2011 Draft: Robert Quinn, Freakshow

[joeshmo]

D. Ware and T. Suggs produced fairly quickly. Pace and Hali were on crap teams, right? Once they got into the right position (as 3-4 OLB's roughly the same size as Ware, Suggs and Quinn) they also produced.

Pace still isnt producing. Unless you would love to have under 7 sacks on average per year from your stud #5 pick. Plus the Jets run a 46 defense, not to be confused with the 3-4.

Hali started playing OLB in 2009, and it still took him a year even though he had 3 years of NFL experiance.

Ware was an easier transition as well being a Senior and not a one year wonder, Quinn a sophmore and a one year wonder with a much bigger transition to make. Ware also has played in and still plays in a 1 gap 3-4 defense, again a different scheme then the one Horton will run.

I get where people are coming from on the guy, I myself did the same thing by pigeon holing Aldon Smith as well, who is just as athletic a freak as Quinn will test at the combine.

 

[bg7brd]

Pace still isnt producing. Unless you would love to have under 7 sacks on average per year from your stud #5 pick. Plus the Jets run a 46 defense, not to be confused with the 3-4.

Hali started playing OLB in 2009, and it still took him a year even though he had 3 years of NFL experiance.

Ware was an easier transition as well being a Senior and not a one year wonder, Quinn a sophmore and a one year wonder with a much bigger transition to make. Ware also has played in and still plays in a 1 gap 3-4 defense, again a different scheme then the one Horton will run.

I get where people are coming from on the guy, I myself did the same thing by pigeon holing Aldon Smith as well, who is just as athletic a freak as Quinn will test at the combine.

Joe, what are your thoughts on Jabaal Sheard?

 

[joeshmo]

Joe, what are your thoughts on Jabaal Sheard?

He has a more of a stocky body type. Very consistent and solid but not great production for 3 straight years. Has toughed out some injuries. I think he was the team captian. I like that he played for a pro style coaching staff, may have less of a transition to make in terms of the mental aspect because of that.

Sort of a conundrum in the character department. Got an award from the fire department for saving the life of an old lady in a buring building, then followed it up by getting in a fight with a guy and continueing to fight the guy once the police got there and told him to stop, pushed the police away and still punched the guy and pushed him through a window. He plead guilty to the lowered charges and had to pay for all medical bills.

Has a leg up over other DE/OLB prospects in that he is well rounded and not a one dimensional pass rusher. He is equally as good of a pass rusher as he is a run defender.

I would have no problem taking him in the 3rd if he is still there.

 

[bg7brd]

Thanks Joe. Thats kind of where I'm at. He's probably gone by our 3rd pick but 38 might be too soon. The character issues don't bother me because we could use a bad a$$ or 2 on defense.

 

[SuperSpck]

Joe's made a persuasive argument.

 

[Krangodnzr]

You willing to wait 2-3 years minimum for your #5 pick to "do simething". Because that is what it will take with Quinn or Smith IMO.

Its why searching for a 3-4 OLB is so hard. Everyone tries pigeon holing guys into spots they should probably not be put into because it is such a premium position. The 3-4 OLB and NT spots get more over evaluated then any other position in the NFL besides QB. Everyone is looking for the next Woodley. Well guess what it even took Woodley a year, a year and a half before he was ready to do anything.

That's why we should bring a veteran or hope that Horton can revitalize Joey Porter and then draft Quinn (barring a good workout of course).

You gotta remember with Mike Williams, he didn't have a fantastic workout either when Detroit drafted him. And it's not like he ended up in a spot that was all that great. Even people at USC questioned his work ethic. That's not the case with Robert Quinn, even though he screwed the team out of National title contention (IMO they had a good enough team), most of those "in the know" still love Robert Quinn.

Calling him a "one year wonder" is a bit shortsighted IMO. The guy played very well and he was viewed as the key cog of a very talented defense.

