TEMPE, Ariz. -- The Arizona Cardinals have less than two full days left before general manager Steve Keim will call Arizona’s pick into the NFL draft in Chicago on Thursday night.
The first 23 picks will largely dictate which position the Cardinals draft at 24th overall. But what are their biggest needs? If you ask Keim and head coach Bruce Arians, the Cardinals don’t have one singular necessity.
Yet, Arizona needs help in specific areas.
Here's a ranking of what positions the Cardinals' need most at 24th, if they decide to stay there:
Pass-rusher: Even though Alex Okafor was an extremely bright spot last season with eight sacks, the Cardinals had 12 fewer sacks in 2014 than they did in 2013. And that’s a big issue for a defense that thrives on blitzing. Next season, Arizona won’t veer away from the scheme that former defensive coordinator Todd Bowles ran the last two years. If the Cardinals want to continue playing at that level, they’ll need to essentially find a replacement for John Abraham's 11.5 sacks they lost last season. That starts with a pass-rusher in the draft. There’s a good chance the Cardinals will have the opportunity to take one with a bright upside but a checkered pass. The question will then become: Do the Cards want to take on that baggage? As Keim said last week, talent will always be enticing.
Cornerback: Losing Antonio Cromartie was a blow to the Cardinals’ press coverage because of the combination of size, speed and height that he packed on his 6-foot-2 frame. That kind of height at corner is rare and Arizona will be on the lookout for his replacement in the first round. If the right mix of those tangibles is available, then Arizona will go with a corner. If the right corner isn’t available, Arizona could take one later in the draft or let Jerraud Powers and Justin Bethel fight for the job in camp.
Running back: The more I study and watch Melvin Gordon and Todd Gurley, the less I’m inclined to say the Cardinal would take them -- I’m also becoming more doubtful that either will be available by time Arizona picks. There’s no question Arizona needs to fix its running game. The Cardinals were second-to-last in the NFL in total rushing yards (1,308), last in yards per rush (3.29), tied for second-to-last in rushing touchdowns (six) and had the shortest long run of the year (22 yards). While both Gordon and Gurley are quick, strong and athletic, neither is as big as Jonathan Dwyer, the prototype for the type of third-down back the Cardinals need. With that being said, if either is available when Arizona drafts, it’s almost a no-brainer to pick one.
Linebacker: At some point the Cardinals will have to start preparing for life after Daryl Washington. While the defense has survived without him for much of the last two seasons, its interior has definitely been hampered with his absence. With Kevin Minter likely being a run-down linebacker, the Cardinals need to find an answer next to Sean Weatherspoon. That could be Deone Bucannon, last year’s first-round pick, but the Cardinals need to add another inside 'backer who can be a staple for the next few seasons. Weatherspoon will be the third inside linebacker in as many years to sign a one-year deal. Arizona could use consistency and it could come in the form of a draft pick and Washington, whenever he returns.
Offensive tackle: Arizona is set at left tackle for the next four seasons but right tackle may be a concern following 2015. Bobby Massie is entering the final year of his rookie contract and, unless he emerges as one of the league’s top tackles, his future may not be in Arizona. Drafting a right tackle in the first round may not produce results immediately but it could be setting up the Cardinals for the future.