Arizona Cardinals: Top Three First Round Draft Prospects
By Cyle Gill
January 25, 2014; Honolulu, HI, USA; Arizona Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) takes the handoff from San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) during the 2014 Pro Bowl Ohana Day at Aloha Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
While I`m going around the web reading people`s mock drafts, I can`t help but laugh. There is a lot of people saying that the Cardinals biggest need in the 2014 NFL Draft is an offensive tackle. While I do agree that they can use an upgrade, they are not as bad as most people say.
I`ve been hearing that the line is a substandard unit, but they did a good job. How can a substandard unit do a good job, that`s like saying I can let out some of the most nastiest farts that smell pretty good. Carson Palmer is`nt Kurt Warner who made the line look better than they were, so lets stop with the oxymorons and realize that the line is at least average.
Alright, I`m done complaining. Lets get into who I think Steve Keim will draft as long as one of the three are still on the board.
At number one, I believe the biggest need is Tight End Eeric Ebron out of North Carolina. Ebron is 6`4 245 who is agile on his feet, has smooth acceleration, and is dangerous after the catch. He has a large catch radius, good awareness, and is alert which helps him make defenders miss the tackle. Ebron has room to grow and add bulk to his frame and get stronger, but he needs more work at his run blocking.
Next biggest need if Ebron is not on the board I can see Keim taking Justin Gilbert. Gilbert is a 6`0 200 pound Corner Back from Oklahoma St who is a big play specialist. He has extraordinary hands, speed, and vision who lead the Big 12 in interceptions in 2013 (6). A standout corner with his acceleration, agility, and ball-skills and has six kickoff returns for touchdowns. He does need to work on his technique though.
Finally at number three if neither is on the board at pick 20, I believe Keim will then take 6`5 310 pound Left Tackle Cyrus Kouandjio from Alabama. Kouandjio is a potential Pro Bowl tackle who is light on his feet and had long arms. He`s quick off the snap and can slide left to right. Good In pass protection, but even better as a run blocker. He is`nt a true mauler, choppy when sliding in pass protection, and sometimes drops his head upon contact.
I believe in Bruce Arians system, he`s going to want a TE to help out with the line and not a tackle with that first pick. If he`s not able to snatch up a good TE then the biggest need with the best player on the board will be a corner. I`d really like to see them draft Gilbert if he`s still on the board at number 20, but either way, Keim did a good job last year and I trust he`ll do a good job this year.