2011 NFL Mock Draft Rounds 1-3: Arizona Cardinals Select Von Miller, Kyle Rudolph?
The 2011 NFL Draft kicks off in less than a week and a half and fans are swarming to the latest news, information and mock draft projections for their designated teams.
That means it’s time to uncover a personal tradition I started last year—unveiling the first three rounds, team-by-team, before the draft opens it’s highly anticipated doors.
Part five of the series continues with the Arizona Cardinals.
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Round 1, Pick 5—Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M
Sure, Cam Newton and Blaine Gabbert are possible targets, but this is not a new regime with a brand new coach. While free agency won’t be chock-full of star quarterbacks who can play for the next decade, Ken Wisenhunt will find a solid, experienced veteran who can take immediate control of the franchise and lead the Cardinals back to the postseason. It will benefit John Skelton, too, who the team still has faith in down the road.
With this mind, Arizona snatches up Von Miller, who will not only seal a major void and bring nice coverage skills, excellent pressure and more explosiveness than TNT to the defense, but delivers a dramatic instantaneous impact.
Round 2, Pick 6—Benjamin Ijalana, G/OT, Villanova
Whoever is the starting quarterback in Arizona next season will feel much better if he doesn’t have to say a prayer every time he enters the huddle. In other words, improved protection and more weapons on offense are a must. Upgrades at guard and tackle are needed, so Villanova’s versatile Benjamin Ijalana is a can’t-miss prospect.
Round 3, Pick 5—Kyle Rudolph, TE, Notre Dame
After placing a check mark next to improving the protection up front, Arizona restores its offense further with a sure steal and the top tight end in this year’s class—Kyle Rudolph, who is no relation to well-known musician Kevin Rudolf. Rudolph will provide a much-needed safety net over the middle of the field.
Top Five Needs
OLB, OL, QB, TE, DB
Verse(s) of This Piece
“But when you ask God, you must believe and not doubt. Anyone who doubts is like a wave in the seas, blown up and down by the wind. Such doubters are thinking two different things at the same time, and they cannot decide about anything they do. They should not think they will receive anything from the Lord.” —James 1:6-8
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Von Miller is the best pass-rusher in the draft. Cardinals should trade up to get him. But maybe Blaine Gabbert is the right guy for them considering he knows how to play in the shotgun.
Arizona won’t have to trade up to get Vonny. Honestly, he might be my favorite player in all of the draft, and I would love to see Houston trade up to get him, but I seriously doubt it will happen.
Gabbert is a little overrated in my opinion and Miller makes it to No. 5 because Buffalo jumps on Newton.
You can follow the entire 32-part series by clicking on my name and following the archive. Thanks for the insight, Harry!
I guess I don’t understand why the cardinals would not take Ryan Mallet in the second round if he is available I mean this guy is the guy they were predicted to draft in the first round a month ago?