The Cards did a good job of drafting for need and value, except at running back, where I believe Hightower was a reach at that point in the draft.  A speed back to compliment James made more sense than a power back, if his future replacement was not drafted.  There were some good quick, change-of-pace backs available as college street free agents, and as of this report, the Cards did not sign any.  Anthony Alridge or Dantrell Savage or Andre Callender or Chad Simpson would have been good gets for Arizona as free agents I know they have Arrington, but he has not lived up to expectations).  Harrington was good value in round six, however, he is a bit small for a 3-4 end and a bit slow for a 3-4 outside linebacker.

DRAFT PICKS

Rodgers-Cromartie is a very fast corner who showed at the Senior Bowl that he can force the run and isn't afraid to hit someone.    In fact, at the Senior Bowl he was the best defensive player on the field.  He was good in coverage, came up to hit receivers on short passes, and forced the run.  He is also a good return man.  However, in college he did not show as much toughness as he did at the Senior Bowl.  Still he was a great get for Arizona and should be a solid pro.  He is also a good return man.

Campbell was solid value in round two, especially as a 3-4 defensive end.  Campbell didn't show the consistency to be a reliable sacker as a 4-3 end, however, his size and skill set is very good for a 3-4 end.  He will need to hit the weight room.

Doucet started the process as a potential first round pick.  However, he had a bad Pro Day.  It wasn't so much his 4.56 forty that raised flags with me, it was his 4.55 short shuttle and 7.47 three-cone.  That showed a relative lack of both quickness and cutting ability.  To get a feel, compare those numbers to the defensive ends drafted ahead and after him in the table below.   So with Doucet, you have a player who was terrific on film, but workout numbers that indicate a high probability he will nor be abler to transfer those skills to the NFL at a high level.  Time will tell.  However, Lavelle Hawkins (definitely) or Arman Shields (another option) would have been my choice at this spot in the draft.

Iwebema is solid against the run.  He clearly is an end in the Cards' defensive system.  He does not have the athleticism to be an outside linebacker in a 3-4.  To play end for Arizona, he will have to add bulk, which shouldn't be a problem for him.  I thought he fit best as a two-down end in a 4-3, but he is a strong kid who could pay dividends for Arizona.

Let me be the first to contradict some of the recent comments regarding Hightower.  He is not the next coming of Marion Barber.  Barber is faster (4.48 forty), much quicker (4.18 short shuttle), makes sharper cuts (7.12 three-cone) and is a much better athlete (40" vertical, 10'7" long jump).   Sorry, Cardinal fans and Mel Kiper.  Hightower was a reach.  He is strong, but that's about it as far as being a difference-maker in the NFL.  Thomas Brown, drafted a round later would have been a better pick, and Chauncy Washington has strength and speed and would have been a better selection as a power compliment to James.

Harrington was excellent value in round six, but I'm not sure where he fits in a 3-4 defense.  I saw Harrington as a third end in a 4-3, who gives great effort that results in him making more plays that you'd think.  He is too small for a 3-4 end, and does not have the tool-set to be a 3-4 outside linebacker.  However, he gives good effort so I wouldn't count him out as a backup OLB, and he should be a reliable special teams guy.

Keith could be a late round steal.  He is big, strong, and very athletic for a kid his size.  He could play right tackle, or kick inside to guard.  The main knock on him was his record at Oklahoma, where he left the team on numerous occasions.  He is a player to watch in camp.

COLLEGE STREET FREE AGENTS

Thaddeus Coleman caught scouts eyes at the Texas vs the Nation All Star Game.  He is a big kid with a mean streak who plays out of control at times.  He needs work on his technique and could be a candidate for Arizona's practice squad.

Keilen Dykes was a nice get for Arizona.  He has the strength and athleticism to play all along the line in the Cards' 3-4 defense.  He was a high priority signing and may be one of the best free agent signings by any team.  Look for him to be active for some games this year. 

I like the signing of linebacker Ali Highsmith.  He looked great on film, but had a poor workout and fell out of the draft.  This case clearly shows how any draft expert (industry or media) who says workout numbers are not that important are nuts.  Highsmith is a bit short but has the strength and quickness to play inside in Arizona's 3-4 defense.  I wouldn't bet against him sticking with the club.

Anthony Morelli looks like a Pro quarterback, has the arm of a pro quarterback, but makes poor decisions and struggles with accuracy.  If he ever puts it all together, Arizona will have something.  But that is a big if.