When it comes to football two words are hardly ever uttered in the same sentece, Cardinals and Winners.  Look out everyone but it seems that this year the Cards may just be on the verge of being *gasp* winners.  Two recievers returning with over 100 catches, former MVP at QB and one of the best Running Backs in recent history.  If that doesn't sound good also add in a defense that quitely finished 8th last season in total defense.  Not to shabby now is it.  Oh and a kicker who set an NFL record for Field Goals last season (runner-up as the NFL's sexiest man as well). 

     So coming into the draft what exactly are the Arizona Cardinals needs?  Well, it may not come down to needs.  Jay Cutler seems to be on everyone's list to be drafted by the Cards at the 10 spot.  This wouldn't be the worst move in the world, however it is not the best move the Cards could make.  Here's why drafting Cutler should not be the Cards top priority.  QB is not a current need for the Cardinals.  Kurt Warner showed he can still play, when not hurt.  But, more interestingly Josh McKnown showed he could play too.  Bottom line is that with Boldin and Fitzgerald at WR it will not take a superstar QB to run this team.  McKnown is not a bad player, however I doubt that he will have the same success through the air without both those players to throw to.

     The Cards not drafting Cutler is not a knock on Cutler's ablities.  The Cards could get at least one more year out of Warner, if he stays healthy.  So why was Warner hurt so often last year.  It has to do with the same reason that the Cards had the worst rushing attack in the league, the offensive line.  They couldn't open holes for Arrington and when the pressure came in the form of a pass rush, well, let's just say that both Warner and McKnown had plenty of grass stains on their uniforms after each game.  So why draft a young QB to come on a team that already has protection problems.  Sure he could be a great QB, but more likely he will suffer the same fate as the Cards QB's last season. 

     The Cards biggest need is someone to protect whoever is under center.  Without the constant pressure Warner should be able to finish out an entire year and he finally has the offensive weapons he once had in St. Louis in his arsenal again.  But an even bigger reason not to draft Cutler, Warner just recently had a similar situation befall him in New York.  Cutler probably wouldn't be ready to start this year, however it would unnessicarily put pressure on Warner and could rattle him, by constantly looking over his shoulder.  So by doing so you would have one QB who isn't NFL ready and another looking over his shoulder each week.  It's not a good situation and looks more and more like a lose-lose scenario. 

     So who should the Cards draft?  I think the best pick would be Winston Justice OT from USC.  (Glad to see that Adam Schein agrees with my mock draft selection)  Justice would give the Cards a solid cornerstone on the offensive line for years to come and would help in establishing a running attack.  Speaking of the running game, James could be in for a disappointing season if the Cards don't make a move for a OL with their first pick.  Everyone had bad things to say about Arrington this past season and some was well deserved. (like his tendancy to shy away from contact) But, it wasn't just Arrington who couldn't get it going on the ground.  Marcel Shipp, who although never posting stand out numbers has always been solid on the ground, could not get much going in the running game either.  Edge should get more yards than those two combined just on his skill, but it could be a career year (the wrong kind of career year) if he doesn't get help up front.

     As for other needs the Cards have, the biggest real need, maybe even more so than on the OL is special teams.  Their special teams last year, with the exception of the field goal unit, were horrible.  However you don't spend first round picks on special teamers.  Another need is at the Tight End position.  With Bolding and Fitzgerald I don't know how much it is really a need, however it could be a great addition to what is already shaping up to be a potent offense.  Lewis from UCLA or Fasano from ND could fill that role nicely for the Cards. 

     Any chance of a draft day trade?  There is always a chance, the only way I'd see them trading their first round pick is if Cutler is still available and they can fill several needs by trading him, but it must include a top flight OL guy.  It could be their best option actually since they would get a proven talent on the OL and might be able to get a tight end or some good help on special teams.  I don't see there being that much on the table though for Cutler.  The only other option is that they move down a few picks if they feel that Justice would still be available.  Again, they might be able to fill some of those lesser needs and still get the guy they want (or at least should want).  The Cards are on the cusp of a great team and what they do in the draft could make or break the team this season.  Let's hope for the best here in the desert.