Cardinals Draft Needs, Picks
Jan 1, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back T.J. Yeldon (4) celebrates a touchdown against the against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the first half of the 2015 Sugar Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Running Back:
If you followed the Cardinals at all last year, you would know they had trouble with keeping a running back. Andre Ellington was injured almost every game, and his replacements were unable to get the productivity the team needed. That is when Kerwynn Williams came on the scene and lets just say he was a story in the NFL, but the Cardinals will need more than just Ellington and Williams.
The Cardinals need someone who can aid Ellington, so the team can be more productive in the running game. It maybe the third round before the Cardinals draft a running back, meaning names like Melvin Gordon and Todd Gurley are probably no longer on the board. This class has outstanding backs that can help improve the Cardinals run game.
-Ameer Abdullah, Nebraska: If he were still available for the Cardinals second or third round pick, it would be an amazing pick up. Abdullah is tough and runs with great momentum. He is sharp in the open field, with a low center of gravity, and will find his way through the line of scrimmage with ease. Ball security has been an issue, but can easily adjust his grip and hold to secure the ball more. He is compared to Ahmad Bradshaw, with great vision and flexibility. He may not make it to the late second or third round, but if he does look for the Cardinals to draft him.
-T.J. Yeldon, Alabama: Think about it, you have Manti T’eo on one side TJ Yeldon on the other, who wins? In the 2013, a young Yeldon destroyed T’eo on a run play to give Alabama a first down. This is what the Cardinals need, someone willing to blow people over in order to get a first down. The tall and lean back does not look to have outstanding cutback ability, but he does. He is able to accelerate quickly to get to the hole, imagine Veldheer and Iupati blocking for him. Yeldon is an average pass catcher, but has the talent to make people miss when he runs with the ball.