| Carl Setterlund. 8th April, 2006 - 7:56 pm
 2005-06 Record: 5-11
Draft Position: 10th
Picks:
1st Round: 10
2nd Round: 41
3rd Round: 72
4th Round: 107
5th Round: 142
6th Round: 177
7th Round: 218
Team needs: In signing Edgerrin James, the Cardinals both infused a bit of star power into their offense, and filled a big time need position. While there were going to be RBs available at #10 (and plenty still at #42), Arizona also in James added a big name that will bring in fans. This alternately will give the front office more flexibility in who they can select allowing them to go after “their guy” instead of the most high-profile guy. Arizona’s offensive line still needs a lot of work to get it up to par with the rest of the offense. There are a couple decent pieces there but it doesn’t help that they turn out so injury prone, so the Cardinals at least need a little more depth on the O-line. Looking elsewhere on the offensive side of the ball, production is non-existent at the tight end position, which will definitely be addressed given the tight end depth in this draft. Lastly on the offense, if a nice value pick is there, Arizona might go after a successor to Kurt Warner. On the defensive side, look for the Cardinals to address depth in the secondary, especially at free safety. I also wouldn’t be surprised if the Cardinals pluck a linebacker in the second round where there should be good value.
First round breakdown: Before signing Edgerrin James, the sexy pick for the Cardinals to make was LenDale White, the power back out of USC; however the James pickup along with White’s plummeting draft stock means that has changed. There are three elite quarterbacks in the draft, and only one is a lock to go in the top 5 (Leinart). While it’s widely believed that Oakland will also lock up a QB, that’s still only two teams that are locks to take one of the top three. I believe the Raiders will opt for Vince Young, leaving Jay Cutler for the Cardinals. However, I’m not so sure that they’re ready to bite on that one. Arizona invested $18 million to keep Kurt Warner around and he’s quite the competent quarterback if he has good protection. While the elite receiving core in place is young, some of the other pieces look like potential future breakdowns, leaving only a two or three year period to compete before more tweaking. I say with that weak offensive line, give Kurt Warner some real protection! Winston Justice was a borderline top 10 player in this draft, but I think with his exceptional Pro Day workout that he has elevated his stock perhaps even higher than the top 10 (I could see as high as #8 to the Bills). The only red flag with Justice is that he has had past character issues, though I really believe that is behind him. He reminds me of a less talented version of D’Brickashaw Ferguson. While Ferguson is the only “franchise” tackle in this draft, Justice could well be a pro-bowler. I think Dennis Green wants to win now, and picking up Justice really forwards that process.
Predicted selection – Winston Justice, Offensive Tackle, USC
Overall outlook: The Cardinals have been relatively conservative when it has come to trading draft picks, and it could turn out to benefit them in this draft. In their position, they should have a shot at getting a really nice piece in each of the first three rounds. While I think they’ll go with an offensive tackle in the first round, I count seven legit tight ends in this draft, something I can definitely see the Cardinals addressing. Keep your eye on Leonard Pope, Marcedes Lewis, Dominique Byrd and Anthony Fasano when Arizona picks in the second round. I really see Dennis Green pushing to stock up on offense this draft and if either are available, picking up a developmental quarterback like a Brodie Croyle or a Charlie Whitehurst in the 3rd round could prove smart. Aside from the names I’m throwing out here, the first couple rounds also seems to be an opportune time to address needs at safety and on the interior of the defensive line. Even though they don’t have particularly great picks, or an excess of picks, I think the stars have kind of lined up for Arizona in this draft. Maybe it’s just the depth this year, but I really believe the Cardinals are going to have the full opportunity to address the needs they’re coming into the draft with. |
