The Cardinals had two major needs to fill -- running back and outside linebacker -- and took care of both of them on the first day of the draft. After that, they drafted according to a player's ability, with less emphasis on filling perceived holes in the roster.

Running back Chris "Beanie" Wells, the 31st overall pick, should make an immediate contribution. He won't necessarily start, but Wells figures to see plenty of action in tandem with Tim Hightower.

The two should complement each other. Hightower is a solid, one-cut, downhill runner with excellent receiving skills. His blocking improved as last season progressed.

At 235 pounds, Wells has the power to run inside. What impressed the Cardinals most, however, was his ability to make moves and break tackles in confined space.

He is faster than Hightower and should provide a big-play ability the team has been missing at running back.

In the second round, the Cardinals drafted for need, too, just not an immediate one. Outside linebacker Cody Brown could see some playing time this year, but the UConn standout doesn't need to become a starter.

He has four solid veterans in front of him, so the Cardinals drafted Brown with an eye on a year or two down the road. Three of the four vets are over 30, and all four have suffered serious injuries over the past two years.

The Cardinals continued to bolster their defense in the third round. Their selection of Alabama safety Rashad Johnson was a surprise since the club is fairly deep at the safety spots.

But backups -- Aaron Francisco and Matt Ware -- might be in danger of losing ground on the depth chart. Johnson had 11 interceptions in his final two seasons and is known for having great ball skills. That's not something Francisco and Ware have displayed.

The Cardinals like to use backup safeties in nickel and dime packages, moving the starters, Adrian Wilson and Antrel Rolle down to scrimmage.

It's also a move with an eye on the future. Rolle's contract could escalate by $5.7 million in 2010, so the Cardinals might need a replacement.

BEST PICK: Beanie Wells wasn't supposed to be available at No. 31 according to most every mock draft published in recent months. The Cardinals were fortunate that Wells fell to them, because he gives them exactly what they believe they need. He's big, he's fast and should bring a big-play ability the Cardinals didn't have at running back. He should make an immediate impact. Of course, you expect that out of a first-round pick.

COULD SURPRISE: S Rashad Johnson of Alabama was a surprise pick considering the Cardinals are deep at his position. But Johnson had 11 interceptions over the past two years. Free safety Antrel Rolle's contract could escalate next year by more than $5 million. It's good to have alternatives in the event the Cardinals can't re-sign him.

A closer look at the Cardinals' picks:

Round 1/31 -- Chris "Beanie" Wells, RB, 6-2, 235, Ohio State

The club had Connecticut's Donald Brown rated ahead of Wells, but they aren't disappointed to take Wells. He gives them a power runner who is also fast enough to break big runs. That's an element they don't have, and Wells should form a nice tandem with Tim Hightower.

Round 2/63 -- Cody Brown, OLB, 6-2, 244, Connecticut

Brown played defensive end in college, but he'll move to outside linebacker in the 3-4. He'll have a lot to learn and the Cardinals don't expect him to contend for a starting spot as a rookie. They are hoping, however, he can be a spot pass rusher this season and then develop into a starter for years to come.

Round 3/95 -- Rashad Johnson, S, 5-11, 203, Alabama

A bit of a surprise pick because the Cardinals are deep at safety. But Johnson was too good to pass on. The Cardinals sometimes play three or four safeties in certain dime packages, and Aaron Francisco, the third safety, has struggled in pass coverage. Johnson has excellent ball skills and could contribute immediately.

Round 4/131 -- Greg Toler, CB, 6-0, 185, St. Paul's College

Another surprise, since cornerback wasn't labeled an area of need. Toler runs the 40 in the high 4.3s and has the raw skills to have success eventually. The Cardinals had good luck last year with Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, another small-school corner.

Round 5/167 -- Herman Johnson, G, 6-7, 382, Louisiana State

The Cardinals need to develop some interior offensive linemen, and Johnson is a solid prospect, having started for three seasons in college. He could be the largest player the team has ever drafted. There are concerns about his weight.

Round 6/204 -- Will Davis, DE/OLB, 6-2, 261, Illinois

A developmental player who will have a hard time making the 53-man roster. He likely will move to outside linebacker.

Round 7/240 -- LaRod Stephens-Howling, RB, 5-7, 180 pounds, Pittsburgh.

The Cardinals would like a kick returner and Stephens-Howling could fill that role. He could also play on return teams.

Round 7/254 -- Trevor Canfield, OG, 6-5, 307, Cincinnati

A developmental player and likely headed for the practice squad, provided he shows enough ability this summer.