Mitch
Crawled Through 5 FB Fields
Here are CBS Sports' Rankings of the top 14-34---and their comments. I will add my comments in red.
14. OT T.J. Clemmings, Pittsburgh (6-5, 305, 4.78 rSR)
As a former defensive end, it's easy to spot Clemmings' unpolished footwork, but he has the upper body power and attitude to dominate defenders once he gets his hands on them.
Was not all that impressed with him as a bona fide 1st rounder at the Senior Bowl and do not think the Cardinals will be drafting a tackle at #24 anyway.
15. CB Trae Waynes, Michigan State (6-1, 185, 4.53, rJR)
Despite a tendency to freelance, Waynes has the size, length and athleticism to thrive on the outside at the next level with the confidence and toughness to start from day one.
A little surprised to see him ranked this high, but he is a lot faster than 4.53. There's a report that he ran a 4.2 at MSU. If we address the other key needs in FA, then taking Waynes would be exciting.
16. DE Shane Ray, Missouri (6-3, 245, 4.83, JR)
Ray is far from a flawless prospect and might only fit 4-3 defenses, but he has the best first step in this draft class with workable traits to develop.
Not sure why they say he only fits a 4-3 defense, as he would wreak havoc off the edge in a 3-4. He is an excellent fit for us because of his quickness and his ability to chase the ball down.
17. OLB Shaq Thompson, Washington (6-2, 225, 4.64, JR)
The top traditional linebacker in the 2015 NFL Draft class, Thompson has impressive athletic traits with an accurate strike zone to wrap and finish.
If the Cardinals are not going to keep D-Wash, Shaq would be dynamic in the WILB role because of his speed, quickness and tackling prowess.
18. SS Landon Collins, Alabama (6-0, 215, 4.53, JR)
Although his hiccups in coverage are tough to ignore, Collins is a heat-seeking missile with downhill closing burst, projecting as a rookie starter at strong safety.
We addressed the SS in round 1 last year.
19. DE/OLB Vic Beasley, Clemson (6-2, 235, 4.64, rSR)
An explosive edge rusher, Beasley has some tweener traits, but does a nice job converting speed to power and presents a tough match-up for blockers in space.
I would expect Beasley to be at or near the top of the Cardinals' draft board. Like Ray, he is explosive off the snap and can close on the ball in a hurry. But, like Ray again, is projected to go in the first half of round 1.
20. DT Jordan Phillips, Oklahoma (6-6, 338, 5.56, rJR)
Few humans on this planet have Phillips' combination of size, girth and athleticism to control the point of attack and chase down ballcarriers in pursuit.
The Cardinals could find themselves looking for a NT if they don't re-sign Dan Williams. Phillips is not a classic 34 NT. But he sure would look good at 34 DE opposite Calais Campbell. However, having drafted two 34 DEs last year, drafting another in round 1 this year seems redundant.
21. DE/OLB Alvin Dupree, Kentucky (6-3, 252, 4.79, rSR)
A former tight end like Vic Beasley, Dupree launches off the line of scrimmage with athleticism to bend the edge and the physical ingredients to be an impact pass rusher.
Ray, Beasley and Dupree are very much in the same mold at about the same size and speed. It is quite possible that one of these three will still be on the board at #24.
22. TE Maxx Williams, Minnesota (6-4, 250, 4.85, rSO)
A prospect who flashes Jason Witten-like potential, Williams has natural body control with speed for the position to separate in coverage and create after the catch.
Having taken a TE in Round 2 last year, it is doubtful that the Cardinals take another this high, even though Maxx Williams could tantalize BA with his Heath Miller like potential.
23. CB Quinten Rollins, Miami (Ohio) (5-11, 193, 4.46, rSR)
From basketball career to MAC Defensive Player of the Year at corner, Rollins is a natural in coverage with the physical skill-set and developing instincts to match up with NFL receivers.
Interesting to see Rollins ranked this high---but I certainly understand why. He plays the CB position with such natural ease and instincts---and he sees the ball and reacts to it in textbook fashion. I do believe he will be in the conversation---he's that talented.
24. OT La'el Collins, LSU (6-5, 315, 5.43, SR)
Although it doesn't always look pretty, Collins routinely gets the job done and sells out each snap, projecting at tackle for some teams and guard for others.
Collins will also be in the conversation if the Cardinals are not satisfied with their attempts to fortify the o-line in FA. I think the Cardinals would play him at guard initially and then kick him out to RT if Bobby Massie falters.
25. WR Dorial Green-Beckham, Oklahoma (6-5, 225, 4.49, JR)
A top-five pick if not for the red flags, Green-Beckham has special qualities, but teams have a lot of homework to do on this physical specimen.
