their pick of a number of guys at No. 13, but selecting Reiff in this position would be hard to argue against for most Cardinals fans.
For more news and notes on the Cardinals offseason, including free agency and the NFL Draft, make sure you check out Revenge of the Birds, SB Nation's endlessly devoted Cards blog.
The Arizona Cardinals have managed to fulfill plenty of needs in free agency, but there are plenty of things they could still fix up. One of them is pass protection to protect their quarterbacks. Both John Skelton and Kevin Kolb experienced injuries last season that knocked them out of games. Picking up an offensive lineman in the first round they feel confident in could be a wise investment.
DraftTek has released his latest mock, and Arizona picks the offensive tackle Riley Reiff from Iowa to try and ensure better protection against the pass rush.
Arizona's dream scenario. By signing Adam Snyder and bringing back Levi Brown, the Cardinals have shored up both guard spots and one tackle position but they are still in need of another tackle, preferably someone that can play on the left side. Reiff would be a steal at this point and would be an absolute dream for the Cardinals, who desperately need a franchise left tackle. Reiff would be a day one starter on the left side, making the Cardinals offensive line a much stronger unit.
To discuss Reiff with Iowa football fans to figure out how good he is, head on over to Black Heart Gold Pants. To learn more about what Cardinals fans think about picking Reiff, check out Revenge of the Birds. Check out mock drafts over at Mocking the Draft.
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The good folks over at Revenge of the Birds put together a mock draft recently that projected an interesting player to the Cardinals. Per ROTB:
#13) Arizona Cardinals: Needs: OT, G, WR, OLB
This was a no brainer for me, as David DeCastro, G is still on the boards and the Cards waste no time selecting an interior lineman who will make the players around him better.
As they say - if David DeCastro is still on the board at the 13th pick, it may be very, very difficult for the Cardinals to pass. He's one of the more highly regarded guard prospects to enter the draft in the past five or ten years, and immediately becomes the presumptive starter. He's a smart, tough, tenacious player that would help you in pass protection and in the run game. If the Cards aren't taking DeCastro here, they will likely be fielding offers for their pick from another team that wants to leapfrog the Cowboys to select him.
Hit up Revenge of the Birds to see what they think about the Cardinals potentially taking a player like David DeCastro. Mocking the Draft has all your mock draft needs covered.
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The Arizona Cardinals are in the mid-levels of the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft, meaning there's no clearcut right choice for the team to make in deciding who they should take. At that point, it's probably best to look for the greatest possible talent on the board and selecting whoever's available. Arizona has no absolute pressing holes they need to fill, as they've done a good job patching things up through free agency.
Ryan Van Bibber of SB Nation released his latest mock, and the Cardinals end up taking a linebacker, one Luke Kuechly of Boston College. Van Bibber explains the reasoning behind the pick.
Nothing against Paris Lenon and Stewart Bradley, but Arizona can do better. Drafting Kuechly gives the defense a center piece, something to tie it all together and prevent a weak middle from undoing what should be a solid secondary and a good front.
Check out BC Interruption to find out how good Kuechly was on the collegiate level with the Boston College Eagles. Hit up Revenge of the Birds to see what they think about the Cardinals potentially taking a player like Kuechly. Mocking the Draft has all your mock draft needs covered.
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We're only three short weeks away from the 2012 NFL Draft and analysts around the country are zeroing in on their final projections, going off of information gleaned from Pro Days, the Combine, interviews, leaks, 'insider information', and sometimes just pure guesswork. National Football Post's Wes Bunting published his Mock Draft 6.0 recently, and made a break from the typical offensive tackle that has been projected to the Cardinals in Stanford's Jonathan Martin. Here's what Wes Bunting had to say:
13. Arizona Cardinals: Iowa OT Riley Reiff
Reiff is an athletic tackle with good range off the edge, natural change of direction skills and has the ability to sit into his stance on contact. He needs to get stronger and fill out a bit more. However, this former tight end recruit has the type of athleticism and demeanor to mature into the kind of blind side protector the Cardinals are looking for.
An interesting prospect, for sure - though there are certainly differing opinions on Reiff's potential.
ESPN's Todd McShay recently had this to say about Reiff:
"It's interesting. There is a lot of depth in the first round. You've got one elite offensive tackle in [Matt] Kalil. Then there is a drop off. Then there are a group of different guys that can fit holes. I think Riley Reiff is never going to be elite, but he's always going to be solid coming out of Iowa. Cordy Glenn is a right tackle prospect. Jonathan Martin needs to get stronger and is maybe not ready to step in and be a good starter at left tackle now, but he has the potential to be."
For more Mock Draft analysis, head over to Revenge of the Birds to discuss...
The latest mock draft at Revenge of the Birds had an interesting twist this week, and instead of offering up a prediction of what will happen or what the fanbase hopes will happen, ROTB took a look at the worst case scenario for the Cardinals.
Here's the scenario that they lay out with the 13th overall pick:
13. Arizona Cardinals - Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama. I'm just trying to make the best of a bad situation. AS stated by the rules above, the Cardinals cannot trade out of this pick, and Richardson, while being the best player available, is at a position of no need for this team.
So looking at the board, Kirkpatrick is the next best player available. Great size and strength for his position, with good enough speed and quickness against NFL calibre receivers. Fits Ray Horton's small guys that can tackle mantra perfectly. Plus, Kirkpatrick gives us the flexibility of moving Patrick Peterson around in the secondary at either safety position. (Previous Pick: David DeCastro, OG, Stanford)
It's an interesting scenario. Head over to Revenge of the Birds to discuss...
Linebacker Vontaze Burfict improved his 40-yard dash time in his second Pro Day at Arizona State according to various reports.
At the NFL combine in mid-March, Burfict ran a disappointing 5.08 second 40-yard dash time. Burfict also improved his weight by going from 260lbs to 245lbs, a positive sign according to scouts.
While some NFL teams have taken Burfict off of their draft boards, some fans and even some organizations still think the former Sun Devil can be a quality player at the next level.
Round 2, Pick 8: The Panthers need help at LB all around so they will be picking Vontaze Burfict the LB out out Arizona St. He has dropped a lot because of behavior issues but he is an all out beast. (Via: Jshapgee, Turf Show Times)
Despite his well-documented behavior issues, Burfict believes that he can be a good NFL teammate:
"I think I'll come and change the whole atmosphere," Burfict said. "I'm a leader and I'll bring aggression to the game and the whole side of the defense." (Via: Scout.com)
For all news and information regarding the Arizona State Sun Devils, please visit House of Sparky. For complete coverage of the 2012 NFL Draft, head on over toMocking the Draft.
When you have a top 15 draft pick like the Arizona Cardinals do, and when you have more than one hole to fill on your roster, like the Cardinals do, it lends itself to having NFL Draft pundits continuously change their minds about what direction a team is likely to go when they are officially on the clock.
The Cardinals are the rule and not the exception as SB Nation's Ryan Van Bibber has released his most recent NFL Mock Draft and his selection for the Cardinals has changed from Iowa offensive tackle Riley Reiff to Boston College linebacker Luke Kuechly.
One offensive player, one defensive player. See what we mean?
Here is what Van Bibber had to say about Kuechly and the Cardinals.
"Passing on a talent like Kuechly would be ill advised for the Cardinals, even with needs on their offensive line and pass rushers available with this pick. Next to Daryl Washington, Kuechly solidifies the middle of the field for the Cardinals."
We'll see if this pick changes down the road.
Brad Wells over at SB Nation's ridiculously dedicated blog Mocking The Draft has his latest installment of their 2012 NFL mock draft ready to go, and has the Arizona Cardinals selecting offensive lineman Riley Reiff out of the University of Iowa with the first round pick, No. 13 overall.
Here is Wells with the commentary:
It really doesn't matter who is here at No. 13 for the Cardinals. Their offensive line is garbage, and they must take the best lineman available. Reiff is that lineman.
It's been a rather consensus fact that the Cardinals should be looking to improve their offensive line this offseason, regardless of where you get your mock on. Wells' logic of 'their offensive line is garbage' is rather spot on, further pointing out that Reiff will be the best fit at the position in the draft, unless of course, some other players fall in their lap. This seems like a perfect match for both Reiff and the Cardinals organization.
For more on the Cardinals, head over to Revenge of the Birds. For more on the Draft, check out Mocking the Draft.
Over at SB Nation's brilliant Arizona Cardinals blog, Revenge of the Birds, the latest installment of their running 2012 NFL Mock draft is complete, and the Cards are once again looking to make a Stanford Cardinal part of the family by selecting offensive lineman David DeCastro.
DeCastro was a key component to Andrew Luck's success down on the Farm in Palo Alto, along with the rest of the the Card offensive line during their tenure there. Here's ROTB's own GreaZzy's with the commentary on DeCastro:
13. Arizona Cardinals - David DeCastro, OG, Stanford. The dilemma here for the Cardinals is whether they should reach for a tackle, or stick to their board. Sticking to his board has worked for Whisenhunt in previous drafts, and DeCastro certainly is the best player available. DeCastro is a rare guard prospect, who seems to excel in every category. Last year, the Cardinals got the "sure thing" prospect in Patrick Peterson, and this year DeCastro seems like the most likely candidate for this year's "sure thing" prospect. DeCastro starts at right guard from day one, and instantly become our best offensive linemen. (Previous Pick: Riley Rieff, OT, Iowa)
Arizona certainly has a few options they could pursue with their first round pick this year, with a number of talented playmakers on both sides of the ball could land around No. 13. But a lineman the caliber of DeCastro would be a great addition to their squad.
