Free agency priorities

Quarterback

Kyle Orton, Kevin Kolb, Donovan McNabb, Matt Hasselbeck, Marc Bulger all 5 of those guys have been mentioned as potential starters in 2011 more than incumbent John Skelton. They didn’t draft a quarterback because they’re not a new regime so they’ll find a veteran in free agency.

Offensive Tackle

They allowed 50 sacks last year. Some of that blame can fall on the quarterbacks, but they really need to improve their offensive front to protect whoever the quarterback is next year, especially if it’s Marc Bulger, who might start having Vietnam flashbacks if he takes any more sacks. I’m not sure why they didn’t address this position through the draft.

Guard

Another offensive line position that should have been addressed through the draft. Deuce Lutui can be resigned, but Alan Faneca is done.

 

Draft Needs 

Quarterback

Kurt Warner’s 2009 Stats: 339-513 (66.1%) 3753 yards (7.3 YPA) 26 TDs 14 INTs 93.2 QB Rating

Derek Anderson/Max Hall/John Skelton/Richard Bartel’s 2010 Stats: 284-559 (50.8%) 3247 yards (5.8 YPA) 10 TDs 19 INTs 60.4 QB Rating

Somewhere Larry Fitzgerald is crying.

If Ken Whisenhunt feels that he’s on the hot seat, he’ll try to add a veteran like Kyle Orton, Kevin Kolb, Donovan McNabb, or Vince Young. If he feels he’s safe and has time to develop a rookie, he’ll draft one at 5.

Offensive Tackle

It’s amazing how much better Kurt Warner made this offensive line look. With pretty much the same group of guys, their offensive line gave up 50 sacks this season, whereas they gave up 26 sacks in 2009. Former 1^st round pick Levi Brown should not be starting at left tackle anymore and should be moved to right tackle, where Brandon Keith should be benched. They don’t want whoever their quarterback is next season to be under pressure all the time, especially if it’s a rookie.

Cornerback

They traded Bryant McFadden back to the Steelers last offseason because he didn’t fit the scheme, but they didn’t really replace him. Greg Toler can be upgraded, as they need a new cornerback opposite Domonique Rodgers Cromartie to upgrade their 25^th ranked cornerback.

Rush Linebacker

The Cardinals only managed 33 sacks last season and most of their top rush linebackers are 34 or older. They like O’Brien Schofield a lot, but they need a rush linebacker of the future across from him.

Guard

When you give up 50 sacks, it’s not just the fault of the offensive tackles. They need at least one, if not two upgrades inside.

Middle Linebacker

They drafted Daryl Washington in the 2^nd round last year, but I don’t think he’s a good fit for their 3-4 scheme and he did struggle as a rookie. Paris Lenon next to him will be 34 in November, so they may want to add some true 3-4 middle linebacker depth.

Center

Lyle Sendlein can be upgraded so if a center they like falls to them, they could pull the trigger.

Safety

Now I see why Kerry Rhodes was given away for so cheap last offseason. He’s not very good. They might be looking for an upgrade this offseason.

Tight End

I know they don’t like pass catching tight ends, but if they add a rookie quarterback, they might want to get him a true pass catching tight end. Pass catching tight ends are a rookie quarterback’s best friend.