Arizona Cardinals Fantasy Prospects
Dec. 16, 2012; Glendale, AZ, USA: Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Floyd against the Detroit Lions at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Before the preseason started Ryan Williams and Rob Housler looked like talented fantasy sleepers that just needed the opportunity. After three pre season games Housler has been inconsistent and is now suffering from a high ankle sprain and Williams as sat out most of the preseason with a troublesome knee injury. Neither of these two players is being drafted in standard 10 and 12 team fantasy leagues at this point, but here is a look at the Cardinals that are being drafted and what round they should be selected.
Larry Fitzgerald (2nd or 3rd round)
Fitzgerald had his worst statistical season last year, but the addition of Carson Palmer at quarterback and Coach Arians vertical passing attack will make Fitz a top 5 fantasy wide receiver again for your fantasy team.
Rashard Mendenhall (6th or 7th round)
Mendenhall may never be 100% healthy again as his knees seem to be an ongoing issue. He has been deemed the starter to open the season and was a productive running back in Pittsburgh when Arians was his coach. Running back is such a thin position this year that you may have no choice but to grab Mendenhall in the 6th round of fantasy drafts if you want to be certain you get a starting running back on your roster.
Michael Floyd (9th or 10th round)
Training camp has been buzzing with the emergence of Michael Floyd in this offense. The Cardinals are going to throw the ball quite a bit and Fitzgerald is going to take pressure off of Floyd, leaving him free to use his size in one-on-one match ups. Palmer has already formed a chemistry with Floyd in training camp and everyone expects a breakout season from Floyd this year.
Carson Palmer (11th or 12th round
Palmer could be a steal in drafts going as a QB2 later in drafts. He threw for over 4000 yards on a horrible Raiders team last year that had wide receivers running bad routes and lineman missing blocks repeatedly. This is the most talent he has had around him since his early days with the Bengals. You may not want to get stuck with Palmer as your QB1, but he may end up performing like one.
Sleepers
Andre Roberts (16th round)
This is a gut feeling, Roberts and Palmer have looked good in the preseason, and TY Hilton flourished in Arians offense out of the slot last year with the Colts. Roberts could be a sneaky flier late in drafts.
Cardinals Defense (16th round)
No one is picking the Cardinals defense in most leagues, but they will put pressure on opposing quarterbacks with John Abraham creating sacks, and Tyrann Mathieu and Patrick Peterson are play makers that can take turnovers to the house on defense and special teams.