2015 1st round pick is DJ Humphries OT

[WildBB]

I got very down on Ray and it wouldn't surprise me if BA&SK did as well. Plus, he's got the toe issue. But---i really don't think that after the D-Wash situation that they want to take chances on players with drug issues/histories. I think it would have made BA&SK look foolish, to tell you the truth.

I think the Cardinals will keep drafting the top player on their board as they did with Humphries. There may continue to be surprises and possibly a trade or two.

MJ reported that BA&SK did try to move to #21 (CIN) up ahead of the Steelers---but that was to take Dupree. I don't think BA&SK were as high on Ray as some people think. I really do think they feel confident in the integrity of their board.

What do you think?

Your dead on.

 

[WildBB]

Remember last couple years when BA said the "best five players" will start on the offensive line?

Right now---BA has to say it is a competition at RT---BA doesn't hand any rookie a starting job during the draft.

Plus, Humphries is versatile like Cameron Erving---he can play C and G.

And the better T prospect.

 

[Mitch]

A lot of chatter that not only can he man the RT or LT and Veldheer to RT but that Humphries could man either guard position too.

I don't know much about the kid but if all that is accurate, I think it's a fine pick. I still would of rather seen us get up and get a pass rusher but it is what it is.

I wanted Dupree---did you see his cardinal red velvet jacket? Dang!

However, I think that BA&SK may have a couple of wink-wink deals in place with Dwight Freeney and Osi Umenyioura or John Abraham...which may tide us over until next year if need be.

I would be surprised if there wasn't a plan in place---especially seeing as it seemed pretty sure they wouldn't be able to draft Dupree.

 

[LoyaltyisaCurse]

Many similarities (both CBS analysis).

Levi Brown

Positives: Has a big upper frame, with broad shoulders, long arms, big hands and good chest thickness, along with a big bubble, wide hips, thick thighs and ankles, along with a frame that has the potential to carry more bulk with no loss in quickness … Very light on his feet for a player of his size … Has excellent explosion coming off the snap and nimble footwork, especially in his kick slide … Uses his feet well to slide out and adjust on the edge rushers and knows how to shoot his hands in attempts to lock on and sustain … Has the quickness to recover when beaten and his feet allow him to redirect with ease to neutralize backside plays … Aggressive drive blocker with the hand punch needed to shock and jolt the defender … Finds ways to get the job done on the field and will not back down from a confrontation … Can dominate once he fits on a defender, demonstrating the quickness to reach and make cutoffs … is very nimble on his feet, as he has the loose hips to redirect and shows good control changing direction … Even when he gets high in his stance, he has the knee bend to slide laterally … When his head is in the game, shuffles his feet and gets in front of the defender with good urgency … With his upper body strength, nimble feet and suddenness getting his hands up, he does a great job of neutralizing the defender … Flashes a powerful punch and easily contains edge rushers once he locks on to his target … If he connects, he will generally control his opponent until the whistle … The thing you see on film is his ability to roll his hips and explode off the line … Shows good hip and knee bend to deliver good lower body power off the ball … Very good at caving defenders once he lets his body go and he is quite effective at turning and sealing … Has the upper body power to combat stunts and blitzes … Edge rushers are quickly neutralized once he gets his paws on them … Shows very good patience, especially in his anchor, letting the defender come to him rather than overextend (will lunge some working into the second level, though) … Good at extending his arms and generating a hand punch that consistently jolts the defender … Has that long wingspan to lock out, gain placement and sustain … Can change directions to counter throughout the play, doing a nice job of getting out on the edge … Finds the games up front and does a nice job working in combination with his guards to pick up the blitz or switch off on stunts.

