A Tale of Two Drafts

[GuernseyCard]

Mel Kiper Jr. Draft Grade:

Arizona Cardinals: C+
Top needs: Wide receiver, quarterback, defensive back

The Cardinals were in the market for a quarterback. If Sam Bradford is your projected starter, you have to be. Nobody questions Bradford's talent, everyone knows Bradford's injury history. It is what it is. The Cardinals gave up a third- and a fifth-rounder to move up the five spots to draft Josh Rosen at 10th overall, and given that he's quite literally my No. 10 overall prospect in this class, I'd say the value lines up. But there are question marks.

Rosen has pocket awareness, touch, timing and will occasionally make a throw that will have you hitting rewind in appreciation. He also has missed time over each of the last two seasons with concussions and a shoulder injury -- his throwing shoulder. I think there's a decent possibility that he's the first rookie starter out of this group. How he holds up (the Arizona O-line would make me hesitate) is the question early on.

Christian Kirk (pick 42) is a smooth route-runner, but more likely a useful slot fit than the eventual replacement for Larry Fitzgerald. Mason Cole (97) could be a starter at center as soon as Week 1. Chase Edmonds (134) has talent and jumps into a scattershot mix behind David Johnson. Ultimately, it's all about Rosen, who has a high-end ceiling if he stays healthy.

The grade simply doesn't match the write-up.

 

[MadCardDisease]

The grade simply doesn't match the write-up.

Only hacks grade drafts before the players even see the field. To truly grade a draft you need to see the kids play for at least 3 years.

 

[Chopper0080]

I respect Harry's opinion especially when it differs from mine.

My takeaway is this...if Rosen hits, none of these other players matter. And if Rosen doesn't, none of these other players matter.

I liked the Cole pick...was ok with the Kirk pick...meh on Edmunds...I like the tools that Campbell brings with him.

But again, if Rosen hits, every other player drafted cam be a bust and it will still be the most impactful draft of my lifetime. That is how much franchise QBs mean to a franchise, and we have never drafted one in my lifetime.

 

[Harry]

I respect Harry's opinion especially when it differs from mine.

My takeaway is this...if Rosen hits, none of these other players matter. And if Rosen doesn't, none of these other players matter.

I liked the Cole pick...was ok with the Kirk pick...meh on Edmunds...I like the tools that Campbell brings with him.

But again, if Rosen hits, every other player drafted cam be a bust and it will still be the most impactful draft of my lifetime. That is how much franchise QBs mean to a franchise, and we have never drafted one in my lifetime.

I think Rosen would be more likely to hit with better protection.

 

[oaken1]

I think Rosen would be more likely to hit with better protection.

I agree. Cant hurt if he also develops that legendary quick hitter release like Warner had

 

[WildBB]

Listening to the press conferences it sounds like the position coaches weighed in heavily on some of these later round choices. Hopefully they are better at developing prospects than the last regime

That's going to be key, if we want to get to where we need to go.

 

[Chopper0080]

I think Rosen would be more likely to hit with better protection.

I agree, but let's look at the line

1st round LT, 25 years old.
6 mil LG
Vet C
3rd round rookie C
4th round 3rd year C
9 mil RG
vet RT
Vet swing tackle in Wetzel

There are a ton of resources in that group whether we like them or not. In my mind, Keim is being told the staff can coach them up. Even if he isn't, this will be a telling year for Humphries. Andre Smith was never a long term player. The only real set players are Cole and Pugh. We will have the 14 mil from Fitz to re-purpose, and we can get out of the Bradford deal as well. We will have the money to go after a FA tackle if Humphries fails and probably anything else we need.

 

[Buckybird]

I think Rosen would be more likely to hit with better protection.

Let’s hope they truly invest into that protection in 2019! Josh has the tools for greatness.

 

[overseascardfan]

Taylor Lewan & Jake Matthews are FAs next year but undoubtedly will be tagged if they don’t re-sign before start of FA. Matthews may be possible as ATL is going to drop off a Brinks truck to Matt Ryan’s house on a contract extension soon. They have big money tied up with Jones and have major contributors coming up for new deals.