The Cardinals, in need of help along the offensive line, took one of the top guards available with the No. 7 overall pick, selecting North Carolina’s Jonathan Cooper.
Cooper (6-2, 311) was an All-American at left guard for North Carolina a season ago. He would figure to compete to start immediately along the interior of Arizona’s offensive line. He may also have the ability to play center on the NFL level.
The Cardinals allowed 58 sacks a season ago, and they gained a paltry 3.4 yards per rush. With NFC West rivals Seattle, San Francisco and St. Louis all having strong defensive fronts, upgrading the offensive line was a necessity.
The Cardinals have six more draft picks, with their next selection in Round Two (No. 38 overall).