FanHouse Mock Draft: Arizona Cardinals Select RB Rashard Mendenhall No. 16

With each pick of the FanHouse mock draft, we get into the head of an NFL general manager and let you know who he'll pick and why.

Earlier in the offseason, there was some speculation in Arizona regarding the future of Edgerrin James. Although an official stance was never actually given, there was clearly some sort of misunderstanding that had James questioning his future with the club.

Although those tempers eventually cooled, the Cardinals interest in finding a second running back did not. And with four of top cornerbacks already off the board, coupled with Aqib Talib's failed drug test, the selection of Rashard Mendenhall seems like the perfect fit.

Mendenhall gives Arizona exactly what they were looking for when they drafted J.J. Arrington -- an explosive back that has the ability to break a long run every time he touches the ball. And although he's often knocked for putting the ball on the ground, he's far too great a talent to pass up at number 16.

For the time being, Mendenhall will fill an important change-of-pace role for the Cardinals. Eventually, however, the James era will come to an end and he'll get to step up and grab the reigns for Arizona.

The Skinny:
Team needs - RB, CB, OT, S, OLB
Player Selected - Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois
Also Considered - Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas

Previous Pick: No. 15, Branden Albert, Detroit Lions

Next Pick: No. 17, Minnesota Vikings