What says you? For more discussion on the Cardinals, make sure to check out Revenge of the Birds.
On offense, something that seems to be a trend that kind of works is keeping your quarterback upright. Seems that it's been proven to be easier to throw from your feet instead of from the ground. Maybe folks are onto something. So in that case, the Arizona Cardinals taking Iowa offensive tackle Riley Reiff with the no. 13 pick in SB Nation's Ryan Van Bibber's latest mock draft makes perfect sense.
The Cardinals missed out on the Peyton Manning sweepstakes and revert their attention back to last year's pricey investment, Kevin Kolb. Re-signing Levi Brown and not allowing him to leave via free agency was the first step and Reiff could be the second. Having both on board would give the Cardinals plenty of flexibility at the tackle spot and provide the needed protection for Kolb to try to bounce back this season and utilize the weapons at his disposal like the incomparable Larry Fitzgerald. It isn't the only need for the Cardinals though, so this pick could go elsewhere. Stay tuned.
In NFL.com's latest mock draft, put together by Charles Davis, the Arizona Cardinals select Iowa offensive tackle Riley Reiff in the first round with their No. 13 overall pick. This selection would make sense for the Cardinals in the first round as they had trouble protecting the quarterback in 2011. The Cardinals offensive line allowed their quarterbacks to be sacked 54 times in the 2011 season, which is the second most in the NFL, and the addition of a talented lineman could really help them compete in the NFC West in 2012.
Reiff is considered the second best offensive tackle in this year's draft class by many analysts behind USC's Matt Kalil. Reiff is a 6-foot-5, 313-pound tackle that could succeed both as a run blocker and a pass protector. He should be an immediate upgrade at the tackle position for the Cardinals and should be able to help keep the quarterback much safer in the pocket.
For more on the Cardinals, head to Revenge of the Birds, and for more mock drafts, follow SB Nation Arizona's StoryStream.
The Arizona Cardinals own the No. 13 overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft. Although many analysts have suggested as of late that the Cardinals spend that pick on UGA guard Cordy Glenn, there is a new mock draft that suggests taking an alternative route.
In the latest mock draft posted to Draft Tek, Eugene Stasak predicts that the Cardinals will select Ohio St. Buckeyes left offensive tackle Mike Adams.
Arizona lost out on Peyton Manning but they still need to find some protection for Kevin Kolb. Bringing back Levi Brown was a start but word is he's more likely to play on the right side as last year's RT, Brandon Keith is also a free agent that likely won't be returning. While Adams may be considered a reach here, there is debate as to whether it is Adams or Jonathan Martin that is the third best tackle, and barring Reiff falling to them, Arizona might have to reach.
The Cardinals certainly have a lot of gaps to fill for the 2012 season, but they desperately need help on their offensive line. They would do well with either Glenn or Martin as their first-round pick.
For more on the Cardinals, make sure you head over to Revenge of the Birds.
As the Arizona Cardinals' offseason continues, the direction of where they will decide to use their first round pick in the 2012 NFL Draft will become a bit clearer, but as of now, it's still anyone's guess.
One of the most glaring areas of need is the offensive line, and according to Sports Illustrated's Don Banks and his latest mock draft, the Cardinals will select OT Cordy Glenn out of the University of Georgia with the No. 17 overall pick to help fill that void.
Now, Banks is factoring in a projected trade with the Bengals to move the Cardinals down to the No. 17 spot in this year's draft, allowing Cincy to grab Trent Richardson at No. 13 while getting an extra pick for the Cards in the process. Here's how Banks feels Glenn fits into the Cardinals system, and why he's the right choice in this position for Arizona:
At 17, the Cardinals could still fill their need for an offensive tackle with Glenn or Stanford's Jonathan Martin, or turn their attention to defense and take Alabama 3-4 rush linebacker Courtney Upshaw. But the 6-6, 346-pound Glenn is climbing as the draft approaches, and his blend of size and speed is intriguing, even if Arizona did re-sign veteran tackle Levi Brown.
The possibilities could border mind-boggling for Arizona, with a number of terrific offensive lineman in this year's draft, a number o talented playmakers and plausible trades on the horizon as well. They'll have lots of homework do to over the next month or so to prepare.
For more on the Cardinals, make sure you head over to Revenge of the Birds.
Many have speculated on which way the Arizona Cardinal will go with their first round draft pick this year, and Evan Silva and the folks over at NBC's Pro Football Talk have released their first Mock Draft for the year 2012, and have the Cardinals making quite the interesting pick.
According to Silva, the Cardinals will take tackle Cordy Glenn out on the University of Georgia bolstering their offensive line with a sizeable and multitalented player like Glenn.
Silva feels Glenn fits the 'Russ Grimm mold' with his size and abilities, and at 6-5 348 pounds, he will certainly be a load to move for any opposing defender. This would be a great move to try and keep Kevin Kolb on the field and upright as well.
For more news and notes on the Cardinals offseason, including the upcoming draft and continuing free agency, make sure you check out Revenge of the Birds, the ultimate spot on the interwebs for Arizona Cardinals fans.
CBS Sports' Rob Rang recently published a new mock draft, and this time of the year while we're well into free agency and in the run up to the Draft where teams' true needs are starting to emerge, Rang had an interesting selection for the Cardinals. At the 13th spot, here is Rang's pick and analysis:
Melvin Ingram, OLB, South Carolina: The Cardinals might believe they have the young players already in place at outside linebacker to successfully rush the quarterback with Sam Acho and O'Brien Schofield showing flashes in limited duty last year. For a club that has struggled consistently putting pressure on the quarterback, however, the opportunity to add another versatile pass rusher might make a lot of sense. Ingram is viewed as some as the top pass rusher in the 2012 draft class.
An intriguing pick, for sure, as the Cardinals do have a nice young OLB corps with promising talent in Acho and Schofield, but as Rang says, Ingram is a talent that this front office might not be able to pass up.
You can talk more Cardinals over at Revenge of the Birds.
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The start of free agency has been quiet for the Arizona Cardinals, but their sole moves thus far have been to try and improve the offensive line. They brought back Levi Brown to play one tackle position and they have signed former Sn Francisco 49ers lineman Adam Snyder, presumably to take over right guard for Rex Hadnot, who was released recently.
However, with the NFL Draft coming up in a month, the Cardinals might still be looking to add young talent to protect Kevin Kollb (or John Skelton). In the latest mock draft projections from Revenge of the Birds, SB Nation's dedicated Arizona Cardinals blog, offensive line is the way they go, selecting Iowa tackle Riley Rieff.
Rieff and Jonathan Martin are like tackle prospect 2A and 2B to me, and the Cardinals are fortunate enough to have one of them fall to 13. Some questions have been raised about his arm length hampering his ability to play left tackle effectively (think Brian Bulaga), but his tape is undeniable. Rieff should be a solid bet to man the right tackle spot, and hopefully be able to take over for Levi Brown on the left side at some point.
Adding another potentially quality lineman will go a long way for the Cardinals. Kevin Kolb lost time last season because of hits he took because the offensive line was unable to protect him adequately.
Their team defense is already strong. improving the offensive protection should increase the rushing effectiveness and also allow for a better passing game.
You can talk more Cardinals over at Revenge of the Birds.
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Offensive line, offensive line, offensive line. This was the main concern for the Arizona Cardinals other than trying to pursue Peyton Manning, and it appears the Cardinals have made two big moves this offseason to secure that part of ther team.
A third big move would be landing the best offensive linemen that would still be on the board, one David DeCastro of Stanford. Ryan Van Bibber of SB Nation has the Cardinals picking the Cardinal in his latest mock draft.
The Cardinals signed two offensive linemen in free agency, bringing back Levi Brown and adding Adam Snyder. Neither are very good. Drafting DeCastro gives them a blue chip protector who should be a yearly contender for the league's best guard.
DeCastro was considered a top offensive line prospect as early as his sophomore year, and along with Andrew Luck provided crucial offensive punch for Stanford. Grabbing someone like DeCastro is absolutely critical.
To discuss the Cardinals and the NFL Draft, hit up Revenge of the Birds. To talk about DeCastro with Stanford fans, check up on Rule of Tree. To discuss mock drafts in general, best to hit up Mocking the Draft.
The Arizona Cardinals know one of their biggest needs is fixing up their offensive line. The lack of strong pass protection and run blocking really killed Arizona last season and sidelined their quarterbacks on way too many occasions. Arizona really knows they have to shore things up. Arizona has already made one big signing on that front by bringing in Adam Snyder to replace the departing Levi Brown.
Jonathan Martin has been one of the most prized players in the NFL Draft because, well, offensives tackles always go this high. The latest Revenge of the Birds mock draft reflects that.
Both starting tackles are very likely to be gone, and if Arizona manages to land Manning, which I predict they will, there won't be a whole lot of room to sign a FA tackle or two. Fortunately the Cardinals are able to stand pat at 13 and have the talented Martin fall into their laps. Martin is skilled enough, and smart enough to start from day one, albeit against rather poor competition, and should be able to protect either Manning's frontside or blindside better than we've grown accustomed to with Levi Brown and Brandon Keith as Cardinal fans.
Taking Martin has always been considered a high possibility, especially if he's still available. Arizona needs tackles, and taking the best guy left on the board would be prudent.
To talk about Martin with Arizona fans, hit up Revenge of the Birds. To discuss Martin with Stanford fans, head on over to Rule of Tree. To talk about the NFL Draft in general, check out Mocking the Draft.
