2013 NFL Draft: Previewing the Arizona Cardinals for The Score

Since it is NFL Draft time, one thing that happens is that I get a lot of requests to talk or write about the Arizona Cardinals. Here is what I was asked by The Score. The full article is here. Keep up with Cardinals news and opinions when you are not on the site. Follow Revenge of the Birds on Twitter at @revengeofbirds and "like" us on Facebook. You can follow me individually at @senorjessroot.

1. Lane Johnson has been commonly mocked to the Cardinals, as he'll most likely be the best available offensive tackle to fill a glaring need up front and protect Carson Palmer, who's a classic pocket passer. If he's on the board, is Johnson the automatic pick?

No, I don't think it's anything automatic. While the offensive line is a need, they also have needs elsewhere, and the team can find offensive line talent throughout the draft. The Cardinals have said they will base their pick on their draft grades, so Johnson will be the pick if he is more highly rated or if he is about the same as the other positions.

2. Johnson's widely been projected as the Cardinals' pick because he's the last of the elite left tackles in this draft. But is a guard (either Chance Warmack or Jonathan Cooper) also a possibility? Tackle seems like the much more pressing need. Also, will we see multiple picks used to upgrade the offensive line?

Guard is a possibility, but guards can be had throughout the draft. Will there be multiple picks on the offensive line? I would expect that.

3. Age isn't Palmer's friend, and behind him Drew Stanton and Brian Hoyer aren't the future at quarterback either. Will a quarterback be targeted early?

Bruce Arians said that a quarterback would have to "pop out" at them to pick one early. He has also said that no one makes him go "wow." I wouldn't be surprised if they don't draft any.

4. Can we expect the Cardinals to dip into a deep safety class, and look at one of Eric Reid, D.J. Swearinger, Bacarri Rambo, or Shamarko Thomas on Day 2? They'd all slide in nicely to replace Kerry Rhodes and/or Adrian Wilson.

I completely expect a safety to be drafted in the middle rounds. This safety class is loaded.

5. What other needs should be addressed? An upgrade at outside linebacker is another possible early direction.

The pass rush needs help, so I fully expect an OLB to be taken. Arians has also talked about a "burner" receiver. Running back is a position to consider as well, as both Ryan Williams and Rashard Mendenhall are question marks coming off of injuries.

Keep up with Cardinals news and opinions when you are not on the site. Follow Revenge of the Birds on Twitter at @revengeofbirds and "like" us on Facebook. You can follow me individually at @senorjessroot.