Jan 2, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker C.J. Mosley (32) runs toward Oklahoma Sooners ball carrier during the second half of the Sugar Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
In my first post of who the Cardinals might draft, I had them needing a Tight End with their first pick, then a Corner Back if a TE was on the board, then an Offensive Tackle if either a TE or CB was there. Well the Cardinals went out and signed TE John Carlson, OT Jared Veldheer, and CB Antonio Cromartie. With those signings, TE prospects in this years draft being so deep and with Daryl Washington pleading guilty to aggravated assault, I can only see them taking an Inside Linebacker with their first pick.
With D-Wash most likely having to sit out in the beginning of the season once again, that leaves Kevin Minter, Kenny Demens, and Jo Jo Dickson as the only ILB on the roster. This years draft class for ILB is`nt deep at all and there is only one player who is ranked as a first round pick, C.J. Mosley. With the recent events, I can`t see the Cardinals picking anyone else with their first pick.
Mosley is shorter (6`2) and lighter (232) than what is ideal for the position, but so is Washington and Mosley plays big like Tyrann Mathieu. There are teams who are worried about his durability, so I expect to see him still on the board at pick 20. He has a nose for the football and has an extremely high football IQ and is an on the field coach like Karlos Dansby and we all know the team needs another Dansby.
I know the saying is, draft best player and not team need, but in this situation, Mosley is most likely going to be the best player on the board and he`s what this team needs. I know a lot of people want to see DT/DE Ra`Shede Hageman out of the University of Minnesota to be picked, but you want to see the Cardinals make the Super Bowl this up-coming season, Mosley is the man for this team.