It has been reported that the Arizona Cardinals are expected to release offensive tackle Levi Brown. That makes sense, as the final year of his contract was never expected to ever be paid out. However, the team would like to have him return, albeit at a smaller salary number. The team also has other holes on the offensive line to fill and according to the latest mock draft projections by SB Nation, they will fill that need with their first round selection -- the 13th pick overall.
The projections have the Cardinals taking Stanford tackle Jonathan Martin. It is not the first time he has been the projected pick. They said this about Martin:
Whether the Cardinals land Peyton Manning or not, they could stand to give their quarterback some protection. Levi Brown is walking away in free agency, allowing another team the privilege of overpaying for his mediocre protection. Fine. Martin should be better on day one, even as a rookie.
While it is certainly questionable whether he would be better on Day 1 than Levi Brown, most fans believe they have seen what Levi is able to do is just that and nothing better.
Would this be a solid pick? Yes. The Cardinals need help on the outside in blocking. Martin could be just what they need.
Keep up with Cardinals news and opinions when you are not on the site. Follow Revenge of the Birds on Twitter at @revengeofbirds and "like" us on Facebook. You can follow me individually at @senorjessroot.
The ESPN draft experts Mel Kiper and Todd McShay have released their most recent mock drafts, version 3.0, now that free agency is just a few days from commencing. Mel Kiper has the Arizona Cardinals selecting Notre Dame receiver Michael Floyd.
McShay has a different idea for the Cardinals.
According to his Insider story (requires Insider access to read it in its entirety), McShay projects that the Arizona Cardinals will select Stanford offensive Tackle Jonathan Martin. Says McShay:
Another pick that seems like a reach, but offensive tackles always seem to go higher than expected because of positional value. I like Martin rather than Ohio State's Mike Adams at this point because of Martin's more consistent effort, and more than Georgia's Cordy Glenn because of Martin's potential to play left tackle. And that's exactly what the Cardinals need right now with contract extension talks with current LT Levi Brown falling apart.
A reach? We have seen so many projections that follow suit with Arizona taking a lineman, so I don't know if Martin is a reach at 13. I do know that he will be anything more than Levi Brown or Leonard Davis were.
You can talk more Cardinals over at Revenge of the Birds.
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Aside from perennial Pro-Bowler Larry Fitzgerald the Arizona Cardinals could use some fresh, big bodies at the wide receiver position moving forward. There are a number of talented wide outs coming into this year's NFL Draft, and according to ESPN's Mel Kiper's latest mock draft, Arizona would select WR Michael Floyd out of Notre Dame.
Per Kiper on ESPN:
Offensive line would be the more obvious pick here, but I want to see what the Cardinals do in free agency first. Floyd would be a great complement to Larry Fitzgerald in that offense, and give the Cardinals an enviable pair of guys that can work underneath, go deep and also post up smaller defensive backs in the red zone. Outside of the offensive line, Floyd is as much as you could do to help a quarterback.
I agree with Kiper that the O-line is the most glaring place for improvement, and I also agree that they would be better suited getting a veteran in free agency then having to wait and polish a new O-lineman out of the gate. If Floyd makes his way to Arizona, i'd look for him to be making important plays in his first year in the league for the Cardinals.
For more on the Cards, head over to Revenge of the Birds to get in on the action.
The NFL is a few days away form free agency beginning, which for many teams shapes what will be their draft day plan. This could be very well what happens with the Arizona Cardinals. They could go a few different directions with their first round pick -- the 13th selection in the draft. Some mock drafts have them taking an offensive lineman while others project a receiver.
The latest mock draft projections by GreaZzy of Revenge of the Birds, the SB Nation Arizona Cardinals blog, has the Cardinals actually moving down and trading their pick to get more picks later on.
They trade their 13th pick to the Cincinnati Bengals, move down to number 17, picking up as well a second rounder (which they do not have this year because of the trade for Kevin Kolb) and perhaps another pick late in the draft.
The Bengals select RB Trent Richardson and the Cardinals just miss out on OT Jonathan Martin. Instead, they select DE/OLB Whitney Mercilus out of Illinios.
The Cardinals were one pick short of an ideal scenario were they replace their second rounder an still grab an elite tackle prospect. All is not lost however, as the talented Mercilus is a very good pick here for the Cards. Mercilus has all the tools you'd want in a 3-4 OLB, speed, strength, pass rushing ability, explosion, and while he is not elite in an category, he is above average in nearly all of them. Mercilus is best described as a "jack of all trades, but master of none". He is a well rounded prospect, who can be coached into become a great OLB.
Obviously, an offensive lineman is probably the most ideal selection, but you can never have enough pass rushers, and the Cardinals certainly could use more.
Could Mercilus be that guy? We will find out in April.
You can talk more Cardinals over at Revenge of the Birds.
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The NFL Draft is starting to get pretty close, and now teams are kicking it into high gear to try and figure out who they want to take. For the Arizona Cardinals, pass protection is their biggest issue to try and defend their quarterback from further abuse. A solid offensive tackle would be huge to make sure Kevin Kolb and John Skelton stay upright when they drop back and pass in 2012 after both suffered injuries.
Ryan Van Bibber released his latest mock draft for SB Nation, and the Cardinals go back to try and fill their position of need. The player they take is the best offensive tackle left on the board, Stanford's Jonathan Martin.
The Cardinals are losing Levi Brown in free agency. Even with Brown on the roster, they still needed a better answer on the left side. Martin finally provides some stability and blocking ability to the Cardinals' front five. Perhaps there is still a little life left in Kevin Kolb.
To discuss the Cardinals drafting Martin with Arizona fans, hit up Revenge of the Birds. To talk about Martin with Stanford fans, check out Rule of Tree. To discuss the NFL Draft in general, check up Mocking the Draft.
Last week's 2012 NFL Combine provided plenty of revelations as to the athleticism and development of many of the nation's top college players. The results were illuminating both for the NFL scouts and evaluators leading up to the 2012 NFL Draft and for the fans following along at home.
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The Combine also helped to shore up a whole new wave of mock drafts by analysts. The latest post-Combine mock draft over at Draft Tek is up and Eugene Stasak suggests that the Cardinals will use their No. 13 overall pick to draft Ohio St. Buckeyes offensive tackle Mike Adams in the first round.
We've got ourselves a new selection this week for the Arizona Cardinals. Still looking offensive tackle, but this week its big Mike Adams from Ohio State. Adams had an up and down combine, but he's still right there with Jonathan Martin as they vie for the number three tackle. Adams fits the Russ Grimm mold of offensive lineman as he loves massive 320+ pound guys. Left tackle Levi Brown is scheduled to have a $17 million cap number this season and will undoubtedly be either restructured or released. Right tackle Brandon Keith is set to hit free agency and is not expected to return. Brown and Adams would give them two interchangeable tackles that have the size and athleticism to play on either side of the line and would provide improved protection for Kevin Kolb, John Skelton, or even Peyton Manning.
For all news and information regarding the Arizona Cardinals, please visit Revenge of the Birds. For updates and perspective on Mike Adams and the Ohio State Buckeyes, head on over to Along the Olentangy.
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The Arizona Cardinals just missed out on the playoffs last season and the team has plenty of young talent to build around. While there is still plenty of room to improve and grow as a unit, the Cardinals appear to be set on improving their offensive line, which was among the worst in the NFC last season. Armed with the No. 13 pick at the 2012 NFL Draft, most see them taking a lineman in the first round.
Here is the latest mock draft from Peter Schrager of FOX Sports:
13. Arizona Cardinals: David DeCastro, OG, Stanford: What the Cardinals do with both Levi Brown and their quarterback situation will greatly influence their first-round selection this year. They've passed on going with an offensive tackle the past three drafts and I think they do so again this time around.
Instead of reaching on a tackle, look for Arizona to bolster the interior of its offensive line, adding a mauler like DeCastro in the middle. Lost in a lot of the Andrew Luck and Jonathan Martin draft buzz this year was the season DeCastro had at guard for Stanford.
DeCastro earned rave reviews in Indianapolis this weekend, showcasing an ability to draw up the Stanford offense on the white board just as well as Mr. Luck. He'll help open up holes for a run game that hasn't been very good in years.
Castro played in a pro-style offense while at Stanford, and as the article mentions, was very impressive while working out at the NFL Combine last week. Beanie Wells certainly has the talent to be a top-tier running back in the league and an improved offensive line will only mean good things for the quarterback, regardless of who it is.
For more on the Cardinals and their draft plans, head on over to Revenge Of The Birds.
The Arizona Cardinals have some decent needs to fill, and one of them is pretty important--an offensive tackle. Kevin Kolb and John Skelton got hit quite often in the backfield, and it stagnated any offensive progress the Cardinals would make. They need important pass protection or otherwise they won't be going much further than .500 seasons in the NFC West.
Ryan Van Bibber of SB Nation put out his latest mock draft, and the Cardinals seem to fulfill that need quite well. Riley Reiff of the Iowa Hawkeyes is their first round pick for Arizona at No. 13 here to try and protect them, and might be the type of player that could encourage their quarterbacks to perform better.
Finding help for the outside of their offensive line with this pick would be ideal for the Cardinals, who right now might be forced to keep Levi Brown. Even if the landing spots for Martin and Reiff were switched, it would be hard for Arizona to pass on either player. Reiff could upgrade their right tackle spot right away, making life easier for Kevin Kolb or perhaps even Peyton Manning.
To discuss the possibility of Reiff on the Cardinals, go to Revenge of the Birds. To learn more about Reiff from Iowa fans, check out Black Heart Gold Pants. To discuss mock drafts in general, look at Mocking the Draft.
