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Well now, there is a lot of stuff for you guys. Mostly reactions to the Cardinals drafting Patrick Peterson, and in case you do not know the reaction has been almost unanimously positive. Also, some updates on the Cardinals players finally being able to come to the team facility to work out and talk with the coaches. One nice thing I saw, DRC has gained eight pounds and he said that he needs to become a better tackler. I think PP7 and DRC will be a great combo right now.
On to the links! Just so you know, there are a lot of them for you to pick and choose from for your reading pleasure.
Peterson Is The Pick
LSU cornerback becomes Cards' choice at fifth overall
NFL draft: Arizona Cardinals select Patrick Peterson at No. 5
The Cardinals listened to trade inquiries for the fifth overall pick in the NFL draft Thursday night, but in reality, it was going to take a stupefying offer that included an invitation to the royal wedding to get them to move. They didn't budge and selected LSU cornerback Patrick Peterson, who fittingly, wore a red tie to the draft in New York.
Arizona Cardinals drafted wisely with Patrick Peterson
Four years too late, the Cardinals finally got their Peterson. It wasn't Adrian Peterson, the running back they ignored when choosing offensive lineman Levi Brown in 2007. It was Patrick Peterson, a big, athletic cornerback from LSU. This was the smart play. The Cardinals didn't get the yips and trade down, as they once did with Terrell Suggs on the board. They selected an impact player who immediately will upgrade Arizona's defense, rewarding fans that suffered through a 5-11 debacle last season.
Arizona Cardinals have options in second round of NFL draft
One nice thing, maybe the only one, about being an NFL team with a lot of needs is that it also means you have options in the draft. That's what the Cardinals will enjoy Friday, when the second and third rounds of the NFL draft are held.
Arizona Cardinals 'prepared' for roster moves
They didn't find a quarterback in the first round of the NFL draft on Thursday night, but the Cardinals might have a new starting quarterback in the fold by Monday. That's when the NFL's 2011 league year could begin as it pertains to signing free agents, making trades and other roster moves. And the Cardinals will be scrambling as much as any team to jump into the free-agent pool, most likely to sign Marc Bulger, the veteran backup from the Baltimore Ravens. Bringing in a quarterback is just as important as the No. 5 pick the Cardinals used in the first round to select LSU cornerback Patrick Peterson, whom many scouts have called the best player available in this draft.
NFL.com news: No. 5 pick Peterson ready to start in Cardinals' secondary
The Arizona Cardinals passed on a quarterback, instead using the fifth overall pick in Thursday's opening round of the NFL draft to select Patrick Peterson, a confident, highly regarded cornerback from LSU who says he expects to immediately assume the starting cornerback spot alongside Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. After a 5-11 season, the Cardinals have needs galore and gladly chose Peterson, considered by some to be the best player in the draft.
Day 2 draft glance: Arizona Cardinals - NFC West Blog - ESPN
A quick look at where the Arizona Cardinals stand following the first round of the 2011 NFL draft:
Fitzgerald's applause for Cardinals' choice - NFC West Blog - ESPN
Larry Fitzgerald's thoughts on new teammate Patrick Peterson are worth our consideration.
First-round fallout: Four players affected - NFC West Blog - ESPN
NFC West teams happily welcomed first-round selections Patrick Peterson (Arizona Cardinals), Aldon Smith (San Francisco 49ers), Robert Quinn (St. Louis Rams) and James Carpenter (Seattle Seahawks). Each player changes his new team's dynamics at his position. A quick look at the immediate implications.
Cardinals deflect question about Marc Bulger | ProFootballTalk
When the Cardinals selected cornerback Patrick Peterson with the fifth pick on Thursday night, it seemed to lend support to the notion that they had already chosen a veteran quarterback to lead them next season.
Arizona Cardinals players work out with coaches
Several Arizona Cardinals players reported for work on Friday and actually broke a sweat. With the NFL lockout lifted, at least temporarily, a number of players reported and went through a workout under the supervision of strength and conditioning coach John Lott. "Shoot, I enjoyed the time away, just going back home and being with family," cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie said. "But it felt great to be back, see all my dogs. I missed Coach Lott, man. I ain't talking about the weight room, but I'm just saying I missed Coach Lott in general." Some players reported as early as 7 a.m. and most had departed by 11 a.m. The number of players who attended was not available because the locker room, weight room and practice field were closed to media.
