Mel Kiper's first mock draft 
for 2010 serves as a good conversation starter for NFC West fans looking forward to April.
After assessing projections for the Rams, Seahawks and 49ers, I'll continue with a look at Kiper's plans for the Cardinals, who hold the 26th choice.
26. Arizona Cardinals: Dan Williams, DT, Tennessee
Kiper's give: I see this position as the second-biggest need for the Cardinals, and Williams is a great value here. Tremendously strong in the lower body, he is a disruptive force against the run.
Sando's take: Teams running 3-4 defenses do need strong nose tackles. The Cardinals have leaned heavily on veteran Bryan Robinson. Gabe Watson and Alan Branch haven't provided the consistency a 3-4 team craves from the position (Branch has been better at end). I wouldn't fault the Cardinals for considering an outside linebacker somewhere in this range. They're old at the position and 2009 second-round choice Cody Brown is recovering from serious wrist surgery. It's easier to fill needs this late in the round. Arizona did a good job that way by drafting Beanie Wells at No. 31 last year.
for 2010 serves as a good conversation starter for NFC West fans looking forward to April.
After assessing projections for the Rams, Seahawks and 49ers, I'll continue with a look at Kiper's plans for the Cardinals, who hold the 26th choice.
26. Arizona Cardinals: Dan Williams, DT, Tennessee
Kiper's give: I see this position as the second-biggest need for the Cardinals, and Williams is a great value here. Tremendously strong in the lower body, he is a disruptive force against the run.
Sando's take: Teams running 3-4 defenses do need strong nose tackles. The Cardinals have leaned heavily on veteran Bryan Robinson. Gabe Watson and Alan Branch haven't provided the consistency a 3-4 team craves from the position (Branch has been better at end). I wouldn't fault the Cardinals for considering an outside linebacker somewhere in this range. They're old at the position and 2009 second-round choice Cody Brown is recovering from serious wrist surgery. It's easier to fill needs this late in the round. Arizona did a good job that way by drafting Beanie Wells at No. 31 last year.
Mike Sando | email
NFL- NFC West Blogger
- Joined ESPN in 2007
- Lives in the Seattle-Tacoma area with his wife and two sons
ABOUT THIS BLOG
Mike Sando
Sando joined ESPN.com in 2007 after nine seasons covering the Seattle Seahawks for the Tacoma (Wash.) News Tribune. He lives in the Seattle-Tacoma area with his wife and two sons.
You must be signed in to post a comment