Arizona Cardinals: Draft plan may surprise some

Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers running back Wayne Gallman (9) runs with the ball against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers running back Wayne Gallman (9) runs with the ball against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Arizona Cardinals reportedly are interested in getting a running back in this year’s draft

It’s not an entirely bad idea.  According to the Burns & Gambo show on Arizona Sports, the Arizona Cardinals could be in the market for a running back in this year’s NFL Draft.

Of course the glaring question is, don’t they already have a stud running back in David Johnson? Sure they do.  The issue is at backup.

It would behoove the Cardinals to draft a running back in the middle rounds, one that is highly touted.  This is considered a deep draft for the position.

Andre Ellington and Chris Johnson are both likely done as Cardinals backs.  What could be interesting is finding a back that has the versatility as Johnson and put both out on the field at the same time.

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Johnson can and will be lined up at receiver a lot.  He was in 2016.  Also why not have Johnson 2.0 standing on the sidelines ready to spell Johnson more often than he was in 2016?

Johnson was used a lot.  He should be used a lot.  He is the main feature on a high-powered offense. It would be nice however to get some insurance to back that up.

The Cardinals plan in 2016 was to use Chris Johnson a lot like they did in 2015 but he got injured and went on injured reserve.  Ellington saw a lot less of the field in 2016.  The red flags on his status starting popping up.

The Cardinals could also find a veteran free agent running back as well.  If the Cardinals are going to make a serious run at the Super Bowl in 2017, then they need backups that can be starters at the skill positions.

How about Wayne Gallman from Clemson at 6’0, 215?  Another one that could fit nicely would be 6’1, 249 Donta Freeman from Texas.  Both are projected middle-rounders. The Cardinals need someone with a little bulk and size on him.