IMO he's a top five prospect in this draft because he has all the measureables to be great, not just very good. IMO that's what Von Miller could be, very good. I don't see Miller as ever being able to be in the Dwight Freeney or Julius Peppers class of pass rushers, while I think Quinn could be. Physically he has that kind of ability IMO.

For us, I like Quinn, then Houston, then Smith, and a distant fourth, Von Miller. Quinn has a lot of question marks, but I think he'll be the best of the bunch once he makes the transition. Houston is tailor made for what we are looking for, but his upside isn't as great. Smith is another project, and he doesn't look quite as fluid as Quinn on the edge, but he has great ability. Von Miller is also tailor made, but I think he's as good as he'll get and I think he'll struggle on the edge against the run playing big NFL left tackles.

 

[DoTheDew]

You don't leave football for a year and come back to do anything. Mike Williams says hello.

Bertrand Berry waves back.

 

[kerouac9]

Joe and Krang make interesting cases. I'm kind of hoping that Quinn puts on a clinic in the workouts and someone else takes a chance on him.

 

[PACardsFan]

You willing to wait 2-3 years minimum for your #5 pick to "do simething". Because that is what it will take with Quinn or Smith IMO.

Its why searching for a 3-4 OLB is so hard. Everyone tries pigeon holing guys into spots they should probably not be put into because it is such a premium position. The 3-4 OLB and NT spots get more over evaluated then any other position in the NFL besides QB. Everyone is looking for the next Woodley. Well guess what it even took Woodley a year, a year and a half before he was ready to do anything.

It is happening this year with Quinn, Smith, and the Phil Taylor kid from Baylor. Just because he is 335 pounds everyone is calling him the next 3-4 NT prospect, when in reality he is more Alan Branch then Casey Hampton. Alan Branch was pigeon holed as well when he came into the league. He would be much further along if he just started out at 3-4 DE to begin with.

You've probably stated it somewhere, but who are you leaning towards with that #5 pick?

 

[Chopper0080]

I am with Joe with my doubts about Robert Quinn. In fact, I would prefer Justin Houston at #5 than Robert Quinn because at least Houston has proven that he can play standing up.

Robert Quinn is as overrated as they come. He had a solid freshman season, and breakout sophomore season and that is it. He has only had 1 4+ sacks season in college, and he did this on a stacked defense. In his best production year, 6 of his 12 sacks came in 2 games. He hasn't ever played standing up as he played DE in High School as well. He hasn't played in a year.

He is a physical freak yes, but he isn't a stand up pass rusher in the NFL. We forget that the ability to play the position precludes having the perfect size for the position.

 

[Krangodnzr]

I am with Joe with my doubts about Robert Quinn. In fact, I would prefer Justin Houston at #5 than Robert Quinn because at least Houston has proven that he can play standing up.

Robert Quinn is as overrated as they come. He had a solid freshman season, and breakout sophomore season and that is it. He has only had 1 4+ sacks season in college, and he did this on a stacked defense. In his best production year, 6 of his 12 sacks came in 2 games. He hasn't ever played standing up as he played DE in High School as well. He hasn't played in a year.

He is a physical freak yes, but he isn't a stand up pass rusher in the NFL. We forget that the ability to play the position precludes having the perfect size for the position.

Overrated? I wonder why SO MANY scouts and draftniks rave about the guy? I know I like him because I've watched film on him, which is the same reason I'm LEERY of Von Miller. I've watched many snaps of Von Miller just getting annihilated against meh tackles in the run game. You don't see the same thing with Robert Quinn. His issues as a run defender are correctable through coaching, whereas with Miller it's a lack of ass issue.

Sure he has only one really good season, but FEW players are dominate their freshman OR sophomore years. The fact that he was the best player as a sophomore on a very talented defenses speaks volumes about what kind of talent he is.

I don't think the transition to 3-4 OLB is what you or Joe are cracking it up to be. Sure there is one, but a guy as talented athletically should be able to make the transition fairly smoothly. If Quinn came in and gave production similar to what we got from Berry his last season, I'd be stoked. What the Cardinals need to do to really improve the defense is to bring in a veteran AND Robert Quinn/Justin Houston.

