A Word of Caution When Criticizing a Pick

[JeffGollin]

This is a big moment in Patrick, Ryan and Rob's lives.

Let's not tarnish it by directing any negative remarks toward them instead of the folks who decided to draft them.

I get the feeling that when they arrive at Sky Harbor, they'll think they walked into the teeth of a buzz-saw, and it isn't fair (They didn't make the decision to draft themselves).

A case can be made for or against the strategic wisdom of making those picks (instead of trading down, or drafting a pass rusher, an offensive lineman or a QB). But this doesn't mean that Peterson, Williams and Housler don't represent good value where we picked them or that they won't significantly help our football team.

If we're all still rabid Cardinal fans, it is in our interest that the team be successful. Part of that effort should be supporting our new guys and making them feel welcome.

 

[desertdawg]

I feel ya Jeff, and I plan on to root root root for the home team and the new players we draft.

 

[kerouac9]

If these players are going to be shaken up by a bunch of message-board comments, then they'll be out of the NFL even more quickly than some people here expect.

 

[WildBB]

If these players are going to be shaken up by a bunch of message-board comments, then they'll be out of the NFL even more quickly than some people here expect.

Yeah, lets not pretend ASFN is front page headlines.

 

[Cardiac]

If these players are going to be shaken up by a bunch of message-board comments, then they'll be out of the NFL even more quickly than some people here expect.

Very true. How about some of the posters who bash these players with limited knowledge work on improving themselves as a person and follow Jeff G's advice.

 

[Mitch]

For the record:

I am not bashing these players. I like them and see the talent in them. I broke down tape on both Williams and Housler more than once in the last three weeks. So I am not liking them just because I like what I read in a draft magazine.

What worries me is how dilatory this organization is in signing impact free agents...and when you draft the way the Cardinals are drafting...and continuing to ignore the team's greatest weaknesses...it is cause for frustration and extreme disappointment.

I am also showing profound disppointment that a mere two years after using a first round pick on a running back, the team decides it has to use a 2nd rounder on another one.

 

[Chris_Sanders]

This is a big moment in Patrick, Ryan and Rob's lives.

Let's not tarnish it by directing any negative remarks toward them instead of the folks who decided to draft them.

I get the feeling that when they arrive at Sky Harbor, they'll think they walked into the teeth of a buzz-saw, and it isn't fair (They didn't make the decision to draft themselves).

A case can be made for or against the strategic wisdom of making those picks (instead of trading down, or drafting a pass rusher, an offensive lineman or a QB). But this doesn't mean that Peterson, Williams and Housler don't represent good value where we picked them or that they won't significantly help our football team.

If we're all still rabid Cardinal fans, it is in our interest that the team be successful. Part of that effort should be supporting our new guys and making them feel welcome.

I don't believe upset fans are going to eagerly wait at Sky Harbor so they can boo them. Nor do I believe that Williams or Housler represented "value" at the time they were picked.

I do believe they will be treated like any player and that is cheered for their successes and jeered if they fail.

 

[Chris_Sanders]

I am also showing profound disppointment that a mere two years after using a first round pick on a running back, the team decides it has to use a 2nd rounder on another one.

See that is the very definition of not having "value".

 

[Cardiac]

I am also showing profound disppointment that a mere two years after using a first round pick on a running back, the team decides it has to use a 2nd rounder on another one.

The NFLN just had a stat that the Jets have had 10 draft picks since Ryan arrived and 4 of them were for RB's.

 

[Chris_Sanders]

The NFLN just had a stat that the Jets have had 10 draft picks since Ryan arrived and 4 of them were for RB's.

That would make sense since the Jets have led the league in rushing attempts with Ryan as their coach.

It is part of the reason I don't mind the receiving TE pick. At least I know he will play.

 

[ajcardfan]

If these players are going to be shaken up by a bunch of message-board comments, then they'll be out of the NFL even more quickly than some people here expect.

This.

 

[clif]

Also... I GUARANTEE most people won't even know who these guys are when they step off the plane at Sky Harbor. I've seen so many athletes come through the airport and people have not freaking clue who they are.

I swear Julio Jones was in the Airport within hours of putting on a show at the NFL combine WRAPPED in Under Armour gear and not so much as a soul gave him a second look (except me of course). Come on now. I live in Arizona and it is not everyday that a 6' 3'' black guy with braids is running through the airport.

