Arizona Republic's Bob McManaman's 1st Rd. Mock

[WildBB]

http://www.azcentral.com/story/spor...winston-marcus-mariota-dante-fowler/70549084/

 

[Finito]

Eric Kendricks will make me throw as brick through my TV. He looks like a Minter clone he's a 6'0 inside linebacker.

 

[juza76]

Eric Kendricks will make me throw as brick through my TV. He looks like a Minter clone he's a 6'0 inside linebacker.

i dont like pick either at 24 but dont see the comparison ,kendricks is much better ,quicker,he is faster literaly,can cover and for sure he can play all 3 downs

 

[DVontel]

Eric Kendricks will make me throw as brick through my TV. He looks like a Minter clone he's a 6'0 inside linebacker.

Except he's better than Minter at absolutely everything. I would love this pick a lot more than a Erving or another OL like most people want on here.

 

[Finito]

i dont like pick either at 24 but dont see the comparison ,kendricks is much better ,quicker,he is faster literaly,can cover and for sure he can play all 3 downs

Have seen Kevin Minter at LSU?

He was a monster his coaches said he was the best linebacker in the history of the program. His skills just didn't translate and he short as hell just like Kenricks

 

[don7031]

Minter ran a 4.81 forty. Kendricks ran 4.66. Smaller, lighter, faster is the trend for 3-4 middle linebackers. Three hundred plus pound offensive lineman consume linebackers. So the name of the game is to have the defensive line occupy the offensive line and have the linebackers fly to the ball. Minter can't fly, Kendricks can.

 

[Hypothesis]

Minter ran a 4.81 forty. Kendricks ran 4.66. Smaller, lighter, faster is the trend for 3-4 middle linebackers. Three hundred plus pound offensive lineman consume linebackers. So the name of the game is to have the defensive line occupy the offensive line and have the linebackers fly to the ball. Minter can't fly, Kendricks can.

I've yet to hear any coach say this. In fact, BA specifically indicated that he wanted to add a thumper at ILB. A thumper typically wouldn't be smaller, lighter. As to your last point, we don't run a 2 gap 3-4. We run a 1 gap where our d-line penetrates.

 

[Mitch]

I've yet to hear any coach say this. In fact, BA specifically indicated that he wanted to add a thumper at ILB. A thumper typically wouldn't be smaller, lighter. As to your last point, we don't run a 2 gap 3-4. We run a 1 gap where our d-line penetrates.

I agree. I just don't see the Cardinals selecting an ILB at #24. I think if Stephone Anthony or Denzel Perryman is still on the board at #55...they might pounce on an ILB there. But, otherwise, with Sean Weatherspoon on board and with Larry Foote available for insurance until Daryl Washington returns, the Cardinals are not going to draft an ILB at #24. Hypothesis is correct, BA wants a thumper.

 

[Cbus cardsfan]

No to Kendricks or Shaq Thompson.

 

[DVontel]

No to Kendricks or Shaq Thompson.

Why not Kendricks?

 

[juza76]

Minter ran a 4.81 forty. Kendricks ran 4.66. Smaller, lighter, faster is the trend for 3-4 middle linebackers. Three hundred plus pound offensive lineman consume linebackers. So the name of the game is to have the defensive line occupy the offensive line and have the linebackers fly to the ball. Minter can't fly, Kendricks can.

right
they look for size and lenght on the outside and they like faster quicker in the inside,thats the reason they used bucannon playing ILB

 

[juza76]

Have seen Kevin Minter at LSU?

He was a monster his coaches said he was the best linebacker in the history of the program. His skills just didn't translate and he short as hell just like Kenricks

is not a problem of height,wagner is actually the best ilb in nfl,he is just 6 '0''
yes i watched ,had just 1 great year,previously he was a back up.
his speed was enough for college but not good in the nfl
he used to play as a thumper ,blitzing or stopping the run

minter dropping in coverage was totally useless
i heard coaches said so many bull**** so.his coach at LSU can say what he wants

 

[az jam]

Don't like Kendricks at #24, too many better players avaialbe and ILB not really a need.

 

[Cardiac]

I agree. I just don't see the Cardinals selecting an ILB at #24. I think if Stephone Anthony or Denzel Perryman is still on the board at #55...they might pounce on an ILB there. But, otherwise, with Sean Weatherspoon on board and with Larry Foote available for insurance until Daryl Washington returns, the Cardinals are not going to draft an ILB at #24. Hypothesis is correct, BA wants a thumper.

