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It's the time of year when beat writers evaluate each team's draft, and the Arizona Republic's Dan Bickley minces no words when talking about the Cardinals' recent efforts. Beanie Wells is a bust, and Larry Fitzgerald is the de facto general manager of the team, says Bickley.
Bickley's take can be seen right here. On the one hand, it's good news for those thinking of targeting talented rookie runner Ryan Williams in drafts this year. Bickley's view suggests that Williams will have no problem overtaking Wells as the team's primary ballcarrier this year.
On the flipside, his view of the organization is so critical you have to wonder if their judgment can be trusted with regard to Williams. Bickley terms the pick a "reach," and points out that an offensive line with "serious needs" wasn't addressed.
I thought Williams was a top-3 running back and like the pick; if he can stay healthy, he can be a very good player in the league. I agree that he should overtake Wells as the team's best runner.
But it's fair to wonder if any back will be successful behind Arizona's offensive line, and if the team's personnel decisions should be respected.
Especially if, as Bickley says, its decisions are being influenced strongly by appealing to franchise wideout Larry Fitzgerald, who can leave in free agency a year from now.
The article also notes, astutely, that taking a third-round flier on Ryan Mallett would have probably been a wise move. There's little question Mallett has more talent than John Skelton, and his skill set would have been a nice fit with an offense that went to a Super Bowl with Kurt Warner directing it.
--Andy Richardson
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