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AP: d41b6108-47e0-4476-b154-6a69949337f9
Notre Dame wide receiver Michael Floyd poses for photographs after being selected as the 13th pick overall by the Arizona Cardinals in the first round of the NFL football draft at Radio City Music Hall, Thursday, April 26, 2012, in New York. (AP Photo/Jason DeCrow)
The Arizona Cardinals did two things with the selection of Notre Dame receiver Michael Floyd Thursday evening.

One, they avoided repeating the mistakes of 2003, when the team passed on an opportunity to select one of many players who would help the team in favor of trading down in the first round. Instead of picking sixth, where they could have selected a guy like Terrell Suggs, they moved down to 17th and 18th, nabbing Bryant Johnson and Calvin Pace.

That move still haunts the team to this day, and they did not let history repeat itself Thursday night.

However, as great as the addition of Floyd will be for the team, the second thing the move does will have even larger ramifications for the Arizona Cardinals.

In a way, head coach Ken Whisenhunt spelled it out when explaining the pick.

"It gives us another target, which we think will help take pressure off the quarterback," he said of Floyd.

By taking more pressure off the quarterback the Cardinals are actually putting more on him.

You're up, Kevin Kolb.

The Cardinals now boast an embarrassment of riches at the skill positions on offense, with enough playmakers to help even the most average of QBs look good.

Larry Fitzgerald. Beanie Wells. Ryan Williams. Michael Floyd. Todd Heap. Rob Housler. Early Doucet. Andre Roberts.

Every one of these players has shown big-play ability. Every one of these players stands to play key roles for the Arizona Cardinals in 2012. Neither one of these players is an offensive lineman, sure, but the team will most definitely address that spot later in the draft.

By drafting a playmaker like Floyd with their first- rounder, the Cardinals showed they hope to replicate the success they had through the air in 2008 and 2009. And, if not that, at least get back to being one of the league's better passing attacks.

Yes, you can take Kurt Warner out of the offense, but you apparently cannot take the offense out of the Arizona Cardinals.

"When you really look at it, you've got a player that can change field position pretty quickly," Whisenhunt said. "And when you couple that with the guys that we already have - Larry, Andre and Early - we feel like it gives us a very good receiving core."

Indeed, but that's where Kolb comes in, fresh out of the excuses that were granted him in his first season with the team.

He'll have an entire offseason to learn the playbook, a revamped (if not improved) offensive line, and one of the league's better running back tandems.

And, with the selection of Michael Floyd, Kevin Kolb will have a group of pass catchers who can make big plays down the field.

All he has to do is get them the ball.

9 Comments   |   Join the conversation »
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    Killerredbird wrote...
    Can't forget about the little guy...
    LSH has some big play ability on offense as well. It will be interesting to see what sort of role he will pay though. I do agree about this being a big test, but when you look at this team they are poised to make a run in spite if whomever is behind center (Kolb/Skelton).
  • Abuse
    FitzIsMyHero wrote...
    Right.
    Whichever QB starts have the weapons he needs. The WR's need to work harder by getting open faster. The QB needs to work harder by getting rid of the ball faster. the WR's and QB's need to get on the same page because the offensive line isnt great. They are going to struggle. I guarantee, as soon as the QB's and WR's start making plays, they offensive line will come along. They'll be more motivated. The QB's and WR's need to sing "I'll be your motivation - by Kelly Rowland" to the offensive line.
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    x suns fan wrote...
    I hope Kolb
    will earn his pay and make it..but Skelton..with the same O-line..stepped up in the pocket..Kolb is on a very short leash in my mind..
  • Abuse
    x suns fan wrote...
    I hope I'm wrong
    But I think Kolb is a punk..
  • Abuse
    SpaceRig wrote...
    Wishing Kolb Success
    I'm pulling for a breakout season for Kolb. No more excuses; he's got the weapons he needs and that line will hold fast if he can get that ball out in a reasonable amount of time. Let just hope the injury bug doesn't derail what's going to (hopefully) be a potent Cardinals offense this season.
  • Abuse
    the cooker wrote...
    Skelton
    People keep harping for Skelton and I don't understand. Has not been a month that John professed right here on this website that he was STILL TRYING to learn the playbook after 5 years. Hello!
  • Abuse
    theuglytruth wrote...
    @cooker
    Skelton has only been in the league for 2 years. Kolb is 5 years...all those 5 years were based on potential, but he hasn't proven anyone right.
  • Abuse
    Tennisgrandpa wrote...
    yeah I'm sure
    Kolb I'm sure, is huddled in his bedroom wringing his has thinking "oh my gawd, another big fast receiver to throw to, what am I gunna do?" Is it that hard to find valid subjects to write about? C'mon man, Kolb cab be nothing but happy to have him as an option, there's no more pressure on him now then before.
    Dale
  • Abuse
    Tennisgrandpa wrote...
    oops
    hands, freakin keyboard
    Dale
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