Arizona Cardinals Sign Earl Watford and Alex Okafor

Dec 29, 2012; San Antonio, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns defensive ends Alex Okafor (80) and Cedric Reed (88) and cornerback Carrington Byndum (23) react against the Oregon State Beavers during the second half of the Alamo Bowl at the Alamodome. Texas beat Oregon State 31-27. Mandatory Credit: Brendan Maloney-USA TODAY Sports

The Arizona Cardinals still have one more draft pick to sign, but they can be happy knowing that they locked up two more talented players.

According to Revenge of the Birds, the Cardinals reached agreements with Alex Okafor and Earl Watford, two fourth-round picks. Terms haven’t been disclosed, but the contracts likely won’t dent Arizona’s payroll.

Okafor registered 12.5 sacks with the Texas Longhorns in 2012, and he registered 4.5 sacks in the 2012 Alamo Bowl. Okafor has the potential to take over a game, and he can be dominant. Consistency is an issue for the defensive end, but he should be fine.

If the Cardinals do switch to a 3-4, it would hurt Okafor, who is more of a pass-rusher than a coverage player. Okafor benefits from being a defensive lineman, and Todd Bowles and the defensive staff will make sure Okafor’s strengths are used properly.

As for Watford, he might not play as much. Daryn Colledge, Lyle Sendlein, Bobby Massie, Jonathan Cooper and Levi Brown will likely be the starting linemen when the season starts, but extra depth is always nice. Arizona’s offensive line allowed 58 sacks in 2012, and extra help can always benefit a team.

While this is good for the Cardinals, they still have one more pick to sign. Unfortunately for them, that player is the most important to sign. Cooper, the seventh overall pick, hasn’t signed on the dotted line yet.

So, even though it’s nice to agree on contract terms with two players, the front office still has work to do.