The Arizona Cardinals' 2011 draft is being viewed as the best in coach Ken Whisenhunt’s six-year tenure thanks to the performances of cornerback Patrick Peterson, linebacker Sam Acho, running back Ryan Williams and others.

But what of the 2012 draft? How much can the Cardinals realistically expect their most recent draft class to contribute? Let’s analyze the top three’s performances thus far.

How much can the Cardinals realistically expect their most recent draft class to contribute? Let’s analyze the top three’s performances thus far.

Top pick: WR Michael Floyd (first round, No. 13 overall): Floyd was drafted to complement and remove some pressure off Pro Bowler Larry Fitzgerald. Floyd has the size (6-foot-3) and bulk (225 pounds) to outmuscle defenders for balls. He also tracks the ball well, but it’s a difficult road for rookie receivers in the NFL. In the past five seasons, there have been 16 first-round wide receivers to play in the NFL as rookies. Their average production was 43 catches, 616 yards and four touchdowns. Only two -- Cincinnati’s A.J. Green and Atlanta's Julio Jones -- have topped 800 yards. Floyd will get his reps and has made an impression in camp, but it’s too much to ask for him to start right out of the gate. Grade: B

No. 2 pick: CB Jamell Fleming (third round, No. 80 overall): Fleming has made his share of rookies mistakes in coverage during the preseason, but he’s also made plays, like an excellent read against Kansas City in which he stuffed a runner behind the line of scrimmage. He doesn’t lack for confidence and he shows good ball skills. He’s battling veteran William Gay and Greg Toler for the starting job opposite Patrick Peterson. We wouldn’t be surprised if he got his chance at some point this season. Grade: B+

No. 3 pick: RT Bobby Massie (fourth round, No. 112 overall) – When Massie was drafted, offensive line coach Russ Grimm said he would compete with Jeremy Bridges for the starting slot. That thought appears to be on hold as Massie has struggled to master the complexities of the offense and all the reads he must make. He has the size (6-foot-6, 316) to eventually become a run mauler, but he needs seasoning. If he ends up starting, it will likely be due to the Cards’ lack of depth and talent at the position, rather than a meteoric rise. Grade: C

For more news and analysis from Cardinals blogger Craig Morgan, follow @CBSSportsNFLARI on Twitter.