Arizona Cardinals Post Draft Commentary

The Cardinals entered the 2009 off season fresh off their loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers with many questions on both sides of the ball. One of the biggest issues facing the team; Anquan Boldin’s desire to be traded or receive a new contract has yet to be addressed. Many believed that Boldin would be dealt on or before the 2009 NFL Draft. The Draft has come and gone, and still Boldin remains a Cardinal.

Arizona’s running game was putrid for much of the season, averaging 73.6 yards per game. The running game surged during the post season, carrying the team to the Super Bowl. But, the same issue remains; the interior of the Cardinals’ offensive line is not very physical at the point of attack. Eddgerrin James is clearly past his prime as was granted a release from the team after the draft. Tim Hightower proved to be incapable of seizing the starter’s role from James and may be best served as a backup. He is an excellent receiver out of the back field and should prove to be a nice complement to Wells powerful style.

The defense could also use an injection of youth in the linebacking corp and secondary as both areas are filled with veterans – some over 30 years old. The unit gave up over 110 yards per game on the ground is not the mark of a sound defense, and I personally would have thought that this may have been addressed with the addition of another quality defensive tackle. The defense did end staying on the field thanks to the offense’s inability to sustain drives due to the lack of a consistent running game. If the Cardinals wish to take a step to becoming more consistent, the defense will need to step up and prevent opposing offenses from scoring in 2009.

Regardless, the cardinals made it a point to upgrade the entire running game as they selected 2 offensive linemen and two running backs. Half of the team’s draft went to upgrading this area. I am surprised the team did not look to upgrade the center position as Lyle Sendlein is a former UDFA and can struggle to routinely create space in the middle. Wells is an inside runner, so the progress of both Herman Johnson and Trevor Canfield must be monitored. If Johnson can provide some inside punch, the running game and team overall may benefit.

The team’s needs may not have been completely filled through Free Agency and the draft. But, I think they have done enough to compete for the NFC West Title again this year, and are clearly one of the favorites in the division. If the Seattle returns to form, the division could be much more competitive than many would initially expect.

Pre Draft Needs: LB, DL, OL, RB