Arizona Cardinals

Arizona Cardinals: Positions to address in the 2017 draft

Updated Mar. 5, 2020 1:33 a.m. ET

Fansided, Joseph Comeau/FanSided via Raising Zona

Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Looking ahead to the 2017 NFL draft, a look at which positions are the Arizona Cardinals likely to address

The draft is still months away, and free agency is weeks away. By the time the Cleveland Browns are on the clock on April 27th, NFL rosters will have already experienced significant upheaval.

Despite the fact that a lot will change between now and the draft, analysts are beginning to construct mock drafts, and fans are reading them. The point is, even if it is entirely too early to make accurate predictions about the draft, it’s entertaining to try.

With this in mind, let’s take a way-too-early look at which positions the Cardinals are likely to address in the draft. These predictions refer to the likelihood that the Cardinals will draft at least one player at a given position, at some point during the 2017 draft.

Let’s begin with offensive positions.

January 1, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson (31) runs the ball against the Los Angeles Rams during the first half at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Offense

Quarterback: Strong likelihood

It’s no secret that the Cardinals need a quarterback of the future. The Cardinals hope they won’t be drafting this early in the first round again anytime soon, so this seems like the year to select a quarterback in the first round. Still, it’s entirely possible that Keim and company could decide the value is not there, and look for veteran options once Palmer retires.

Halfback: Low likelihood

With a number of free agents at the position, there is uncertainty regarding exactly which backs will be on the roster in 2017. Still, between Andre Ellington, Kerwynn Williams, Stepfan Taylor, and Elijhaa Penny – a practice squad player whom Arians has praised – it seems likely that the Cardinals will be able to retain enough backs to fill out the depth chart behind David Johnson.

Still, it would not be shocking if the Cardinals do select a halfback late in the draft, but it would likely be a case in which the value was too good to pass up.

Fullback: Not happening

Arians doesn’t use fullbacks. Period.

Tight end: Low likelihood

If the Cardinals do not re-sign free agent Jermaine Gresham, this could become a strong likelihood. If they do re-sign Gresham, the situation at tight end will probably be very similar to that of halfback – a late round pick if the value is too good to pass up.

Wide receiver: Strong likelihood

What was once considered a position of depth for the Cardinals, is now an area of need. With Floyd gone and Fitzgerald’s retirement looming in the not-too-distant future, the Cardinals need a big, physical receiver to fill the slot in Arians’ offense. There is a good chance the Cardinals will select a receiver within the first three rounds of the draft.

Offensive tackle: Low likelihood

The Cardinals have both of their starting tackles on the roster – though there is some question regarding who will start at left tackle and who will start at right tackle. With other more pressing needs, it seems unlikely that the Cardinals would use a draft pick on a backup tackle.

Offensive guard/center: Moderate likelihood

With Evan Mathis retiring, the starting right guard spot is up for grabs. There are some possibilities in-house, including Evan Boehm. Additionally, Steve Keim has a history of signing mid-tier free agents to start on the interior offensive line. Still, there is a moderate likelihood that the Cardinals will draft an interior lineman, even if it is a late-round project.

Oct 17, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; The New York Jets offense squares off against the Arizona Cardinals defense at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Defense

Defensive end/defensive tackle: Strong likelihood

Between Calais Campbell’s possible departure and Frostee Rucker’s uncertain future, it seems likely that the Cardinals will be looking to draft at least one defensive line prospect to join the rotation – and don’t be surprised if they go defensive line in the early rounds.

Inside linebacker: Low likelihood

Even if Kevin Minter is gone in 2017, Sio Moore played well enough down the stretch that he appears to be a good candidate to fill Minter’s vacant spot in the starting lineup alongside Deone Bucannon.

As for the rest of the depth chart, middle linebacker is one of those positions that is not highly valued in the draft. Teams will draft players they project as starters, but the rest of the depth chart is typically filled with rookie free agents and low-priced veterans.

If the Cardinals feel comfortable with Minter and Moore as their starting inside linebackers, the remaining spots are likely to be filled with some combination of returning players like Alani Fua and Gabe Martin, rookie free agents, or low-priced veterans.

Outside linebacker: Strong likelihood

Markus Golden and Chandler Jones are locked in as the starters, however with Alex Okafor likely on his way out, there will be a need for rotation pass rushers. Kareem Martin may or may not be ready for more playing time, but aside from him the cupboards are pretty bare. Look for the Cardinals to draft a pass rusher in the mid rounds, along the lines of of Sam Acho and Okafor.

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Cornerback: Moderate likelihood

A lot of experts are projecting that the Cardinals will take a cornerback in the first round. I partially agree. If they go cornerback, I think it will be early. It seems unlikely, however, that the Cardinals would draft yet another mid-to-late round cornerback, to go along with the others already on the roster.

If they aren’t drafting a clear starter in the first or second round, then it seems they would be more apt to re-sign Marcus Cooper, and let him compete with Brandon Williams, Justin Bethel, and Harlan Miller for the starting spot. Signing a veteran free agent is also a strong possibility.

Safety: Low likelihood

The Cardinals are not expected to re-sign both Tony Jefferson and D.J. Swearinger, so there is going to be a need for a safety on the roster. Harlan Miller’s positional flexibility may make the need less acute, but the Cardinals are likely to add a player at the position.

Still, safety is similar to inside linebacker, in that teams typically only draft safeties that project as starters. Moreover, the Cardinals have shown an ability to effectively develop players at the position. Look for the Cardinals to fill the back end of the depth chart with rookie free agents or young, low-priced veterans.

Kicker: Low likelihood

Despite the challenges in 2016, Arians appears committed to seeing Chandler Catanzaro through his rough spell. Arians has also commented that kickers often take a few years to work through the mental aspects of the game, before becoming consistent performers.

Even if Arians intends to consider other options, it is likely that he would bring in a rookie free agent or veteran to compete for the job.

Punter: Low likelihood

The team’s starting punter might not currently be on the roster. Still, it seems more likely that the Cardinals would look to fill this position through free agency, or rookie free agents.