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NFL mock draft 2013: Mel Kiper says lineman to Arizona Cardinals with No. 7

The first version of his draft projections have a guard going to the Cardinals.

Kevin C. Cox

The Arizona Cardinals, as they are not in the postseason, have two big things to prepare for. One is their current head coaching search, and the other is to get ready for the NFL Draft. Most would agree that the team's two biggest priorities should be offensive line or quarterback. ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper released his first mock draft projections and has the Cardinals getting help where they need it with the seventh pick in the draft.

His Insider mock draft has Arizona going with the offensive line, taking Alabama guard Chance Warmack.

We haven't seen a true guard land in the top 10 since 1997, but roll the tape on Warmack and it's hard to see how he doesn't end the streak. As a run-blocker, this guy improves what you can do in that area the second he steps on the field. In a word, he's dominant. Arizona's pass protection was a disaster early in the season, but very quietly they may have found answers at tackle in Bobby Massie and Nate Potter, who both played much better late in the year. Add Warmack, and you have a young offensive line that could make huge strides in 2013. Obviously, Arizona could be in the market for a QB here, but free agency (or a trade) could fill that void before April.

Would the Cardinals be better suited taking an interior lineman here, something that is more or less unheard of this high.

Should that be the priority, or should the Cardinals jump on the quarterback they like the best early, as quarterbacks almost always get drafted too early.

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