The NFL Draft approaches in April and the projections continue to come in. With everyone paying attention to the NFL combine, things start getting crazy with where teams are projected to go with their picks. The Arizona Cardinals have a list of player needs, but also must consider depth and the talent level of the players available at the number 13 pick in the draft, where the Cards make their selection
Let's take a look at some of the projections from around the web for the Cardinals in the draft
Just on Tuesday, we had our own mock draft for the site. In that mock draft, the Cards trade down to number 17 and pick up a second-rounder and offensive lineman Cordy Glenn.
Glenn is a monster of a human being, and a physical specimen to boot. He could be a mauler on the interior line, but also has the speed and feet to play at either tackle spot. With this pick, the Cardinals give Grimm a mammoth of a lineman to coach up.
The SB Nation mock draft has the Cardinals picking Notre Dame receiver Michael Floyd:
Wide receiver is a position that can be impacted as much as any by a strong or weak workout. The always controversial 40-yard dash has earned and cost players big time bucks over the years, and it will not be any different in 2012. The Cardinals need more options opposite Larry Fitzgerald, and Floyd could be that option if he has a strong Combine and Pro Day. He could also end up slipping into the latter third of the first round if he struggles.
In the meantime, Walter Football projects David DeCastro, with Jonathan Martin, Nick Perry or Courtney Upshaw.
All of these player potential fill positions of need for the Cardinals. As we approach the real thing, things will likely get a little clearer.
You can talk more Cardinals over at Revenge of the Birds.
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Cardinals' blog Revenge of the Birds recently published their latest mock draft and this iteration features some interesting twists and turns. Writer GreaZzy forecasts a trade down from the 13 spot with the Bengals, which allows the Cards to pick up a little extra capital:
13. Cincinnati Bengals from Arizona Cardinals - Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama. Arizona picks up the 17th overall pick and a second rounder from the Bengals, who trade up to fill an offensive need with an elite talent. If Richardson was this good at any other position, save guard and center, he'd be an automatic top five pick.
17. Arizona Cardinals from Cincinnati Bengals - Cordy Glenn, OG/OT, Georgia. Glenn is a monster of a human being, and a physical specimen to boot. He could be a mauler on the interior line, but also has the speed and feet to play at either tackle spot. With this pick, the Cardinals give Grimm a mammoth of a lineman to coach up.
Interesting scenario and if Trent Richardson falls past the Seahawks at 12, I can imagine that some running back needy teams are going to be on the phone. In this case, the Cardinals would be smart to move back a few spots and pick up another pick or two.
You can talk more Cardinals over at Revenge of the Birds.
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With the NFL Combine going on in the middle of draft pick speculation, the Arizona Cardinals are doing their homework so they can make a good pick at number 13 in the first round of this year's NFL Draft. Week after week there are new projections, and most of the more recent ones have had Arizona selecting an offensive lineman.
This week's projections from SB Nation's mock draft have the Cards going a different direction.
This week, they project that receiver Michael Floyd from Notre Dame will be the guy.
Wide receiver is a position that can be impacted as much as any by a strong or weak workout. The always controversial 40-yard dash has earned and cost players big time bucks over the years, and it will not be any different in 2012. The Cardinals need more options opposite Larry Fitzgerald, and Floyd could be that option if he has a strong Combine and Pro Day. He could also end up slipping into the latter third of the first round if he struggles.
A speedy receiver opposite Fitz would be a solid pick if he turns out to be what he should. An offensive lineman could be good as well.
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We're in the middle of the 2012 NFL Combine and prospects are either improving their draft stock or hurting it. One player that has done nothing but help his draft stock is former USC Trojans offensive tackle Matt Kalil. In fact, he's done such a good job preparing for the draft that he may be a target for teams to trade up to select him. In SB Nation's latest mock draft, that's exactly what happens and it's the Arizona Cardinals that make the trade.
SB Nation's Brad Wells predicts that the Cardinals will move up from No. 13 to No. 5 in a trade with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, to grab Kalil in the first round.
The Bucs benefit from teams getting QB crazy early in the draft. They already have Donald Penn locked up with a long-term deal, and with Kalil still on the board, a team like the Cardinals might just be willing to move up to get him, especially if they manage to lure Peyton Manning to the desert. Unlike years past, top-five rookies cost less money. Thus, there is more incentive to trade. Tampa Bay is looking for pieces to improve the team overall, especially on defense. Arizona needs talent on their O-line, which was putrid last season.
Of course, it isn't clear as to what else they would have to give up to move from 13th to fifth in the first round, but the addition of Kalil could be worth it. He's by far this year's draft class' best tackle and the Cardinals desperately need help on the line.
For more on the Arizona Cardinals, head to Revenge of the Birds and for more on the draft, head to Mocking The Draft.
The NFL Combine is always a huge determining factor for many of the players involved in the top rounds of the upcoming draft. Not only can a player boost his stock with a strong showing at workouts, drills and the interviewing process, but he can also place a tough burden on himself with a poor showing. With representatives from every team in the league in attendance, every player will look to put on a show.
The 2012 NFL Draft is right around the corner and just about every top-prospect will be in Indianapolis this week for the events. The latest mock draft from SB Nation takes a look at the Arizona Cardinals and who they may select with the No. 13 overall pick.
13. Arizona Cardinals, David DeCastro, OG, Stanford
DeCastro might be the best offensive lineman in the draft behind Matt Kalil. He is, however, a guard, a position less hyped than outside pass protectors. Either way, Arizona needs help, and with Reiff and Martin off the board, DeCastro is their next best pick. The question on everyone's mind between now and April is whether DeCastro will be picked higher than this.
All eyes will be on DeCastro, a junior, as he arrives at the 2012 Combine this week. As mentioned above, there are those with a concern regarding his positional value at the next level, but he figures to have a long and successful career in the NFL. Should he really impress a team or two this week in Indianapolis, there is a good chance he will not be on the board once the 13th pick rolls around.
For more on the Cardinals and to discuss their potential draft plans, head on over to Revenge Of The Birds.
This week is the week of the NFL Combine, where draft prospects will show their "measurables" and have their intangibles analyzed. They will be poked and prodded so that the teams can get a better idea of whether or not they want to draft a guy. In preparation of that, there are new mock draft projections anticipating those workouts.
SB Nation mocked the draft and this week's version stays somewhat consistent for the Arizona Cardinals.
Once again, they are expected to grab Stanford G David DeCastro.
DeCastro might be the best offensive lineman in the draft behind Matt Kalil. He is, however, a guard, a position less hyped than outside pass protectors. Either way, Arizona needs help, and with Reiff and Martin off the board, DeCastro is their next best pick. The question on everyone's mind between now and April is whether DeCastro will be picked higher than this.
Cardinals fans know that the offensive line is a huge need, but the interior might be seen as overlooked. DeCastro could help solidify the middle of the line and ideally help make the tackles look not quite as bad.
You can talk more Cardinals over at Revenge of the Birds.
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The Arizona Cardinals have a lot of issues to address prior to the 2012 season, but perhaps one of the biggest issues is the weakness of their offensive line. They could look to improve upon that via the 2012 NFL Draft.
Eugene Stasak, the Cardinals analyst at Draft Tek, suggests in the latest mock draft that the Cardinals will select Jonathan Martin, the big offensive tackle from the Stanford Cardinal, as the No. 13 overall pick in the first round.
As we've been saying since we started doing CMDs for this year, Arizona absolutely must take the best offensive lineman available here. Levi Brown has proven that he wasn't worth the fifth overall selection in 2007 as he's simply not a starting caliber left tackle. That being said, he played well on the right side and also possesses the talents to be a Pro Bowl guard. Starting RT, Brandon Keith, is a free agent. Kevin Kolb and John Skelton are expected to battle it out for the starting job and if either are going to have success, they will need improved protection up front. Drafting Martin would allow the Cardinals to slide Levi to his more natural RT position and let Keith walk in free agency. Martin has spent the last couple years protecting Andrew Luck's blindside and is a fine prospect despite being the 4th best OT.
Stasak seems convinced that this would be the best move for the Cardinals and he's not alone in that prediction. Mel Kiper of ESPN made the same suggestion in his latest mock draft.
For all news and information regarding the Arizona Cardinals, please visit Revenge of the Birds. For complete coverage of the 2012 NFL Draft, head on over to Mocking the Draft.
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ESPN's Mel Kiper has released his 2.0 version of his NFL mock draft, and has the Arizona Cardinals selecting Stanford offensive tackle Jonathan Martin with their first round pick, 13th overall.
here is Kiper's analysis of the Cardinals pick:
Arizona Cardinals. Record: 8-8. Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford
As I've noted before, Arizona hasn't drafted an offensive lineman before the fifth round since 2007 -- and it's about time. Martin may start on the right side, but he has the physical tools to become the blindside tackle here. Questions remain about what the Cardinals will do at quarterback -- my guess for now is they simply stick with Kevin Kolb and hope that investment pays off -- but there's no question they have to be better up front regardless of who is back there. Martin has a lot of athleticism, is a very good run blocker, and should continue to improve his game.
Martin has a big reason that Andrew Luck had all the time in the world and rarely was sacked, as well as the Cardinl running game being incredibly effective. These are tools that would help out a whole lot with Kevin Kolb and the Cardinals offensive line, who are in desperate need of upgrades in that regard.
For more on the Cardinals head over to Revenge of the Birds. For more on the Draft head over to Mocking the Draft.
Our friends over at National Football post have been busy doing their due diligence on college football players across the nation, and have created their latest Mock Draft for the 2012 season. According to them, the Arizona Cardinals will select offensive tackle Riley Reiff out of the university of Iowa with their first round pick, 13th pick overall.