Word From the Birds Blog - Workouts, for now
A handful of players came in, as promised, to work out this morning — among them, DRC, Levi Brown, Andre Roberts, Jeremy Bridges and Rex Hadnot. They were all thrilled to be around, although Brown joked that John Lott’s bear crawl work got him pretty good. "I wasn’t expecting that," he said. How long it lasts is unknown. A temporary stay sounds like it’s coming from the court system, which would put everything on hold for a while. (UPDATE: Reports were that a temporary stay was granted, although nothing official has been said yet). But the guys around looked pretty good. DRC said he put on about eight pounds of muscle and he looks it. Wide receivers Stephen Williams and Roberts also clearly look stronger than they did as rookies.
azcentral.com blogs - Kent Somers - Friday morning before the draft
There was an interesting anecdote in Mike Silver's column for Yahoo!. Silver spent draft day with Larry Fitzgerald, and Fitzgerald raved about the selection of Patrick Peterson.
Cardinals need a home run in Round 2 - ArizonaSports.com
Why should I stop dreaming? Hit a home run in Round 2.
Fitzgerald: Whiz told me he learned his lesson - ArizonaSports.com
Usually it's a coach that teaches players something about the game. For Arizona Cardinals head coach Ken Whisenhunt it was a player that isn't even on his roster that may have taught him the most valuable lesson of all.
Cards get sure thing in Patrick Peterson and still lose? - ArizonaSports.com
According to many pundits, the Arizona Cardinals got arguably the best player available when they selected Patrick Peterson number five overall.
Whisenhunt believes Peterson will bring a lot to the Cardinals - ArizonaSports.com
According to Arizona Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt, with the fifth overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, the team selected a mentality that they believed couldn't be found had they drafted another player.
Arizona Cardinals QB rumor mill heating up - ArizonaSports.com
There are more Arizona Cardinal quarterback rumors flying around right now than Mel Kiper Jr. hair jokes on Twitter.
Sports 620 KTAR host reaction to Peterson pick - ArizonaSports.com
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Peterson on being selected by Cardinals - ArizonaSports.com
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Cardinals make the right choice with Patrick Peterson - ArizonaSports.com
The Cardinals had me worried. Rumors started to circulate about the team trading down, which were bad enough, but then they were followed by talk of them reaching for Missouri defensive end/linebacker Aldon Smith. Oh boy.
Patrick Peterson marks the end of the 'Same Old Cardinals' - ArizonaSports.com
It's not very often that life gives you a second chance. On Thursday night the football gods gave the Arizona Cardinals another chance to make things right … sort of. See, just four short years ago the Cards were in a similar draft position with the fifth pick and instead of taking running back Adrian Peterson they chose to reach for a need and drafted tackle Levi Brown. It was the NFL equivalent of the rich dad choosing the minivan over the Maserati because it was ‘better for the kids'. Like the dad, they lived to regret the decision. In 2011 with the Cardinals sitting at No. 5, Ken Whisenhunt and the rest of the front office learned from the past and got their Peterson, in cornerback Patrick Peterson.
Cardinals select Patrick Peterson fifth overall - ArizonaSports.com
The Cardinals selected LSU cornerback Patrick Peterson Thursday with their first round pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, the fifth overall selection. Peterson had four interceptions and two kick returns for touchdowns in the 2010 season along with 42 tackles. The cornerback had seven interceptions and 135 total tackles in his three year career at LSU and was lauded by many for his coverage skills and potential as a lock-down defensive back in the NFL.
Cardinals get their guy, fans love it, player excited - ArizonaSports.com
Patrick Peterson, the highly touted cornerback from LSU, is coming to the desert.
Peterson: 'I can't ask for a better team to play for' - ArizonaSports.com
The first round pick for the Arizona Cardinals is considered to be the best player available in this year's draft -- and he thinks the Cards are the best fit for him. "I can't ask for a better team to play for," former LSU cornerback and new Cardinal Patrick Peterson said about coming to the desert in a conference call with reporters. Let me be one of the first 1,000,000 people to welcome you to the Valley of the Sun, Mr. Peterson.
A wonderful day to be a Cardinals fan - ArizonaSports.com
This was a great pick by the Arizona Cardinals. Patrick Peterson, CB out of LSU, was the surest thing in this draft. He was rated the number player overall on many draft boards. Picking him at number 5 gives the Cardinals instant value in the first-round. Peterson will do four primary things for Big Red:
Cardinals Head Coach excited about first round NFL draft pick Patrick Peterson - Phoenix Arizona Cardinals | Examiner.com
It only took a few minutes for Head Coach Ken Whisenhunt and General Manager Rod Graves to make their way from the Cardinals draft room to the media room to talk about the selection of Patrick Peterson with the fifth overall pick of the draft. The pair had smiles on their face as they talked about the pick, which immediately improved the team's defensive unit. "He was the highest rated player we had on the our draft board," said Whisenhunt.