Negatives: Will get too high in his stance moving to the second level, but shows good knee bend when changing direction … Smart player who recognizes schemes, but he will lose concentration and jump the snap count, resulting in more than a handful of false start penalties … Classic mauler type who plays with a mean streak, but is also known to take several plays off … Struggled upon his return from knee surgery, but it was mostly due to getting out of shape during his weeks from missing practice … Takes well to hard coaching, but despite his weight room numbers he needs to monitor his weight and improve his overall ball concentration ability … Can be very explosive coming off the snap, but needs to do it with better consistency … Later in games, perhaps due to stamina issues, he will be more apt to be late off the ball and when this happens, he tends to use his mass to lean into the opponent rather than lock on and secure … Had minimal range with his left knee for several games upon his return from knee surgery, and needs to do a better job of opening his hips and moving down the line, much like how he did it in … Shows good patience in pass protection, doing a nice job of sinking and sliding, but he is prone to getting sloppy and lunging when he gets his base too narrow on the move.

Humphries:

STRENGTHS: Humphries will have to show greater durability to maximize his talent, but it is undeniable. He looks and moves more like a tight end than an NFL offensive lineman, sporting broad shoulders, long arms and a trim middle. Appears to have the frame to gain at least another 10-15 pounds without a significant loss of quickness... Highly athletic, Humphries is quick off the snap and shows impressive balance and lateral agility in pass protection. He plays with his knees bent and on the balls of his feet, easily shuffling to mirror rushers as well as anchoring well against the bull rush. Humphries boasts long arms and good overall upper body strength to knock defenders off the ball and is quick to the second level.
WEAKNESSES: Humphries can run a little hot and cold, raising and lowering his level of play, it seems, based on his level of competition. He can get a little lazy with his fundamentals, getting a bit off-balance when too aggressive with his initial punch and leaving himself vulnerable to counters. Heavy-hands but needs to develop greater strength to drive defenders off the ball in the running game. He didn't appear comfortable with a tight end flanking him or when a back came in to "help" with a chip, which was the case on the hit by Tennessee defensive end Marlon Walls that led to Driskel's season-ending broken leg in 2013. Has missed seven games the past two seasons due to leg injuries.

 

[LoyaltyisaCurse]

This is reassuring...NOT!

PLAYER OVERVIEW

Despite a second consecutive injury-shortened season, Humphries elected to forgo his final season of eligibility and enter the 2015 draft, leaving Florida with just 19 career starts. It is a gamble that NFL evaluators may not appreciate, though Humphries talent is obvious.
After not allowing a sack in his final three seasons of prep ball, Humphries signed with Florida as a consensus top 20 recruit in 2012. He quickly earned playing time, getting the starting nod the final three games of the year (and not allowing a sack during those games, as well). Scouts were already buzzing about the upside of the young, athletic left tackle.

Unfortunately, Humphries was plagued by MCL sprains in both knees as a sophomore and he was shut down for the season after starting the first six games. He showed similar promise in starting a career-high 10 games as a junior but missed two games with a high ankle sprain.

Humphries' length and agility is sure to intrigue teams but in a solid class of tackles, Humphries could be waiting until the middle rounds to hear his name called.

 

[gmabel830]

I got very down on Ray and it wouldn't surprise me if BA&SK did as well. Plus, he's got the toe issue. But---i really don't think that after the D-Wash situation that they want to take chances on players with drug issues/histories. I think it would have made BA&SK look foolish, to tell you the truth. (You know---they took the 3rd round risk on Tyrann Mathieu BEFORE the D-Wash debacle). To take a 1st round risk at this point would seem desperate on their part.

I think the Cardinals will keep drafting the top player on their board as they did with Humphries. There may continue to be surprises and possibly a trade or two.

MJ reported that BA&SK did try to move to #21 (CIN) up ahead of the Steelers---but that was to take Dupree. I don't think BA&SK were as high on Ray as some people think. I really do think they feel confident in the integrity of their board.

What do you think?

Probably, but who knows if they had Ray or Humphries ranked higher. I do think that they wanted Dupree and knew they had to get in front of Pitt to get him and tried to move to 21 as reported.. but Cincy's price tag was too high, so they declined and decided to just let things play out and stayed true to their board at 24. And, if that's how it went down, I'm 100% fine with how they handled it.

 

[SoCal Cardfan]

I think the last great OL we drafted was in the 1970's..

Maybe this pick will turn it around.