NFP's Wes Bunting provides his analysis of the Cardinals selection of Rieff:
Arizona Cardinals: Iowa OT Riley Reiff
The Cardinals have a lack of talent up front and adding a lineman like Reiff who can play a number of spots along the offensive line and win in both the run and pass game is a solid choice at 13.
Seeing that the Cards were 17th and 24th respectfully in passing and rushing yards a game during the 2011-12 season, having a guy like Reiff for extra protection/ hole opening up front would be a great help.
For more in depth discussion and analysis of the Arizona Cardinals, head over to Revenge of the Birds. For more on the draft in general, make sure you head voer to Mocking the Draft.
With draft projections already coming in a steady stream, the Arizona Cardinals have consistently been connected to the offensive line talent in this year's NFL Draft. Whether it is Jonathan Martin, Mike Adams or David DeCastro, they all are expected to be possible targets for the Cardinals and their number 13 pick in the draft.
The most recent mock draft predictions at Revenge of the Birds has a surprise player falling all the way to the Cardinals.
In these projections, standout receiver Justin Blackmon falls to the Cards at number 13:
Finally, the fall of Blackmon comes to an end. All four top 15 lineman have been selected, but the Cardinals still fill a need and fit Whisenhunt`s BPA draft philosophy. Blackmon is an great athlete by nearly every measurable and will rekindle memories of Fitzgerald and Boldin lining up with each other. Blackmon`s stock has been falling slightly, but is still a top 15 talent easily. Previous pick: Riley Rieff, OT, Iowa.
It seems doubtful he would fall that far, but with a player of his talent opposite Larry Fitzgerald, it potentially could give the team the same sort of elite threats at receiver like when both Fitz and Anquan Boldin were terrorizing secondaries.
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As the Arizona Cardinals prepare for the NFL Draft that is in April, they must take a look at their positions of greatest need and comparing that to the players available at their pick of number 13 in the draft this April. Most would say that the position of greatet would be the offensive line because of how the Kevin Kolb thing went.
So who do they take in round one? SB Nation's latest mock draft have them selecting an offensive lineman -- David DeCastro, rodeo clowns.
Arizona needs help all along the front five. Just ask Kevin Kolb. DeCastro has rare talent for an interior lineman. If guards were valued as highly in the draft as tackles, he would be a top 10 pick, and the world should applaud any team that decides to draft him that highly. For now, we will assume the Cardinals grab him.
Pretty much everywhere you can read about this kid and he will be the next Steve Hutchinson. While he does not fix the tackle position, he certainly will help the interior line, which has needed help. He would make a great selection.
You can talk more Cardinals over at Revenge of the Birds.
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The Arizona St. Sun Devils had a lackluster season and their players are not figuring to make too large of an impact on the 2012 NFL Draft. They do have one player who is drawing a lot of attention, however. Many analysts are predicting a Sun Devils defender could be selected in the first round of this year's draft.
In the latest mock draft over at Draft Tek, Eugene Stasak suggests that Sun Devils linebacker Vontaze Burfict would be a good fit for the Baltimore Ravens. Stasak predicts that the Ravens would select Burfict in the first round, as the No. 29 overall pick. Here is his take:
A team like Baltimore has very few needs and are so close to the Super Bowl that adding one or two players could really make the difference. Figuring out exactly which piece to add is the key. Perhaps simply getting Torrey Smith, Ed Dickson, and Dennis Pitta one more year will give them the offensive firepower to take that side of the ball over the hump. Perhaps getting a pass rusher opposite DPOY Terrell Suggs is the missing piece. GM Ozzie Newsome loves to maneuver on draft day and he's also a best player available proponent so predicting their selections is typically tough. That being said, Burfict seems like the perfect fit in terms of scheme and need. Burfict is a violent middle linebacker with great size and athleticism that will remind Ravens fans of a young Ray Lewis. Burfict is a great blitzer and he could be an instant contributor as a rotational linebacker and would be the long-term replacement for the Ravens legend.
The idea of anything making the Ravens even more formidable on defense is hard to comprehend, but if they are indeed looking to beef up their pass rush, Burfict might be the best option available by the time the Ravens make their first-round pick.
For all news and information regarding the Arizona State Sun Devils, please visit House of Sparky. For updates and perspective on the Baltimore Ravens, check out Baltimore Beatdown. For complete coverage of the 2012 NFL Draft, head on over to Mocking the Draft.
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The Arizona Cardinals do not have a second-round pick in the 2012 NFL Draft. They have fairly good placement in the first round, but will have to make the most of that selection, since they will not have another opportunity to shore up their roster via the draft until the third round. A recent mock draft recommends that the Cardinals may want to look close to home to make their first round pick.
Dion Caputi at NFLDraftUpdate has a bit of an unorthodox take on who the Cardinals should select in the first round as the No. 13 overall pick: Arizona St. Sun Devils inside linebacker Vontaze Burfict. Here is Caputi's take:
Although the bust factor is undeniable, Vontaze Burfict possesses All-Pro potential. His strength and power-blitzing game is a perfect compliment to the speedy and athletic style of Darryl Washington. Burfict adds more toughness and a legitimate presence to Arizona's defensive front.
It's an interesting option, but I think the "bust factor" will keep the Cardinals away from Burfict. If they choose to go the defense route in the first round, there are stronger options available who would be less of a risk, especially at No. 13 in the first round.
For all news and information regarding the Arizona Cardinals, please visit Revenge of the Birds. For complete coverage of the 2012 NFL Draft, head on over to Mocking the Draft.
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A good majority of teams in the NFL will at least be considering selecting a quarterback at the 2012 NFL Draft. While the top-two quarterbacks (Andrew Luck, Robert Griffin III) have all but guaranteed themselves a high selection in the first round, guys like Nick Foles, Brock Osweiler, Ryan Tannehill and others are all looking to boost their stock.
While recently reviewing tape, scouting guru Todd McShay of ESPN noticed something Foles does very well, even more so than Griffin.
QB Foles completed 65-percent "under pressure" w/ 5-2 TD-INT ratio in 4 gms charted. Far better than RGIII, Weeden. Luck, Osweiler up next
— Todd McShay (@McShay13) February 11, 2012
And another tweet:
Studying AZ QB Foles on tape right now.Highly impressed with his ability to deal with pressure so far.
— Todd McShay (@McShay13) February 10, 2012
No one is suggesting Foles is the better prospect than Griffin or any of the other names mentioned, but it does bode well for the former-Wildcat going forward as scouts begin to evaluate his game tapes. He certainly lacks the foot speed to become an elusive runner at the next level, but Foles' ability to throw with the defense in his face could help make up for that.
For more on Foles and the UA Wildcats, head on over to Arizona Desert Swarm.
The Arizona Cardinals are deficient in several crucial areas, and it's likely there won't be easy fixes with just one draft pick. But one of the big issues that they need to shore up is their offensive line. Pass protection and run blocking could use improvement, as Arizona's quarterbacks spent a lot of time getting hit this past season. Kevin Kolb's year was cut short because of an inability to stay upright on the vast majority of his snaps.
Draft Tek has the Cardinals getting one of the best available offensive lineman, in this case Stanford tackle Jonathan Martin. Martin is definitely someone who can shore things up for Arizona on the edge.
Starting RT, Brandon Keith, is a free agent. Kevin Kolb and John Skelton are expected to battle it out for the starting job and if either are going to have success, they will need improved protection up front. Drafting Martin would allow them to slide Levi to his more natural RT position and allow them to let Keith walk in free agency. Martin has spent the last couple years protecting Andrew Luck's blindside. While he had a down junior year, he's still got great overall talent and athleticism and has plenty of room on his frame to bulk up and be an impact starter. Gino's Draft Talk
To talk about Martin and his fit with the Cardinals, head on over to Revenge of the Birds. To discuss Martin and Stanford football, go to Rule of Tree. To talk more about the NFL Draft in general, Mocking the Draft is the best place to be.
The Arizona Cardinals just missed the playoffs this past season and the team appears to be right on the cusp of returning to the playoffs once again. Assuming the Cardinals can come through with a strong showing at the 2012 NFL Draft, there is no reason to believe they will not be right in the middle of the postseason chase next year. While there are various areas of the team to improve, most see Arizona selecting an offensive lineman this April.
Our very own site, Revenge Of The Birds, just released their latest mock draft.
13. Arizona Cardinals - Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa. Reiff has previously been labeled a top 10 talent, but some are questioning his speed and his ability to protect the left side. Depending on Arizona's tackle situation around draft time they could either pick him up and use him as an all-star RT, or try him at LT and slide Levi (if he comes back) to RT to find the best fit. I think Reiff is solid and I would be very happy to see him fall to 13.
The Cardinals undoubtably need to improve their offensive line and protecting their quarterback better is an absolute necessity going forward, regardless if that QB is Peyton Manning, Kevin Kolb or someone else. In addition to the o-line, the team may look to select a wide receiver to improve their offensive attack or a defensive lineman.
For more on the draft and the Cardinals, head on over to Revenge Of The Birds.
As we approach the NFL Draft in April, NFL teams continue to prepare for that day when they will select players out of college to improve their teams. The Arizona Cardinals have several needs, and perhaps the most pressing one is that of improving the offensive line. In particular, they could use better offensive tackles.
In SB Nation's latest mock draft projections are out and in this edition, Arizona addresses their biggest need with a big player. They are projected to select offensive tackle Jonathan Martin out of Stanford with the 13th pick overall.