 

[MrYeahBut]

The NFLN just had a stat that the Jets have had 10 draft picks since Ryan arrived and 4 of them were for RB's.

I caught a bit of an interview with Harbaugh and the Ravens have drafted 12 or so WR in the last few years

 

[john h]

This is a big moment in Patrick, Ryan and Rob's lives.

Let's not tarnish it by directing any negative remarks toward them instead of the folks who decided to draft them.

I get the feeling that when they arrive at Sky Harbor, they'll think they walked into the teeth of a buzz-saw, and it isn't fair (They didn't make the decision to draft themselves).

A case can be made for or against the strategic wisdom of making those picks (instead of trading down, or drafting a pass rusher, an offensive lineman or a QB). But this doesn't mean that Peterson, Williams and Housler don't represent good value where we picked them or that they won't significantly help our football team.

If we're all still rabid Cardinal fans, it is in our interest that the team be successful. Part of that effort should be supporting our new guys and making them feel welcome.

I and I think nearly every guy who have not liked our picks have no animosity what so ever towards these young men. We surely all hope we are all wrong about their abilities. In some cases it was not the player we picked it was the position we picked. As to our management team I have nothing good to say about them what so ever. They have lived down to our expectations. We may not be the same old Cards, it appears we may be worse to start the year off with this draft. After our first pick who among you had any of the other picks on your list of men to draft? I think our team will end up with an overall grade of D after the draft is over and the grades are in. The only way to get above that is if we get extra points for Peterson which no one can criticize. We just selected another FB. I cease to be surprised anymore. I know we are not using the BPA as a guide so you wonder how these guys/positions got on our board. You wold think it was some other teams board.

Goodbye Larry Fitgerald. We will miss you as you were the best receiver in Cards history. I will not be surprised to see negotiations with Fitz break off once the CBA is settled.

 

[Duckjake]

The NFLN just had a stat that the Jets have had 10 draft picks since Ryan arrived and 4 of them were for RB's.

According to drafthistory.com they've drafted 3 and one of them was a FB, John Conner, who is listed at 5'11 245lbs. Two 4th round picks Conner from Kentucky and McKnight of USC and a 3rd round selection in Shonn Greene.

 

[Cardiac]

According to drafthistory.com they've drafted 3 and one of them was a FB, John Conner, who is listed at 5'11 245lbs. Two 4th round picks Conner from Kentucky and McKnight of USC and a 3rd round selection in Shonn Greene.

They were including todays draft.

 

[JeffGollin]

Context

I'm not saying that many Cardinal fans bear any ill will towards the guys we're drafting.

What I am saying is that perception = reality and that these young men aren't living in a bubble - they read the papers and check the blogs. A lot of pretty rough things are being said in the blogosphere (not just here, but check the comments sections of the AZR and Darren's blog).

I'm just concerned that the impression they get may be one of not being welcomed.

I get that, if you're going to play in the Bigs, you need a tough hyde, but these are young college-age men who might get the wrong idea.

They're ours now - Our job as Cardinal fans should be to do anything we can to help them be a success at the next level.

 

[ajcardfan]

I get that, if you're going to play in the Bigs, you need a tough hyde, but these are young college-age men who might get the wrong idea.

They are now adults going into an adult profession. If they get the "wrong idea" and turtle up, then they were awful picks.

I'll give these guys the credit you won't I think they will be hungry to prove everyone wrong. The criticism is going to help them.

 

[Catfish]

For the record:

I am not bashing these players. I like them and see the talent in them. I broke down tape on both Williams and Housler more than once in the last three weeks. So I am not liking them just because I like what I read in a draft magazine.

What worries me is how dilatory this organization is in signing impact free agents...and when you draft the way the Cardinals are drafting...and continuing to ignore the team's greatest weaknesses...it is cause for frustration and extreme disappointment.

I am also showing profound disppointment that a mere two years after using a first round pick on a running back, the team decides it has to use a 2nd rounder on another one.

Mitch, contrary to ignoring the weakness at QB, Whiz has finally seen the futility in trying to fix it with the draft at this time. That is not possible with the players available in this draft. None would be any farther along than Skelton is with his one year under the belt. That fix can only come with a proven QB taken by trade or in free agency. I am happy he did not waste a pick on a QB at this time. (Next year we may be a player in contention of taking Andrew Luck in the draft, and that would be a different story).

