Niner Noise
FanSided

2018 NFL Draft: Breaking down the top need for each team

By Peter Panacy

NEW YORK - APRIL 26: A ball and helmets are seen in front of the podium prior to the start of the 2008 NFL Draft on April 26, 2008 at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK - APRIL 26: A ball and helmets are seen in front of the podium prior to the start of the 2008 NFL Draft on April 26, 2008 at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /
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GLENDALE, AZ – OCTOBER 01: Quarterback Carson Palmer #3 of the Arizona Cardinals looks at his play card during the NFL game against the San Francisco 49ers at the University of Phoenix Stadium on October 1, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the 49ers in overtime 18-15. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ – OCTOBER 01: Quarterback Carson Palmer #3 of the Arizona Cardinals looks at his play card during the NFL game against the San Francisco 49ers at the University of Phoenix Stadium on October 1, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the 49ers in overtime 18-15. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

32. . Quarterback. . Arizona Cardinals. . team

There might be one word to describe the Arizona Cardinals this year — old.

At the pinnacle of this concern is the most important position in the NFL. Quarterback Carson Palmer is 38 years old, and guess what… he’s injured again.

A broken arm is likely to keep Palmer out until the very end of the season, meaning head coach Bruce Arians and Co. are forced to rely on backups like Drew Stanton and Blaine Gabbert.

Those options are certainly less than ideal, and Arizona has to be thinking about its long-term needs anyway considering Palmer’s age. On the positive side, though, the 2018 NFL Draft class is relatively deep at quarterback. There should be some first-round options available to the Cardinals should they go this route early.

Arizona has some other needs too, especially along what has turned into a banged-up offensive line.

That’s important, but finding a franchise signal-caller should be the top priority.