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Arizona NFL Draft Predictions
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2008 Arizona Cardinals
Predictions & NFL Preview!
The Arizona Cardinals were supposed to be one of the NFL's improved teams in
2006, perhaps making a trip to the playoffs. They had all the talent in the
world on offense, with a star Running Back, two of the most explosive receivers
in the league, and a Heisman Trophy quarterback to boot. Instead they matched
their record from 2005, finishing with a horrible 5-11 record and were never a
threat to make the postseason.
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The Bears-Cardinals game is where there season took a turn for the worst. The
Cardinals took a 20-0 lead into halftime behind a pair of touchdown passes from
Matt Leinart on National TV. Chicago then outscored the Cardinals 24-3 in the
second half, with none of the Bears' touchdowns coming from their offensive
unit. Edgerrin James set an NFL futility record for most carries in a game while
averaging less than 2 yards per attempt. He had only 55 yards on 36 carries,
averaging only 1.5 yards per carry. This was largely due to a lack of run
blocking, an area the Cardinals have to address in the offseason, starting with
the draft.
Leonard Davis was drafted as the second overall pick in 2001 for the Cardinals
with hopes that he would anchor the offensive line at the left tackle position.
He has not produced in six seasons, even when the coaching staff moved him to
the Guard position which is a lot easier to excel at. Replacing Davis is a top
priority, and Joe Thomas of Wisconsin would be the ideal selection. The problem
is that Thomas will likely fall before they get a chance at him. Arizona could
settle for Penn State's Levi Brown or Central Michigan's Joe Staley in the
second round.
If Thomas is gone, the focus definitely has to turn to the defensive side of the
ball. The Cardinals ranked 29 th in Total Defense last season with a poor
defensive line and secondary. Arizona's 24.3 points per game yielded was only
better than 3 teams in all of the NFL. The Cardinals' defensive line got used
and abused last season. Bertrand Berry has had back-to-back season ending
surgeries in 2005 and 2006 which included torn triceps last year. He has
appeared in just 18 games since 2004, after having a career year when he led the
NFC in sacks with 14.5 total.
The uncertainty surrounding Berry has Arizona taking a good look at Clemson's
Gaines Adams with the No. 5 pick. Adams would be able to reek havoc in the 4-3
pass rush, and could easily become the centerpiece of the defense. Strong Safety
and hard hitting Adrian Wilson is coming off his first Pro Bowl appearance in
the secondary. Cornebacks Antrel Rolle, David Macklin and Eric Green were far
from impressive in 2006, and free safety Robert Griffith is likely to retire as
he is washed up. Arizona will be stockpiling defensive backs in the draft to
help solidify their secondary for sure.
The Cardinals should have no problem putting the ball in the end zone in 2007 if
they can improve on the offensive line. Leinart, James, and receivers Larry
Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin form a strong offensive nucleus that will only get
better as long as they can stay away from injuries. New head coach Ken
Whisenhunt is coming over from the Steelers and will be emphasizing on running
the ball. This will create more openings in the defensive secondary of opposing
teams by making them respect the run. It will also allow the Cardinals to put
teams away if they can run the ball. Russ Grimm came over from Pittsburgh with
Whisenhunt to be an assistant coach and help the offensive line. Arizona will
score points, but it will be up to the moves they make on the defensive side of
the ball as to whether or not they can make the playoffs. Look for the Cardinals
to select the majority of their draft picks on defensive players in 2007.
Updated April 24th, 2007
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