The Cardinals mortgaged a chuck on their future for Kevin Kolb. They might have gotten fleeced, but sticking him behind a mound of wet paper towels for protection didn't help. Reports indicate that they plan to let Levi Brown walk. Martin would fill that void ... and then some.
Martin is certainly no stranger to protecting a franchise quarterback. He did protect Andrew Luck in college.
If Arizona goes this route, fans will be very pleased. Improved offensive line play has been something that Cardinals have been asking for almost every season since the team came to Arizona.
Could Martin be the answer? Hopefully. With Leonard Davis and Levi Brown being the Cardinals' track record of offensive linemen in the first round, fans will be pleased but will proceed with caution.
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The Arizona Cardinals have multiple areas of their team they would like to improve upon at the 2012 NFL Draft and it seems like there is a new mock draft out daily. While all eyes will be on the Super Bowl this weekend, many scouts and coaches are busily preparing for workouts and the NFL Combine, which will take place in a few short weeks. The Cardinals will have the No. 13 overall pick at their disposal this year.
According to ESPN's Todd McShay, Arizona will be selecting an offensive lineman in the first round.
13. David DeCastro, G, Stanford
This might seem a bit high for a guard, but DeCastro was the most dominant interior offensive lineman in the nation in 2011 and has a chance to develop into one of the elite NFL players at his position. Offensive tackle is also a need area, but DeCastro is a much better overall player than the top available tackle. Cornerback could also be a consideration, but both Janoris Jenkins (North Alabama) and Dre Kirkpatrick (Alabama) carry off-field baggage.
There is no denying the Cardinals desperately need to bolster their o-line this offseason, and DeCastro is a top-tier lineman on just about every draft board. He earned a name for himself at Stanford with a stellar work ethic and played in a pro style offense. He may not have the upside to become a star, but there's a very strong chance he blossoms into a very reliable interior lineman for a long time in the NFL.
The Arizona Cardinals need plenty of help, but the most glaring need is obviously the offensive line. Kevin Kolb and John Skelton were frequently on their backs during a season of back-and-forth, up-and-down play from the quarterback position on a team with a solid core of receivers that includes the incomparable Larry Fitzgerald.
With that said, SBNation's most recent mock draft has the Cardinals making the very sane selection of Stanford Cardinal offensive guard David DeCastro with the no. 13 overall pick in the upcoming draft. Ryan Van Bibber had this to say about the pick.
"Arizona's expensive new quarterback, Kevin Kolb, was nearly ground into dust playing behind a faulty offensive line. They need tackles as well as interior linemen. DeCastro is the best lineman on the board at this point in the draft. He might be the best interior line prospect since Steve Hutchinson. The Stanford product will instantly upgrade the unit."
Anytime an offensive lineman is put in the same sentence as Steve Hutchinson, it's a great sign. If DeCastro comes close to Hutch's production, he will be a great get at no. 13.
The Arizona Cardinals were in a tough spot in 2011. While the team certainly wasn't bad, they also lacked the talent and star power to return to the playoffs once again. The Cardinals should be able to help their team greatly as they hold a multitude of picks for the 2012 Draft, including the No. 13 overall selection in the first round. There are various areas of the team they may improve upon, including offensive line help and/or a pass rushing defensive end, but this latest projection has Arizona taking a wide receiver.
Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor: The Cardinals surprised many when they stuck to their board and took cornerback Patrick Peterson with the fifth pick overall last April when they had bigger areas of need. Similarly, if there were a pass rusher or offensive tackle worthy of consideration here the Cardinals would obviously be interested but with none of value available, Arizona could be forced to look at alternative options. One attractive possibility would be adding a playmaker opposite Larry Fitzgerald like Wright.
This is one of the higher projections for Wright, although he has reportedly performed very well at Senior Bowl workouts. While he lacks the frame of a prototypical No. 1 wide receiver, his speed and deceptive quickness can make plays happen all over the field. The thought of Wright and Fitzgerald on the same field would be very scary for opposing defenses in the NFC West.
For more on Arizona and their draft plans, head on over to Revenge Of The Birds.
With prominent quarterbacks like Matt Barkley and Landry Jones returning to college for another season, there's an opening for senior quarterbacks to move on up in the draft. Fortunately, the Arizona Wildcats and the Arizona St. Sun Devils have two potential quarterbacks that could make it next year in the 2012 NFL Draft.
Nick Foles is projected as a top five quarterback in this draft, but he'll need a lot more work than the better prospects out there, and is currently projected in the fourth round with the 104th pick to the Miami Dolphins. The Dolphins are far from settled at the position, so taking on someone like Foles could stabilize their depth.
Brock Osweiler is projected in the fifth round with the 137th pick to the Buffalo Bills. The Bills do seem to have their own issues, and this late it makes sense to take a chance with a quarterback that could fulfill a need for this team.
To discuss Foles potentially being a Dolphin, head to The Phinsider. To talk about Osweiler heading to the Bills, go to Buffalo Rumblings. To talk about Foles and Osweiler with Arizona/ASU fans, check out Arizona Desert Swarm (Wildcats) and House of Sparky (Sun Devils). To discuss the NFL Draft in general, head to Mocking the Draft.
The Arizona Cardinals have some fixes they need to put in place to get back to respectability. Arizona has trouble protecting the passer, as both Kevin Kolb and John Skelton have had their struggles partly because they haven't had the time to sit back in the pocket, survey the field, and find their receivers before they get bothered by the pass rush.
Ryan Van Bibber of SB Nation has his latest NFL Mock Draft. Mike Adams of the Ohio St. Buckeyes has become an under-the-target prospect that the Cardinals might go after with the 13th pick in the first round. Bibber explains why below.
I mocked Adams pretty high last week, and nothing got me more hate mail. I can take it. I think his stock will get a big boost this week in Mobile at the Senior Bowl. Arizona needs all kinds of help along their front five.
It'd be interesting if the Cardinals take a chance on a guy like Adams, although he could potentially rise as the offseason drags along.
To discuss Adams potentially being on the Cardinals, go to Revenge of the Birds. To talk about Adams with Ohio State fans, check out Along the Olentangy. To talk about the NFL Draft in general, head to Mocking the Draft.
The 2012 NFL Draft is on its way. As the date moves closer, analysis is beginning to heat up. One name that is beginning to pop up more often on the various mock drafts and speculation articles is Juron Criner of the Arizona Wildcats.
The latest mock draft posted at Draft Tek suggests that Criner might be selected at the end of the first round. Specifically, they theorize that the wide receiver will be selected as the No. 31 overall pick by the San Francisco 49ers. Here is what 49ers analyst Tim Hudson has to say:
This week it's Criner to the rescue for the 49er passing woes. Vernon Davis is a great asset, but a WRF on the roster will open passing lanes for Davis and ensure better matchups for the offense. There are those who knock Criner for his lack of straight-ahead speed and weakness off the line against press coverage, but here at DraftTek we see great value in Criner. Going into 2011, Criner was a borderline 1st round pick and managed 75 catches for 956 yards and 11TDs this season despite a 4-8 Arizona record, losing time in the summer with a mystery illness , and suffering an appendectomy in week 2. Criner possesses elite body control and ball awareness, and is a great target for Alex Smith. He recorded play of the week catches twice: This vs UCLA , and this vs Toledo. Combine that with his blocking ability and you've got a complete WRF to stand-out in the 49er corps.
Most analysts agree that the Niners are looking to beef up their depth regarding wideouts. Criner might be the most attractive option left on the board when the No. 31 pick rolls around.
For all news and information regarding the Arizona Wildcats, please visit Arizona Desert Swarm. For perspective on the San Francisco 49ers, head on over to Niners Nation. For lots more on the 2012 NFL Draft, check out Mocking the Draft.
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Juron Criner may not have a chance to go in the top-15 of the 2012 NFL Draft like other wide receivers will, but he could very well end up being the best of the bunch. Armed with enough size to go up strong and make a catch, enough speed to beat his defenders and incredible hands capable of causing havoc in the red zone, those in Tucson saw just how special Criner could be the last few years.
While most scouts believe Criner is likely going to be selected in the second round, Russ Lande of Sporting News had Criner in the first round of his latest mock draft.
26. Houston Texans: Juron Criner, WR, Arizona. With Andre Johnson out much of the season with hamstring problems, the Texans' passing attack really struggled. So they grab the vastly underrated Criner-who has good size (6-3, 215), deceptive quickness and rare hands-to play opposite Johnson.
The thought of Johnson and Criner on opposite sides of the field should be a very scary thought for those in the AFC and the duo could become deadly if they are able to stay healthy. Other than wide receiver, the team could also look to improve their secondary.
With so many talented wide receivers available for the 2012 Draft, it is imperative that Criner puts on a show during his workouts. If he does, he may just find his name being called on April 26.
The 2012 NFL Draft is just three months away and it seems like a new mock draft comes out every single day. While the Arizona Cardinals have multiple areas of their team that they would like to improve through the draft, one area that will certainly be addressed is the offensive line. Arizona has the No. 13 pick this year and the most recent update from Russ Lande of Sporting News has OT Jonathan Martin heading to Phoenix.
13. Arizona Cardinals: Jonathan Martin*, OT, Stanford. Arizona's offensive line has had big problems protecting the quarterback in recent seasons, and Martin would give them a strong left tackle to protect the blind side of their quarterback.
Martin was a standout with the Stanford Cardinal the last few seasons and operated in a pro-style offense as he protected Andrew Luck on a weekly basis. Blessed with incredible size, athleticism and a knowledge of the game, some have Martin projected as high as the top-10. If the Cardinals decide to look elsewhere with their first round pick, they could potentially add a wide receiver or pass rusher.
