Time has flown, and I can't believe that the NFL draft is only two weeks away (well, really three, but who can count when there's this much excitement.
I know that no one cares, but here's the mock draft that I put together for the Arizona Cardinals. I'd like to put together a two-round NFL mock draft in the next week or so. Thankfully, I think that most of the trades have been worked out prior to the draft.
A couple notes on methodology here: I'm using the NFL Value Board from TheHuddleReport.com to estimate what players are going to be where. If you're an NFL draft buff, THR is a great resource and an excellent way to spend $9.99 per year. They do a pretty good job of estimating where players are going to go in the draft. I also lean on The Sporting News draft guide for some information on the late-round guys, and the Scouts, Inc crew at ESPN.com.
Also, there has been some talk that the Arizona Cardinals are going to trade WR Anquan Boldin before the draft happens, because he's begging for a new contract. Personally, I don't think this is going to happen. The Cards wouldn't part with Boldin for less than the 1st and 3rd round picks plus that Dallas gave up for Roy Williams, and no one's going to give that up.
Round 1 (31st Overall) - DONALD BROWN, RB, CONNECTICUT The Cards are looking for a running back to share the load with 2008 fourth-round pick Tim Hightower. Brown can be a franchise back and can do it all, and will quickly establish himself as the featured back in this offense. BONUS NUGGET: The Cards would love to have Oklahoma State TE Brandon Pettigrew fall to them here, but it's not going to happen.
Round 2 (63rd Overall) - PAUL KRUGER, DE/OLB, UTAH The Arizona Cardinals need to get younger at the outside linebacker position, as well as get healthier. Kruger isn't an impact pass rusher, but he'll pressure the quarterback from the strong side and develop into an able replacement for Chike Okeafor. BONUS NUGGEST: The Cards would also look long and hard at USC DT/DE Fili Moala at this place if he's available, but Kruger presents too great an opportunity to pass up. The Cards have been fortunate the last couple of years to find depth in the draft at the same positions where they have needs. In a normal draft, a player of Kruger's caliber would be gone in the first 50 picks.
Round 3 (95th Overall) - DAVID BRUTON, S, NOTRE DAME Bruton is a player who is a great physical specimen who sometimes take false steps toward the ball. It's possible that his playmaking abilities were hidden in a poor Irish defense last season. The Cards will be able to use his skills early as a special teams player, but also as the heir apparent to inside-the-box playmaker Adrian Wilson.
Round 4 (131st Overall) - T.J. LANG, OT, EASTERN MICHIGAN Arizona needs to re-stock its cupboard with offensive line talent. Lang will work with 2008 seventh-round pick Brandon Keith as the developmental prospects of Arizona's future offensive line. The Cards will gamble on another small-school prospect and hope it works out as well as it did with CB Dominique Rogers-Cromartie (Tennesee St.) and OT Reggie Wells (Clarion).
Round 5 (167th Overall) BRANDON HUGHES, CB, OREGON STATE You can never have too many cornerbacks on your roster. Hughes has the size and speed numbers that coaches covet, and can begin his career as a special teams gunner and contributor. A great locker-room presence, as well.
Round 6 (204th Overall) ANTHONY HILL, TE, N.C. STATE Hill has worked through some injury problems, but the guy can be a consistent short-yardage target and can develop into a productive blocker with time.
Round 7A (240th Overall) LAROD STEPHENS-HOWLING, RB, PITTSBURGH LaRod could catch on as a return specialist and could make things interesting as a third-down back and special teams contributor.
Round 7B (254th Overall) ANTONIO DIXON, DT, MIAMI This Hurricane will give the Cards a developmental prospect at NT should Gabe Watson leave as a free agent next season or perennial disappointment Alan Branch fail to show up at camp as anything more than a fat tub of goo.
One final thing: I'm going to be involved in one more ESPN Football Today podcast before the draft. I'll post the link when it becomes available, but I'm really excited to be in the Superfans' mock draft. Then, during the long, boring offseason, I'll have to defend my mantle as Arizona Cardinals Superfan.
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