Arizona Cardinals

TEAM NEEDS: Running back, outside linebacker, tight end, interior offensive line.

RB -- Coaches don't think Edgerrin James is an elite running back and he likely will be released. That leaves Tim Hightower as the No. 1 back and Jason Wright as the third-down back. Hightower probably isn't ready to assume the No. 1 role and the Cardinals would like to get someone who provides a contrast in styles. Hightower is a powerful, one-cut runner but he doesn't have great speed. The Cardinals would like to draft someone who brings an added dimension as a runner and receiver. If they don't that player in the draft, there's a remote possibility James could return.

OLB -- The team has four solid veterans at the two outside linebacker spots, but it needs to get younger. On the weak side, starter Travis LaBoy dealt with injuries all last season. Backup Bertrand Berry will be 34. On the strong side, starter Chike Okeafor and backup Clark Haggans are both over 30 and have dealt with injuries in recent years. The Cardinals are moving to more of a 3-4 look, and the outside linebacker spot is a difficult one to play in that scheme. It can take a few years to learn the intricate defense, and the club has no younger players in the pipeline. The Cardinals could take multiple linebackers in this draft.

TE -- The Cardinals have been searching for a solid tight end for the better part of the past two decades. Starter Leonard Pope has been banged up the past two years and nuances of the offense sometimes escape him. Backup Ben Patrick has some ability but can't get past nagging injuries. Stephen Spach signed last October and became the team's No.1 tight end, an indication of just how weak the position has been. But Spach suffered a torn ACL in the playoffs and might not be ready when the season starts. In the Cardinals' offense, the tight end needs to be able to block, and that's been a struggle for the Cardinals youngsters.

C/OG -- Ken Whisenhunt believes you can never have enough offensive linemen, and the Cardinals could use some depth on the interior line. Center Lyle Sendlein played better as last year progressed, but coaches would like to have some to push him. The same can be said of right guard Deuce Lutui. The Cardinals have a couple of young tackles in Levi Brown and Brandon Keith, whom they think will develop into solid players. The focus will be the interior offensive line spots.

You must be a Huddle Member to continue reading this article or feature.

Already a Member?  Log In Below: Username: Password: Remember me? Forgot your password?

Become a Huddle Member today. Join or Renew Now! Want to know more? Member Benefits (In other words, why join?)