For more on the team, head over to Revenge Of The Birds.
With the official countdown for the 2012 NFL draft officially underway, ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. has released his first version of his mock draft for this season, and has the Arizona Cardinals selecting Stanford’s Jonathan Martin to help them out on the offensive line.
Here is Kiper’s take on the pairing of Martin and the Cardinals:
Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford
The Cardinals need to mend the offensive line — they haven’t drafted an offensive lineman before the fifth round since 2007 — and Martin is an athletic, powerful left tackle who can help upgrade this unit immediately. While questions remain about what the Cardinals have at the quarterback position after they committed so much both in terms of value and dollars to Kevin Kolb, there’s no question they have to be better up front regardless of who takes the snaps. Again, that’s a long time to go without getting some talent up front early in a draft. Martin would be a solid value here.
A guy like Martin could go a long way to help improve the Cardinals offensive line, especially a team that hasn’t drafted one higher than fifth in a long while now. They have the offense, they just need some more protection to let it unfold.
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Excellent draft site DraftBreakdown.com published their most recent mock draft on Monday and like many around the web right now, mocked an offensive tackle to the Cardinals. Ryan Lownes has this to say on Arizona's mock selection:
Jonathan Martin - OT - Stanford* - Whether or not the team won more games than many expected, the first year of the Kevin Kolb experiment in Arizona has to be considered a massive failure. To protect their huge investment, expect the Cardinals to address their struggling offensive line sooner rather than later. Martin is an exceptional athlete for the left tackle position and is among this class' most proficient pass-blockers.
It's becoming a common theme for analysts to project a left tackle to the Cardinals in the first round and Jonathan Martin is one of the usual suspects. As a result, the Stanford product is likely to become a household name for fans in the next few months in the run up to Draft day.
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While Nick Foles and Juron Criner have worked their way to the first and second rounds after their careers as Arizona Wildcats, cornerback Trevin Wade is working to improve his draft stock after a late-round projection. While most feel the senior corner will not be selected until the sixth or seventh round, the time is now for Wade, who was a fan-favorite in Tucson, to step up in workouts and drills.
While he practices for the East-West Shrine Game, it sounds like Wade is making all the right moves, according to this latest update from Scouts Inc. of ESPN.
Arizona CB Trevin Wade had a solid showing on Day 2. He showed some instincts and looked loose in the hips, flashing the ability to transition easily when changing direction. In addition, Wade made a nice play when caught in trail technique in one-on-one drills, turning to locate an underthrown ball and high-pointing it for the interception. His overall speed is a question, but Wade could help his late-round stock if he continues to make plays.
Wade earned himself a reputation of being a hard worker while in Tucson and was the leader of the defensive unit these past two years. He may not be a big name as of right now and his draft stock may be low, but whichever team takes a chance on him will not regret it. They will be getting a talented kid capable of making plays, who is also a first-rate teammate.
For more on the Wildcats, head on over to AZ Desert Swarm.
SB Nation's Ryan Van Bibber released his latest mock draft Tuesday and projected that the Cardinals would select an intriguing inside linebacker named Luke Kuechly at the thirteenth spot. Here's what Van Bibber had this to say:
Arizona has bits and pieces here and there on their defensive roster. What they lack is a linchpin inside linebacker. Stewart Bradley was not that guy; Kuechly is. In a year or two, he could rival Patrick Willis and James Laurinaitis for the best inside linebacker in the NFC West.
Extremely high praise for the Boston College project who, according to the scouting I've seen, lacks elite speed but has extremely rare instincts and solid tackling ability. When he declared, there was a nearly a nearly consensus opinion that he'd be a first round pick and a great outpouring of praise for Kuechly, so this doesn't appear to be a reach for Arizona.
For all the latest AZ sports news, follow us on Twitter @SBNArizona and "Like" uson Facebook. For all news and information regarding the Cardinals, please visitRevenge of the Birds. For lots more mock draft discussion, check out Mocking The Draft.
The 2012 NFL Draft is rapidly approaching and the speculation and analysis continues to swirl. An intriguing development for the Arizona Cardinals popped up recently concerning the team's third round selection.
Recently, mock draft website DraftTek posited that the Cardinals would select offensive tackle Mike Adams in the first round. Although the Cardinals will not have a pick in the second round of the 2012 NFL Draft, mock draft website Walter Football believes that the Cardinals might seek out another offensive tackle with their third round selection, which would be the No. 81 overall pick. Specifically, Walter Football believes that OT Brandon Mosley of the Auburn Tigers would be the target at that point. Here's what they have to say:
There's a strong possibility that the Cardinals could double dip at offensive tackle in the first few rounds. That's how dire the situation is at that position.
It would certainly be interesting if the Cardinals spent their first two draft picks picking up two offensive tackles, but this is an offensive line in Arizona that is in desperate need of reinforcements.
Mosley is 6'5" and weighs 305 lbs. Mocking the Draft has him ranked as their No. 15 offensive tackle in this year's NFL Draft. Keep in mind, there are an astounding amount of NFL teams who will need assistance at that position in the coming year.
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The 2012 NFL Draft is coming up in short order, but every week brings more wrinkles, more options and more possibilities. One of the pressing needs for the Arizona Cardinals is shoring up their offensive line for greater pass protection and blocking. One of the targets for the Cardinals may be left offensive tackle Mike Adams, formerly of the Ohio State Buckeyes.
Here's what mock draft website Draft Tek has to say:
Arizona left tackle Levi Brown gave up 40 QB pressures and 11 sacks this year. That was good enough to be fourth most in pressures and third most in sacks. Right tackle Brandon Keith fared a little better, giving up five sacks and 24 pressures which put him 31st and 37th in the league, respectively. Offensive tackle is far and away the biggest need for the Cardinals, who need to protect either Kevin Kolb or John Skelton, whichever wins the starting job. Mike Adams is the top senior tackle in this class. Adams was a highly recruited player that really came into his own as a junior. After missing the first five games this year due to his involvement in tattoo-gate, Adams picked up right where he left off as a junior and really showed why he was such a highly regarded recruit. Adams has great size and athleticism and projects well to the left side.
The stats regarding Levi Brown certainly put a harsh light on the offensive line's desperate need for improvement in the coming year. For shoring up the line, especially considering the positioning of the Cardinals in the first round, they could certainly do worse than Adams.
For all the latest AZ sports news, follow us on Twitter @SBNArizona and "Like" us on Facebook. For all news and information regarding the Cardinals, please visit Revenge of the Birds. For lots more mock draft discussion, check out Mocking The Draft.
The Arizona Cardinals are looking to get better and better as a team. However, many of the blue-chip players who are likely to be sure-fire contributors will probably be gone by the time the draft board rolls to the 13th pick. They won't have as much flexibility with their draft pick
Pick 256 had this board from Mocking The Draft, and he has the Cardinals dipping into the well and finding a partner in crime for Larry Fitzgerald. Fitz is beastly on his own, but having another player who's as capable as he is could be a step in the right direction for the team. Here is the explanation from Pick 256 about why Kendall Wright of the Baylor Bears is the perfect person to fit that description.
The Cardinals have been looking for a #2 WR since trading Anquan Boldin. Early Doucet is a free agent and might not return and Andre Roberts probably isn't the answer. The fleet of foot Wright has been rising up draft boards in the wake of an excellent 2011 season and would make an excellent option opposite Larry Fitzgerald.
To talk about Wright with Baylor fans, go to Our Daily Bears. To discuss the Cardinals and the NFL Draft, check out Revenge of the Birds. To talk about the NFL Draft, go to Mocking the Draft.
NFL Draft Analyst Rob Rang has emerged as a very highly respected source for player analysis and I've found his evaluations to be fair and well-argued. As a Northwest native that has followed the Seahawks and their NFC West rival Cardinals a little more closely than the rest of the NFL, I tend to pay heed to his mock drafts a little more seriously than others. Rang, in his latest mock draft, has the Cardinals taking a very intriguing prospect at the 13th spot:
Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor: The Cardinals surprised many when they stuck to their board and took cornerback Patrick Peterson with the fifth pick overall last April when they had bigger areas of need. Similarly, if there were a pass rusher or offensive tackle worthy of consideration here the Cardinals would obviously be interested but with none of value available, Arizona could be forced to look at alternative options. One attractive possibility would be adding a playmaker opposite Larry Fitzgerald like Wright.
Adding another receiver opposite Fitzgerald may not be such a luxury after all, especially if Early Doucet leaves in free agency. Though Andre Roberts impressed in the later part of the year, Wright would be a potentially elite talent on offense, and another potent weapon for Kevin Kolb or John Skelton.
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The Arizona Cardinals have multiple aspects of their club they would like to upgrade in the offseason and the offensive line will likely be one of the primary areas of concern. A unit with a solid mix of both young and veteran players, the Cardinals hope to improve their line to increase offensive productivity. Some have also suggested the team may look to select a wide receiver or pass rusher if a player presents himself.
Armed with the No. 13 pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the team could very well use their top pick on an offensive lineman. The latest mock draft from SI.com thinks it could happen.
13. Arizona Cardinals -- Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford
The Cardinals want to see their investment in quarterback Kevin Kolb pay off and will try to bolster the offensive line. Expect them to let veteran offensive tackle Levi Brown go in the offseason.
Martin, who clocks in at an intimidating 6'6" and 306 pounds, had a fantastic senior season with Stanford and will likely be able to make it as a right tackle in the NFL. Coming out of a pro-style offense, most have Martin going somewhere in the middle of the first round, with a top-10 pick possible if he puts on a show at the NFL Combine in the near future. The 2012 Draft is scheduled for Thursday, April 26.
