Harry
ASFN Consultant and Senior Writer
At the end of Day One it was safe to say that no team drafted significantly better than the Cardinals; then came Day Two. You’d better get ready to see a large number of draft summaries all grading the Cardinals draft a “C” or even a “D.” Just when I was starting to think that maybe I was wrong about Rod Graves, he returned to form and made it clear he just doesn’t get it.
The problems started with the selection of Early Doucet – a player I had lauded just prior to the draft. Clearly he could be seen as the Best Player Available, but how many receivers can you have running a short field? The safeties will come up further inhibiting the running game. Frequently tipped balls will probably lead to more interceptions. The strategy of going to a 3-wide receiver set goes away, when the receivers as so similar in abilities. Certainly there is merit in taking the best player on the board. However, players must not only be evaluated for talent; they must also be evaluated for fit. Injury or a trade could make Doucet a valuable player. I expect him to have a long career with someone. I just don’t see how he makes this offense significantly better.
The same could be said for the defensive line where the Cards now have enough players to fill 3 lines; maybe 4 lines if they play a 3-4.
In an era when team speed is sought by everyone else, the Cards seem intent on getting slower. I understand the principle of contrarianism, but I doubt it will prove effective in this scenario. Beyond their first round pick, they team did not select one player with first class speed.
The Cards needed to be more effective as a running team, but selected only a marginal back and a lineman who will likely be pressed to make the practice squad. In fact, the offense as a whole looks no better than last year.
Consider this: aside from corner, which position is clearly stronger now that the draft is complete. Doucet has better hands than Johnson (doesn’t everyone), but I’m not confident the passing game is better. Hightower may be a serviceable back, but does the running game figure to be improved.
The Cards will face a tougher schedule next season. A good draft was needed to avoid sliding backward. Sadly, this is not the draft that will move the team forward.
The problems started with the selection of Early Doucet – a player I had lauded just prior to the draft. Clearly he could be seen as the Best Player Available, but how many receivers can you have running a short field? The safeties will come up further inhibiting the running game. Frequently tipped balls will probably lead to more interceptions. The strategy of going to a 3-wide receiver set goes away, when the receivers as so similar in abilities. Certainly there is merit in taking the best player on the board. However, players must not only be evaluated for talent; they must also be evaluated for fit. Injury or a trade could make Doucet a valuable player. I expect him to have a long career with someone. I just don’t see how he makes this offense significantly better.
The same could be said for the defensive line where the Cards now have enough players to fill 3 lines; maybe 4 lines if they play a 3-4.
In an era when team speed is sought by everyone else, the Cards seem intent on getting slower. I understand the principle of contrarianism, but I doubt it will prove effective in this scenario. Beyond their first round pick, they team did not select one player with first class speed.
The Cards needed to be more effective as a running team, but selected only a marginal back and a lineman who will likely be pressed to make the practice squad. In fact, the offense as a whole looks no better than last year.
Consider this: aside from corner, which position is clearly stronger now that the draft is complete. Doucet has better hands than Johnson (doesn’t everyone), but I’m not confident the passing game is better. Hightower may be a serviceable back, but does the running game figure to be improved.
The Cards will face a tougher schedule next season. A good draft was needed to avoid sliding backward. Sadly, this is not the draft that will move the team forward.
