ARIZONA CARDINALS

Cardinals receive fairly positive reviews for Day 2 picks

Apr 27, 2013, 3:10 AM | Updated: 5:26 am

Follow @AZSportsPresented By...

The Arizona Cardinals went with a consistent theme during Friday’s second and third rounds of the NFL Draft: defense and LSU.

General manager Steve Keim used the team’s No. 45 (acquired in trade with San Diego Chargers) and No. 69 picks on LSU inside linebacker Kevin Minter and defensive back Tyrann Mathieu.

Both selections seemed to garner pretty favorable reviews.

Pete Prisco, CBSSports.com

B Cardinals select: Kevin Minter, ILB, LSU

He’s a solid linebacker who fills a need. With Daryl Washington suspended for four games, it makes sense.

B- Cardinals select: Tyrann Mathieu, CB, LSU

He is a good player, if he can stay out of trouble. But he has Patrick Peterson to keep him in line.

Mike Sando, ESPN.com NFL West blogger

Arizona needed help at the position after moving on from veteran starter Paris Lenon and one-time projected starter Stewart Bradley. Current starter Daryl Washington will serve a four-game suspension opening the 2013 season. Minter should compete for a starting job as a rookie.

Mathieu should bring attitude and ability to the Cardinals’ secondary. It’s up to the team’s coaching staff — and Mathieu himself — to maximize the investment.

Nate Davis, USA Today

Kevin Minter, LB, Louisiana State

Analysis: Interesting choice. Arizona ILB Daryl Washington is one of the league’s best young players at the position but will open the 2013 season with a four-game suspension. The Cardinals also signed Jasper Brinkley in free agency, so Minter will have to compete for a job, at least starting in Week 5. Minter also has to overcome a slight stigma of LSU linebackers who haven’t been impact players in the pros.

Tyrann Mathieu, CB, Louisiana State

Analysis: A stroke of luck for Mathieu since former LSU teammate Patrick Peterson can look after him in the desert. Coach Bruce Arians says Mathieu will play free safety in the NFL, which will certainly help take advantage of his ball-hawking skills.

Presented By
Western Governors University

Arizona Cardinals

Desmond Ridder runs the rock against Houston...

Tyler Drake

Desmond Ridder eager to remind fellow Cardinals QB Clayton Tune about college wins

Cardinals quarterback Desmond Ridder may not know Kyler Murray just yet, but he and Clayton Tune go way back.

13 hours ago

LSU's Malik Nabers, a top NFL Draft prospect...

Kevin Zimmerman

NFL Draft: Malik Nabers to visit Arizona Cardinals after LSU pro day, per report

Top NFL Draft receiver prospect Malik Nabers will reportedly visit with the Arizona Cardinals after the LSU Tigers' pro day.

17 hours ago

Desmond Ridder looks to pass...

Tyler Drake

QB1 or not, Desmond Ridder keeping starter mentality with Cardinals

New Cardinals QB Desmond Ridder is focused on using the good and the bad from his first two seasons rather than listening to outside chatter.

1 day ago

Jonathan Gannon and Kyler Murray look on...

Tyler Drake

Cardinals’ Jonathan Gannon: Kyler Murray’s ‘best football is ahead of him’

Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon believes Kyler Murray will continue taking the necessary steps forward with a full offseason of work.

2 days ago

Kyler Murray chats with Jonathan Gannon...

Arizona Sports

Arizona Cardinals will face ‘really good’ AFC opponent for joint preseason practices

The Arizona Cardinals expect to hold joint practices in the preseason against a really good AFC opponent, in the words of Jonathan Gannon.

2 days ago

Patriots and Cardinals kick off return in 2020...

Associated Press

NFL owners approve new kickoff rules for 2024

NFL kickoff rules will take on a hybrid approach similar to the XFL. League owners approved the new measures Tuesday.

2 days ago

Cardinals receive fairly positive reviews for Day 2 picks