For more on the Cardinals and to discuss the team with other fans, head on over to Revenge Of The Birds.
The Arizona Cardinals are going to have to take a look at whether they should take the best possible prospect on the board or the player that fills the position of need. They might get lucky enough to find someone who can fit both of those categories.
Ryan Van Bibber has the Cardinals targeting Kuechly in his latest mock draft at SB Nation, and he explains why he would make the perfect fit in Glendale.
Ray Horton's defense played over their heads this year. Drafting Kuechly gives them a crucial pivot in the middle of their defense, making life harder for Marshawn Lynch when they see him twice a year. The BC standout won a bucket of awards, including the Butkus Award for the top college linebacker, thanks in part of a gaudy average of almost 16 tackles per game.
The Cardinals definitely do have trouble in the middle of their defense and could always use a gamechanger at the position. Kuechly could fit that, and make Arizona a defense that'll be tough for any team to deal with in the upcoming years. Arizona still has plenty of options to choose from though.
To talk about Kuechly with Boston College fans, head to BC Interruption. To discuss the prospect of Kuechly playing for the Cardinals, go to Revenge of the Birds.
The 2012 NFL Draft will soon be upon us. NCAA and NFL experts and pundits are beginning to release projectios about where the various players in the draft will end up. One of the players who is expected to be drafted in the first round is Arizona Wildcats wide receiver Juron Criner.
Drew Forsyth, the Bears analyst for the mock draft website Drafttek, has Criner pegged as the No. 19 overall draft pick, being selected by the Chicago Bears in the first round. Here's what Forsyth has to say:
After all was said and done the Mike Martz passing attack came in 26th in the league for passing yards according to ESPN.com. In today's NFL that simply will not get the job done when you have two prolific offenses in your own division. Chicago's ineffectiveness in the passing game can be attributed to a) poor offensive line play, and b) A big #1 WR target for Cutler. Juron Criner has that size. At 6'4 and with room to add muscle to his frame he can go up and get the ball at its highest point, he runs crisp routes, and would provide Jay Cutler with a different type of weapon in the passing game. The Bears may also be looking at a defensive end at this spot, so do not rule out a Melvin Ingram from South Carolina or Andre Branch from Clemson.
Criner was one of the standout players for the Wildcats in a disappointing and uneven 2011 season. The Bears have a distinct need for a wide receiver, a position which is usually well-represented in the first round of the draft.
For all news and information regarding the Arizona Wildcats, please visit Arizona Desert Swarm. For perspective on the Chicago Bears, check out Windy City Gridiron.
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The Arizona Cardinals are currently watching the NFL playoffs from home, but their front office is almost certainly hard at work preparing for the 2012 NFL Draft. This year's class is deep and versatile, which is good for Arizona, since they have a lot of holes to patch up to try and ensure their next season ends up better than their last.
The Cardinals own the No. 13 overall pick in the draft. The National Football Post has written up a new mock draft to try to make sense of who will end up where. Their latest projection has the Cardinals selecting OLB/DE Melvin Ingram of South Carolina in the first round. Their reasoning:
Ingram has the ability to play with his hand on the ground or rush off the edge from a two-point stance. He's a sudden pass rusher with natural change of direction skills, long arms and could offer some talent and versatility to the Cardinals defense on third down.
A dynamic pass rusher would certainly be a welcome tool in the Arizona arsenal in 2012.
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Nick Foles may not be as well known as other quarterbacks available for the 2012 NFL Draft because of poor play from the Arizona Wildcats, but he is a solid prospect shooting up draft boards. With the recent decisions from Matt Barkley and Landry Jones to stay in college for one more season, Foles is now projected as the third-best quarterback prospect behind Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III, according to Mel Kiper Jr.
He may have lost a little shine this season because of the way the Wildcats performed as a team, but Foles is a really solid developmental prospect. He's a big kid, at 6-foot-5 and 240 pounds, is accurate, moves and throws well to both his right and his left, and has solid mechanics. Questions for Foles start with decision-making, but I think he may have tried to force his throws too often as the team struggled, and the numbers tell some of that story. But you can draft Foles in the late first or early second round and develop him.
Luck will likely to go No. 1 to the Colts and Griffin will go somewhere in the top-5, leaving Foles as the best option for teams looking to find their next quarterback. With so many franchises transitioning their offense, it would not be surprising one bit to see Foles go even higher than some draft experts are predicting. It is imperative that Foles put on a show at both the Senior Bowl and at the NFL Combine.
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The Arizona Cardinals may have hurt their own spot in the draft selection by winning their final game of the regular season and finishing at .500, but they are still in solid shape with the No. 13 overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft.
The Cardinals need a lot of help on both sides of the ball, as was evidenced by their decidedly uneven play this season. They are likely to focus on their offensive line rather than picking up some specific offensive weapons. Draft website New NFL Draft seems to support this theory in their latest mock draft.
More: Check out SB Nation's latest NFL mock draft.
New NFL Draft suggests that the Cardinals might select a Stanford Cardinal in the first round, namely David DeCastro, whom the site ranks and the No. 1 guard in the 2012 draft. Here's what they have to say:
The Cardinals grab a very good Offensive Lineman out of Stanford. Not only can he play both Guard positions but I also believe that he has the ability to play the Right Tackle position. In this 2012 NFL Mock Draft I think the Cardinals could go for a defensive player as well. With that being said I think protecting their QB and helping with the running game is important.
The senior from Bellevue, Washington is 6'5" and weighs 310 pounds. His talent and versatility has been noted by many experts and evaluators.
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The Arizona Cardinals have a lot of things they need to fix up, but one of the big issues is at linebacker. Stewart Bradley flamed out at the position this year, so linebacker is a big position of need, particularly on the inside. The Cardinals might very well go with one of the top linebacker prospects available in the 2012 NFL Draft, Luke Kuechly of the Boston College Eagles.
The Cardinals also have other needs, like offensive tackle. If they can't pick up a top guy in the first round, then they might as well go with a lineman in the third. Brandon Mosley of the Auburn Tigers is the guy the Cardinals picked in this mock draft.
There's a strong possibility that the Cardinals could double dip at offensive tackle in the first few rounds. That's how dire the situation is at that position.
The fourth round pick seems like a reach, but who knows what'll happen this late? The Cardinals are going with a secondary pick here. Another Eagle, Donnie Fletcher is their pick here.
Starter-turned-nickel corner A.J. Jefferson really struggled in 2011, so the Cardinals will think about bringing in some depth at the position.
To discuss the NFL Draft and the Cardinals, head to Revenge of the Birds.
The latest SB Nation mock draft is out and Ryan Van Bibber predictably has chosen to project Andrew Luck to go to the Colts with the number one pick. Can't say I think he'll be wrong on that one, though it should get interesting should Luck decide playing behind Peyton Manning for 3+ seasons is not his ideal career path. Regardless, after that first pick, the waters get a little murkier and many things can change between now and Draft day, but Van Bibber has an intriguing prospect projected to the Cardinals. Here's what he said:
Arizona came into their own in the season's second half. Their quarterback questions (again) aside, they could use help on the line. Martin is a big improvement, who helps in pass protection and run blocking. They need an upgrade over Levi Brown who is scheduled to make around $18 million in 2012, including a $9.6 million bonus, the last year of his contract.
I'm not sure if what Van Bibber projects has legs, but it would certainly be an interesting pick for the Cardinals, as they could cut some cap room by dropping Levi Brown's contract and possibly put that money into locking up their impending free agents or even looking around on the market. It's that time of the year when ideas get thrown around, and this is certainly an intriguing one. Will Martin go from the Cardinal to the Cardinals?
For more on the Cardinals on the happenings of their new offseason, make sure you check out Revenge of the Birds.
The Arizona Cardinals picked up a win over the Seattle Seahawks in their final game of the 2011 NFL season, but in doing so, they effectively dropped their standing in the 2012 NFL Draft. While the Seahawks could now pick as high as 11th in the Draft, the Cardinals are now locked in to pick 14th.
As Revenge of the Birds recently pointed out, the offensive line needs serious work, notably both offensive tackles. You could add a top wide receiver to their "want" list, but both positions at OT seem to be at the top of the "need" column.
Unfortunately, there are a handful of other teams also in need of O-line help, many of which are picking ahead of the Cardinals. It's a near certainty that the top OT players in the draft, Jonathan Martin of Stanford and Matt Kalil of USC, will be long gone by the time the Cardinals pick rolls around. There is a very slight chance that Riley Reiff of Iowa will still be on the market for the 14th pick, but Ohio State's Mike Adams might be their best option when turn comes.
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2012 NFL Mock Draft: Mike Mayock Has Arizona Cardinals Taking Riley Reiff
The Arizona Cardinals have one pressing need above all others: Upgrading their offensive line. Arizona had some of the worst pass protection in the league last year and they were always scrambling to protect their quarterbacks. Without better offensive line talent, it's unlikely that the team will be able to move much further than they've already gone.
Mike Mayock released his lone mock draft on NFL.com, and the Cardinals end up taking tackle Riley Reiff or the Iowa Hawkeyes with their pick. Again, it fills a huge position of need for Arizona and could upgrade them as a team.
Check out the video below of Mayock explaining his pick further.
Talk about how good a fit Reiff would be in Arizona with Cardinals fans at Revenge of the Birds. To discuss how good Reiff is with Iowa football fans, head on over to Black Heart Gold Pants. Check out more mock draft coverage at Mocking the Draft.
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Apr 26 6:00a by Avinash Kunnath