With the draft approaching, we ignore projections and identify the dream scenario for each team in a series we call The Perfect Draft.After a Cinderella run to the Super Bowl -- and nearly winning the thing -- the Cardinals will look to continue building momentum as a franchise. They have a gaping hole in the backfield, because there is no true every-down back on the team anymore. Also, Anquan Boldin's situation really needs to be resolved, and the team could struggle to replace dearly departed offensive coordinator Todd Haley.
The Ideal Pick
Knowshon Moreno. Assuming the Cardinals decide to hold onto -- and attempt to appease -- Boldin, the offense is missing only one ingredient: An explosive every-down running back. If Beanie Wells slides here, he could work. If both Wells and Moreno are gone, it's conceivable that the Cardinals settle on Connecticut's Donald Brown. The shifty and elusive Moreno best fits the needs of the Cardinals, however. With Kurt Warner, Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald, the Cardinals run a pass-heavy offense. Moreno is a very solid pass-catcher from out of the backfield, and he has the quickness and burst to take advantage of draws up the middle as well.
With Moreno in-house, the Cards would probably have the best offense in football. They'd have a solid every-down back to go with an elite quarterback and two elite receivers. They still have Tim Hightower for short yardage situations, and the nature of the offense will take pressure off a less-than-stellar offensive line.
Other Needs
First things first: This post could very well be outdated within minutes -- if Boldin is traded. Still, as things currently stand he's on the team, so we'll chug forward with the assumption that he remains a Cardinal heading into the season.
Other than getting a thoroughbred for the backfield, the Cardinals can use some offensive line depth (specifically a great run blocker), a tight end, and depth anywhere on defense. Their biggest need on defense looks to be on the line, as Antonio Smith has departed. They do have their projected starters in place, but Bertrand Berry is aging. A good pass rushing defensive end should be taken with the Cardinals second pick, and it wouldn't hurt to grab two.
After adding Bryant McFadden to the secondary, and retaining Karlos Dansby at linebacker, the rest of the defense is set as well, though it's a tad bit thin. As I said, getting deeper is key in this draft, so they'll probably be taking a versatile outside linebacker who can get after the passer and a safety who covers the pass well.
Their ideal draft would go: Moreno, DE, OLB, DE, TE, OG, and then two "best player available" picks in the seventh round (they have a compensatory selection).