My caveat to the Quinn discussion is that I'm on or off his bandwagon based on his workouts. If he's in great shape, then I think it will be hard to question his dedication and work ethic and he should be our #1 priority. If his workout is marginal, then I'll be bailing from the Quinn bandwagon quicker than you can spell bail. If he hasn't stayed in shape, there are legitimate questions about his work ethic and I won't advocate taking a risk on him.

 

[Chopper0080]

Overrated? I wonder why SO MANY scouts and draftniks rave about the guy? I know I like him because I've watched film on him, which is the same reason I'm LEERY of Von Miller. I've watched many snaps of Von Miller just getting annihilated against meh tackles in the run game. You don't see the same thing with Robert Quinn. His issues as a run defender are correctable through coaching, whereas with Miller it's a lack of ass issue.

Sure he has only one really good season, but FEW players are dominate their freshman OR sophomore years. The fact that he was the best player as a sophomore on a very talented defenses speaks volumes about what kind of talent he is.

I don't think the transition to 3-4 OLB is what you or Joe are cracking it up to be. Sure there is one, but a guy as talented athletically should be able to make the transition fairly smoothly. If Quinn came in and gave production similar to what we got from Berry his last season, I'd be stoked. What the Cardinals need to do to really improve the defense is to bring in a veteran AND Robert Quinn/Justin Houston.

My caveat to the Quinn discussion is that I'm on or off his bandwagon based on his workouts. If he's in great shape, then I think it will be hard to question his dedication and work ethic and he should be our #1 priority. If his workout is marginal, then I'll be bailing from the Quinn bandwagon quicker than you can spell bail. If he hasn't stayed in shape, there are legitimate questions about his work ethic and I won't advocate taking a risk on him.

First, he is overrated because he is more of an athlete than a polished player, his stats came in bunches against poor teams, he hasn't played football in a year, and because he isn't an OLB. To say that he is the 5th best player in this draft is overrating him.

Secondly, I don't know how to explain how hard it is for players to transition from playing on the LOS with a hand in the dirt to playing off the LOS in a 2 point stance.

As a DE all you are required to do is read through your linemen to the ball carrier. You rarely have to move backwards, and you are almost always in close contact with an offensive player.

As an OLB everything is different. You have to diagnose the play so quickly, and determine your correct responsibility according to what the offense does. Your ability to transition between moving forward, laterally, and backwards has to be seamless and fluid. Having a natural feel for pass zones is also a necessity, as is the ability to recognize route combinations. So much of this is dependent on film study and recognition, that someone who hasn't seen the field from this perspective ever is at a tremendous disadvantage.

 

[Krangodnzr]

First, he is overrated because he is more of an athlete than a polished player, his stats came in bunches against poor teams, he hasn't played football in a year, and because he isn't an OLB. To say that he is the 5th best player in this draft is overrating him.

I'll take a sophomore who gets 11 sacks, even if they're in bunches. Few sophomores in the history of college football ever put up stats like that. And the "poor teams" comment....you can say that against any top prospect and it's one of the most played out comments when looking at prospects. He put up numbers against the teams he played.

For comparison Von Miller had 3 sacks his sophomore year all evenly spread out, not in bunches

And lastly, college statistics have nothing to do with how good a pro prospect you are. If that were the case Tom Burke would've been a great prospect with all those sack records he had with Wisconsin.

Secondly, I don't know how to explain how hard it is for players to transition from playing on the LOS with a hand in the dirt to playing off the LOS in a 2 point stance.

As a DE all you are required to do is read through your linemen to the ball carrier. You rarely have to move backwards, and you are almost always in close contact with an offensive player.

As an OLB everything is different. You have to diagnose the play so quickly, and determine your correct responsibility according to what the offense does. Your ability to transition between moving forward, laterally, and backwards has to be seamless and fluid. Having a natural feel for pass zones is also a necessity, as is the ability to recognize route combinations. So much of this is dependent on film study and recognition, that someone who hasn't seen the field from this perspective ever is at a tremendous disadvantage.

