A closer look at the areas the Cardinals could address in the draft. We'll get started Monday with a look at inside linebacker, which is scheduled to work out Sunday in Indianapolis.

Position of need: Inside linebacker. There has been a noticeable difference in how fast the Cardinals play at inside linebacker with and without Daryl Washington. With him, the Cardinals' defense is dangerous from sideline-to-sideline. Without him, they have a tendency to struggle against quick running backs, mobile quarterbacks and tight ends. Arizona showcased two inside backers last season -- Larry Foote and Kevin Minter -- who don't have the same type of athleticism as Washington, or even as Karlos Dansby.

Three players the Cardinals could target in the draft:

Denzel Perryman (ILB), Miami: He's the top-ranked player at inside linebacker by ESPN. He may be shorter than preferred at just about 5-foot-11, but his speed makes up for a lack of size. His scouting report identifies strong instincts and his top-level tackling, both of which the Cardinals would need should Larry Foote retire. However, he's been labeled as a “thumper” and the Cardinals already have their “thumper” in Minter.

Benardrick McKinney (ILB), Mississippi State: Perhaps the best inside linebacker in the draft, McKinney fits what the Cardinals are looking from a physical standpoint. He's 6-4 ¼ and runs the 40-yard-dash in 4.6 seconds. He's still a bit raw but working with new linebackers coach Bob Sanders should have him ready to go by Week 1. What's also enticing about McKinney besides his athleticism is his pass-rush skills, an area the Cardinals need help in.

Stephone Anthony (ILB), Clemson: His size -- just about 6-2 ½ and 245 pounds -- fits what the Cardinals need, but he doesn't have the speed that the two inside linebackers ranked ahead of him have. His scouting report suggests there's a lot to work on but if he's not going to be a starter, then the Cardinals would have time to groom him, but that likely won't be the case.