Posted by Darren Urban on April 30, 2011 – 12:54 pm

The Cardinals used the first of two sixth-round draft picks on inside linebacker Quan Sturdivant from North Carolina. Sturdivant, 6-foot-1 and 241 pounds, was part of the Tar Heel team ravaged from suspensions, and he was one of the ones investigated for improper dealings with agents (he was cleared ). He also battled a hamstring injury for five weeks.

But in eight games he had 61 tackles and 8.5 tackles for loss. In his career, he had 27.5 tackles for loss, seven sacks, four interceptions and three fumble recoveries, and looks like a good pickup considering he was thought of as a third- or fourth-round pick and some even believed he could go in the second round. With Gerald Hayes unlikely to return next year, the Cards needed depth on the inside behind Paris Lenon and Daryl Washington.

“With his desire and love for the game,” general manager Rod Graves said, “we are excited to get him where we got him.”

Sturdivant said he “made a bad decision” last summer — he was cited for marijuana possession, although the charges were dropped — and he said that probably cost him in the draft. “It’s been a little tough,” Sturdivant said of waiting to be drafted. “But now that I have a chance to play with the Cardinals, I’m excited.” Coach Ken Whisenhunt said the Cards investigated his arrest but are satisfied it was just a mistake, and Whiz added he liked the idea of how much support Sturdivant got (while battling his bad hamstring) at Carolina’s pro day from his other teammates, indicating players like to play with him. He will compete for the strong-side inside spot manned by Lenon.

Tags: Daryl Washington Posted in Blog