I understand all this, I just think that Von Miller is going to be a poor to subpar run defender and Quinn will be average to very good. And once he understands the position he'll be a better overall player than Miller. We can live with Quinn learning the nuances of playing OLB while he gives us a pass rush boost. From day one, Quinn should have an impact in this regard.

 

[Crazy Canuck]

One moment it's... "we need a first round pick that will have an immediate impact". Next, it's... "we can live with the learning curve". If the latter be the case, then we should select Newton or Gabbert.

 

[Chopper0080]

I'll take a sophomore who gets 11 sacks, even if they're in bunches. Few sophomores in the history of college football ever put up stats like that. And the "poor teams" comment....you can say that against any top prospect and it's one of the most played out comments when looking at prospects. He put up numbers against the teams he played.

For comparison Von Miller had 3 sacks his sophomore year all evenly spread out, not in bunches

And lastly, college statistics have nothing to do with how good a pro prospect you are. If that were the case Tom Burke would've been a great prospect with all those sack records he had with Wisconsin.

I understand all this, I just think that Von Miller is going to be a poor to subpar run defender and Quinn will be average to very good. And once he understands the position he'll be a better overall player than Miller. We can live with Quinn learning the nuances of playing OLB while he gives us a pass rush boost. From day one, Quinn should have an impact in this regard.

He put up numbers on the most stacked defense in college football. I would like to point out Ryan Sims as a reason to leery of a North Carolina product that produces huge numbers in a single season. As far as the teams you play arguement...in college it just doesn't apply especially on that defense. Teams and sack totals Duke(3), Virginia(3), East Carolina(2), The Citadel(1), Georgia Southern(1) and Boston College(1). Suspect.

I don't believe that you understand all that goes into playing OLB. Until Quinn can learn enough about the nuances of pass coverage, he won't play OLB. All he will be is a rush DE in passing situations. You don't learn on the fly when transferring from DE to OLB. As far as being a liability, I would rather have a player that is a liability in the run game (Von Miller) than a player that is a liability in the passing game (Robert Quinn). And if you don't think that he would be exposed, just look at how teams exposed Adrian Wilson in coverage last year. Keep in mind that it is far easier manipulating a defense to get target an OLB than a S.

 

[Krangodnzr]

He put up numbers on the most stacked defense in college football. I would like to point out Ryan Sims as a reason to leery of a North Carolina product that produces huge numbers in a single season.

And I'll raise you a Julius Peppers and a Vonnie Holliday. Totally irrelevant.

As far as the teams you play arguement...in college it just doesn't apply especially on that defense. Teams and sack totals Duke(3), Virginia(3), East Carolina(2), The Citadel(1), Georgia Southern(1) and Boston College(1). Suspect.

Then this must be the first draft you've ever paid attention to. People make this argument all the time. I remember making this same argument about Ben Roethlisberger. BS argument that has been proven wrong so many times it's laughable.

I don't believe that you understand all that goes into playing OLB. Until Quinn can learn enough about the nuances of pass coverage, he won't play OLB. All he will be is a rush DE in passing situations. You don't learn on the fly when transferring from DE to OLB. As far as being a liability, I would rather have a player that is a liability in the run game (Von Miller) than a player that is a liability in the passing game (Robert Quinn). And if you don't think that he would be exposed, just look at how teams exposed Adrian Wilson in coverage last year. Keep in mind that it is far easier manipulating a defense to get target an OLB than a S.

I watched Bert Berry play in this defense for 3 years and he rarely dropped back to cover anyone. If you plug in Robert Quinn into that role, he'll do fine....and he'll get to learn while he is playing.

Additionally, you don't make a top five pick based on how you think a guy is going to do next year. If that's the case then lets always just pick a steady guy that will have an impact next season, but doesn't necessarily have the highest upside.

 

[Chopper0080]

And I'll raise you a Julius Peppers and a Vonnie Holliday. Totally irrelevant.




