Last year, the Cardinals just missed the playoffs. In a handful of other divisions, they would have been the division champions, but the NFC West is stacked with tough competitors and the Cardinals suffered the consequences. Luckily for them, a few key improvements could thrust them into the playoffs next season. Through free agency, they already patched up the offensive line a bit by adding left tackle Jared Veldheer. They also brought in Antonio Cromartie who, despite having a poor 2013, has the athletic ability to be a solid complementary cornerback to Patrick Peterson.
Unfortunately, along with their additions, Arizona lost a number of solid players. Slot receiver Andre Roberts found a new home with the Washington Redskins, leaving a void at the position for Arizona, unless one thinks newly acquired Ted Ginn Jr. can have the same impact. Quite frankly, he can not. Along with Roberts, Eric Winston seems unlikely to return to the team, leaving Bobby Massie to once again struggle at right tackle. Luckily, with the draft coming up, they have a shot to fill some of the remaining holes in their playoff ship.
Major Needs
Outside Linebacker: Typically, a dominant 3-4 defense will have an outside linebacker with 10+ sacks per year potential, at the least. Oddly, despite their ineptitude at outside linebacker, Arizona had a nasty defense. That being said, an added terror on the edge will make the defensive backs’ lives easier as the opposing quarterback is forced to rush his throws. Adding an edge threat to compliment Darnell Dockett and Calais Campbell in the interior would allow Arizona to have a scarier, more versatile pass rush.
Quarterback: Carson Palmer was good enough to run the offense and win 10 games, but he is not the long term answer. He is a stop-gap quarterback that held them over until a good quarterback class, much like this one. With the abundance of non-quarterback talent at the top of the first round, one of the top quarterbacks could end up falling into their laps. If they choose to stick with Palmer for a bit longer, it would still be wise to take a mid round project player.
Right Tackle: Simply put, Bobby Massie is not talented enough to be relied on as starter. With Winston gone, Arizona ought to grab their replacement. Although, there is no need to pounce on a tackle early. That is not to say that it is not plausible, but there is value to be had on the second day and so on of the draft.
Tight End: Going into 2013, Rob Housler was seen as a “sleeper” tight end that would burst onto the scene. Unfortunately, he dramatically underwhelmed. Seeing as John Carlson is the other option, Arizona does not have an above average caliber tight end on the roster. Adding an extra dynamic to the offense, especially in today’s pass-heavy tendencies, would make Arizona’s receiving corps much more intimidating.
Day One Targets
Derek Carr: Carr may possibly go much earlier than the 20th pick, but he is somewhat of a wild card and is equally as likely to fall to 20. If so, Arizona would be foolish to pass on him. Palmer does not have the ability to propel Arizona to NFC dominance, but Carr has the potential to do so. His rocket arm fits Bruce Arians’ vertical style of offense, and the dynamic duo of Larry Fitzgerald and Michael Floyd will allow him, or any rookie quarterback, to ease into the NFL.
Taylor Lewan: At the collegiate level, Lewan was quite dominant at left tackle, but his skill set may translate better to right tackle. Lewan’s draft value is about where Arizona picks and he has fair odds of being there. In the case that he is, Arizona should strongly consider taking him to give Arizona a large, reliable tackle on both sides of the line.
Morgan Moses: Much like Lewan, Moses is a left tackle that may find more success at right tackle. He has a similar build and similar traits to Michael Oher, minus the progressively worsening lack of effort. Right tackles do not get much glory, but Moses has the potential to become one of the best in the league and would make Palmer, or a rookie quarterback, comfortable dropping back time and time again.
Jeremiah Attaochu: Few edge rushers have the combo of strength and movement skills that Attaochu does. As a pass rusher, he can beat tackles by either bending the edge or fighting his way through them. In space, his pursuit, both on running backs and escaping quarterbacks, allows him to save many plays before they become disastrous for his team. His strength and fluidity makes him efficient at setting the edge. He is the type of edge rusher that they have been yearning for.
Day Two Targets
Demarcus Lawrence: Although there is a slim chance that he finds himself in the first round, Lawrence likely hears his name in the second round. Lawrence is not a threat to cover a lot of space, but let him get at the quarterback and Arizona’s defense will prosper. His balance of power and graceful bend is unrivaled by most edge rushers in this class.
Jack Mewhort: Again, Mewhort is a case of a collegiate left tackle who may benefit from a position change. Although, he is less of a typical mauling right tackle than he is a left tackle who struggled resetting his feet. At right tackle, there is more of a leniency for errors such as that. That being said, Mewhort is and will be a solid tackle for years to come and would complete a tackle foundation.
Ja’Wuan James: Unlike other options, James actually played right tackle in college and is familiar with the position. James is strong, fluid, and technically sound, but has issues with consistency. When he is “on,” he is near impenetrable, but his “off” moments can be ugly. If he were to be harnessed, he could be an upper echelon right tackle.
Troy Niklas: Quietly, Niklas has taken a bit of a dip in the media’s eyes and, for Arizona’s sake, just at the right time. If they could go for elsewhere in the first, but still land a tight end with terrifying upside like Niklas, Arizona could go into the third round with a safe mind. Niklas is a converted lineman and it shows in his blocking ability. Luckily, it does not show up as a pass catcher as he dominates catch points.
Zach Mettenberger: Despite the ACL injury, Mettenberger still fits Arians’ mold for a quarterback: tall with a strong arm. At LSU, Mettenberger had an elite receiver duo and would have a similar situation in Arizona. The familiarity would make the pro transition much easier for a quarterback who is already trigger happy. If Arians can tame Mettenberger’s arm, he may have his next star quarterback.
Third Day Targets
Keith Wenning: Much like Mettenberger, Wenning is tall with an impressive arm. He too has issues with forcing passes and staring down receivers, but he is not any worse of a prospect than Mettenberger. Being from a small school like Ball State, he has gotten little press, but he could be a steal in the later rounds.
Shaquille Barrett: Also from a small school, Barrett lacked a platform to display his skills on. Although, when he played against Alabama, he gave possible first round tackle Cyrus Kouandjio fits and beat him on multiple occasions. Barrett is a developmental prospect, but if he were to be able to sit for a few years and come into his own, he could be a solid starter.
CJ Fiedorowicz: Fiedorowicz is an under-appreciated talent. He is not a Vernon Davis type of athletic tight end, but in a pinch, when you need a safety blanket, he will be there. He has a knack for being able to box out defenders and snag balls out of the air. He will always come off as an underwhelming player, but to those who understand his role, his presence will be felt.
Daniel Sorensen: Safety is not a major need, but Tony Jefferson may not be the answer as Tyrann Mathieu’s counterpart. Sorensen has the range to efficiently cover a deep half and, on occasion, handle centerfield responsibilities. He is a willing, competent run defender as well.
Final Seven Round Mock
1. Derek Carr, Quarterback, Fresno State
2. Demarcus Lawrence, Outside Linebacker, Boise State
3. Cam Fleming, Tackle, Stanford
4. Keith Wenning, Quarterback, Ball State
5. CJ Fiedorowicz, Tight End, Iowa
6. Jonothan Harrison, Interior Lineman, Florida
7. N/A