Word From the Birds Blog - Cardinals take Peterson number one
There will be much more soon, but the Cardinals got LSU cornerback Patrick Peterson with their first round pick, a player who many thought was the best player available in the draft. Peterson said he is "shocked" but he is wearing a red tie and red handkerchief, so how shocked can he be?
Video Gallery - azcardinals.com
Whisenhunt and Graves on Peterson
Peterson Conference Call
Cardinals 1st round draft pick Patrick Peterson conducts a conference call with Arizona media shortly after being selected as the 5th overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft.
Thoughts as Cards take Peterson - NFC West Blog - ESPN
The Arizona Cardinals did not come right out and say they would avoid the top quarterbacks in the 2011 NFL draft. Instead, they dropped hints. Strong hints. Coach Ken Whisenhunt suggested the team didn't see any sure-fire quarterbacks in the draft, or at least any with the credentials of recent first-round quarterbacks Sam Bradford and Matt Ryan. Whisenhunt later qualified those comments, but serious doubts remained, at least for me. The Cardinals appeared more likely to lean toward an immediate impact player on defense, paticularly if Texas A&M pass-rusher Von Miller were available when they chose with the fifth overall choice. Miller was long gone Thursday when Arizona finally selected. LSU cornerback Patrick Peterson was there, and the Cardinals selected him -- even with Missouri quarterback Blaine Gabbert still available.
azcentral.com blogs - Kent Somers - Cardinals quotes on Peterson
Barring a surprise on draft day, it appears the Cardinals were prepared to stay at No. 5. They would have taken defensive tackle Marcell Dareus, outside linebacker Von Miller, receiver A.J. Green or cornerback Patrick Peterson with the fifth overall pick. Peterson was the only one of the four left, and the Cardinals were happy to get him. They talked trade with other teams, but nobody bowled them over with an offer.
Word From the Birds Blog - Players to work out Friday morning
During his press conference talking about the pick of Patrick Peterson, coach Ken Whisenhunt said — with the in-flux labor situation currently opening a window for players to work out — that the team has talked to a number of players and he expects some to come in Friday morning for the first off-season strength and conditioning work.
Arizona Diamondbacks rout Chicago Cubs in series opener
Manager Kirk Gibson needs to keep making the trek up and down Camelback Mountain. He did so Thursday morning, searching for answers for his team's first-inning troubles on the mound. Who knows what Gibson said as he reached the top of the mountain, but his prayers to the heavens were answered -- and then some -- Thursday night when his Diamondbacks faced the Cubs. The Diamondbacks allowed only a single in the first inning, a notable feat considering the amount of runs -- major league leading 26 runs allowed in the first -- the team had given up. But what also made that inning worth its price of admission for 21,716 fans were the seven runs the Diamondbacks scored in an 11-2 victory at Chase Field.
Something to shoot for: Home Super Bowl - NFC West Blog - ESPN
The Arizona Cardinals could have additional incentive for becoming a playoff team again. The team's home stadium is in the running to host the Super Bowl following the 2014 season. Tampa Bay is the other finalist.
Arizona named one of two finalists for 2015 Super Bowl
The National Football League has selected Arizona as one of two finalists for the 2015 Super Bowl, according to the Arizona Super Bowl Host Committee.
Could Cardinals be eyeing a run at Matt Hasselbeck? | National Football Post
Could Cardinals be eyeing a run at Matt Hasselbeck?
With the 5th pick, the Arizona Cardinals select... | National Football Post
Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU: Love the pick! The Cardinals take the best player left on the board and potentially could have one of the top cornerback tandems in the league down the line. Peterson can play in press man, turn and run, and adds some dynamic return ability as well. Possesses shut down ability.
QBs will define NFC West drafts in absentia - NFC West Blog - ESPN
Teams with John Skelton and David Carr topping mid-April depth charts shrugged at the available quarterbacks early in the 2011 NFL draft. The Arizona Cardinals and San Francisco 49ers had no use for Jake Locker (eighth to Tennessee). They couldn't make room for Blaine Gabbert (10th to Jacksonville). Christian Ponder (12th to Minnesota) wasn't in their plans, either. I can't blame them.
