NFL analyst Evans: If Cardinals need one thing, it’s a running back

Last season, NFL Network analyst Heath Evans correctly predicted the result of all 16 games on the Arizona Cardinals’ schedule.

Really, he did.

A guest of Bickley and Marotta on Arizona Sports 98.7 FM Thursday, he admitted he’s not quite as sure of what the Cardinals will do this season.

But, he is high on them, saying the biggest concern facing them as of right now is the running back position.

“I’m not the believer that Larry Fitzgerald is phasing out; Michael Floyd just continues to grow. John Brown was just this pleasant surprise last year, I think for Arizona fans, but really for NFL fans altogether,” the former fullback said.

Evans said from talking to Cardinals coach Bruce Arians as well as just knowing what kind of offense he would like to run, a between-the-tackles running back is something they could use.

“You want that,” he said. “Andre (Ellington) is special as they come in these ‘wow factor’ plays for your running back position.

“I just think Bruce, at his best, is this power, workhorse back that can just beat you down and wear you out physically and then, before you know it, Carson Palmer has lit you up for 330 yards and three touchdowns by the middle of the fourth quarter.”

Evans noted that if there is a deficiency on the Arizona roster, it would seem to be their lack of that kind of runner.

If that is indeed the case, the good news for the Cardinals is there appears to be ample opportunity to find that kind of runner in next week’s draft. This draft class is viewed as one of the best in years for running backs, and there’s also the potential they will be able to work a trade for Minnesota star Adrian Peterson.