Can the 2008 Arizona Cardinals draft class be one of the best ever?

The majority of us can agree that throughout the history of this franchise we have had some pretty terrible drafts (if you need a quick reminder just look up our 2002 NFL draft class... enough said). Combine that with an owner who has not been known to go out and sign big free agents or make marquee trades and you have the makings of decades of suffering. However, since the emergence of Rod Graves and arrival of Coach Whiz we have seen a definite increase in production from our draftees and expect a higher level of play from them once they have gotten their feet wet in the league. It's difficult to argue against our 2004 draft class where we picked up some stud players and have managed to retain most of them (thank you Denny Green?). But I believe the 2008 draft class can really give them a run for their money. 2004 and 2008 draft picks after the jump.

1st Round - Larry Fitzgerald - Not much to be said here. Arguably the best receiver in the league and certainly top two alongside Andre Johnson. Larry exploded in our playoff run and shattered some Jerry Rice records not many people thought could ever be broken. Still with the team.

2nd Round - Karlos Dansby - Never reached pro bowl status but did provide reliable and solid play from the ILB position. Even though he isn't among the top 5 ILB in the league he did provide us with some very exciting moments throughout his career as a Cardinal. Godspeed Dansby, recently signed a lucrative contract with the Giants.

3rd Round - Darnell Dockett - The big 9-0. Dockett has really amped up his level of play in recent years and has become one of the best DE in the league. He's also stepped into a vocal leader role that is much needed on this team since the retirement of Warner and departure of Boldin. Hopefully we can get him resigned soon so he can continue wreaking havoc for many years to come. Still on the team.

4th Round - Alex Stepanovich - Played a couple of years of C for the team but could never really get his game going. No longer with the team.

5th Round - Antonio Smith - Just as he was becoming one of the more likable players on our team the Texans signed him. Hard to blame them though after his performance in 2008 which helped us get to the Super Bowl. Young player that has a bright future ahead of him. Member of the Houston Texans.

6th Round - Nick Leckey - Another misfire at an attempt to lock down the center position. Primarily played a backup role while on the team. No longer on the squad.

7th Round - John Navarre - Who cares? No longer on the squad.

2008 Arizona Cardinals Draft Selections -

1st Round - Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie - Took over the starting position halfway through his rookie season and hasn't looked back since. Blessed with above average height for a CB and blinding speed DRC is one of the most exciting players on our roster. Already considered a top 5 CB in most circles with loads of potential who many believe will be a shut down corner within a couple years, if that. Still on the team.

2nd Round - Calais Campbell - Can't recall if we traded up for him or not but either way I consider him a steal. Calais quietly (to the rest of the league not to Cards fans) played out of his mind last year, co-leading the team in sacks with 7 and he must have had a good 7 or 8 opportunities for sacks that barely escaped his grasp. An underrated piece to what should be a stellar D-line this year. Still on the team.

3rd Round - Early Doucet - Emerged at the end of last season and has gotten people really excited about his potential. When any young player can somewhat ease the pain of losing an epic player like Boldin it's reason enough for some excitement. Now he just needs to learn to strap on his helmet correctly, though I doubt any of us really care if he picks up where he left off last season. Still on the team.

4th Round - Kenny Iwebema - Kenny hasn't had the ideal start to an NFL career. Buried in the depth chart behind players that have locked up their starting position as long as their contract dictates barring injury. Has had some medical issues too but hopefully he's been using that as motivation to learn and develop so that one day his time to shine will come. Still on the team.

5th Round - Tim Hightower - The fact that we have a running back by committee shouldn't take away from Hightower at all. For a 5th round pick he has met and surpassed most of the expectations set for him. He has had some exciting runs and since the arrival of Beanie his stiff arm is getting better as well. There is a tenacity to his running style that makes him a great 3rd Down RB and a vicious pass blocker. Great value. Still on the team.

6th Round - Chris Harrington - Drafted to attempt the switch from DE to OLB. Misfire. No longer on the team.

7th Round - Brandon Keith - Drafted as a project OT that will get his chance to prove what he's learned over the past few years. Has ideal size and frame for an offensive tackle and has had ample time to develop. Most are expecting an improvement over Levi Brown at RT (and certainly anything Mike Gandy could have done) so we shouldn't see much of a drop-off at all with Levi moving to LT. Preseason should give us a good idea of his skill level. Still on the team.

Please feel free to add anything regarding the players I may have forgotten. Did this to procrastinate schoolwork and create a little excitement about the direction our organization is going in. GO CARDINALS!!!