2011 NFL Draft Results: Cardinals Pass Up Pass Rusher For Ryan Williams

I have to say that I am surprised by this pick. I think that Ryan Williams, the Running Back from Virgina Tech is a good player, but there were more pressing needs than Running Back for the Cardinals. But now, the Cardinals are also four deep at Running Back with a stable made up of Beanie Wells, Tim Hightower, LaRod Stephens-Howling, and now Ryan Williams. It could also be a sign that the Cardinals plan to run the ball a lot more after seeing how their passing game fell apart after going from Kurt Warner to Derek Anderson, Max Hall and John Skelton. I do remember hearing that the Cardinals were interested in Ryan Williams before the Combine, but I expected an Outside Linebacker such as Akeem Ayers who was still available to be the pick.

Ryan Williams spent two years at Virgina Tech, as a Freshman he was dynamic running for 1655 yards on 293 carries and 21 Touchdowns, but he was hampered by injuries during his Sophmore season last year only running for 447 yards on 110 carries with nine Touchdowns. 

On most of the Draft Boards, he was the second ranked Running Back behind Mark Ingram, he probably could have gone in the first round if it wasn't for his injury hampered season last year.

He is also projected as a guy who can become an every down back for the Cardinals. I also have a feeling that it means one of the Running Backs is in the doghouse, possibly Beanie Wells after a disappointing injury laden season. Hightower's expiring contract and fumbling issues could also be an explanation.

Now it is time to see if the Cardinals address one of their other needs in the third round or if they make a trade with someone.