NFL Draft Wishlist: Arizona Cardinals
By Josh Carter
The Cardinals are the team that needs a QB the most. Arizona had a hot start in the 2012 season starting the season 4-0 and beating out top playoff teams in Seattle and New England in their first two outings. Then, the QB play dropped off and they ended up only winning one more game for the rest of the season, due to a lack of offense. So from this, you know they have the necessary tools around the QB to win games. After they get a QB, they’ll need to protect him and their backfield with some quality blockers
Feb 24, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; West Virginia quarterback Geno Smith (13) participates in a passing drill during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Round 1 – Geno Smith, QB, WVU – Of the QBs in the draft, Geno Smith is the most likely to be able to play and win day one on a team that has weapons around him. I don’t know if he’s a definite franchise type QB (which is the main reason KC traded for Smith instead of using #1 on him). But with Fitzgerald, Floyd and the Arizona receiving corps he has weapons to help him thrive in the Cardinals offense. Is he the best player overall at pick #7? Maybe. If Eric Fisher is there, he’d be a solid pick too, but for a team that has no other options than to draft a QB somewhere, this is their safest bet. Plus O Line is deep in the 2013 draft.
September 22, 2012; Gainesville FL, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Larry Warford (67) and guard Zach West (75) block against the Florida Gators in the second quarter at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Round 2 – Larry Warford, G, Kentucky – I’m officially the newest member on Warford’s bandwagon. He will most likely be the best offensive lineman available in the beginning of the second round. He looks like he can make an immediate impact at Guard which will be a good first step for the Cards’ offensive line.
Aug 30, 2012; Houston, TX, USA; UCLA Bruins running back Jonathan Franklin (23) runs for a touchdown against the Rice Owls during the first quarter at Rice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brendan Maloney-USA TODAY Sports
Later Round Sleeper – Jonathan Franklin, RB, UCLA – You have to think about what the Cards REALLY need in a Running Back. They’ve tried for explosive RBs and failed twice in Beanie Wells and Ryan Williams. What I think they need to look for on top of explosiveness is someone durable, dependent and who can be a leader. Franklin had a heavy load of carries game in and out and carried the UCLA offense on his back, he wants to become the mayor of LA & leadership exudes from this kid whenever he interviews. He should be around in the 3rd round and has the potential to be the one of the best tailbacks taken in this year. This would be a steal for the Cardinals in round 3