2014 2nd Round Cardinals pick Troy Niklas TE Notre Dame

[joeshmo]

Great, we spent a 2nd rd. pick on Fred Wakefield Jr.

Why because they are both white guys. You are better then that.

 

[D-Dogg]

That sounds a lot like code for "this draft sucks"

Nope, just a draft of lunch pail guys. Not sexy. I dig it though, I think it is a solid draft and we have two instant starters in picks 1 and 2 at positions of need.

I came in thinking SS, LB (specifically pass rushing), RT, TE, C, speed WR, Backup QB as the positions of need on this team.

That by definition, drafting in the last third of the draft, isn't a setup for giddy excitement. However, it is the kind of draft that gives you players that make you take a chance in next year's draft to trade up and take a QBOF. Not that they would, but that when you have these specific holes filled with long term starters, you can be more flexible in future drafts.

We also get our LG first round pick this season as well, so add that to the lunch pail draft.

 

[MrYeahBut]

Nope, just a draft of lunch pail guys. Not sexy. I dig it though, I think it is a solid draft and we have two instant starters in picks 1 and 2 at positions of need.

I came in thinking SS, LB (specifically pass rushing), RT, TE, C, speed WR, Backup QB as the positions of need on this team.

That by definition, drafting in the last third of the draft, isn't a setup for giddy excitement. However, it is the kind of draft that gives you players that make you take a chance in next year's draft to trade up and take a QBOF. Not that they would, but that when you have these specific holes filled with long term starters, you can be more flexible in future drafts.

We also get our LG first round pick this season as well, so add that to the lunch pail draft.

I pretty much agree with this. I don't, however see a pass rushing LB from here on out. At least one I've ever heard of anyway.


.

 

[BullheadCardFan]

The best blocking TE in the Draft, and the next guy isn't even close. Also the most physical and nastiest. Just learning the TE position, only his 2nd year doing it, so it is impressive he still got over 30 catches and 5 TD's in only his second year. Without a doubt not one dimensional. Room to improve in the pass game but can still get it done. When he does catch it he runs over dudes. No longer have to keep a 6th OT on field to help block which takes away your safety valve player. So not only will Palmer have just as good a 6th blocker as any of our OT's he will now have the safety valve he never had considering the 6th OT is not a safety valve option. His uncle is Bruce Matthews so he will know what it will take to succeed. The kid has a real passion for the game and was nicknamed Hercules by his teammates for how much time he spent working out. Not a reach at all, and was selected at about where everyone thought he would be drafted.

This sums it up here. Good write up Joe

 

[D-Dogg]

I pretty much agree with this. I don't, however see a pass rushing LB from here on out. At least one I've ever heard of anyway.


.

No, me either. It's pretty much the glaring need on the team now, IMO.

Anything to help in FA would be my guess as to what they'll be looking for after the draft and during cuts. Some vet.

 

[LoyaltyisaCurse]

Troll post.

Why because they are both white guys. You are better then that.

I rest my case:
Niklas signed with the Irish as one of the country's most highly regarded preps, distinguishing himself as an offensive and defensive lineman, as well as a tight end in high school.


While overshadowed throughout his early career by future Mackey Award (and Cincinnati Bengals 2013 first round pick) Tyler Eifert, Niklas' imposing frame certainly caught the attention of Notre Dame's coaching staff, which moved him to linebacker as a true freshman to get him on the field.

Niklas played in 12 games at outside linebacker, including starting against Michigan State. He recorded 20 tackles, including half a tackle for loss in his first year at the position.

 

[Unsterblich856]

Great, we spent a 2nd rd. pick on Fred Wakefield Jr.

No, we spent a 2nd round pick on Troy Niklas.

 

[Southpaw]

Arthur Lynch Georgia. Same guy 5th round.

 

[BW52]

Arthur Lynch Georgia. Same guy 5th round.

Are you out of your mind?

 

[cardncubfan]

The best blocking TE in the Draft, and the next guy isn't even close. Also the most physical and nastiest. Just learning the TE position, only his 2nd year doing it, so it is impressive he still got over 30 catches and 5 TD's in only his second year. Without a doubt not one dimensional. Room to improve in the pass game but can still get it done. When he does catch it he runs over dudes. No longer have to keep a 6th OT on field to help block which takes away your safety valve player. So not only will Palmer have just as good a 6th blocker as any of our OT's he will now have the safety valve he never had considering the 6th OT is not a safety valve option. His uncle is Bruce Matthews so he will know what it will take to succeed. The kid has a real passion for the game and was nicknamed Hercules by his teammates for how much time he spent working out. Not a reach at all, and was selected at about where everyone thought he would be drafted.

This. Nice to see you back Joe.

 

[BW52]

Comparing Arthur Lynch who has a ceiling of backup TE and saying he is the same as Troy Niklas a top 3 or 4 TE is just crazy.

