15 all-time greatest draft picks in Arizona Cardinals history

The 11th-best Arizona Cardinals draft pick ever: Dan Dierdorf

Dan Dierdorf is the best left tackle in Cardinals history, and there’s no discussion about it. As a second-round draft pick out of Michigan in 1971, Dierdorf provided tremendous security for Cardinals quarterbacks such as Jim Hart and Neil Lomax.

Dierdorf played next to Conrad Dobler, who was at one point named the “dirtiest player in the NFL.” Those two played together during the mid-70s Cardinals that featured the “Air Coryell” offense that was pretty dang good.

Dierdorf was named to six Pro Bowls and was selected to three All-Pro teams. He is on the NFL’s 1970 All-Decade team and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1996. Dierdorf was born in Ohio, so how fitting for his football journey to end in his home state, where it all began.

Dierdorf also got into broadcasting, working for CBS and his alma mater, where he helped call Michigan games on the radio. Dierdorf is 72, matching his jersey number.

Personally, his No. 72 jersey should be retired- he is the only lineman in team history to reach the Pro Football Hall of Fame.