2013 NFL Mock Draft: Arizona Cardinals

It’s surprising that the Arizona Cardinals only have six picks in the 2013 NFL Draft. Especially since the franchise has needs on offense and defense. There was improvement at quarterback by acquiring Carson Palmer from the Oakland Raiders.

Here’s a look at how the Cardinals will draft.

First Round No.7:  Lane Johnson, OT, Oklahoma

The offensive line last year was a mess allowing 58 sacks and that is the reason four different quarterbacks started in 2012. Johnson had a superb combine and is arguably right up there as one of the best offensive tackles in the draft.

Second Round No.38: Jonathan Franklin, RB, UCLA

When Beanie Wells got drafted as the 31st overall pick in the 2009 draft the franchise believed he would bring consistency to the running game. It hasn’t worked out and now is time for a change with Franklin who ran for 1,734 yards on 282 carries, also averaged 6.2 yards per carry and scored 13 touchdowns.

Caught 33 passes for 323 yards and two touchdowns as well. By taking him it means defenses can’t just concentrate on the pass and will allow Palmer the chance to get the football to wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald.

Third Round No.69: Bennie Logan, DT, LSU

During the 2012 the Cardinals struggled against the run and Logan is a great choice at this spot. He recorded 45 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, three passes broken up and forced a fumble. In 2011 was in on 57 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, broke up a pass and forced a fumble.

Fourth Round No.103: A.J. Klein, ILB, Iowa State

With Daryl Washington suspended for four games to start the season, Klein will get the opportunity to start in his place as he was a tackling machine at Iowa State. For his 2012 season he had 117 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, a sack, two passes broken up and an interception. The season before he also had 117 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, six passes broken up and an interception.

Fifth Round No.140: Micah Hyde, CB, Iowa

Looked great in the East-West Shrine game, though his combine performance was less than stellar. Hyde may move to safety at the NFL level and at Iowa in 2012 he recorded 78 tackles, 14 passes broken up, an interception, four tackles for loss, two fumbles forced and a fumble recovery. Intercepted three passes while making 72 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, eight passes broken up and a forced fumble in 2011.

Sixth Round No.174:  Blaize Foltz, G, TCU

Foltz blocked well and opened up running lanes. Also, performed extremely well in the East-West Shrine game allowing for scouts to take notice of his play.