Mock Draft: #5 Arizona
By Justin Stine
For those of you who have been emailing, I had some technical difficulties with the site over the last few days. I am once again able to access everything I need, so we are back to the mock. Arizona is on the clock, which means the NFC West gets their first pick of the draft. The Cardinals are an interesting case, and they are in dire need of improved quarterback play, but they have a coach who prefers veteran signal-callers. Since free agency, or lack thereof, has limited the ability to fill needs, the Cards have a very big decision to make.
Who They Should Take: I think the Cards would like to go after a guy like Kevin Kolb through trade, but they are unable to do so because of the lockout. This team can’t go into the season with the quarterbacks currently on the roster, and they have a potential franchise guy sitting there in Blaine Gabbert (QB, Mizzou). The offense has weapons, and Gabbert would be the perfect guy to throw to them.
Who They Will Take: Coach Wisenhunt won’t want to take a QB here, and I have a feeling that the team will roll the dice that they can get a guy like Kolb or maybe former Rams Marc Bulger after the lockout is settled. Patrick Peterson (CB, LSU) is easily the best player available, and I think the Cards pull the trigger on him here. I have to admit that I dread the idea of Peterson in our division, but I think it happens here. Tough break, Sam Bradford and Co.
Other Possibilities: Robert Quinn (DE, N. Carolina), Gabbert, Da’Quan Bowers (DE, Clemson).