The Arizona Cardinals have a few needs this off-season, but their biggest team need has got to be the O-Line.
Many will argue that it's the defense that needs to be addressed first, and with good reason. But the O-Line was one of the worst squads in the entire league.
The Arizona Cardinals were a very pass-happy team in 2012, but they were also the most sacked team in the league with 58 total sacks allowed.
Bob Massie and D’Anthony Batiste were the true culprits here with Batiste being the absolute worse lineman I saw all last season.
New head coach Bruce Arians wants to give his quarterbacks the chance to compete this season, and Kevin Kolb could be the early favorite, but he can only be a servicable quarterback if he has time to throw the ball—something that didn't happen in 2012.
What I believe the Arizona Cardinals will do is reach for the best talent in the 2013 NFL Draft and select Chance Warmack, G, Alabama.
Arizona needs a guy who can handle finesse rushers and bull rushers at the pro level and Warmack is all of this and more. He’s known for his ability to move within the line and has a keen ability to drive defenders backwards and reach the second level in run schemes.
Warmack is also a player who is considered further along than the likes of D.J.Fluker and Barrett Jones.
Bruce Arians has also said he wants to move WR Larry Fitzgerald around the field more, and get Michael Floyd more involved in the passing game—clearly, the Arizona Cardinals will remain pass-happy in 2013.
But to do this, they MUST upgrade their offensive line if they are to achieve this intended approach, no matter who is throwing the ball.
Kent Somers of AZCentral.com reports that Arians will add coaching emphasis to the O-line this season; something they did not do in 2012 which should certainly help.
I do not agree with his assessment that the line has plenty of depth, though. Nate Potter is still unproven, Bobbie Massie needs to improve on a more consistent level and there is still the slight chance that Levi Brown DOES NOT return in 2013, despite his diminutive price tag.
It's a great piece none-the-less.
It’s rare that a guard is mentioned as a first rounder, but Warmack is just too special of a talent to disregard.
I really can’t see the Arizona Cardinals passing on him on draft day, and if that O-line improves, there is some serious suggestion towards this team being a contender in 2013.
Next up I’ll be closing the NFC with the San Francisco 49ers. Be sure to following my continuing coverage of the rest of the NFC below.
NFC North 2013 Team Needs:
GREEN BAY PACKERS
MINNESOTA VIKINGS
CHICAGO BEARS
DETROIT LIONS
NFC East 2013 Team Needs:
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
DALLAS COWBOYS
WASHINGTON REDSKINS
NEW YORK GIANTS
NFC South 2013 Team Needs:
ATLANTA FALCONS
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
CAROLINA PANTHERS
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
NFC West 2013 Team Needs:
