TEMPE, Ariz. -- The Cardinals got the edge rusher most analysts expected them to take when they drafted North Carolina defensive end Kareem Martin with the first of two third-round selections (84th overall). But they followed it up with a mild surprise, taking Pittsburg State wide receiver John Brown with the third-round pick they acquired from the Saints in their first-round swap.
Martin, a former teammate of Cardinals left guard Jonathan Cooper, posted 11.5 sacks last season in the Tar Heels' 4-2-5 defense. He'll have to adapt to the Cardinals 3-4 and could play either end or outside linebacker, where he said he saw some time at North Carolina.
Brown fills the team's desire for more speed at wide receiver. Although the Cards signed Ted Ginn Jr. last month, coach Bruce Arians loves speed, and Brown ran a 4.34 40 at the NFL Scouting Combine, the second-fastest time at that event behind the 4.33 posted by Oregon State wide receiver Brandin Cooks.
Follow Craig Morgan on Twitter
