Arians: Not interested in running QB for Cardinals

Feb 21, 2013, 6:25 PM | Updated: 6:50 pm

Two of the NFL’s best young quarterbacks reside in the NFC West.

Russell Wilson and Colin Kaepernick both led their teams to the playoffs last season, and both figure to be effective for years to come.

And, part of what makes each of them so good is their ability to run as well as pass.

Teams have been trending towards adding mobile quarterbacks of late, with the likes of Cam Newton, Robert Griffin III and Jake Locker all selected in the top 10 of recent drafts.

However, don’t expect the Cardinals to follow suit.

“Give defensive coordinators in the National Football League credit, they’ll have time to study this new trend that’s happening right now in the NFL,” new Cardinals coach Bruce Arians said at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. “I’m not a believer in putting my quarterback in harm’s way; I think a lot of harm will come to him.

“I’m more of a traditionalist.”

What does that mean for the Cardinals as they continue to search for a quarterback? John Skelton and Ryan Lindley are more pocket-style passers while Kevin Kolb tends to be more comfortable running around a bit.

As for the draft, the top-ranked passer appears to be West Virginia’s Geno Smith, who is mobile yet is not apt to just take off and run. Prospects Matt Barkley, Mike Glennon and Tyler Wilson do most of their work from the pocket as well, albeit without Smith’s mobility.

Detroit Lions head coach Jim Schwartz answers a question during a news conference at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 21, 2013. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy) Chicago Bears head coach Marc Trestman answers a question during a news conference at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 21, 2013. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy) Denver Broncos head coach John Fox answers a question during a news conference at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 21, 2013. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy) Detroit Lions head coach Jim Schwartz is captured on the screen of a video camera as he answers a question during a news conference at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 21, 2013. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy) Arizona Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians answers a question during a news conference at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 21, 2013. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy) Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Greg Schiano answers a question during a news conference at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 21, 2013. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy) UCLA offensive lineman Jeff Baca is interviewed at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 21, 2013. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy) San Diego Chargers head coach Mike McCoy answers a question during a news conference at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 21, 2013. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy) Southern California offensive lineman Khaled Holmes answers a question during a news conference at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 21, 2013. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy) Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly answers a question during a news conference at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 21, 2013. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy) Texas A&M offensive lineman Luke Joeckel answers a question during a news conference at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 21, 2013. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy) Texas A&M offensive lineman Luke Joeckel answers a question during a news conference at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 21, 2013. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy) Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid answers a question during a news conference at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 21, 2013. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy) Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera answers a question during a news conference at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 21, 2013. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy) Alabama offensive lineman Barrett Jones answers a question during a news conference at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 21, 2013. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy) New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan answers a question during a news conference at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 21, 2013. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy) Houston Texans head coach Gary Kubiak answers a question during a news conference at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 21, 2013. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy) Alabama offensive lineman Barrett Jones answers a question during a news conference at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 21, 2013. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy) Oregon offensive lineman Kyle Long answers a question during a news conference at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 21, 2013. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy) Stanford tight end Zach Ertz answers a question during a news conference at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 21, 2013. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Arizona Cardinals

DeAndre Hopkins...

Tyler Drake

Gannon: WR DeAndre Hopkins’ release best thing for Cardinals

No matter how it all shook out, the Arizona Cardinals parting ways with wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins this offseason was expected.

22 hours ago

Kyzir White...

Tyler Drake

Kyzir White already running with role as Cardinals’ defensive general

Kyzir White's role at MIKE linebacker could slide Zaven Collins to the edge for the Arizona Cardinals defense.

2 days ago

Hollywood Brown...

Tyler Drake

Marquise Brown leads Cardinals WRs into life post-DeAndre Hopkins

There's no way around it, the Arizona Cardinals' wide receivers room took a shot Friday morning with the release of DeAndre Hopkins.

2 days ago

Isaiah Simmons practices...

Tyler Drake

Nick Rallis, Cardinals not rushing process with LB Isaiah Simmons

Arizona Cardinals linebacker Isaiah Simmons has been a defensive nomad throughout his career. Will he have a home in Year 4?

3 days ago

Budda Baker #3 of the Arizona Cardinals shakes hands with fans after beating the Seattle Seahawks 2...

Wills Rice

Carson Palmer believes Cardinals need Budda Baker

Carson Palmer thinks keeping safety Budda Baker around is vital for the rebuilding years of the Arizona Cardinals.

3 days ago

DeAndre Hopkins...

Arizona Sports

Breer: ‘There’s a healthy divide’ on what ex-Cardinal DeAndre Hopkins has left

The MMQB's Albert Breer sees a split between those who think Hopkins still has something left and those who feel his price tag is too steep.

4 days ago

Arians: Not interested in running QB for Cardinals