I haven't seen the Foote "available as insurance" anywhere, do you have a link? I do recall BA saying something about it but I got the impression it wouldn't work because of the CAP rules and Foote being a Coach now. I'm sure I missed something somewhere on this so a link would be appreciated.

I agree that an ILBer in the 2nd round makes the most sense value and need wise. Hoping for an OLBer in rd1, would be good with Oline if the value is better.

 

[DVontel]

Don't like Kendricks at #24, too many better players avaialbe and ILB not really a need.

What better players are there?
You sure about it not being indeed? I lost my trust in D.Wash & Weatherspoon has been derailed with injuries the past 2 years.

 

[Hypothesis]

I agree. I just don't see the Cardinals selecting an ILB at #24. I think if Stephone Anthony or Denzel Perryman is still on the board at #55...they might pounce on an ILB there. But, otherwise, with Sean Weatherspoon on board and with Larry Foote available for insurance until Daryl Washington returns, the Cardinals are not going to draft an ILB at #24. Hypothesis is correct, BA wants a thumper.

Yeah I don't see us going ILB in the 1st. I think pick 24 will come down to either (in no particular order) OLB, WR, C or CB. Maybe a NT if someone like Shelton somehow manages to fall however unlikely.

If Denzel Perryman is there in the 2nd I think we'd pounce. He may not be that 3 down ILB that some covet but he'd be great at getting us into beneficial 3rd down situations. Plus, nothing ramps up a defense like huge hits. Not even fumbles or ints. Perryman can certainly deliver those huge hits and help stuff the run.

The guy that I think Keim and BA are looking at, and this is based off of my personal scouting of the player, the players leadership qualities and character, and things I've heard from my own sources, is Jordan Hicks. From what I've heard of him, he has met with Cardinal officials twice. He was a top performer at the combine in 3 categories. He possibly has the highest football IQ out of any of the LB prospects. Heralded for his work ethic. He is athletic enough to contain the likes of Kap and Wilson and drop into coverage. He plays physical though could improve. Not near as much a thumper as Perryman but still will hit you. Film room champion. He is regarded as a coach on the field. Finishes tackles. Very injury plagued in '12 and '13 but came back very strong in '14. Injury concerns will drop his draft stock to rounds 3-5. Very much a sleeper. Basically a younger Larry Foote.

 

[cardncubfan]

Yeah I don't see us going ILB in the 1st. I think pick 24 will come down to either (in no particular order) OLB, WR, C or CB. Maybe a NT if someone like Shelton somehow manages to fall however unlikely.

If Denzel Perryman is there in the 2nd I think we'd pounce. He may not be that 3 down ILB that some covet but he'd be great at getting us into beneficial 3rd down situations. Plus, nothing ramps up a defense like huge hits. Not even fumbles or ints. Perryman can certainly deliver those huge hits and help stuff the run.

The guy that I think Keim and BA are looking at, and this is based off of my personal scouting of the player, the players leadership qualities and character, and things I've heard from my own sources, is Jordan Hicks. From what I've heard of him, he has met with Cardinal officials twice. He was a top performer at the combine in 3 categories. He possibly has the highest football IQ out of any of the LB prospects. Heralded for his work ethic. He is athletic enough to contain the likes of Kap and Wilson and drop into coverage. He plays physical though could improve. Not near as much a thumper as Perryman but still will hit you. Film room champion. He is regarded as a coach on the field. Finishes tackles. Very injury plagued in '12 and '13 but came back very strong in '14. Injury concerns will drop his draft stock to rounds 3-5. Very much a sleeper. Basically a younger Larry Foote.

Thanks for the info Hypothesis. Much appreciated. He does look like a great fit. Do you think they'll get him in Rd3 if he there?

 

[WildBB]

I agree. I just don't see the Cardinals selecting an ILB at #24. I think if Stephone Anthony or Denzel Perryman is still on the board at #55...they might pounce on an ILB there. But, otherwise, with Sean Weatherspoon on board and with Larry Foote available for insurance until Daryl Washington returns, the Cardinals are not going to draft an ILB at #24. Hypothesis is correct, BA wants a thumper.

Anthony is gaining momentum leading up to the draft. Don't see him there at our 2nd Rd. pick at this point.

I'm not so sure that they wouldn't pull that trigger on Kendricks, I think he'd be a solid pick. I think they're happy along the OL right at this moment. But that would be the other option, imo. They'd be interested in Malcom Brown if he'd be there as well. Possibly Gordon like McMan said.

I wouldn't mind using the 2nd on a RB. I think we need to keep our options open there. Tyler Lockett also interests me a great deal.

 

[Hypothesis]

Thanks for the info Hypothesis. Much appreciated. He does look like a great fit. Do you think they'll get him in Rd3 if he there?

We are picking late in the 3rd so it's a possibility. They might gamble and hope he is there for our 4th round pick. Also have to take into account the possibility of trades affecting where we pick and our ability to possibly move up/down.

From what I've gathered, the Cardinals, Chargers and Texans are very interested in him.

 

[Cbus cardsfan]

Yeah I don't see us going ILB in the 1st. I think pick 24 will come down to either (in no particular order) OLB, WR, C or CB. Maybe a NT if someone like Shelton somehow manages to fall however unlikely.

If Denzel Perryman is there in the 2nd I think we'd pounce. He may not be that 3 down ILB that some covet but he'd be great at getting us into beneficial 3rd down situations. Plus, nothing ramps up a defense like huge hits. Not even fumbles or ints. Perryman can certainly deliver those huge hits and help stuff the run.

The guy that I think Keim and BA are looking at, and this is based off of my personal scouting of the player, the players leadership qualities and character, and things I've heard from my own sources, is Jordan Hicks. From what I've heard of him, he has met with Cardinal officials twice. He was a top performer at the combine in 3 categories. He possibly has the highest football IQ out of any of the LB prospects. Heralded for his work ethic. He is athletic enough to contain the likes of Kap and Wilson and drop into coverage. He plays physical though could improve. Not near as much a thumper as Perryman but still will hit you. Film room champion. He is regarded as a coach on the field. Finishes tackles. Very injury plagued in '12 and '13 but came back very strong in '14. Injury concerns will drop his draft stock to rounds 3-5. Very much a sleeper. Basically a younger Larry Foote.

Plus, he'd fill the bill for requisite Texas Longhorn selection Keim makes every year.

 

[AZCrazy]

You want a big thumper SILB in this draft, you're looking at Benardrick McKinney.

 

[WildBB]

We are picking late in the 3rd so it's a possibility. They might gamble and hope he is there for our 4th round pick. Also have to take into account the possibility of trades affecting where we pick and our ability to possibly move up/down.

From what I've gathered, the Cardinals, Chargers and Texans are very interested in him.

Don't think he'd be any better than a special teams guy. Not sure he's a good fit, other than work ethic, which would be above average.

Short and loses sight of the ball on occasion. See-it-and-go defender who lacks ideal instincts, too often taking false steps on his way to the ball. Flat-footed in coverage, leaving him trailing the action. Relies on his athleticism to avoid blockers and struggles to disengage when they're able to latch on.

Hicks was one of two Texas players suspended and sent home from the Dec. 31 Alamo Bowl after violating team rules.

Like many of the players signed during Mack Brown's tenure at Texas, Hicks signed with the Longhorns as a highly regarded prep prospect. He was a Parade All-American and was given the high school Butkus Award as the nation's top linebacker in 2009.

Hicks ended his collegiate career on a high note, leading the Longhorns with 138 tackles over the 2014 regular season and earning an invitation to the Senior Bowl.

While productive and an inspiration given the resiliency he showed in performing well in 2014 after season-ending injuries sidetracked him the previous two seasons, Hicks does not possess ideal tools for the next level, projecting best as an outside linebacker in a traditional 4-3 alignment.

 

[Harry]

I have trouble spending this pick on an ILB unless there's an awesome option here. There isn't. Foote could be brought back, but he wore down badly late in the year. I still like building the lines if no rusher falls; you never have too many guys in the trenches.

 

[Cardiac]

I have trouble spending this pick on an ILB unless there's an awesome option here. There isn't. Foote could be brought back, but he wore down badly late in the year. I still like building the lines if no rusher falls; you never have too many guys in the trenches.

That's been my battle cry this year, Feed the Trenches, feed them.

 

[az jam]

I have trouble spending this pick on an ILB unless there's an awesome option here. There isn't. Foote could be brought back, but he wore down badly late in the year. I still like building the lines if no rusher falls; you never have too many guys in the trenches.

Kindly give us some names of trench guys that the Cards would be interested at #24.