Then this must be the first draft you've ever paid attention to. People make this argument all the time. I remember making this same argument about Ben Roethlisberger. BS argument that has been proven wrong so many times it's laughable.



I watched Bert Berry play in this defense for 3 years and he rarely dropped back to cover anyone. If you plug in Robert Quinn into that role, he'll do fine....and he'll get to learn while he is playing.

Additionally, you don't make a top five pick based on how you think a guy is going to do next year. If that's the case then lets always just pick a steady guy that will have an impact next season, but doesn't necessarily have the highest upside.

Roethlisberger played three years of significantly productive college football with inferior talent around him. How does that compare with the single year of significantly productive college football Robert Quinn played with exceptional talent around him? As far as that talent goes, I think people fail to see how good the players on that defense were. EJ Wilson, DE, was a 4th round pick last year. Cam Thomas, DT, was a 5th round pick last year. UNC players to be drafted this year include Robert Quinn-DE(1st rnd), Marvin Austin-DT(2nd rnd), Bruce Carter-OLB(2nd rnd), Quan Sturdivant-ILB(3rd rnd, Kendric Burney-CB(4th rnd), Da'Norris Searcy-SS(6th rnd), and Deunta Williams-FS(4th rnd). If CB Charles Brown is drafted next year, and he should be, almost the entire defense that he was so successful on would have been drafted. That is a ridiculous amount of talent.


Bert Berry never played in THIS defense. He was DE in everything but name in Clancy's hybrid non-sense scheme. Horton is bringing a much more defined 3-4 defense from Pittsburgh, and Quinn will be lost in it. It took Woodley who at least had some experience playing outside in Michigan's defense almost a full year to adapt, which he did on the bench. This is why Pittsburgh rarely spends top picks on OLB's because the learning curve is so high, and they can bust so easily. LaMarr Woodley 2nd round. James Harrison undrafted free agent of waivers. Jason Worilds 2nd round. Thaddeus Gibson 4th round.

I get Quinn's athleticism. I get the Cardinals need. But, at 5, Robert Quinn is too much of a risk.

 

[AsUdUdE]

I'm not saying Quinn won't be a multiple time Pro-bowler... But he is a huuuuge risk..

If you are going to take that big of a risk, take Newton at your biggest need and has the biggest upside...

All that said my rankings still are:

1. Peterson
2. Newton
3. Quinn
4. Miller

Right now at this moment it is WAY to high to draft houston with everything I've read have him as a borderline 1st rounder...

 

[WildBB]

IMO he's a top five prospect in this draft because he has all the measureables to be great, not just very good. IMO that's what Von Miller could be, very good. I don't see Miller as ever being able to be in the Dwight Freeney or Julius Peppers class of pass rushers, while I think Quinn could be. Physically he has that kind of ability IMO.

For us, I like Quinn, then Houston, then Smith, and a distant fourth, Von Miller. Quinn has a lot of question marks, but I think he'll be the best of the bunch once he makes the transition. Houston is tailor made for what we are looking for, but his upside isn't as great. Smith is another project, and he doesn't look quite as fluid as Quinn on the edge, but he has great ability. Von Miller is also tailor made, but I think he's as good as he'll get and I think he'll struggle on the edge against the run playing big NFL left tackles.

Completly agree. You can get out of Wilson right now what Miller would add.

 

[Chopper0080]

Completly agree. You can get out of Wilson right now what Miller would add.

Except when you rush your safety in Wilson, who are you going to drop into coverage? Not Robert Quinn, or O'Brian Schofield. If anything Von Miller would make it more difficult for defenses because EITHER Miller OR Wilson could be the blitzer or drop into coverage. It would make our defense more versatile and unpredictable, rather than seeing Quinn and Schofield on the outside and knowing neither of them will be dropping into coverage.

Also, Miller could contribute standing up in nickel packages, while Robert Quinn would be specifically a DE.

 

[john h]

He'd be my #5 pick....if he's there.

