#5 Arizona Cardinals
What They Need: I think this is one spot where it’s clear what to do. Derek Anderson and John Skelton are simply not NFL quarterbacks. The Cards have other holes on their roster, but with Larry Fitzgerald, Steve Breaston, and Beanie Wells already in place at the skill positions, they need a ring leader. They must have a guy capable of accentuating the considerable talent they already possess. The offensive line is slowly improving, and the defense has some nice players. Needs are present defensively, specifically a pass rusher, but nothing is as pressing as the quarterback situation.
Who They Might Pick: If both the top two quarterbacks are gone—doubtful, at least one of them should be left—then they go with a pass rusher here. Von Miller seems a perfect fit for their 3-4 system, something they're moving more towards. Da'Quan Bowers, if available, would be out of position as a 3-4 outside linebacker. Robert Quinn, the pass rushing phenom from UNC is a possibility as well, though teams worry about him because he didn’t play this past year due to NCAA sanctions. If both quarterbacks are still on the board, I think Blaine Gabbert will be the pick.
My Advice: Take Blaine Gabbert. I’m not saying he’s a better prospect than Cam Newton, but I do think he’s more prepared to come in right away and play, that he will transition to the NFL faster. He’s the more accurate passer and his mechanics are better. The Cardinals, as mentioned, have the offensive talent in place, so they aren’t in a position like Buffalo or Carolina to build around a singular talent like Newton. A pure passer to complement the running of Wells and highlight Fitzgerald would be the best pick. The NFC West is ripe for the taking, and if Gabbert is ready to play right now, it could mean a division championship in a short period of time.
#6 Cleveland Browns
What They Need: I’ve heard rumblings that the Browns aren’t sold on Colt McCoy as their franchise quarterback. I think they’ll give him at least another offseason to add strength, learn the system, and prove himself as the full time starter. Peyton Hillis established himself as a top tier running back that can wear down defenses. Center Alex Mack, tackle Joe Thomas, and guard Eric Steinbach represent an excellent core for the offensive line. Where the Browns really lack talent is on the perimeter of their offense. When tight end Ben Watson is your leading receiver by far, you’re in trouble. Adding a premiere wideout would help the offense and provide further insight as to whether McCoy should be the man moving forward. If he can’t do it with a top playmaker, a good running back, and a solid offensive line, then the Browns can think about taking a quarterback next year. Defensively, there are a lot of holes. The defensive front is aging and not very dynamic at all. Shaun Rogers has been cut; he was their biggest force up front. The linebackers aren’t overly impressive either. The Browns spent their first two picks last year on the secondary (Joe Haden and TJ Ward) so I don’t anticipate them investing another top pick in the back four.
Who They Might Pick: Possibilities abound for the Brownies. Defensive line, pass rusher, or receiver seems to be where they’ll look. Stephen Paea is a possibility. He could lock down the nose tackle void Rogers' departure created. Miller or Quinn are possibilities in the pass rusher department. As far as receivers, Julio Jones and AJ Green will probably still be on the board here. At least one of them will surely be available. I believe they’ll want to support young McCoy with some additional weaponry, and address the defense with later picks. Cleveland could use the rest of their draft on defense if they can get one special offensive player here.
My Advice: Georgia's AJ Green should be the pick. Scouts say he’s the closest thing to Calvin Johnson they’ve seen since, well, Calvin Johnson. He has great hands, top speed, a 6’4” frame, and a huge vertical leap. He can stretch the field, and has the size to move the chains and draw double teams in the red zone. He’ll create opportunities for every other Browns receiver, and no corner in the league will be able to jump with him in the end zone.
--from Adam
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