:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/8088271/132679349.0.jpg)
The Arizona Cardinals had quite possibly the worst offensive line in the NFL in 2012. They allowed a league-high 58 sacks, and the offense had the worst yards per carry average in the NFL at 3.4. The Cardinals need help at a lot of places on offense, including quarterback, and with the seventh-overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, they're in a position to get a player that can come in and contribute immediately.
ESPN's Mel Kiper and Todd McShay both released updated mock drafts last week, and not surprisingly, both of them have the Cardinals taking the same player on offense. However, that player is Central Michigan offensive tackle Eric Fisher.
Kiper notes that while Arizona could go for a quarterback at this spot, they would get better value for their pick by taking Fisher:
This is one of the spots where you could see a QB come off the board, but at this stage a QB taken at No. 7 would be a significant reach. Until we see major strides by one of the QB options, Arizona is better off adding a key piece it can start right away and looking for a QB in Round 2, or trading up into the late first. And remember, the Cardinals may have moved on a QB in free agency or via a trade by April. Fisher isn't a big name, but he's as a good as any tackle in this class outside of Joeckel. Arizona was a train wreck at tackle for much of 2012, and even with some young guys on the roster, they need to consider a better option if available.
McShay also thinks the Cardinals may be tempted to take a quarterback, but also goes with Fisher instead:
The Cardinals have a glaring need at quarterback, and with new offensive coordinator Bruce Arians bringing a vertical attack to Arizona that makes NC State QB Mike Glennon the best fit there. But he might not be worth the pick. The Cards' No. 2 need is at offensive tackle, and Fisher has the feet, length and balance to move into the starting role at left tackle. That would allow aging, injury-riddled Levi Brown to move to the right side, where he is a better fit.
SB Nation's Dan Kadar has the Cardinals selecting Arkansas quarterback Tyler Wilson in his newest mock draft, so there's a lot of variance on which direction Arizona is going to go.