Arizona Cardinals

HISTORY
Founded in 1920 as the Chicago Cardinals of the APFA. Joined the NFL in 1922. Relocated to St. Louis in 1960. Relocated as the Phoenix Cardinals in 1988. Changed name to Arizona Cardinals in 1994.

CHAMPIONSHIP SUMMARY
League Championships: 2 - 1925 (NFL), 1947 (NFL)

Conference Championships: None

Division Championships: 4 - 1947 (NFL West), 1948 (NFL West), 1974 (NFC East), 1975 (NFC East)

Playoff Appearances: 6 - 1947, 1948, 1974, 1975, 1982, 1998

2005 Finish: 5-11, 3 rd Place NFC West
2006 Finish: 5-11

Recent Records:

2004: 6-10 2005: 5-11 2006: 5-11

2008 NFL DRAFT GRADES

Arizona Cardinals: B+

I like what the Cardinals did on draft day. They traded up slightly in Round 1 to get the corner they liked most, but not enough to kill the rest of their draft. In trading up, they picked up the most dynamic corner with the highest ceiling, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. The 6′2″ corner with great measurables may take some time to adapt to the pro game, but his quickness and advice from his brother will make the transition easier. This was the biggest need area for the Cadinals as Antrel Rolle moves to safety.

Calais Campbell has 1st round pick ability and he’s a huge defensive end that can rush the passer and hold up well against the run. He might not have flashy speed or sack numbers but a defensive end that can do it all is a nice plus.

Early Doucet is a very talented receiver that just gets the job done. Maybe a little like Anquan Boldin a few years ago, Doucet didn’t blow anyone away with his numbers, but he’s a football player and should help right away.

Kenny Iwemba is a solid defensive pass rusher for a 4th round pick.

Tim Hightower didn’t time out well, but his film shows his bruising hard-nosed running style, and the Cards hope he can become a version of Marion Barber.

Chris Harrington has lots of speed at defensive end, but right now he’ll just try to make this team. His consistency was low at A&M.

Brandon Keith is a beast of an offensive lineman, and since it was the Cards and Russ Grimm taking him, I fully expect him to make the team and possible turn into a huge guard.

2007 Arizona Cardinals

The Arizona Cardinals had a relatively terrible year in 2007. Kurt Warner didn’t work out… again. And superstar free-agent addition, Edgerrin James, had his worst full season in his entire football career. On the bright side, Matt Leinart looked as if he’s going to be a solid pro, while Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin continued to show why they are recognized as one of the best young tandems in the league. Overall, the Cardinals definitely disappointed in Dennis Green’s 2nd and last season as coach of the Cards. “They are who I thought they were!” If the Cardinals can pull a couple valuable offensive and defensive linemen via free agency and or the draft, I expect them to actually follow the hype that has been with them for the last two seasons, and do something in the NFC West. But there’s always the fact that they are the Cardinals, a real killer if you’re looking for wins. What the Cards really have to do is limit those 8 game losing streaks. Those will always hurt your playoff hopes. However, the Cardinals finished the season going 3-2 over their last 5 games, with wins over the Rams, 49ers, and Seahawks. Tough division, I guess.

2007 Off-Season Plans:

The Cardinals already found a new head coach in Ken Whisenhunt. This is a huge splash for Arizona, as Ken was one of the hottest names on the coaching market. As part of a Steelers’ coaching crew that always had great drafts, I can only expect some perfect decisions from the Cardinals with Ken running the show. While I’m sure the Cardinals will have a better rushing attack with Whisenhunt’s ground game in tact, a need for offensive linemen has to be realized. Addition via the draft could find them a star early, but plenty of depth can be had later on day 1. Defensive help is also something of need for Arizona. Early on day 1, if the best O-Line prospect is off the board, a flashy defensive lineman could find himself in a Cardinals uniform as the 5th pick. Possible selections; Joe Thomas, Gaines Adams, LaRon Landry, Reggie nelson, Levi Brown, or Alan Branch.

See the Cardinals draft situation at Lucky’s Mock Draft!

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