The Arizona Cardinals are now on the clock with the 13th overall pick in our Fan Mock Draft, and they may be disappointed with the options they've been left with. Desperately in need of help both on the offensive line and on defense, the Cardinals have, according to this scenario, watched linemen David DeCastro and Matt Kalil come off the board while a bevy of defensive difference makers have also come off the board. So what's left for a team that finished 28th in the league in sacks allowed and tied for 18th in total defense? Let's examine the options.
On the offensive line, the two players still on the board who stand out are Iowa offensive tackle Riley Reiff and Georgia tackle/guard Cordy Glenn. The right tackle job is theoretically open with Jeremy Bridges penciled in as the starter at the moment, so both Reiff and Glenn would make a lot of sense here if the Cardinals focus on addressing a pressing need.
If they're looking to help out Kevin Kolb and the passing game, two pass-catchers could intrigue the Cardinals. First, Kendall Wright of Baylor possesses the game-breaking speed that would play well opposite Larry Fitzgerald. Second, the Cardinals have been searching for a dynamic option at tight end for some time, and they could grade Coby Fleener as worthy of the 13th selection.
On defense, the Cardinals employ a 3-4 defense and have their front three somewhat set in Calais Campbell, Darnell Dockett and 2010 first-round pick Dan Williams at nose tackle. Williams' presence could preclude the Cardinals from being interested in Dontari Poe, but the dynamically athletic Poe could find a way to make an impact. Quinton Coples would fit the mold as well, as some believe his best pro position could be as a 3-4 defensive end.
Then there's the secondary, which was addressed in some part with the selection of Patrick Paterson at the top of last year's draft. Still, A.J. Jefferson is currently penciled in opposite Peterson and though the Cardinals signed William Gay in free agency, South Carolina's Stephon Gilmore could be very tempting and may rank as the top player on the Cardinals' board here.
The Cardinals could also zero in on Alabama safety Mark Barron as the long-term replacement for Pro Bowl safety Adrian Wilson, who is 32 years old.
So who will it be? Gilmore might be the consensus best player available, but there are plenty of other intriguing options. You get to make the call …
Previous Picks
1. Indianapolis – QB Andrew Luck, Stanford
2. Washington – QB Robert Griffin III, Baylor
3. Minnesota -- OT Matt Kalil, USC
4. Cleveland - RB Trent Richardson, Cleveland
5. Tampa Bay - CB Morris Claiborne, LSU
6. St. Louis - WR Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma St.
7. Jacksonville - WR Michael Floyd, Notre Dame
8. Miami - QB Ryan Tannehill, Texas A&M
9. Carolina - DT Fletcher Cox, Mississippi State
10. Buffalo - LB Luke Kuechly, Boston College
11. Kansas City - G David DeCastro, Stanford
12. Seattle - DE Melvin Ingram, South Carolina
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