Ken Whisenhunt And Matt Leinart Forever Linked By Hut Tub Girls - Desert Dirt - SB Nation Arizona
The 2011 NFL Draft is underway and we understand if you are a little preoccupied with all that fun. The Arizona Cardinals are excited about their pick, Patrick Peterson and certainly there's been a few surprises like Jake Locker being taken by Tennessee over Blaine Gabbert. But come with me on a journey to the Google machine. Google, as we all know, controls our lives. Many of you are here reading this right now because of the Google. Google sees all and more importantly it knows all. HE knows all. So, do not dismiss the findings of a recent Google search for Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt. I typed in "Ken Whisenhunt" for the simple purpose of confirming the spelling of his name. Once you've misspelled as many names as I have, you try and check these things.
NFL Draft First Round Winners and Losers for Madden NFL 12 | pastapadre.com
The first round of the 2011 NFL Draft contained a number of surprises as teams look to fill needs in this unique situation where picks are being made prior to free agency. Evaluating the selections from the standpoint of influence on Madden 12 there were teams that clearly succeeded by adding impact players while others did little to improve their outlook.
NFL players return to work, head off to court - ESPN
Welcome back, players. For now, at least.
Cardinals WR Fitzgerald pumped over Peterson - NFL - Yahoo! Sports
As a man who has risen to the top of his field by making game-changing catches, Larry Fitzgerald understands the equal and opposite importance of preventing opponents from shredding his team’s secondary. For that reason, the Arizona Cardinals’ All-Pro wideout plans to give an exceptionally warm reception to the team’s newest acquisition, cornerback Patrick Peterson.
Second-round quarterback considerations - NFC West Blog - ESPN
The first round of the 2011 NFL draft was notable in the NFC West for the players teams did not select -- quarterbacks available when Arizona and San Francisco selected. The second round presents a second chance for the Cardinals, 49ers and Seattle Seahawks to address their quarterback situations. I would single out the 49ers as most likely among the three to pursue a quarterback at this stage, based on the lack of a developmental prospect at the position.
A few words from Mel Kiper on NFC West - NFC West Blog - ESPN
ESPN's Mel Kiper singled out the Arizona Cardinals for praise while raising questions about the Seattle Seahawks in the first round of the 2011 draft. His full Insider piece spans more than 1,400 words and touches on multiple teams. I've broken out a couple snippets from his comments on NFC West teams for further analysis. Kiper specifically addressed the Cardinals' selection of LSU cornerback Patrick Peterson and the Seahawks' selection of Alabama tackle James Carpenter.
Kolb trade agreement rumors shot down | ProFootballTalk
The Cardinals and 49ers didn’t draft a quarterback last night, causing some in the Philly media to "surmise" that perhaps the Eagles had a "wink and nod" agreement to trade Kevin Kolb to one of the teams. The speculation in Philadelphia went like so: A team in the top ten chose a player the Eagles wanted, and the two sides would consummate the deal after the draft. Reuben Frank of CSNPhilly.com has two league sources that say they have no plans in place whatsoever.
Round Two Mock Draft: Da'Quan Bowers Still Waiting, Along With Dozens Of Other Prospects - SBNation.com
Round 2 of the 2011 NFL Draft is set to begin tonight, and the fall of Clemson DE Da'Quan Bowers is by far the most compelling storyline.
NFL Draft Grades, In Perspective - From Our Editors - SBNation.com
The 2011 NFL Draft is in full swing, and already, the experts' draft grades have come in for Thursday's first round and they'll continue all weekend. 'Tis the season for bold proclamations and pontification. And you already know to keep it all in perspective, so this isn't so much a reminder of how unpredictable guys like Cam Newton, Christian Ponder, or Julio Jones can be. It's really just an excuse to relive the scene from 2007, when Jamarcus Russell went no. 1:
2011 NFL Draft Reactions: How Do The Fans Feel About Their New Acquisitions? - SBNation.com
One thing is certain about the NFL draft: fans have an opinion. Here's what many football fans are saying across SB Nation's network of blogs.
NFL Draft 2011, Round 1: Full Rundown Of Every Opening Night Pick - SBNation.com
Scroll down to find out info on every first round pick in Thursday night's NFL Draft.
Patrick Peterson Pick Draws Rave Reviews From Experts, Arizona Cardinals Fans - SB Nation Arizona
Unless you've been working all night, you already know that the Arizona Cardinals selected Patrick Peterson, cornerback out of LSU, with the fifth pick in the 2011 NFL Draft on Thursday night. This pick has been highly praised by those who follow the team.
NFL Draft 2011, Round 2: Brooks Reed Among Top Talent Still Available - SB Nation Arizona
The second and third rounds of the NFL Draft are filled with intriguing football talent.