This is the guy I draft at #5. A good QB trumps any other need:

[83% positive ratings out of 5 total ratings for this user's comments.]

* BigBare7
* Feb-20 @ 1:10 PM
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No comparison! John Skelton was a 5th round pick and passed over by several teams that needed a quarterback and may have not been drafted if not for the Cards? On the other hand, every report I have read or seen from the NFL draft experts claim Blaine Gabbert is the best quarterback in the 2011 draft and far exceeds heisman trophy winner Cam Newton! Let me put it this way, do the Rams wish they had picked a top ten line backer instead of Sam Bradford last season? We all know the answer. Cardinals don't blow it again! We passed on Adrian Peterson (a running back we needed) for lineman Levi Brown did'nt we? Cards select QB Blaine Gabbert on the 5th pick or the 49ers will pick him on the 7th pick or we will be sorry? And I mean for the Cardinals sake, not the Niners. We have to take care of us, not the Niners!!!

Read more: http://www.azcentral.com/sports/car...ardinals-draft-mike-mayock.html#ixzz1Ec6BxVnL

 

[Krangodnzr]

I'm not saying Quinn won't be a multiple time Pro-bowler... But he is a huuuuge risk..

If you are going to take that big of a risk, take Newton at your biggest need and has the biggest upside...

All that said my rankings still are:

1. Peterson
2. Newton
3. Quinn
4. Miller

Right now at this moment it is WAY to high to draft houston with everything I've read have him as a borderline 1st rounder...

I don't fully disagree with your list to be honest, but I think we don't really need a corner and it's a position that is getting marginalized more and more as the years past with rule changes. If the team feels they need another corner, draft a 3rd rounder and just add to our core of DRC, Toler, and Mike Adams. Adams played well enough last season IMO to be in the picture for the nickel job, but it wouldn't hurt to bring in another young guy to compete for his job.

I like Newton quite a bit, but he has his own huge risk as well. Obviously he hasn't played in a conventional offense, and I think the guy is a primma donna, based on his actions at Florida, his 12 traffic tickets the past 2 years, and the play for pay scheme his father was involved in. I seriously doubt he had no knowledge it was going on. I think he's a fantastic prospect, but I just can't shake the thought that the kid is a piece of crap.

Quinn of course has 1 good season and was suspended for a year, but what he showed that season was that he can be a dominate front seven player, which IMO is one of the major components of success in the NFL right now. Teams that lack playmakers upfront are losing teams, and I think the Cardinals need to not only just a top pick on a front seven player (Quinn or Houston preferably), but we need to bring in someone like Kamerion Wimbley as well. A OLB corps of Wimbley, Schofield, Davis/Porter, and Robert Quinn looks really good on paper. Davis could move inside to the SILB position to help fortify that spot.

Miller will get some pass rush going, but I think he's going to be king garbage sack and that he's not going to fare too well in the run game. IMO he's kind of a what you see is what you get kind of prospect and I don't imagine that he'll ever be as good as his press clippings. We've all seen players like that, guys that go to Pro Bowls but people who actually watch them play know they put up numbers, but aren't really that good. That's how I view Miller, he'll have 10 sacks, but teams will average 5 yards a carry to his side of the field.

If we're really looking at BPA (which I don't advocate and teams don't really draft BPA) AJ Green might be that guy. He's going to be pretty good, but I doubt he'll ever approach the Fitz-Andre Johnson level. The guy that will is coming out next season, Alshon Jeffery from South Carolina.

 

[Chopper0080]

I don't fully disagree with your list to be honest, but I think we don't really need a corner and it's a position that is getting marginalized more and more as the years past with rule changes. If the team feels they need another corner, draft a 3rd rounder and just add to our core of DRC, Toler, and Mike Adams. Adams played well enough last season IMO to be in the picture for the nickel job, but it wouldn't hurt to bring in another young guy to compete for his job.

