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.