*Walt taking 2014 and 2018 |
Charlie Campbell, Senior Draft Analyst |
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Cardinals Planning Offense-Focused Draft
Updated March 2, 2018
By Charlie Campbell. Follow Charlie on Twitter @draftcampbell.
Every year, there are new head coaches in the NFL that come being an offensive or defensive coordinator, and with their first selection as a head coach, they take a player from the opposite side of the ball that they coordinated previously. This year that situation is expected to play out in Arizona with new head coach Steve Wilks, as sources say the Cardinals want to upgrade their offense significantly in the 2018 NFL Draft. Assuming the draft aligns to their needs, the Cardinals want to draft heavily on offensive players in 2018.
The biggest need on the Arizona roster is for a franchise quarterback. Carson Palmer retired, and the Cardinals have to find a new starter. Trading up in the first round for the right quarterback is a possibility for the Cardinals, as well as trading up from their second-round pick, or signing a veteran starter to buy more time. Every possibility is on the table. Landing a quarterback to build around is the highest priority for Arizona.
Aside from quarterback, sources say the other needs that the Cardinals want to address are the offensive line and wide receiver. The line had a lot of problems last year, and they hope that new offensive line coach Ray Brown can help fix those issues along with potentially bringing in more talent for Brown to work with. Arizona also could have some turnover at wide receiver, and Larry Fitzgerald will turn 35 next August. Adding some offensive line and wide receiver help is top of mind for the Cardinals with a new quarterback.
Sources with Arizona feel the defense is in good shape despite concerns that Robert Nkemdiche is going to be a bust. In this offseason, the Cardinals want to get a franchise quarterback and build up the talent around that signal caller to hopefully get Arizona back in playoff contention.
