The Arizona Cardinals had a solid 2014 season that ended in a tough loss on the road to the Carolina Panthers in the postseason. With quarterback Carson Palmer returning, this team is poised to make another playoff run. The team let defensive tackle Darnell Dockett walk, but made many great moves during the offseason. They signed linebacker LaMarr Woodley, guard Mike Iupati and defensive tackle Corey Peters. This team could be dangerous with the right draft choices, so look for Arizona to choose wisely.
Picks:
First round (24th overall)
Second round (55th overall)
Third round (86th overall)
Fourth round (123rd overall)
Fifth round (159th overall)
Sixth round (198th overall)
Seventh round (242nd overall)
Seventh round (257th overall) – compensatory pick awarded as a result of a free agent loss
Arizona Cardinals 2015 NFL Draft: Top 3 Needs
Pass Rusher
Arizona partially filled this need with the addition of free agent veterans LaMarr Woodley and Sean Weatherspoon. However, the team could spend a high draft choice in a deep draft class full of talented edge rushers. Look for players such as Arik Armstead, Bud Dupree, or Eli Harold in the first round if the Cardinals go that way. If one of the top rushers fall, the Cardinals could move up since they have eight draft choices and not that many needs.
Inside Linebacker
The Cardinals could take a serious look at Eric Kendricks (UCLA) at number 24 overall. I really liked his game tape and he is a great tackler. His older brother is in the NFL, and I think Kendricks would help solidify the linebacker position that currently has an unproven Kevin Minter and a questionable Daryl Washington. Phil Dawson (TCU) could also be a solid pickup on Day 2 or Day 3 of the draft.
Running Back
Andre Ellington is an electrifying player when he is on the field, but is he always on the field? His career would suggest otherwise. Arizona needs another player to complement him, and while Mel Kiper Jr. has Arizona drafting Wisconsin’s Melvin Gordon, I think Arizona will take a back later in the draft, such as Tevin Coleman (Indiana). The former Hoosier ran for over 2,000 yards and 15 touchdowns in his junior year and proved himself to be a workhorse. He would perfectly complement the backfield as a do-it-all runner to Ellington’s outside the tackles running and passing game ability. Coleman will come cheaper (second or third round) and would be worth the pick.
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