2024-25 NFL Draft Prospects

[DJ Tabooh]

I am really starting to like James Pearce Jr for us in the first round.... thinking this kid is the next Chandler Jones...and a good fit for our pass rush front.
but we might have to trade down a few spots to get him.

Tennessee alum here. Went to the Bama game. Pearce probably needs to put on 5-10 pounds to anchor against the run but he’s a sudden athlete.

Would like for him to finish more of his pressures to sacks as he has the highest pressure % in NCAA. He also hasn’t played as many snaps as other edge guys because of UT’s defensive line depth.

 

[BACH]

What is Robinson? Is he DE, DT? Is he a guy we move around from play to play?

Gannon's scheme usually has a 3-4 DE type at one DE despite playing a 4-3.
See Milton Williams and Brandon Graham with the Eagles opposite the clear edge rusher. Then sliding inside on clear passing downs.

I believe that is the role.

 

[BACH]

#1 need is a pass rusher.
#2 DT

Other than above, what would you say is our most pressing need?

RT of the future

 

[Chopper0080]

Trade down? Talents like James Pearce, with worldclass developmental potential doesn't fall far. Ossenfort would most likely have to trade up, if he wants Pearce.

Pearce is going to be interesting because he disappears at times which is not something coaches like to see on tape. He also needs to put on weight. He could get the Will McDonald love and go top 20. Brian Burns was the same. That said, I feel Pearce's tape is more inconsistent than both of those players.

 

[Chopper0080]

RT of the future

I don't know that this is the draft class to get that.

 

[Harry]

So it frees up our choice come draft time depending on where Robinson is most dominant, yes?

The Cards’ lack of depth would seem to indicate taking the best available player at an area of need. The free agent options aren’t compelling. I think they go for defensive depth and a fast receiver but there’s much that can happen before the draft.

 

[Chopper0080]

The Cards’ lack of depth would seem to indicate taking the best available player at an area of need. The free agent options aren’t compelling. I think they go for defensive depth and a fast receiver but there’s much that can happen before the draft.

Anything can happen, but it will be tough for the Cardinals to look at best available prospects in rounds 1 and 2 and not see multiple defensive front 5 players. Between the current roster, FA next year, and the quality of the draft class...it's going to be tough to pass up.

 

[BACH]

#1 need is a pass rusher.
#2 DT

Other than above, what would you say is our most pressing need?

RT of the future

I don't know that this is the draft class to get that.

Long time to the draft, we will not draft in the top 10 and there is no urgency to start him. A 2nd or 3rd round RT could sit for the entire year.

 

[Chopper0080]

RT of the future

Long time to the draft, we will not draft in the top 10 and there is no urgency to start him. A 2nd or 3rd round RT could sit for the entire year.

Just not projecting to be a deep draft class for OTs. Why this matters IMO is if you are using a top 90 pick on a RT, that player better be significantly better than Christian Jones who we just drafted. I am not sure that the talent available at the end of round 2 or 3 will be that much better.

There is also a possibility the Cardinals will extend Jonah Williams, especially if he shows well over the rest of the season. I just feel there will be a lot of internal options to solve a 2026 RT problem and far less to solve the 2025 defensive front 5 problem.

 

[Chopper0080]

The tough part about AZ this upcoming offseason is they will have to spend money and it is tough to identify where they will do so.

 

[BACH]

Just not projecting to be a deep draft class for OTs. Why this matters IMO is if you are using a top 90 pick on a RT, that player better be significantly better than Christian Jones who we just drafted. I am not sure that the talent available at the end of round 2 or 3 will be that much better.

There is also a possibility the Cardinals will extend Jonah Williams, especially if he shows well over the rest of the season. I just feel there will be a lot of internal options to solve a 2026 RT problem and far less to solve the 2025 defensive front 5 problem.

Well I completely agree that the front 5 is the priority. But the question was what other positions should be a target.

For me after edge and DT would be RT, a Big speed WR and depth at LB

 

[oaken1]

Tennessee alum here. Went to the Bama game. Pearce probably needs to put on 5-10 pounds to anchor against the run but he’s a sudden athlete.

Would like for him to finish more of his pressures to sacks as he has the highest pressure % in NCAA. He also hasn’t played as many snaps as other edge guys because of UT’s defensive line depth.

agree...but I think age alone will give him 15 pounds or so over the next few years

 

[DJ Tabooh]

agree...but I think age alone will give him 15 pounds or so over the next few years

It’s nice to see the Vols competitive again and fielding great defensive players. I got the privilege of meeting Eric Berry before he got drafted in 2010. Super humble dude.

 

[Chopper0080]

agree...but I think age alone will give him 15 pounds or so over the next few years

This is more difficult now than it used to be. College programs have so much money invested in nutrition and strength training that guys come to the league more maxed out in terms of size. 15 pounds of muscle is not easy to add.

 

[Chopper0080]

The tough part about adding a speed WR is if he can't beat out Michael Wilson for the #2 WR spot, he is getting about 45% snaps.

 

[ajcardfan]

Draft a DT and draft them high. (Could copy and paste this from every year the entire previous decade.)

This is considered one of the deepest and most talented interior DL groups in a long time. My fear is Monti knows that, and take whoever drops to rounds 4 to 7. I am tired of band aids and afterthoughts for this position.

 

[BirdGangThing]

The tough part about AZ this upcoming offseason is they will have to spend money and it is tough to identify where they will do so.

knowing monti? he probably didn't trade for a certain edge rusher (or two) because their contract was up at the end of the year - that's who id expect him to go after in free agency