The Arizona Cardinals have long been suspected to be in the market for a running back once the NFL Draft rolls around later this month. Although a ball carrier hasn't been selected in the first round since 2012, this year's draft class has two rushers that merit such consideration: Todd Gurley and Melvin Gordon. What's more, there are multiple teams that are interested in them, meaning that there will be competition to land them.
So would the Cardinals consider trading up in the first-round to ensure that they are able to draft one?
ESPN NFL Insider Mark Dominik proposes that the Cardinals trade their No. 24 and No. 123 overall picks to the Cincinnati Bengals for the No. 21 overall selection.
"They need a power back to pair with Andre Ellington, and Gurley is the best running back in this class when healthy," Dominik wrote. "General manager Steve Keim and coach Bruce Arians both received long-term extensions this offseason, so they can afford to be patient in letting Gurley return to full health from his torn ACL (likely by Week 7 or so).
"A power running game to go with a passing attack featuring Michael Floyd, Larry Fitzgerald and John Brown makes for a very explosive offense, with QB Carson Palmer also returning from injury. The Cardinals have to be proactive in moving up to get Gurley because Detroit is a threat to take him at No. 23, and Dallas (No. 27 pick) could also trade up for him. The bigger question is whether Gurley will last until the 21st pick."
This trade also makes sense for the Bengals. Running back is not a need for them and the players they have been linked to (such as Michigan WR Devin Funchess) would likely still be available a few picks later. Picking up another fourth-round selection doesn't hurt either.