 

[DakotaCardsFan]

I'm okay with the pick. Sounds like a great blocker with good hands, too.

He recorded 20 tackles, including half a tackle for loss in his first year at the position.

His defensive experience will come in handy during the first half when CP throws his usual early picks. A few touchdown saving tackles and people on this board will be demanding Niklas' canonization to sainthood and screaming, "Thank you, Santa! "

 

[Stout]

You know, I'm okay with the pick now. Still don't love that it's a TE who can't stretch the field, but someone brought up a great point--we've been bringing in backup tackles to play blocking TE. It's been that bad. Okay, so I'm glad we have this guy

 

[RugbyMuffin]

If you like the pick so much spell his name right: Bucannon


Otherwise, we sound like a bunch of homerish dopes applauding the hell out a of pick of a player we knew almost nothing about yesterday.

+1

......but we still get to act like a bunch of homerish dopes even if we do spell his name right, right ? I don't know if I could live up to the expectations

 

[RugbyMuffin]

Niklas was a high 2nd round to late 1st round prospect in A LOT of mocks, and analysis.

Have zero idea why the pick is being called a reach.

Guess that is the new buzz word for this draft.

If we pick anyone, regardless, it will be a reach, but again to each his own. Just my opinion of the mater.

Call it a reach, give your reasons, because it has been some great conversation.

Personally, I think the Cardinals are killing in on the 2nd day.

 

[Denny Green Fan]

I pretty much agree with this. I don't, however see a pass rushing LB from here on out. At least one I've ever heard of anyway.


.

You never heard of Jackson Jeffcoat? The Cards have had a good draft. I

didnt expect elite talent because of where we was picking. We got 2 needs

filled plus a speed receiver. I will take that every time. I had a list of 7

players I wanted at 52 but when Attochu came off the board there was only

one guy left on my list. Morgan Moses. I was still happy with the pick because

the pass rushers were gone. That was a safe pick. How about Trevor Reilly?

 

[Mitch]

You never heard of Jackson Jeffcoat? The Cards have had a good draft. I

didnt expect elite talent because of where we was picking. We got 2 needs

filled plus a speed receiver. I will take that every time. I had a list of 7

players I wanted at 52 but when Attochu came off the board there was only

one guy left on my list. Morgan Moses. I was still happy with the pick because

the pass rushers were gone. That was a safe pick. How about Trevor Reilly?

I really like Trevor Reilly...he can play outside and at WILB...he has good length and is surprisingly quick to the ball...and once he gets there he finishes. I would do cartwheels if we take him---it sure would feel good having missed out on Kyle Van Noy.

Telvin Smith and Christian Jones of Florida St. have attractive qualities and versatility as well.

 

[Southpaw]

Are you out of your mind?

Comparing Arthur Lynch who has a ceiling of backup TE and saying he is the same as Troy Niklas a top 3 or 4 TE is just crazy.

No. I am not out of my mind or crazy. I have opinions. You have opinions.

BTW, Arthur Lynch went to the Dolphins at #155.

 

[BW52]

No. I am not out of my mind or crazy. I have opinions. You have opinions.

BTW, Arthur Lynch went to the Dolphins at #155.

Are you sure about the crazy part?

I saw that Dolphins got Arthur Lynch,a fine backup TE.

 

[Southpaw]

Are you sure about the crazy part?

I saw that Dolphins got Arthur Lynch,a fine backup TE.

Who will he back up?

 

[BW52]

Who will he back up?

Charles Clay 69 catches 759 yards 6 tds
other TEs on roster
Dion Sims 6-32-1
Michael Egnew 7-69-0

 

[Southpaw]

Charles Clay 69 catches 759 yards 6 tds
other TEs on roster
Dion Sims 6-32-1
Michael Egnew 7-69-0

I knew that and is exactly my point. Dolphins do not have a tight end worth a crap.

 

[Duckjake]

Why because they are both white guys. You are better then that.

Great we just drafted another Terry Hardy.

 

[football karma]

This is my favorite pick of the whole draft

I think he went in the right spot: CJ Federowicz went top of three -- and then a bunch of other TEs by the middle of the fourth. It seems the whole NFL maybe rated the TEs below Amaro and A SJ higher than we did.

I love the pick because having a really good in line TE who can also be reliable in the 10-15 yard underneath stuff is critical going against SF and Sea. Two defenses that play generally vanilla zones.

 

[Arizona's Finest]

I knew that and is exactly my point. Dolphins do not have a tight end worth a crap.

As a Florida guy I would expect you to know better. The Fins brass is high on Clay. Lynch is a never been never will. He is just a guy with good physical skills. Niklas Day 1 is one of the best blockers on our roster. And again he is a Junior who is just learning the route tree, yet is a HUGE target with soft hands.

SEC K9 FTW!