With the Arizona Cardinals in full offseason mode, we have turned our attention in part (at least when there isn't news or speculation about Peyton Manning or Todd Haley) to the 2012 NFL Draft. SB Nation has published its most recent mock draft and they have Arizona getting some help a linebacker, a position that is a need but perhaps not the biggest one.
Rather than look at an offensive tackle, a pass rusher or even a wide receiver, it could be an inside linebacker.
These projections have Arizona selecting Boston College inside linebacker Luke Kuelchy with the 13th overall pick.
Why do they project him?
Ray Horton's defense played over their heads this year. Drafting Kuelchy gives them a crucial pivot in the middle of their defense, making life harder for Marshawn Lynch when they see him twice a year. The BC standout won a bucket of awards, including the Butkus Award for the top college linebacker, thanks in part of a gaudy average of almost 16 tackles per game.
If this were the way the Cards were looking, it might spell the end of Stew Bradley unless they move him ove to the outside. Kuelchy would indeed make a nice partner in crime for Daryl Washington. It would make a nice linebacking corp.
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