 

[gmabel830]

I wanted Dupree---did you see his cardinal red velvet jacket? Dang!

Yep -- 3rd time in very recent memory that the Steelers have snatched up the pass rusher I desperately wanted to fall to the Cardinals (Jarvis Jones and Ryan Shazier being the others).

 

[Chaz]

Right.

However, on the two negative plays, at least Humphries was still engaged in his blocks---it wasn't like Ray was able to leave Humphries in the dust---as we've seen from past tackles we've drafted.

Humphries' talent is obvious in this tape---did everyone see how quickly he gets to the second level on running plays?

His technique is the issue---not his physical talents---and as he gets more consistent with his hands and his counter punch, this kid could be special.

Despite some technique issues I thought he showed excellent strength at the point of attack and some really quick feet and ability to get to the second level blocks.

Not a sexy pick but a solid one I think. According BASK he was the BPA on the team's board.

A lot of disappointment they didn't get a pass rusher.

 

[Buckybird]

I got very down on Ray and it wouldn't surprise me if BA&SK did as well. Plus, he's got the toe issue. But---i really don't think that after the D-Wash situation that they want to take chances on players with drug issues/histories. I think it would have made BA&SK look foolish, to tell you the truth. (You know---they took the 3rd round risk on Tyrann Mathieu BEFORE the D-Wash debacle). To take a 1st round risk at this point would seem desperate on their part.

I think the Cardinals will keep drafting the top player on their board as they did with Humphries. There may continue to be surprises and possibly a trade or two.

MJ reported that BA&SK did try to move to #21 (CIN) up ahead of the Steelers---but that was to take Dupree. I don't think BA&SK were as high on Ray as some people think. I really do think they feel confident in the integrity of their board.

What do you think?

I totally get that about Ray & dealing with DWash.

Personally I wasn't high on Dupree & did see MJ reported the birds wanted him...and yes he was decked out in Cards colors like he knew they wanted him.

I hope like hell Keim pulls the trigger on a trade up tommorrow for Kihaka or Kendricks cause this team desperately needs LB help.

 

[GatorAZ]

DJ could end up being a great tackle but has a ton of work to do. Luckily for him he can sit for a year and develop. It may not have been the best pick for us but we're the best pick for him.

 

[SoCal Cardfan]

DJ could end up being a great tackle but has a ton of work to do. Luckily for him he can sit for a year and develop. It may not have been the best pick for us but we're the best pick for him.

If I'm a GM, I'm not paying anyone first round $$ to be tutored for a full season, with the exception of a QB.

But I honestly don't think they plan on him sitting for the first season.

 

[Bert]

Unbelievable. Same dramatics, same crying and complaining as last year, and Deone turned out to be a solid player who started games and played the majority of the snaps on defense. I love the: "He will be the next Levi Brown" guarantees flying around. Dang if you guys can see the future that clearly you should get off the internet and go to the casino!!!

I am only certain of a few things when it comes to this pick and that is this: BASK know more about football than us. They have made solid moves, and they understand the big picture. They have a better understanding of the needs of this team than us.

I trust BASK. I guess you're not being a Cardinal fan if you're not overreacting and complaining.

 

[Sunburn]

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap30...fl-draft-day-1-quicksnap-grades-for-nfc-teams

These guys love the pic.

 

[40yearfan]

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap30...fl-draft-day-1-quicksnap-grades-for-nfc-teams

These guys love the pic.

From your site:

Arizona Cardinals

Draft pick: OL D.J. Humphries (No. 24 overall)
Grade: A+
The skinny: NFL Media analyst Daniel Jeremiah is one of many who believe Humphries is the best offensive tackle in the draft. At pick No. 24, he's an absolute steal for the Cardinals, especially considering they didn't have to trade up to get him. Humphries will fill an area of need and help the recovering Carson Palmer breathe a bit easier by keeping pass rushers at bay.

 

[Broseph]

He was a projected 1st rounder by every draft site I've seen. I am going to reserve judgement till I see him develop. With as bad as our offensive lines have been in the past, I am not going to complain that we picked up another offensive lineman.

