NFL Draft 2011 Grades: Arizona Cardinals 1st-Round Analysis

The draft experts had been telling us for weeks that Blaine Gabbert would be the fifth pick in the 2011 NFL draft, going to the Arizona Cardinals.  They liked his completion percentage, which really meant they liked that he could complete short passes.  

In response, I offered:

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"I still don't understand this pick.  I must be missing something, but I see an average NFL QB who threw a lot of short passes in a spread offense.  The Cardinals already cut one high draft pick because he checked down too much; I don't see the Cardinals setting themselves up to do it again."

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Evidently, the Cardinals didn't, either.  Instead, they picked the player I had pegged them to, Patrick Peterson.  

CB a Bigger Need

They were 23rd in the league in total yards and passing yards allowed.  Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie needs to step up in 2011, and having an amazing talent next to him will make it hard for opposing QBs to find holes.  

The team got much better in Round 1.

QB: Not a Need or Not the Guy?

The analysts on the NFL Network were extolling that coach Ken Whisenhunt must have felt comfortable with what he already has in-house.  

While I might agree with that to an extent (John Skelton has potential, but he isn't ready to be a starter yet), it is very clear that the Cardinals don't feel Gabbert is the kind of QB that can lead their team.

If he was, they would have jumped on him.

The Cardinals want to improve and compete now; the NFC West is open to competition, and Peterson will make them better in 2011.  

Gabbert would not have accomplished that goal.

Draft Grade: A-

Without pulling off a major trade like what the Cleveland Browns pulled off, the first round couldn't have gone much better for the Cardinals.  They picked up the best player in the draft; with a few more key additions, they could again be competitive in the division.  

Look for them to look at offensive line in Round 2.  G/T Ben Ijalana from Villanova could be there to offer flexibility with filling holes based on whom the Cardinals can sign.