The Arizona Cardinals have a lot of work to do in order to escape the cellar in a suddenly stacked NFC West. While they are not going to contend with the San Francisco 49ers or Seattle Seahawks anytime soon, the Cardinals need to start closing ground between themselves and the St. Louis Rams. 

John Skelton and Ryan Lindley were absolute disasters at quarterback in 2012, but didn't get a whole heck of a lot of help from an offensive line that yielded the most sacks in the NFL for a second consecutive season. Meanwhile, Kevin Kolb just never got a shot after being injured early in the season and has probably taken his last snap in the desert after two lackluster years. 

Needless to say, Arizona has to get to work with new heac coach Bruce Arians. It all starts with the draft. Here is eDraft's initial Cardinals mock of the 2013 NFL Draft season. 

1. Eric Fisher, Offensive Tackle, Central Michigan

To say that the Cardinals need multiple upgrades along the offensive line would be a major understatement. Nate Potter and Bobby Massie really aren’t going to cut it moving forward as a solid tackle tandem. While Arizona is in need of a quarterback, it makes no sense to draft one behind the worst offensive line in the entire National Football League.

Some were worried about Fisher’s ability to go up against the big boys, but he seems to have the “it” factor when it comes to being a blindside protector at the next level. I love Fisher’s footwork and technique. Look for the small-school product to come in and immediately become an above-replacement offensive tackle as a rookie.

2. Matt Barkley, Quarterback, Southern California

No, I don’t have Barkley going in the first round. While that is still a possibility depending on which quarterbacks are selected in the top 10, I just don’t value him that high. Though, the USC product would represent solid value for the QB-needy Cardinals here. In fact, he could be a day one starter in the desert. Barkley, who relied a great deal on collegiate level throws at SC, doesn’t have the same amount of upside as some of the other top quarterbacks in this extremely weak draft class. Probably won’t be much more than a barely above average starter in NFL. Still, Arizona needs to take the shot here.

3. William Gholston, Defensive End, Michigan State

Calais Campbell might be as solid as they come at the left defensive end position, but Arizona lacks the necessary depth to compete with the offensive lines of the Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers in the NFC West. Gholston, despite erratic play, has the overall talent to be a starting 3-4 defensive end in the NFL. He is going to have to add a couple solid pass-rush moves to be a force on the outside, but I like the upside here.

4. Joseph Randle, Running Back, Oklahoma State

Some outlets are projecting Randle to be a first-round pick. Back to reality and Earth for a second. The Oklahoma State product does have the burst and talent to be a solid complementary back in the NFL, but he is nowhere near a featured guy. This fits perfectly into what Arizona is looking for. Beanie Wells will not be back next season and Ryan Williams seems to have the starting job nailed down here. Randle could come in to help shoulder the load in the backfield. Great value in the mid rounds.

5. Michael Williams, Tight End, Alabama

In terms of build, Williams has what you look for in a Vernon Davis or Jimmy Graham type of tight end. In terms of overall production and ability of his game to translate to the NFL, the Bama product just isn’t there right now. He struggled a great deal in Senior Bowl practice, but showed up well during the actual game last Saturday. I am intrigued to see what he has in store for us when it comes to the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. Rob Housler can be a decent tight end with a good quarterback, but he doesn’t stand out on tape, Williams does.

6. Conner Vernon, Wide Receiver, Duke

I quickly fell in love Vernon on tape. He has that big-play ability that Arizona was missing a great over the last couple seasons. The most important attribute to Vernon’s game is his ability to use plus body control and reaction to beat the press coverage and find seems down the field. In reality, Vernon is a perfect slot receiver in Arizona’s new offensive scheme. While I don’t envision him lasting until the sixth round when all is said and done, this is where he currently projects. Check back after the combine and pro days.

7. Mike Edwards, Cornerback, Hawaii

Everyone was quick to say Patrick Peterson is an elite cornerback, but I don’t see it that way. He was extremely inconsistent in his second season with Arizona. With that said, Peterson is an obvious No. 1 corner in the NFL. Outside of that, Arizona doesn’t have a whole heck of a lot at this position. Edwards represents solid late-round value at a need position.