Brown, Wilson Head To The NFC West
The Arizona Cardinals Draft Levi Brown and Seattle Nabs Josh Wilson
The Arizona Cardinals draft tackle Levi Brown to help protect quarterback Matt Leinart, as the Seattle Seahawks had to wait until the second round to pick Josh Brown
Arizona Cardinals
Arizona only had five picks in the 2007 NFL draft and they nneded to be more physical on both sides of the ball. New head coach, Paul Whisenhunt had a plan of how to achieve this level of physicality. Veteran's were let go, as room was made for the "new breed" Arizona Cardinal. The Cardinals needed to get tougher on the offensive line and they did just that by drafting tackle Levi Brown out of Penn State. Levi should step into the tackle position vacated when Leonard Davis was released. It was almost by default that defensive tackle Alan Branch fell into Arizona’s lap, the massive defensive tackle will play with a chip on his shoulder to prove every team wrong that passed on him this past draft.
Smallish linebacker Buster Douglas may push for time with his non stop motor and very productive style of play. Return specialist Steve Breaston will have to become a more consistent route runner if he wants to see the field as he joins a very talented group of receivers. Tight end Ben Patrick can do some things in the intermediate passing game, and should make it difficult on defenses when lined up in two tight end packages with Leonard Pope.
Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawk's defense took much of the blame last season as they were pushed around the field. in an attempt to get tougher Seattle spent their first three picks on that side of the ball. Injuries ravaged the secondary towards the end of last season, so it was no surprise when Seattle selected cornerback Josh Wilson in the second round of the NFL Draft. Wilson has exceptional return skills and is a playmaker from the corner position. His blazing speed will get him on the field early, most likely in nickel packages. Defensive linemen Brandon Mebane and Baraka Atkins add depth along the front four. If Atkins is in shape he may see considerable time as defensive end Patrick Kerney always seems to get injured.
The Seahawks are hoping Will Herring can continue adjusting to playing linebacker, if he is forced to play safety; he is a long shot to make the team. Guards Steve Vallos and Otto Mansfield join the mix of players trying to replace the departed Steve Hutchinson. Wide receivers Courtney Taylor and Jordan Kent will have time to adjust to the pro game as they study under an experienced receiving corps led by Deion Branch.
