If you’re the Arizona Cardinals – and you know you are – it’s worth a look.
The St. Louis Rams’ No. 2 pick in the NFL draft has turned into the Robert Griffin III sweepstakes, but there’s no rule (yet) that says RGIII must be that pick.
Reports indicate that the Cleveland Browns, Washington Redskins and Miami Dolphins are about to go into a bidding war for the Rams’ selection that would equate to landing the Baylor quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner. But who says they’re the only ones who can put a deal together?
The Cardinals have their own QB drama with high-priced Kevin Kolb and John Skelton ready to do battle in the offseason. Peyton Manning remains a pleasant dream, for now. Arizona might not want or need Griffin.
But USC offensive tackle Matt Kalil? Oh, yes please.
Management is acting as if Levi Brown is the answer at left tackle. The front office points to his improved play during the Cardinals’ 7-2 record over the last nine games in 2011 even with an unsettled QB situation as proof.
How fast does that position change with Kalil in the picture?
And does it sweeten the pot for Manning? Heck, Kurt Warner might consider coming out of retirement, and his neck is healthy.
Sure, the team needs to find a complement for Larry Fitzgerald at wide receiver. But Andre Roberts and Early Doucet did combine for 105 catches, 1,275 yards and seven TDs even with the inconsistent play at quarterback.
Linebackers Paris Lenon and Clark Haggans are getting long in the tooth, as is strong safety Adrian Wilson. But no one is suggesting that any of these players need replacing in 2012.
Kalil proved himself by far the best lineman in the draft when he worked out at the NFL combine. How much better does that line look with Brown back on the right side and Kalil on the left to protect Kolb, Skelton or Manning? Fifty-four sacks (which Arizona surrendered in 2011) have a way of making any quarterback play tenuous.
Give any signal caller protection and see how much better he performs.
Plus, the Cardinals would get an extra week to work with Kalil in fall camp, thanks to their appearance in the 2012 Hall of Fame game against the New Orleans Saints.
The Browns have two first-round picks this year (Nos. 4 and 22), which would seemingly put them in a much better position to deal for Griffin. They have not indicated they’re willing to part with those picks.
The Cardinals would have only the No. 13 and a third-rounder to offer, at least this year. But they have future picks.
It doesn’t hurt to make that phone call to One Rams Way in St. Louis.
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