Now that the 2012 NFL Draft is over, we're profiling each team's draft. Who were the steals? Who were the reaches? We continue with the Arizona Cardinals.
2012 NFL Draft analysis: Arizona Cardinals
Despite having what looks like glaring needs at offensive line and pass rusher, Arizona started their draft with a wide receiver in Michael Floyd. Because they didn’t have a second-round pick this year, it was a little surprising to see Arizona stay at pick 13 instead of moving back. That really hamstrung the rest of the team’s draft.
There were seven offensive tackles off the board before Arizona drafted again at pick No. 80. The best 3-4 outside linebackers were also gone. That left the Cardinals to go with cornerback Jamell Fleming, which was a good pick. The Cardinals at least got their offensive tackle in the fourth round with Bobby Massie, but didn't take a pass rusher. Instead, the Cardinals filled out their class with two more offensive linemen in Senio Kelemete and Nate Potter, a safety in Justin Bethel and a project quarterback in Ryan Lindley.
Questionable pick: Floyd, Round 1, Pick 13
Floyd is not a bad player. Where he went in the draft was a solid value pick. This wasn't the pick, though, because star wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald wanted it, said head coach Ken Whisenhunt. Instead, Floyd was the seventh-rated player on Arizona's draft board and No. 2 receiver. But for Arizona, need at offensive line should have superseded adding another playmaker on offense. If Kevin Kolb or John Skelton can't stay healthy, it won't matter how good Floyd can be.
Late-round steal: Nate Potter, Round 7, Pick 221
Potter may start his career as a depth option along the offensive line, but he should land a roster spot. In time, though, he could become a solid player. Unlike most late-round picks, Potter isn’t a project player. He’s a solid tackle with good size. He should be the first backup behind Arizona’s starting left and right tackle.
2013 mock draft pick: Josh D - Logan Thomas, QB, Virginia Tech | Matthew Fairburn - Tyler Bray, QB, Tennessee
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