clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

NFL Draft 2011: AJ Green Could Be In Play For Arizona Cardinals

Just last week, Peter King from SI.com released a mock draft that had the Cardinals drafting a player that had not come up in hardly any previous projections. He had the Cardinals taking Georgia receiver A.J. Green with the fifth pick overall, even with Patrick Peterson available. 

This was not just a random pick, even though there is some sense to it. Peter King was using previous Cardinals draft information to make this projection. In his latest column, King explains that the Cardinals tried to trade up in last year's draft. 

The target was wide receiver Dez Bryant, who ended up being drafted by the Dallas Cowboys. At that time, Anquan Boldin had been traded, but the team was still pretty set at receiver, as both Steve Breaston and Early Doucet were still under contract. 

This year, most believe that there is not way that the Cardinals would draft a receiver in the first round. But if they were willing to do it last year when they had the necessary depth, why would they not look at that position now? Now their situation is a bit tenuous, as both Breaston and Doucet are not under contract for the 2011 season.

Do I think that receiver is a priority? No. I believe that defense is priority number one for them at the top of the draft. however, if their favorite players are already gone at number five, I would not be shocked and I would be very happy to welcome A.J. Green to the Cardinals fold.