With the NFL Combine going on right now, little by little we get to see NFL prospects show off their physical talents in preparation for the NFL draft. The Arizona Cardinals have been long discussed as a team looking for a quarterback or help on defense, particularly at linebacker or cornerback. Mock drafts, including those by ESPN's Mel Kiper, have the Cardinals selecting Cam Newton, Blaine Gabbert or Von Miller(whom I covet greatly for the team). However, considering that Larry Fitzgeraldis entering into the final year of his contract and with Steve Breaston no longer under contract, is receiver a position that should be considered, even at number five in the draft?
There are two receivers that stand out -- Georgia's AJ Green, who is considered the best wideout in the draft, and Alabama's Julio Jones, who is no slouch himself. Should the Cardinals even think about one of these two guys?
Green is 6-4 and 212 pounds. He ran a 4.48 40-yard dash at the combine on Sunday. He has the ability to make plays that hardly anyone can make. He had 57 catches and nine TDs in 2010 at Georgia, this after he did not play in the first four games of the season. Here are some Green highlights:
Julio Jones is also 6-4, but a little bigger at 220 pounds. However, he posted an even better 40 time than Green. He posted 1 4.39 40-yard dash. He had 78 catches for seven touchdowns. Here are his highlights:
Both are guys who can catch the football. Both are guys who have size and speed. They can stretch the field. Both would be able to make an impact from day one.
While right now I really want to see Von Miller in a Cardinals uniform, I would not be completely against drafting Green if he is available.
Something even more intriguing would be to trade down and pick up Jones, as he is (at least right now) not projected to go until the middle of the first round. The Cardinals could get a big-time playmaker potentially and an additional pick or additional picks to address other areas, such as a pass rusher. University of Arizona's Brooks Reed is expected to be available in the second round and is even projected to go to the Cardinals in one mock draft.
So what do you think? Obviously receiver is not the team's greatest need, but it is potentially a big need a year from now when Fitzgerald could leave the team. Having both guys would help even an average quarterback look good and could also help Fitz decide to stay, creating the same type of threat that there was when Anquan Boldin was donning red and white.