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The Arizona Cardinals won the NFC West division for the first time since 2009 but fell one game short of reaching the Super Bowl. Their 49-15 loss to the Carolina Panthers in the NFC Championship Game did not leave a good taste in their mouths and exposed some weaknesses. Hopefully, they will use the 2016 draft to address these five glaring needs.
5. Tight End
Credit: Getty Images5. Tight End
The Cardinals need someone better than Darren Fells as a starting tight end. They have tremendous receivers, but lack a true middle of the field threat. There is a good crop of receiving tight ends for them to pick from in this year’s draft.
4. Free Safety
Credit: Getty Images4. Free Safety
The Cardinals were exposed in the secondary once Tyrann Mathieu torn his ACL late in the season. His replacement, Tony Jefferson, is not effective as a starter. The Cardinals should draft another young playmaker to add to their secondary.
3. Cornerback
Credit: Getty Images3. Cornerback
Jerraud Powers started to wear down towards the end of the regular season and was not as effective as usual in the playoffs. Drafting a cornerback would add depth to the Cardinals’ secondary and keep the entire unit fresher late in the season.
2. Defensive End
Credit: Getty Images2. Defensive End
Veteran defensive ends Frostee Rucker and Cory Redding are not what they used to be. It is time for the Cardinals to find younger replacements for both. The new prospect needs to have the potential to play right now and start in the future.
1. Outside Linebacker
Credit: Getty Images1. Outside Linebacker
The Cardinals need a pass rushing outside linebacker, because they had to rely on the blitz a lot to create pressure on opposing quarterbacks. An edge pass rusher would take pressure off the secondary to make so many plays in one-on-one coverage.
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