BBV Community Mock Draft 2011: With The Fifth Pick, Arizona Selects ...

Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M.

Playing the role of general manager for the Arizona Cardinals is 'gmen2thebowl.' Here is his rational for the selection of Miller:

Arizona had issues everywhere on the field last year. On offense they 27th (pts), 31st (total yards) 31st (passing) 32nd (rushing) and the defense wasn't much better 29th (total yards) and to add insult to injury they went 1-5 in one of the worst divisions known to date. So in the war room I had my guys write a line down the middle of the white board and on one side why to go offense and on the other put why to go defense. After a few minutes we realized that all our offensive thoughts were about why we shouldn't go offense.

We don't believe any QB in this draft is a top 20 pick, maybe not even first round and If I had to put one I would put Cam Newton only because of upside but other then that Gabbert I don't see much in him, I believe Ryan Mallett is a lot better right now then both of those guys and as crazy as it sounds to most my number one QB is Christian Ponder. I'm a big fan of taking Best Player Available (that's because I'm a die hard Giants fan and that's how they do it, but don't tell Arizona that I like the Giants) and In this scenario its hard to argue that the BPA isn't A.J Green but the Colts, Packers and us probably are the best teams at finding talent at the receiver position later in the draft plus we have no one to get them the ball. On the defensive side we have talent maybe even one a pass rusher away and as much as we would've loved to add Peterson to a nice young secondary, it's not possible so we decide to go with our number one issue and that's our pass rush.

We need OLB's, Joey Porter is 33 and Clark Haggans is 34 after them we have some lower round draft picks backing them up so I believe our best option here is Von Miller (sorry, Larry Fitz I know you want a QB but these guys aren't the answer trust me you'll thank me later). Von Miller was a beast at Texas A&M, he did very well in the senior bowl in a 4-3 look so you know his versatile and adaptable to your scheme, and a major plus in the little time we've seen him in coverage he looks like he's willing and able to learn it and actually be effective at it and of course we're not looking for workout warriors but 4.4 at OLB doesn't hurt.

My take: Pretty hard to argue with this selection. If Arizona wants a quarterback they do have an early selection in the second round, and between Mallett, Ponder and Jake Locker I believe one of those guys will be available when Arizona's turn comes around again at 38. Miller is the top-rated outside linebacker in this draft and great value for the Cardinals at a position of need. Nothing wrong with this pick.

-- Cleveland is up next, putting 'bobely' on the clock.

Round 1

Round 2