1st Round 5th Pick- Patrick Peterson, LSU, CB
Yes the Cardinals do need a quarterback and Blaine Gabbert is likely to still be on the board, but I think the Cardinals would rather resort to going after a veteran quarterback in trading market like a Kevin Kolb or a free agent like Donovan McNabb. Patrick Peterson could easily help out a disappointing secondary that has talent, but seems like they have not reached to where they could be. Peterson could be the best player on the board let alone in this year’s draft. The Cardinals will not and should not pass up Patrick Peterson.
*I also highly expect this pick to be very popular among many teams. Don’t be surprised if there is a team that is looking to trade up to this pick to go after Blaine Gabbert, Patrick Peterson, or Julio Jones.
2nd Round 38th Pick- Jabaal Sheard, Pittsburgh, LB
I’m sure the Cardinals would have loved to have Von Miller in the 1st round of the draft, but I highly doubt he will be at the 5th pick so they will have to depend on their 2nd round pick to find a much needed linebacker. One guy who may be on the board is Jabaal Sheard. Sheard could be placed right away in the starting linebacker core to help improve the pass rush (Ranked 23rd in opponents passing yards) and to help stop the run (Ranked 30th in opponents rushing yards) Sheard is first round talent, but based off of character issues off the field he may be a day two type of player.
3rd Round 69th Pick- Orlando Franklin, Miami, G
Alan Faneca and Deuce Luiti, who hold both of the guard positions for the Cardinals, are free agents, who may not be back. It’s good to have an insurance like Orlando Franklin to make sure that if both players are gone then you still have Franklin as an option. He could easily step in and be a possible franchise guard for the Cardinals, with the right development. Expect multiple offensive line picks in this years draft for the Arizona Cardinals.
4th Round 103rd Pick- DJ Williams, Arkansas, TE
Who ever the quarterback is for the Arizona Cardinals he is going to need some targets down field. Obviously they have the star wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, but most of the times Fitzgerald does get doubled team. With drafting DJ Williams he could help open up things for Fitzgerald, adds another target down field for the Cardinals quarterback, and help the pass protection.
5th Round 136th Pick- Greg McElroy, Alabama, QB
Now I did say the Cardinals will probably resort to making a trade or signing a free agent to fill the quarterback need, but McElroy is an insurance just in case they do not succeeded at getting a quarterback. McElroy fits very well with the Cardinals. The Cardinals run the west coast offense, which in my opinion would be a very good fit for McElroy. With the right development he could be a very good quarterback.
6th Round 171st Pick- Byron Stingily, Louisville, OT
Too many inconsistency and questions on the offensive line not to go with another offensive line player, as I pointed out in the 3rd round selection.
7th Round 249th Pick- D’ Aundre Reed, Arizona, DE
Reed adds depth to a spot where they need a lot of help, which is their defensive line.
Quick Draft Recap:
1st Round- Patrick Peterson
2nd Round- Jabaal Sheard
3rd Round- Orlando Franklin
4th Round- DJ Williams
5th Round- Greg McElroy
6th Round- Bryon Stingily
7th Round- D’Aundre Reed
