SDOGO

An in-depth look at the Cardinals' needs heading into the 2007 draft:

1. Left tackle. Leonard Davis left as a free agent, and there isn't anyone ready to take his place. This is the only spot on the line that isn't set. With the fifth overall pick, the Cardinals could take Wisconsin's Joe Thomas if he drops. They might not want to take a tackle that high, but Thomas would be impossible to pass on.

2. Outside linebacker. The Cardinals desperately need a playmaker. Orlando Huff started at outside linebacker the past two years but wasn't the answer. Penn State's Paul Posluszny is an intriguing first-round prospect, and Oklahoma's Rufus Alexander would be a good fit in the second or third round. Alexander played the middle in college but has the speed to move outside.

3. Cornerback. The two corners the team took in the 2005 draft, Antrel Rolle and Eric Green, have not been consistent -- and the Cardinals also lacked veteran backups, prompting the signing of former Eagles backup Roderick Hood. Cal's Daymeion Hughes is the type of playmaker the club needs. Michigan's Leon Hall is another intriguing first-round prospect. The team probably needs to come out of the draft with two corners.

4. Running back. There isn't much depth behind Edgerrin James. J.J. Arrington has been unimpressive in his first two seasons, and Marcel Shipp is a limited back. The club likely won't address this spot in the first round, unless Oklahoma's Adrian Peterson drops to No. 5. California's Marshawn Lynch would be an attractive second-round pick if he falls.

5. Tight end. The Cardinals spent a third-round pick on Leonard Pope last year, but he has yet to prove himself -- and the club still needs an all-around addition at the position. Adam Bergen is mediocre, and Fred Wakefield is mostly a blocker. Miami's Greg Olsen is an interesting first- or second-round prospect whom some consider to be the best athlete at the position.

6. Defensive end. Right end Bertrand Berry has missed parts of the past two seasons with injuries, and there is a dearth of pass rushers on the roster. Clemson's Gaines Adams is a possibility in the first round. If the Cardinals wait to select an end, they might find a steal later. Oklahoma's Larry Birdine was productive when he was healthy.

7. Guard. The team needs depth behind starters Milford Brown and Deuce Lutui, who both are good young run blockers. Texas center Lyle Sendlein could be just what the team needs: a second-day prospect who can play both guard and center. He's smart and plays with solid technique and eventually could challenge for the starting job. The team was smart to already address center with former Cowboy Al Johnson.

OUTLOOK

For the fifth consecutive year and the 11th time in the past 12 seasons, the Cardinals entered the offseason with a top 10 pick. Owner Bill Bidwill isn't thrilled with committing millions to an unproven player, so the team likely will explore trading down. The Cardinals' draft room will take on a different dynamic without former coach Dennis Green, but Green left a legacy. He streamlined the club's draft process by setting the board with an eye toward talent, not need.

Rod Graves, the VP of football operations, is likely to run this draft in much the same way. The Cardinals have so many needs, they could go several directions with the fifth overall pick. With the exception of quarterback and receiver, the case can be made that the team still has a first-round need at every spot.

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