:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/31264443/20140326_jla_af6_013.0.jpg)
The Arizona Cardinals had a list of things that they wanted and needed to address this offseason. So far, they are doing all right in addressing those needs. Some included depth on the offensive and defensive lines, tight end help and getting longer at safety to better cover tight ends. They also wanted to address left tackle in particular and add speed at receiver.
They were successful at adding a potential franchise left tackle in Jared Veldheer, a speed receiver in Ted Ginn and offensive and defensive line depth, adding Ted Larsen and re-signing Frostee Rucker.
Where do they stand in terms of what they should yet do?
Shaun Church, writing for Bleacher Report, wrote about what theteam's priorities should be for the rest of the offseason.
He lists these:
1. Find a rush linebacker
2. Find a strong safety
3. Find Carson Palmer's successor
4. Find depth and competition at right guard
5. Find depth and competition at right tackle
It is hard to argue about the first two. The team has John Abraham, but no one behind him has proven to be a true pass rushing threat.
Safety was a goal for the offseason, but somehow the position has been neglected. You have to figure that they will draft one early, but it almost forces the team to draft a position, rather than their top graded player.
As for the final three, I disagree a bit.
On the offensive line, they already have depth and competition. They have three players battling for each position. While I can see a right tackle being drafted, I don't see anything else done at guard.
And as for a quarterback, I don't put it as a "priority." If you can find his replacement, great. It isn't a true priority until the team is done with him. Is it important? Yes, but they are in a position where they don't have to force it. Bruce Arians already has said publicly that he considers Drew Stanton and Ryan Lindley as "future quarterbacks," although most don't believe him in that sense.
At that position, if a player falls to you that you like, you draft him. but they are not in a position where they have to force the issue.
The remaining offseason priorities? Safety, yes. Pass rusher, yes. They still need defensive line depth. Right now, they have four players to rotate. They need at least one more until Alameda Ta'amu is healthy. They need to worry about inside linebacker, although Lorenzo Alexander can fill in for a likely suspended Daryl Washington.
Outside of that, it is all looking to the future at any and all positions you can -- replacing Antonio Cromartie, Darnell Dockett and perhaps Larry Fitzgerald.
What do you think?
