2011 NFL Draft: Arizona Cardinals analysis and predictions

WHERE THEY NEED HELP: Quarterback, defensive line, linebacker. The Cardinals need a future quarterback. (The last time the Cardinals drafted a quarterback in the first round was released Matt Leinart and that obviously did not work out. The Cardinals may try again in 2011. The Cardinals also need an outside linebacker to replace Karlos Dansby who signed with Miami last year as a free agent, and for a pass rushing defensive end to play next to last year's first round pick nose tackle Dan Williams.

ANALYSIS: Kurt Warner may have clinched his Hall of Fame Credentials by retiring and not playing last year. Neither Matt Leinart and Derek Anderson, or rookies Max Hall or John Skelton was, or is a long-term solution. If there had been free agency, or teams could have engaged in trades, the Cardinals could have been a player in the Kevin Kolb sweepstakes picking up the quarterback while trading down in the draft. If Washington releases Donovan McNabb, he would be an intriguing stopgap measure for Arizona this season. Having said that, if Cam Newton comes off the board with the first pick by Carolina, look for Arizona to select Gabbert as their quarterback of the future. If Carolina passes on Newton, he will not fall further than the number five selection here. In other year drafts Gabbart would be a late first round selection, but this is a weak quarterback draft and the Cardinals fill a need here. Texas A & M linebacker Von Miller would fill a need on defense as a pass rushing linebacker, but he will be off the board before the Cardinals select. The Cardinals selected nose tackle Dan Williams last year and could use a pass-rushing end next to him like Robert Quinn of North Carolina or Da'Quan Bowers of Clemson if they decide to select a defensive end, but they need a quarterback more.

WHAT THEY SHOULD DO: If he falls past Buffalo take Miller. He and is a playmaker, otherwise take a defensive lineman. Gabbert is not a sure thing.

WHERE THEY ARE EXPECTED TO USE THE FIRST PICK: Quarterback, Blaine Gabbert, Missouri

2011 NFL MOCK DRAFT WITH TEAM-BY-TEAM ANALYSIS AND PREDICTIONS

CLICK HERE

2011 NFL DRAFT TEAM-BY-TEAM ANALYSIS AND PREDICTIONS