Arizona Cardinals: Post-free agency positions to address in the 2017 draft

Offense

Quarterback: Strong likelihood

Going into free agency, there were some whispers that the Cardinals might be in the market for a veteran reclamation project like Tony Romo or Jay Cutler. There were also some who thought the Cardinals might pursue Mike Glennon. In the end, however, it appears there was nothing to these rumors.

The Cardinals are as likely as ever to select Carson Palmer’s heir apparent in the upcoming draft, and media reports have connected them to just about every top quarterback prospect in the draft. It’s uncertain whom they will select, but it seems likely that it will be in the first two rounds.

Halfback: Strong likelihood

Considering the Cardinals’ limited cap space, it came as a bit of a surprise that the Cardinals were able to re-sign Andre Ellington. It was perhaps even more surprising when it was reported that he will be moving to wide receiver. In light of Ellington’s position change, and with Stepfan Taylor and Chris Johnson still unsigned, the Cardinals are going into the draft with David Johnson, Kerwynn Williams, and Elijhaa Penny slated to fill out their running back depth chart.

Even if all three of these backs make the roster, there is going to be a need for at least one additional running back. Moreover, considering that Williams and Penny are both practice squad projects, it seems highly likely that the Cardinals will look to draft a running back with more of a pedigree, in the mid-to-late rounds.

Fullback: Still not going to happen.

Bruce Arians has given us no reason to believe that he’s changed his philosophy regarding fullbacks.

Tight end: Strong likelihood

With the signing of tight end Jermaine Gresham to a four-year deal, it appears that he is entrenched as the starter. After Gresham, however, the depth chart is unsettled. Troy Niklas has yet to live up to his second round draft status, and Darren Fells signed with the Detroit Lions. The remaining tight ends on the roster are Ifeanyi Momah and Hakeem Valles – both of whom are unproven commodities. It seems likely that the Cardinals would look to select at least one tight end in the draft, though it will probably be in the later rounds.

Wide receiver: Strong likelihood

The Cardinals did nothing significant to address the receiver position in free agency, aside from the Andre Ellington position change project. There are a number of interesting receivers on the roster, but a lot of question marks after Larry Fitzgerald. I think the Cardinals will draft a receiver, but I’m less convinced that it will be in the early rounds.

Offensive tackle: Moderate likelihood

With the reports that D.J. Humphries is likely to start at left tackle, there is suddenly reason to wonder about Jared Veldheer’s future with the Cardinals. It is unlikely that the Cardinals would look to move Veldheer this season, but his contract is a bit rich for a right tackle. The Cardinals may look to draft a right tackle in the middle rounds, whom they would groom to take over at right tackle next season.

Offensive Guard/Center: Strong likelihood

Thus far, the Cardinals have not addressed the starting right guard position in free agency. While Evan Boehm may end up earning the starting position, there is still a matter of depth, with Earl Watford departing. Even if the Cardinals do not draft a starting-caliber guard, look for them to at least select a developmental lineman at some point in the draft.