Arizona Cardinals Team Needs

By: Greg Davis

Cornerback
The Cardinals may use their top pick to add talent to a cornerback group that hasn’t performed as well as hoped. Antrel Rolle has moved from the corner position to the free safety position, making the position one of even greater need. Roderick Hood and Eric Green will need to be challenged, but they also need insurance behind them. Fortunately, the Cardinals find this a need with a draft that is deep in cornerback talent, so the team should be able to find what they need without having to reach.

Linebacker
Linebacker Chike Okeafor is coming off of an injury as is defensive end Bertrand Berry. Both players have been moved around on the defensive side of the ball, but with the injuries looming Arizona can’t take the chance of heading into the season without adding depth at both spots. Darnell Dockett has come along nicely and will look to build on his nine sacks from last season, but in order to do so, he’ll need players around him to also apply pressure and make his effort easier. A pass rusher off of the end and a linebacker who can also apply pressure in blitzing situations will propel the defense into a much better position. The linebacker need is greater, but if the team can add help at both spots, it’ll be a bonus.

Offensive Line
The offensive line needs additional depth as well. The position is relatively young, but left tackle Mike Gandy might need to be replaced down the road, and the team could use skilled players in case of injury. Drafting a lineman and bringing him along in the hopes of having a future starter is a likely possibility for the team this year.

Running Back
Arizona might also consider adding another running back project to the mix with Edgerrin James turning 30 years of age—the age many see as a “wall” for running backs—this season. James may still have a few good seasons left in him, but it would be risky to assume so and not add depth as soon as possible. The team could use a mi-round selection to add a change of pace back that may develop into a number one at some point down the line.