I like Newton quite a bit, but he has his own huge risk as well. Obviously he hasn't played in a conventional offense, and I think the guy is a primma donna, based on his actions at Florida, his 12 traffic tickets the past 2 years, and the play for pay scheme his father was involved in. I seriously doubt he had no knowledge it was going on. I think he's a fantastic prospect, but I just can't shake the thought that the kid is a piece of crap.

Quinn of course has 1 good season and was suspended for a year, but what he showed that season was that he can be a dominate front seven player, which IMO is one of the major components of success in the NFL right now. Teams that lack playmakers upfront are losing teams, and I think the Cardinals need to not only just a top pick on a front seven player (Quinn or Houston preferably), but we need to bring in someone like Kamerion Wimbley as well. A OLB corps of Wimbley, Schofield, Davis/Porter, and Robert Quinn looks really good on paper. Davis could move inside to the SILB position to help fortify that spot.

Miller will get some pass rush going, but I think he's going to be king garbage sack and that he's not going to fare too well in the run game. IMO he's kind of a what you see is what you get kind of prospect and I don't imagine that he'll ever be as good as his press clippings. We've all seen players like that, guys that go to Pro Bowls but people who actually watch them play know they put up numbers, but aren't really that good. That's how I view Miller, he'll have 10 sacks, but teams will average 5 yards a carry to his side of the field.

If we're really looking at BPA (which I don't advocate and teams don't really draft BPA) AJ Green might be that guy. He's going to be pretty good, but I doubt he'll ever approach the Fitz-Andre Johnson level. The guy that will is coming out next season, Alshon Jeffery from South Carolina.

I agree with you in terms that there just isn't a clear cut favorite in who would be best for the Cardinals at #5 which is really frustrating. Every player has some issues attached, and the player who I think fits the best at our biggest position of need is thought of as a mid to late first rounder (Justin Houston).

I am quickly boarding the trade down bus if we could acquire a second rounder with moving to the 10-15 range.

 

[WildBB]

Except when you rush your safety in Wilson, who are you going to drop into coverage? Not Robert Quinn, or O'Brian Schofield. If anything Von Miller would make it more difficult for defenses because EITHER Miller OR Wilson could be the blitzer or drop into coverage. It would make our defense more versatile and unpredictable, rather than seeing Quinn and Schofield on the outside and knowing neither of them will be dropping into coverage.

Also, Miller could contribute standing up in nickel packages, while Robert Quinn would be specifically a DE.

And a good one. He could play 1st and 2nd downs too. Something I don't believe Miller is capable of doing definately now and possibly later effectively.

 

[Krangodnzr]

I agree with you in terms that there just isn't a clear cut favorite in who would be best for the Cardinals at #5 which is really frustrating. Every player has some issues attached, and the player who I think fits the best at our biggest position of need is thought of as a mid to late first rounder (Justin Houston).

I am quickly boarding the trade down bus if we could acquire a second rounder with moving to the 10-15 range.

Heh despite our debates on this topic, I think we have exactly the same perspective on this topic.

I'd love to trade down and grab some more draft capital and take Justin Houston. IMO Justin Houston is that nice balance between upside and risk. He has a great first step, has had some success bullrushing to the passer, and has dropped back into coverage.

One point that I'd like to make addressing a comment you made earlier about the Steelers drafting OLBs later. That was mainly because up until recently, very few teams ran a 3-4 and the Steelers were able to sit back and draft those tweener DEs and let them develop behind their usual Pro Bowl performers. Now that about half the league or more will be running a 3-4, the Steelers won't have that luxury.

If trends remain the same, you'll see guys like Quinn going high in the first round every year. That's because most of the Joey Porter, Jason Gildon-types that the Steelers have drafted over the years weren't even in the same class as the Robert Quinns as prospects, even as 3-4 OLBs.

We're in a tough spot because of the defense we play; We absolutely have to get younger and more talented at OLB, but we don't have the starters right now to really excel at this type of defense. That's why I'm not too concerned with Quinn's transition if we take him, IMO any of the college coversion prospects are going to have some transition, but Quinn has the most upside of the pool.