This draft's version of Randy Moss, who likely will be taken by one of this year's playoff teams like the Packers, Ravens, Patriots or Seahawks. Fitz would be an ideal mentor for this kid and the kid is a top 5 talent for sure. I think he is in play at #24.
26. CB Marcus Peters, Washington (5-11, 193, 4.52, rJR)
Don't see the Cardinals taking him at #24 because of the red flags.
27. OT Ereck Flowers, Miami (Fla.) (6-5, 315, 5.26, JR)
This guy is good. But, can't see the Cardinals taking a RT early in the draft this year.
28. RB Melvin Gordon, Wisconsin (6-1, 207, 4.54, rJR)
Big play waiting to happen. Plus, he wants the ball as often as possible. Teams do not like to take RBs in round 1, but I think Gordon and Gurley will be taken in the top 32 picks. Will one of them be right for the Arizona Cardinals? It wouldn't surprise me if Steve Keim in FA takes care of other needs.
29. DE/OLB Eli Harold, Virginia (6-4, 230, 4.73, JR)
Has the length, athleticism and burst that Steve Keim favors. I think Harold, Nate Orchard and Lorenzo Maudlin will earn high grades---just not sure they would grade as high as #24.
30. WR Jaelen Strong, Arizona State (6-4, 205, 4.55, rJR)
Toughness at WR---is a need for the Cardinals, especially if Fitz departs. He fits BA's slot big WR mode to a tee.
31. DT Carl Davis, Iowa (6-5, 321, 5.12, rSR)
His inconsistency will likely drop him out of the first round.
32. DE Arik Armstead, Oregon (6-6, 292, 4.97, JR)
For 34 teams, Armstead will be highly coveted as a Calais Campbell type force.
33. DE Owa Odighizuwa, UCLA (6-3, 268, 4.78, rSR)
One of the best physical specimens in the draft---but the lack of production will cause him to slide.
34. RB Jay Ajayi, Boise State (5-11, 220, 4.54, rJR)
He would be a nifty fit in BA's offense, but won't be in the conversation at #24. Perhaps in round 2, however.
So---if these are the players available at #24---who is the BPA?
My top 3:
1. RB Melvin Gordon, Wisconsin. Home run RBs who can also pound and slip off tackles for extra yards in traffic are a rare breed.
2. OLB Shane Ray, Missouri.
3. OLB Vic Beasley, Clemson. I give him the edge over Dupree.
14. OT T.J. Clemmings, Pittsburgh (6-5, 305, 4.78 rSR)
As a former defensive end, it's easy to spot Clemmings' unpolished footwork, but he has the upper body power and attitude to dominate defenders once he gets his hands on them.
Was not all that impressed with him as a bona fide 1st rounder at the Senior Bowl and do not think the Cardinals will be drafting a tackle at #24 anyway.
15. CB Trae Waynes, Michigan State (6-1, 185, 4.53, rJR)
Despite a tendency to freelance, Waynes has the size, length and athleticism to thrive on the outside at the next level with the confidence and toughness to start from day one.
A little surprised to see him ranked this high, but he is a lot faster than 4.53. There's a report that he ran a 4.2 at MSU. If we address the other key needs in FA, then taking Waynes would be exciting.
16. DE Shane Ray, Missouri (6-3, 245, 4.83, JR)
Ray is far from a flawless prospect and might only fit 4-3 defenses, but he has the best first step in this draft class with workable traits to develop.
Not sure why they say he only fits a 4-3 defense, as he would wreak havoc off the edge in a 3-4. He is an excellent fit for us because of his quickness and his ability to chase the ball down.
17. OLB Shaq Thompson, Washington (6-2, 225, 4.64, JR)
The top traditional linebacker in the 2015 NFL Draft class, Thompson has impressive athletic traits with an accurate strike zone to wrap and finish.
If the Cardinals are not going to keep D-Wash, Shaq would be dynamic in the WILB role because of his speed, quickness and tackling prowess.
18. SS Landon Collins, Alabama (6-0, 215, 4.53, JR)
Although his hiccups in coverage are tough to ignore, Collins is a heat-seeking missile with downhill closing burst, projecting as a rookie starter at strong safety.
We addressed the SS in round 1 last year.
19. DE/OLB Vic Beasley, Clemson (6-2, 235, 4.64, rSR)
An explosive edge rusher, Beasley has some tweener traits, but does a nice job converting speed to power and presents a tough match-up for blockers in space.
I would expect Beasley to be at or near the top of the Cardinals' draft board. Like Ray, he is explosive off the snap and can close on the ball in a hurry. But, like Ray again, is projected to go in the first half of round 1.
