As I look at the upcoming draft I’m wondering what potential mistakes could the Cards make; a few spring to mind. The first is assuming the current acquisitions are sufficient to guarantee an winning pass rush. We saw the Eagles destroy the best team in the AFC with an overwhelming pass rush. If the Cards continue to focus on the rush and get a penetrating DT or another top Edge they can insure a rush that is overwhelming.
The second distraction the Cards must avoid is taking a speed receiver early. This might be useful if a dominant such receiver was in the draft pool. There isn’t one. So a receiver gambit will have to wait until later in the draft.
If White isn’t re-signed many see a glaring hole at LB. It certainly is a weak spot. Fortunately this defense is not based on LBs as the key. Adding Tomlinson up front gives the line an anchor it hasn’t had for decades. The strength of the pass rush also reduces the LB liability in the middle. They can reinforce the LBs in round 3 or 4 if they are not satisfied with their current personnel. Perhaps they will go with a two down LB rotating in a different player if a passing third down arises. There would be bigger errors than taking the Alabama LB in round one, but I don’t believe that is the optimum selection.
Another tough call is what to do at RT. Those I’ve communicated with believe Williams will be back to start the season. While not a long term solution with Beachum as backup the position is not hopeless. Re-signing Barton would be smart. I’m not opposed to taking a RT with the second pick. This is a fairly deep draft and the Cards have enough strength at the position to take a player that might need a season to develop fully. Of course Jones is still there, but he’s developing slowly if at all. There’s always the possibility Johnson would get injured and require Beachum to play on that side. If Williams is also out, like any team, the Cards would be stretched thin. If they pick an OT in 2, Ersery or Belton would be the likely options.
There’s a rumor of considering a CB. I guess this started because they brought in Samuel. I simply can’t picture this. I wouldn’t put any of them as the BPA and so many of those CB BPAs have blown up in the past. Few have become great players.
In the end Grant is my first choice. I also like Nolen or Harmon. The latter is likely if they trade back and go DT. There are 4 or 5 Edges that could be grabbed as pass rushing specialists to start their career. Umanmielen has been my favorite, but if you’re looking just at immediate impact, others could be considered.
The second distraction the Cards must avoid is taking a speed receiver early. This might be useful if a dominant such receiver was in the draft pool. There isn’t one. So a receiver gambit will have to wait until later in the draft.
If White isn’t re-signed many see a glaring hole at LB. It certainly is a weak spot. Fortunately this defense is not based on LBs as the key. Adding Tomlinson up front gives the line an anchor it hasn’t had for decades. The strength of the pass rush also reduces the LB liability in the middle. They can reinforce the LBs in round 3 or 4 if they are not satisfied with their current personnel. Perhaps they will go with a two down LB rotating in a different player if a passing third down arises. There would be bigger errors than taking the Alabama LB in round one, but I don’t believe that is the optimum selection.
Another tough call is what to do at RT. Those I’ve communicated with believe Williams will be back to start the season. While not a long term solution with Beachum as backup the position is not hopeless. Re-signing Barton would be smart. I’m not opposed to taking a RT with the second pick. This is a fairly deep draft and the Cards have enough strength at the position to take a player that might need a season to develop fully. Of course Jones is still there, but he’s developing slowly if at all. There’s always the possibility Johnson would get injured and require Beachum to play on that side. If Williams is also out, like any team, the Cards would be stretched thin. If they pick an OT in 2, Ersery or Belton would be the likely options.
There’s a rumor of considering a CB. I guess this started because they brought in Samuel. I simply can’t picture this. I wouldn’t put any of them as the BPA and so many of those CB BPAs have blown up in the past. Few have become great players.
In the end Grant is my first choice. I also like Nolen or Harmon. The latter is likely if they trade back and go DT. There are 4 or 5 Edges that could be grabbed as pass rushing specialists to start their career. Umanmielen has been my favorite, but if you’re looking just at immediate impact, others could be considered.
