Drafting for defense: Cardinals

NFC West Blog

October, 8, 2008

Oct 8

11:00

AM ET

Email Print

By Mike Sando

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

Draft	Rd.	Pick	Cardinals Pick	Pos.	Cards Starter?	Pro Bowls
2008	1	16	Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie	CB	No	0
2008	2	50	Calais Campbell	DL	No	0
2007	2	33	Alan Branch	DL	No	0
2007	3	69	Buster Davis	LB	No	0
2005	1	8	Antrel Rolle	DB	Yes	0
2005	3	75	Eric Green	CB	Yes	0
2005	3	95	Darryl Blackstock	LB	No	0
2004	2	33	Karlos Dansby	LB	Yes	0
2004	3	64	Darnell Dockett	DL	Yes	1
2003	1	18	Calvin Pace	LB	No	0

The premise: The Cardinals' defense has fared better than its NFC West counterparts, but a collapse against the Jets in Week 5 raised questions.

A closer look: The chart shows the last 10 defensive players Arizona drafted in the first three rounds.

The facts: Four of the 10 are starters and two others, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Calais Campbell, have shown promise. Karlos Dansby is the most versatile player on a defense predicated on interchangeable parts. Antrel Rolle moved to free safety after struggling at cornerback. Calvin Pace was becoming productive before leaving in free agency. Alan Branch could join Buster Davis and Darryl Blackstock as outright disappointments.

The future: Dansby is playing under a one-year deal as the team's franchise player. Keeping him past this season is critical for the defense, particularly after Pace signed with the Jets. Rolle also must succeed at safety. Rodgers-Cromartie looks like a sure starter at some point.

Note: Thanks to andrew602az for reminding me that Dockett does indeed have a Pro Bowl on his resume. He wasn't voted to the squad last season, but he was named to the NFC roster to replace the injured Tommie Harris.

Tags:

Uncategorized, Arizona Cardinals, Darryl Blackstock, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Buster Davis, NFL draft, Karlos Dansby, Eric Green, Alan Branch, Antrel Rolle, Calais Campbell, Calvin Pace, Darnell Dockett, drafting for defense

Sort comments by: Most Recent | First Posted

Comments that include profanity, or personal attacks, or antisocial behavior such as "spamming" or "trolling," or other inappropriate comments or material will be removed from the site. We will take steps to block users who violate any of our terms of use. You are fully responsible for the content that you post.