 

[40yearfan]

Unbelievable. Same dramatics, same crying and complaining as last year, and Deone turned out to be a solid player who started games and played the majority of the snaps on defense. I love the: "He will be the next Levi Brown" guarantees flying around. Dang if you guys can see the future that clearly you should get off the internet and go to the casino!!!

I am only certain of a few things when it comes to this pick and that is this: BASK know more about football than us. They have made solid moves, and they understand the big picture. They have a better understanding of the needs of this team than us.

I trust BASK. I guess you're not being a Cardinal fan if you're not overreacting and complaining.

This guy reminds me of Conrad Dobler. He has a nasty streak in him and plays mean. Maybe the Cards are trying to recapture the glory of the 1975 O line that only allowed 8 sacks all year. I'm sure Carson Palmer is a happy man tonight.

 

[GatorAZ]

This guy reminds me of Conrad Dobler. He has a nasty streak in him and plays mean. Maybe the Cards are trying to recapture the glory of the 1975 O line that only allowed 8 sacks all year. I'm sure Carson Palmer is a happy man tonight.

Every OL has a nasty streak and plays mean. Otherwise they wouldn't be OL. Let's just hope his talent and work ethic live up to the billing.

 

[Bert]

This guy reminds me of Conrad Dobler. He has a nasty streak in him and plays mean. Maybe the Cards are trying to recapture the glory of the 1975 O line that only allowed 8 sacks all year. I'm sure Carson Palmer is a happy man tonight.

Good post 40...


In their defense: Keeping your QB healthy isn't that important, we're fine we have good backups, and they wont get hurt right? wait...

Everyone freaking out about defense, the defense was great last year. They kept us in so many games as long as they could before they would get absolutely worn out and start allowing points.

If the offense could have protected a QB, or run the ball. We could have kept the D off the field, scored more points, controlled time of posession.. I mean it's pretty basic stuff. Maybe they did help the defense with this pick.

 

[Jetstream Green]

Every OL has a nasty streak and plays mean. Otherwise they wouldn't be OL. Let's just hope his talent and work ethic live up to the billing.

Actually, it is the degree of nastiness. When a scouting report lists that as a trait, it means the guy is nasty according to OL standards which means a lot more than the norm... Larry Allen not only had talent but was mean as hell, while Leonard Davis had talent but was a teddy bear in comparison to Allen

 

[sunsfan88]

Humpries is a BEAST when he's healthy. When I say beast, I mean he's better than any tackle the Cardinals have had in recent years.

The problem is that he has MAJOR health concerns. Dude is almost glass.

 

[sunsfan88]

Head-scratching picks from the 2015 NFL Draft


No running backs for Cowboys or Cardinals

The draft isn't over, but after failing to swing a trade for Adrian Peterson, I expected the Cowboys and Cardinals to chase down this year's top-two running backs. Instead, Dallas and Arizona sat home while Todd Gurley and Melvin Gordon landed elsewhere.

There's no evidence that either team tried to trade up.

Coming off playoff seasons, both the Cardinals and 'Boys still need backfield help. Dallas watched DeMarco Murray sign with the Eagles, while Arizona's running game was an absolute liability last autumn. Aggressively filling the position would have made a lot of sense for two teams with Super Bowl aspirations. -- Marc Sessler

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000489517/article/headscratching-picks-from-the-2015-nfl-draft

 

[Cbus cardsfan]

Here's a good nugget from that article:

Keim said the board normally gives players conservative grades, but Humphries size and physical tools, along with his "nasty temperament," made him an obvious first-round pick that the Cardinals felt could have been a top-five pick if he had stayed at Florida another year.

However, he could have just as easily missed significant time again and been a late round pick too.

 

[Cbus cardsfan]

Does anyone else find it concerning that every one of Humphries bios mentions his high school play as a highlight?

Who cares what he did, or was, in high school? It shows the lack of accomplishment at Florida that they have to refer to high school.

 

[Cbus cardsfan]

BTW, kudos to Elway for seeing an obvious top 10 talent and making the move to get him.