20. DT Jordan Phillips, Oklahoma (6-6, 338, 5.56, rJR)
Few humans on this planet have Phillips' combination of size, girth and athleticism to control the point of attack and chase down ballcarriers in pursuit.
The Cardinals could find themselves looking for a NT if they don't re-sign Dan Williams. Phillips is not a classic 34 NT. But he sure would look good at 34 DE opposite Calais Campbell. However, having drafted two 34 DEs last year, drafting another in round 1 this year seems redundant.
21. DE/OLB Alvin Dupree, Kentucky (6-3, 252, 4.79, rSR)
A former tight end like Vic Beasley, Dupree launches off the line of scrimmage with athleticism to bend the edge and the physical ingredients to be an impact pass rusher.
Ray, Beasley and Dupree are very much in the same mold at about the same size and speed. It is quite possible that one of these three will still be on the board at #24.
22. TE Maxx Williams, Minnesota (6-4, 250, 4.85, rSO)
A prospect who flashes Jason Witten-like potential, Williams has natural body control with speed for the position to separate in coverage and create after the catch.
Having taken a TE in Round 2 last year, it is doubtful that the Cardinals take another this high, even though Maxx Williams could tantalize BA with his Heath Miller like potential.
23. CB Quinten Rollins, Miami (Ohio) (5-11, 193, 4.46, rSR)
From basketball career to MAC Defensive Player of the Year at corner, Rollins is a natural in coverage with the physical skill-set and developing instincts to match up with NFL receivers.
Interesting to see Rollins ranked this high---but I certainly understand why. He plays the CB position with such natural ease and instincts---and he sees the ball and reacts to it in textbook fashion. I do believe he will be in the conversation---he's that talented.
24. OT La'el Collins, LSU (6-5, 315, 5.43, SR)
Although it doesn't always look pretty, Collins routinely gets the job done and sells out each snap, projecting at tackle for some teams and guard for others.
Collins will also be in the conversation if the Cardinals are not satisfied with their attempts to fortify the o-line in FA. I think the Cardinals would play him at guard initially and then kick him out to RT if Bobby Massie falters.
25. WR Dorial Green-Beckham, Oklahoma (6-5, 225, 4.49, JR)
A top-five pick if not for the red flags, Green-Beckham has special qualities, but teams have a lot of homework to do on this physical specimen.
This draft's version of Randy Moss, who likely will be taken by one of this year's playoff teams like the Packers, Ravens, Patriots or Seahawks. Fitz would be an ideal mentor for this kid and the kid is a top 5 talent for sure. I think he is in play at #24.
26. CB Marcus Peters, Washington (5-11, 193, 4.52, rJR)
Don't see the Cardinals taking him at #24 because of the red flags.
27. OT Ereck Flowers, Miami (Fla.) (6-5, 315, 5.26, JR)
This guy is good. But, can't see the Cardinals taking a RT early in the draft this year.
28. RB Melvin Gordon, Wisconsin (6-1, 207, 4.54, rJR)
Big play waiting to happen. Plus, he wants the ball as often as possible. Teams do not like to take RBs in round 1, but I think Gordon and Gurley will be taken in the top 32 picks. Will one of them be right for the Arizona Cardinals? It wouldn't surprise me if Steve Keim in FA takes care of other needs.
29. DE/OLB Eli Harold, Virginia (6-4, 230, 4.73, JR)
Has the length, athleticism and burst that Steve Keim favors. I think Harold, Nate Orchard and Lorenzo Maudlin will earn high grades---just not sure they would grade as high as #24.
30. WR Jaelen Strong, Arizona State (6-4, 205, 4.55, rJR)
Toughness at WR---is a need for the Cardinals, especially if Fitz departs. He fits BA's slot big WR mode to a tee.
31. DT Carl Davis, Iowa (6-5, 321, 5.12, rSR)
His inconsistency will likely drop him out of the first round.
32. DE Arik Armstead, Oregon (6-6, 292, 4.97, JR)
For 34 teams, Armstead will be highly coveted as a Calais Campbell type force.
33. DE Owa Odighizuwa, UCLA (6-3, 268, 4.78, rSR)
One of the best physical specimens in the draft---but the lack of production will cause him to slide.
34. RB Jay Ajayi, Boise State (5-11, 220, 4.54, rJR)
He would be a nifty fit in BA's offense, but won't be in the conversation at #24. Perhaps in round 2, however.
So---if these are the players available at #24---who is the BPA?
My top 3:
1. RB Melvin Gordon, Wisconsin. Home run RBs who can also pound and slip off tackles for extra yards in traffic are a rare breed.
2. OLB Shane Ray, Missouri.
3. OLB Vic Beasley, Clemson. I give him the edge over Dupree.
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