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NFL Mock Draft 2013: Cardinals select Mike Glennon with 7th pick

With their first round pick, Arizona could take one of the top quarterbacks available in 2013.

By Scott Coleman
US PRESSWIRE

The Arizona Cardinals' once-promising 2012 season took a turn for the worst following a surprising 4-0 start. After the team started losing, their problems became increasingly magnified on a weekly basis. Fortunately for new coach Bruce Arians and the front office, the Cardinals have the No. 7 overall pick at their disposal in 2013.

There are a lot of areas on the roster Arizona could improve. An influx of talent at quarterback, the offensive line, wide receiver and the defensive line would go a long way in making the Cards competitive in a rapidly improving NFC West.

The latest mock draft from Josh Norris of Roto World sees the Cardinals giving coach Arians a new quarterback to build around.

7. Arizona Cardinals -- QB Mike Glennon, NC State

Strong armed passer that can make quick decisions while vertically testing single high safeties? I think Glennon fits Bruce Arians' style very well and thrives on getting the ball out of his hands immediately after planting off his back foot on three or five step drops. The Cardinals' offensive line issues are dreadful, and Glennon struggles the longer the ball is in his hands, especially against interior pressure.

Arians did a terrific job with Andrew Luck last season in Indianapolis. Glennon isn't quite as polished or talented as Luck is, but there are some similarities. They both have strong arms, and if given time to operate in the pocket, they are accurate with the football. And while they won't draw comparisons to Robert Griffin III with their legs, both are capable of getting outside the pocket and making plays happen with their feet.

The only reason Arizona may not go with a QB in the first round is if they deem there aren't any prospects worthy of such a high pick. A trade down in the first round would bring in extra picks, which could go towards building up an awful offensive line.

Matthew Fairburn of SB Nation had offensive tackle Eric Fisher heading to the desert at No. 7 in his latest mock draft. Fisher would provide protection for whichever quarterback is playing on Sundays, whether it be Kevin Kolb, Alex Smith, Jamarcus Russell or any other signal-caller.