Arizona Cardinals 1st Round Options:2013 NFL Draft

Feb 21, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Arizona Cardinals general manager Steve Keim speaks at a press conference during the 2013 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

The Cardinals started out 4-0 this year, surprising everyone with wins over New England and Philadelphia in weeks 2 and 3. They then proceeded however, to lose their next 9 games and 11 out of their last 12 to finish the season 5-11. Their defense was very good last year, finishing 12th in the league, but if they had even a halfway decent offense it probably would have been higher. Saying the QB situation last year was a disaster is a disgrace to the word disaster. The Cardinals released Kevin Kolb this offseason and signed Drew Stanton, but do they really view him as the answer at QB. The Cardinals are also loosing Beanie Wells at the RB position as well as possibly LaRod Stephens-Howling who is a free agent.

Nov 23, 2012; Ames, Iowa, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers quarterback Geno Smith (12) throws a pass before a game against the Iowa State Cyclones at Jack Trice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

Geno Smith – The Cardinals QB situation last year was terrible. Kevin Kolb was the best QB they had last year and they released him this offsaeson . They signed Drew Stanton, but he has never been a legit starting QB in this league and I’m not sure that is going to change. Larry Fitzgerald is the Cardinals best player, but without a competent QB to get him and last years #1 draft pick Michael Floyd the ball they are useless. Smith could get the ball down field to the Cardinals play makers and get this offense going.

Oct 13, 2012; Dallas, TX, USA; Oklahoma Sooner tackle Lane Johnson (69) in action against the Texas Longhorns during the red river rivalry at the Cotton Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Lane Johnson – Besides the QB position, the offensive line was another part of this team that was absolutely horrendous. Lane Johnson is a great athlete and he showed that off at the combine. If the Cardinals want whoever their QB to be successful, whoever that happens to be, they are going to have to keep him upright and protect him. Lane Johnson is a great LT prospect and will instantly come in and make that offensive line better from day one.