2007 DRAFT NEEDS:

ARIZONA CARDINALS

presented by

by PFT Editor Mike Florio, with Matt Miller of NewEraScouting.com

The Cardinals' needs can be summed up in one word:  offensive line.

Okay, so that's two words.

Though regarded by some as a bust, the word on Leonard Davis, who was the No. 2 overall pick in the 2001 draft, is that he was respected as a player.  But with the stink of the past six seasons stuck to him, the thinking is that it was time for a change.  For both the player and the team.

With Davis gone (and loaded, thanks to his contract with the Cowboys), the Cardinals desperately need a solid left tackle.  The only problem in round one is that the Cardinals draft too low to get Joe Thomas, and too high to take Levi Brown.  And they're likely too low in round two to get Joe Staley.

Our advice?  Trade up for Thomas or trade down for Brown.  The only way to get a quality left tackle is in the draft, because once a team has one, the team will never let him go.

As to the rest of the offensive line, some depth could be helpful.  But we think that the presence of line coach Russ Grimm instantly upgrades an otherwise crappy unit.

Unlike most teams, the Cardinals have no present needs at quarterback, running back, receiver, or tight end.

On defense, the team could use a run-stuffing nose tackle.  And, like left tackles, guys like that who can get the job done rarely are available in free agency.

Depth at linebacker is needed, since Orlando Huff likely won't be back.

At corner, Antrel Rolle (a first-rounder in 2005) has shown promise.  Eric Green still needs to improve.  The team would be wise to grab a couple more young corners on draft weekend.

Adrian Wilson is one of the best safeties in the game, but the Cardinals need someone with solid ball skills who can play free safety, now that Robert Griffith has moved on.

So, in summary, the Cardinals have narrow, but critical, needs on offense.  And broad, yet no so critical, needs on defense.