The same thing goes with the OL. Without knowing who we may lose, if anyone this year in free agency, it would be almost futile to use a pick on one at this time. Better to wait and see what transpires in free agency.

 

[bg7brd]

I and I think nearly every guy who have not liked our picks have no animosity what so ever towards these young men. We surely all hope we are all wrong about their abilities. In some cases it was not the player we picked it was the position we picked. As to our management team I have nothing good to say about them what so ever. They have lived down to our expectations. We may not be the same old Cards, it appears we may be worse to start the year off with this draft. After our first pick who among you had any of the other picks on your list of men to draft? I think our team will end up with an overall grade of D after the draft is over and the grades are in. The only way to get above that is if we get extra points for Peterson which no one can criticize. We just selected another FB. I cease to be surprised anymore. I know we are not using the BPA as a guide so you wonder how these guys/positions got on our board. You wold think it was some other teams board.

Goodbye Larry Fitgerald. We will miss you as you were the best receiver in Cards history. I will not be surprised to see negotiations with Fitz break off once the CBA is settled.

From Fox Sports

Arizona Cardinals: B+

Draft picks: CB Patrick Peterson (first round), RB Ryan Williams (second round), TE Rob Housler (third round), LB Sam Acho (fourth round), FB Anthony Sherman (fifth round), LB Quan Sturdivant (sixth round), DT David Carter (sixth round), WR DeMarco Sampson (seventh round).

Analysis: The Cardinals did a great job of drafting for value, which isn’t something they have always done. The first four draftees all could start as rookies.

From CBS Sports

Arizona Cardinals: B

For all of the excitement brewing in Detroit about the combination of Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley working the inside together, the Cardinals' tall, athletic duo of Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Patrick Peterson might prove just as terrorizing to the opposition. Peterson, my No. 1-rated player in the 2011 draft, was a steal for the Cardinals at the fifth pick. With shutdown corners on each side, Arizona didn't have to reach for a pass rusher, instead taking advantage of Texas' Sam Acho falling into their lap in the fourth round. In between the two picks the Cardinals served notice to former first-round pick Beanie Wells that his lack of durability and pass blocking isn't going to cut it by drafting Virginia Tech running back Ryan Williams in the second round. Williams' burst gives the team big-play potential from the backfield, something they've been lacking with Wells and Tim Hightower. Among the late picks, inside linebacker Quan Sturdivant could prove a steal in the sixth round.

Also,
http://www.arizonasportsfans.com/vb...-on-top-5-draft-teams-166095.html#post2444986

Hardly as dire as you make it out to be.

 

[NJCardFan]

If these players are going to be shaken up by a bunch of message-board comments, then they'll be out of the NFL even more quickly than some people here expect.

This, this, 1,000 times, this.

 

[NJCardFan]

Also... I GUARANTEE most people won't even know who these guys are when they step off the plane at Sky Harbor. I've seen so many athletes come through the airport and people have not freaking clue who they are.

I swear Julio Jones was in the Airport within hours of putting on a show at the NFL combine WRAPPED in Under Armour gear and not so much as a sole gave him a second look (except me of course). Come on now. I live in Arizona and it is not everyday that a 6' 3'' black guy with braids is running through the airport.

Why would the bottom of someone's shoe give anyone a 2nd look?

 

[clif]

Why would the bottom of someone's shoe give anyone a 2nd look?

I see... I see what you're doing here.

 

[JeffGollin]

They are now adults going into an adult profession. If they get the "wrong idea" and turtle up, then they were awful picks.

Sounds logical (& probably fair).

But some very good athletes have been known to have fragile egos. It is what it is. If our objective is that as many people on our team be successful so that the team will be successful, it makes no sense to rip players who can help the team. Like it or not, we've got 'em so why not support 'em.

Different players/different buttons to push. Whatever works.

Personally, from the standpoint of helping the team to win, I just don't see any benefit to fans ripping a player - other than it makes the fan feel better.

 

[red desert]

Sounds logical (& probably fair).

But some very good athletes have been known to have fragile egos. It is what it is. If our objective is that as many people on our team be successful so that the team will be successful, it makes no sense to rip players who can help the team. Like it or not, we've got 'em so why not support 'em.

Different players/different buttons to push. Whatever works.

Personally, from the standpoint of helping the team to win, I just don't see any benefit to fans ripping a player - other than it makes the fan feel better.