2008 Arizona Cardinals prospects
The Arizona Cardinals will be playing their 89th NFL season this year, along with their 21st season in the state of Arizona. The Cardinals finished their 2007 season with a score of 8-8; far from consequential, but it’s actually a marked improvement from 2006, where they finished in last place in the NFC West with a 5-11 record. This year will mark the second for head coach Ken Whisenhunt, who began coaching in 2007. Although last year wasn’t exactly a winning season, management was probably impressed by how quickly Whisenhunt turned the team around. Whisenhunt is known for his brilliant offensive plays, as well as his success in Pittsburgh as that team’s offensive coordinator.
The team’s draft picks would be an important part of predicting the season. Early on, the team was looking to fill some key positions, including offensive tackle, due to the unimpressive results of Oliver Ross and the loss of Leonard Davis. Linebacker was another important position, as most of the team members playing thus far haven’t gotten used to the role. Cornerback was another position the team had to consider prior to the 2008 draft. In addition to these needs, the team felt the pressure of history, as their last four drafts were rated excellent and left many quality starters and substitutes.
The team’s draft began with Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, a cornerback from Tennessee State University. They were followed by defensive end Calais Campbell from the University of Miami, wide receiver Early Doucet from Louisiana State University and defensive end Kenny Iwebema from the University of Iowa. Rounding out the list were running back Tim Hightower from the University of Richmond, defensive end Chris Harrington from Texas A&M University and offensive tackle Brandon Keith from the University of Northern Iowa.
What was the media reaction to Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie? Uncertain, although he was declared a potential first-rounder due to his performance in the Senior Bowl. Of course, some argue that most receivers are missing in the Senior Bowl. The pundits agree that if Rodgers-Cromartie is going to help the team, he really needs to develop at a fast pace. At least Rodgers-Cromartie was a popular pick-Campbell was less well received, as he doesn’t seem to be a good fit for Whisenhunt’s defensive strategies thus far. The bottom line is that many of the team’s draft picks need to be introduced and developed quickly if they hope to make a difference in Arizona.
The biggest problem is that among these draft picks there are no safe playmakers, and that may be a risk the team can’t afford to take. Also, they have strong competition this season against the St. Louis Rams and the Seattle Seahawks. It should be noted, however, that under Ken Whisenhunt, the Cardinals have already improved their scoring; 8-8 may not be a major league yet, but it’s the team’s best record since 1998. Whisenhunt obviously has a strategy in 2008 and the Cardinals’ resurrection may be beginning slowly but surely.