I was eight years old when my Uncle Michael took me to my first pro football game. The date was November 24, 1963...four days prior to Thanksgiving. The venue was Yankee Stadium, the home of QB Y.A. Tittle, WR Del Shofner, LB Sam Huff and The New York Football Giants. The 8-2 Giants were taking on the 7-3 St. Louis Football Cardinals, who were led by QB Charley Johnson, WR Sonny Randle and FS Larry Wilson.

Walking through the chilly turnstyles at Yankee Stadium was the most mystical experience an eight year old boy like me could possiby experience. After all, this was the House That Ruth Built...and the Home of Champions: The New York Yankees and The New York Football Giants. The throng of hefty cigar smoking fans was bustling through the gates like raging bulls...and I just stood by my uncle's side in awe as he ordered us up a carton of hot dogs dripping in Gulden's Spicy Brown mustard and two large styrophome cups of steaming hot chocolate. Uncle Michael said, "C'mon, let's get to the seats."

It was a day for drastic measures.

So I made the ultimate sacrifice. Despite my red hair, I donned my Cardinals red jersey. Normally I wear a black t-shirt proclaiming Cardinals, or carry an Arizona jacket. But today the stands would have blue shirts clumping in bad places, so it was crucial to counteract that with red.

Let the team know we were there.

I was dismayed at the number of blue jerseys I saw. Later numbers would place it at the 15-20%, but it did seem overwhelming. In my own section, we had a lot of Cards fans, but there were two big guys in blue right next to us, a line of 4 more 3 rows down, and a whole group in the box section behind us. Standing in line for the Ladies, a Dallas fan came out of the Men’s and exclaimed – ‘it’s a mad house in there! Every man for himself!’

Once again my annual "Best Available Player" disclaimer. Most teams simply can't go that way because a limited cap forces them to address their needs.

When a multiple position need is specified, like DB, it signifies the team needs help at multiple positions under that designation, in this case CB and S. The primary need is listed first.

Some teams, like Atlanta, have so many openings they could draft anyone and should take the best player.

Setting up a draft board is one of the hardest tasks in the NFL. Do you weight it toward your needs? Do you take the top guy on it if a need guys is rated almost as highly? This isn't a whole board, but it gives some idea of whom I would consider worthy of selection in the first 3 rounds.

I have dropped a few guys from Round 1, knowing they will be gone. Some I have included will undoubtedly be gone as well. I know some of these candidates are a round higher than others rated them.

Well, for all you would be draft gurus, here's a few thoughts on the upcoming event that should hold true for at least a few more years.

Drafting by Position Simply put, it's easier to target some positions than others. The supposed skill positions are the toughest historically to judge. Some of these considerations are well known, for example you can likely get a good running back deep into the draft. Other considerations are a little murkier.

Despite this being a thin red line, I fully believe this unit may be among the top performing groups well before next season draws to a close.

Safeties

Overview Holt was a bust, plain and simple. Add injuries to Adrian Wilson and Wilson Aaron Francisco and it's no surprise this unit did not have much positive impact last season.

Again a simple reminder; games are won at line level. The Cards have more impact players on the defensive side of the ball. That said, the addition of a few key players to free up the existing players could make a good defensive team great.

Defensive Linemen

Overview A successful defensive line pressures the passer and shuts down the run. It forces the quarterback into bad throws that lead to interceptions. If it can shut down the run, it enables both safeties to play deeper increasing turnovers and preventing big passing gains.

Sadly, last season the Cards had little success consistently stopping the run or pressuring the passer. There were flashes of success, but the hallmark of a good line is consistency that lets other units' players worry about their responsibilities.

Look for the Cards to show a great deal more of their 3-4 defense, as they figure to add a few more pieces this off-season who fit that mold.

Linebackers

Overview The Cards tried to play a 3-4 last year, but simply lacked enough personnel who were well suited to that system. This hurt the blitzing schemes. It left too many holes underneath in pass coverage. Few holes in the line were plugged quickly enough. The system needs quick OLBs and versatile guys in the middle.

Off to the Off-Season

Another non-playoff year has come to an end. Cards' fans will be entering a period of greater than usual uncertainty this off-season, as Rod Graves has already announced that the team will not be a player for major free agents despite a number of glaring holes on both sides of the ball.