BTSC 2011 Community Mock Draft Pick No. 5 -- Arizona Cardinals Select Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU

by Michael Bean on Mar 14, 2011 11:00 PM EDT in 2011 BTSC Community Mock Draft

We're moving right along in this year's edition of the BTSC Community Mock Draft. Huge thanks for atrain for keeping the momentum going with his very logical pick at No. 5. Ken Whisenhunt would I'm sure do cartwheels were Peterson to fall to the Cards at the fifth spot. Next up: The Cleveland Browns, represented by the author of what I thought was one of the more clever fanposts ever written here on BTSC, DwightWhite's Missing Tooth. -- Michael B. --

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As is the case with any team drafting in the top 5, 2011 Arizona Cardinals have a number of holes to fill, and as a result, could take one of a few different options. In 2010, they showed the football world how far an offense can fall just by losing their star quarterback. The team posted impressive top five offensive rankings in both points (3rd) and yardage (4th) in 2008, and above average rankings (11th and 14th) in 2009, each season ending in playoff appearances.

The retirement of Kurt Warner and departure of Anquan Boldin via free agency left the Cards offense in the ditch, finishing 26th in yardage and 31st in points in 2010. Lead by Cleveland cast-off Derek Anderson, and unknown rookies in Max Hall and John Skelton, the team limped to a 5-11 finish with more questions than answers at the team's most important position. This poses a plausible argument for drafting Blane Gabbert of Missouri.

The drudgery doesn't end there. The rarely-vaunted Cardinal defense came in a dreadful 30th in points allowed, had the third worst rush defense in terms of yards allowed (20th in YPC), and were below average in pass defense. In short, they could use a high-impact guy on that side of the ball. Patrick Peterson of LSU has the makings of a guy who could fill that need.

So given this scenario, there are two possible routes I would consider if I were running the Cardinals. I'm a little weary of drafting a WR this high. Yeah sure my reluctance is arbitrary, but at least the Detroit Lions might agree with me. By drafting Gabbert, the team basically punts the 2011 season, if there is one. Gabbert is either relegated to the bench, having to learn from whomever the Cards put out there, or is thrown in the fire hoping for a Sam Bradford-esque surprise. Either way it's a big risk, and any potential reward is likely 2-3 years away, giving Larry Fitzgerald just enough time to skip town. Peterson gives the defense a much needed splash player, whether as a shutdown corner, or, given his size, a potential high impact safety. So, with the 5th pick in the 2011 BTSC Community Mock Draft, the Arizona Cardinals select...

Patrick Peterson, Cornerback, Louisiana State University.

BTSC 2011 Community Mock Draft Picks:

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Comments

Peterson would be hard to pass up, but if I’m Whiz I’m seriously thinking about taking a guy like Von Miller here. The Cards are playing with the Steelers OLB’s from 2005….think about that. Joey Porter is obviously past his prime and Clark Haggins is a guy I’ve long viewed as the Larry Foote of the OLB’s – solid and consistent, but not a difference maker.

Old outside linebackers scare me in a 3-4, once you lose that first step quickness….Also, when you’re sack leader is one of your 3-4 DE’s, you know you need to revamp your linebacking unit. Pair Miller with Cameron Sheffield and you’ve got a potentially scary OLB combo.

Don’t get me wrong, Peterson is a premier player, but the Cards already have a potential #1 CB in Rogers-Cromartie (Rog-Cro?). Put some more heat on the QB and your whole secondary will improve.

by BluegrassSteeler on Mar 15, 2011 12:01 AM EDT reply actions

i think the cards will be "stuck" with miller

peterson will be gone by the 5th pick

by theatrain on Mar 15, 2011 12:09 AM EDT up reply actions

i dont think atrain disagrees with you

He’s just playing what’s on the board. Miller’s gone in our little situation, whereas both of you all agree Peterson is likely off the board by the time the Cards pick.

Freel free to email me anytime at behindthesteelcurtain@gmail.com with questions, suggestions, complaints, etc, or to just say what's up. -Michael Bean (Blitz)

by Michael Bean on Mar 15, 2011 2:50 AM EDT up reply actions

Cards pick

As a Steelers fan in AZ I watch a lot of the Cardinals and very early in “their” post season ( like December cause they weren’t going anywhere) I had them taking Von Miller, the Cards pass rush was horrible Haggans can never get to the QB and Porter is getting slower. With a pass rush Rogers-Cromartie can be a play maker again if he matures. Petersen would be a great pick but I don’t see the Bengals not taking Patrick Petersen to help their secondary.

by Steel34D on Mar 15, 2011 1:37 AM EDT reply actions

Agreed Miller would be best pick here

But for the way the draft has turned out, I think AZ would be clear winners of the top 5 with this value pick. If I were a Cardinal fan I would be hoping for this situation.

The Poster Formerly Known As Gimpsta7

by Michael Uhlhorn on Mar 15, 2011 9:31 AM EDT reply actions

Mock Draft

Von Miller is already off the board in this mock draft. Why discuss a player that he couldn’t have taken? I think the Cards are hoping for Miller, and may well end up with him, but he’s already gone in this mock.

by dietrich43 on Mar 15, 2011 10:50 AM EDT reply actions

good pick considering what is available

Is there any team in the top 5 who couldn’t have used this guy?

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by Cold_Old_Steelers_Fan on Mar 15, 2011 11:28 AM EDT reply actions

You dont pass on Patrick Peterson

Good solid pick. Even as much as Coach Whiz may be tempted to take a QB, if Peterson is there he has to take him.

A long way from Pittsburgh PA, in fact, 8653.2 miles to be precise. My blood still bleeds black and gold like the rest of Steeler Nation, proud fan since 2002.

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by Michael Hewitt on Mar 15, 2011 11:36 PM EDT reply actions