Let's take a step back and analyze our defense, shall we? I'll grade each unit based on my confidence level from 1 to 10.
Defensive Line:
With the additions to the D Line, we now have the flexibility to run two separate packages up front.
Running downs would present a four man front of JPP, Gerald McCoy, Beau Allen, and William Gholston.
Passing downs would present a four man front of JPP, Gerald McCoy, Vinny Curry, and Noah Spence.
Confidence Level 1-10: 7
Linebackers:
Lavonte David and Kwon Alexander play every snap, while Sam LB Kendall Beckwith comes off in nickel/dime packages.
Confidence Level 1-10: 9
At safety, Justin Evans looks firmly established as the starting FS, while veterans Chris Conte and Keith Tandy tag team it at SS.
Confidence Level 1-10: 6
Cornerback:
Brent Grimes returns to join Vernon Hargreaves. Hargreaves should play strictly nickel, while a viable starter is desperately needed on the outside opposite of Grimes. Depth is an issue as well, especially considering Grimes age and his injuries last season.
Confidence Level 1-10: 3
To summarize, I am fairly confident in our DL rotation, both in run support and pass rush. No one is doubting our LB core, which is possibly best in the league. Even safety could suffice if Evans continues to progress and Conte/Tandy can just play average football.
Our biggest need, even more than RB, is CB. We don't just need a premier draft selection, we need another guy in the 4th or 5th round too.
I don't want Denzel Ward, he's too much like Hargreaves, a good nickel at best. If I go CB in round 1, it's Mike Hughes, Jaire Alexander, or Josh Jackson. All three of those guys would likely be available as far back as pick 15, which is where the QB-hungry Cardinals currently sit, so we could trade down, gain a 2nd and 3rd round pick, and secure our starter at CB.
1 CB Mike Hughes
2 RB Derrius Guice
2 CB Isaiah Oliver/SS Ronnie Harrison
3 G Frank Ragnow
4 RB Nyheim Hines
