June 3, 2008

Mission accomplished: A lack of depth was a major factor behind the team’s defensive meltdown late last season. With that in mind, the Cardinals made that their top priority in both the draft and free agency. First-round draft pick Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie adds a badly needed dose of playmaking ability as the likely No. 3 CB behind starters Rod Hood and Eric Green. Rookie DEs Calais Campbell (second round) and Kenny Iwebema (fourth round) should fortify a D-line that ran out of gas down the ’07 stretch. Free-agent OLBs Travis LaBoy and Clark Haggans are quality veteran additions at a position that also will be bolstered by the return of Chike Okeafor, who sat out the ’07 season with a torn biceps tendon.

Unfinished business: Contract issues involving franchise ILB Karlos Dansby, star WR Anquan Boldin and disgruntled DL Darnell Dockett, among others, are expected to linger through the summer. On the field, the Cardinals could have a serious problem if either Levi Brown or Mike Gandy gets hurt at offensive tackle, a position that could use another experienced backup. The Cardinals don’t appear to have gotten any speedier at the skill positions, which they had mentioned as an offseason goal. It’s clear neither third-round WR Early Doucet nor fifth-round RB Tim Hightower was drafted for his 40-time.