Larry Fitzgerald Thrilled With Patrick Peterson Pick, 'Can't Miss Player' - Desert Dirt - SB Nation Arizona
When Larry Fitzgerald says anything, Arizona Cardinals fans listen. If he wants the field at University of Phoenix Stadium painted pink, you better believe there would be a full discussion about it. Whatever it takes to keep Larry happy as he enters the final year of his contract with only a promise of extension discussions to come. Fortunately, Fitzgerald is thrilled with the Cardinals draft pick, Patrick Peterson.
Video: Todd McShay Scouts Patrick Peterson, 'Chance To Be Elite Cornerback' - Desert Dirt - SB Nation Arizona
ESPN and Scouts, Inc expert Todd McShay breaks down Patrick Peterson and talks about the strengths and weaknesses of the Arizona Cardinals first round pick. McShay said Peterson has, "A chance to be one of the elite cornerbacks in the NFL." But there's also holes in Peterson's game that McShay wants to see Peterson fill.
Cam Newton Going To Carolina After NFL Draft, But What Happens Next? - SBNation.com
Cam Newton went No. 1 to the Carolina Panthers in Thursday's 2011 NFL Draft, and it brings one of the craziest years in recent memory to an end. So what happens next?
PFT’s second-round mock draft | ProFootballTalk
38: Cardinals: Jabaal Sheard, linebacker, Pittsburgh. The Arizona coaching staff has several connections to the Pitt program, including alumnus Russ Grimm. Sheard fell a bit due to character concerns, but the 2010 Big East Defensive Player of the Year can get after the quarterback.
Fans eased off Goodell after rough start | ProFootballTalk
Leading up to Thursday’s draft, one of the biggest questions was how Commissioner Roger Goodell received. As expected, the initial reaction to Goodell was intense. He was greeted with chants and extended thunderous boos when he first greeted the crowd 30 minutes before the show started. The boos were also loud when he came to announce the first pick of the night.
2011 NFL draft: Roger Goodell says he understands fans' boos at draft - ESPN
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell says he understood the fans' booing when he took the stage at the draft Thursday night because everyone's frustrated.
Carolina Panthers' top pick Cam Newton ready for scrutiny - ESPN
Before signing off on the decision to draft Cam Newton No. 1 overall, Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson invited the former Auburn quarterback to his home and pulled out a letter from a fan.
2011 NFL draft: Roger Goodell the biggest Day 1 loser - ESPN
If the boos on Thursday night were any indication, Roger Goodell's approval rating has dipped significantly this offseason, writes John Clayton.
(This also lists the NFC West teams not named the Rams among the losers for not taking a QB)
2011 NFL draft: Chicago Bears' Jerry Angelo takes blame for failed trade with Baltimore Ravens - ESPN Chicago
Chicago Bears GM Jerry Angelo took the blame for not being able to complete a trade with the Baltimore Ravens in time.
Panthers didn't draft Cam Newton to sit - NFC South Blog - ESPN
For just a second Thursday night, the new Carolina Panthers looked just as deliberate as the old ones. The team that has set NFL offenses back a decade the past couple of years, ran one straight up the gut. New coach Ron Rivera and general manager Marty Hurney weren’t playing any games as they talked about Cam Newton, the man they took with the first pick in the NFL draft. They didn’t come right out and say it, but you don’t have to look for any mysterious lines to read between. Rivera uses the term "bottom line’’ a lot and, in this case it’s real obvious what the bottom line is. The Panthers’ plan is to play Newton right away. In fact, go ahead and pencil him in as the opening-day starter.
NFL Videos: Newton right guy for Panthers?
Kurt Warner and Jim Mora think Ron Rivera and the Panthers might soon have buyer's remorse. Find out why.
NFL Videos: Analyzing the top 8 picks
The "NFL Total Access" crew breaks down picks two through eight in the 2011 draft.
Draft shockers: QBs Locker and Ponder go early in NFL draft - Shutdown Corner - NFL Blog - Yahoo! Sports
Jake Locker going No. 8 to the Tennessee Titans was set to be the most scrutinized, analyzed and criticized pick of the first round of the NFL draft. And then the Minnesota Vikings took Christian Ponder at No. 12 and let 'em off the hook.
DJ Steve Porter’s NFL draft remix is too fantastic for words - Shutdown Corner - NFL Blog - Yahoo! Sports
I'll admit it; I haven't been as excited as usual for this year's NFL draft. Judging from emails and comments, I'm not the only one. The lockout has understandably sapped the enthusiasm of some folks who are stunned to realize that the league cares more (only?) about the color of their money rather than the content of their fandom. It was with hurt feelings and a headache from reading too much legal jargon that I planned to watch Thursday night's first round. And then came DJ Steve Porter's NFL draft remix: