2008 Arizona Cardinals NFL Draft Needs

The Arizona Cardinals are coming off an up and down 2007 season in which the team showed they could win at home, but not on the road. They ended up 8-8 and will be looking to use this year's draft as a way to get over the hump and into the playoff picture. Jimmy Boyd analyzes their needs in this 2008 Arizona Cardinals draft preview.

#1 Outside Linebacker/Defensive End

It's been no secret that the Cards must get better defensively and this is one of the key positions in their defensive scheme which morphs between a 3-4 base and a 4-3 in nickel situations. Vets Bertrand Berry and Chike Okeafor both suffered major injuries at this spot last season and it is doubtful that Berry will be back. Look for Arizona to try to snatch up Miami's Calais Campbell or Florida's Derrick Harvey. Both players are capable of emerging as star pass rushers.

#2 Cornerback

The Cards must address the secondary early as good passing teams have been able to abuse them on the corner. Starters Roderick Hood and Eric Green are solid and Antrelle Rolle has performed well at nickel back. The Cards would likely benefit by moving Rolle to safety to play every down. The University Arizona's Antoine Cason could be that elite corner they've been looking for.

#3 Offensive Tackle

The Cards made a big push toward shoring up the offensive front by taking Levi Brown with their first pick last season. Other than left tackle, Mike Gandy, there is little depth up front. It's unlikely that Arizona would spring for another tackle in round one, but Vandy's Chris Williams and Pitt's Mike McGlynn could still be on the board for the Cards to pounce in round two.

#4 Wide Receiver

Isn't this the spot where the Cards are the deepest? Yes, but they need a number three guy behind Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin, and hopefully one that could emerge into a number two receiver as Arizona's ability to afford both star wideouts in the long term is questionable. Texas' Limas Sweed could be a great pick as well as Oklahoma's Malcolm Kelly, but don't be surprised if the Cards wait to fill this hole late.

#5 Running Back

Starter Edgerrin James is not the same back he was in Indy just a couple seasons ago, a great move on Indy's part to get rid of him then when his value was still up. The Cards drafted J.J. Arrington in 2005, but he clearly doesn't have the makings of an every down player. The Cards need to add some speed in this spot and Arizona State's Ryan Torain could be available in the middle rounds as well as Oklahoma's Allen Patrick.

Make sure you check out all of Jimmy Boyd's 2008 NFL Draft previews to see what direction your favorite NFL team might be headed in. Also check out our 2008 NFL Mock Draft to see how Jimmy sees the first round shaping up.

March 24th, 2008