The NFL Draft is always full of winners and losers, but often those two categories include more than just draft picks and the teams that selected them. A big winner in this draft for the Cardinals would have to be Edgerrin James . The big areas of need for the Cardinals heading into the draft were shoring up the defensive secondary, defensive line depth and finding a 'home run hitter' at running back. The Cardinals filled two of those needs during the draft but the area still left vacant is a back with breakaway speed. The Cardinals didn't select an running back until the 5th round and even though the coaching staff seems very high on Tim Hightower , it's unlikely that he'll be able to take over as a workload back within the next couple of seasons. Granted it's hard to argue with a running back who's totaled over 2,800 yards from scrimmage the past two seasons, but James has only averaged 3.6 yards per carry in his two seasons with the Cardinals. Not to mention he hasn't had a single play (rushing or receiving) over 30 yards in over two years. Still though, don't tell Edge that the Cards need some explosiveness or that an upgrade is needed at his position:
"I never worry about somebody coming in and playing my position. If they come, I'm going to help them as much as I can. Because I know it's not me. Running back is not the problem here. That's the least of my concerns. If they want to get something, it's their organization. If you look at the film, you look at everything, it's not me. So I'm not worried about it. I know where I stand in this game and at this position."
He's not too worried that he'll soon be the dreaded running back age of 30 years old:
"There's no slippage, I made sure I got stronger. The main thing is to go out and work. You'll see for yourself. I know I'm getting older. People say you're getting to be 30. But I take good care of myself. And I prepared for all of this in the early years. You won't see any slippage from me."
The good news for the Cardinals is that Edge was better in 2007 than he was in 2006, thanks in large part to a much improved offensive line. The offensive line should return in tact and with a full season worth of experience. Edge may never see the Pro Bowl (he's been 4 times) again or total 2,000 yards from scrimmage (as he's done 3 times) again but he should have another season or two of productive football. The Cardinals success in 2008 will depend in large part to Edge being at the very least a threat running and catching the ball.