BPA @ #24

Mitch

Crawled Through 5 FB Fields
Joined
Aug 10, 2005
Posts
13,405
Reaction score
2,982
Location
Wrentham, MA
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.
 
Last edited:

RugbyMuffin

ASFN IDOL
Joined
Apr 30, 2003
Posts
30,485
Reaction score
4,877
15. CB Trae Waynes, Michigan State (6-1, 185, 4.53, rJR)

19. DE/OLB Vic Beasley, Clemson (6-2, 235, 4.64, rSR)

.....gotta do some research on Shane Ray.

I really like Waynes at this pick, but if a pass rusher is there, then that has to be the pick.
 

MadCardDisease

Moderator
Moderator
Supporting Member
Joined
May 13, 2002
Posts
20,694
Reaction score
14,427
Location
Chandler, Az
My top three (prior to the Combine):

1) Vic Beasley OLB
I was hoping Beasley would come out last year and be the Cardinals pick. If he is there this year with an extra year of seasoning under his belt, I snag him in a heart beat.
2) Shane Ray OLB
Mizzou has become a hot bed for pass rushers. Ray has only scratched the surface of his ability. I think Ray is a guy who shoots up the draft board after the combine. Still if he is there when the Cards pick I would love to have him.
3) La'el Collins OG/RT
I like Collins at guard. Dude is a monster in the run game and plays aggressive. He would also be insurance if Massie regresses, as Collins could potentially kick out to RT.
 

Bodha

ASFN Addict
BANNED BY MODERATORS
Joined
Sep 3, 2011
Posts
5,710
Reaction score
754
Wow that is some stank outdated work by CBS sports. Whatd they create that list in August?

Probable top 5 pick Shane Ray at #16 is enough to kill any credibility it limped in with
 

don7031

Hall of Famer
Joined
Jun 24, 2014
Posts
1,035
Reaction score
297
There is so much variance between reviews on these players. There are guys out there who watch a ton of tape and / or have sources in the league such as Kiper, Mayoch and McShay. Then you have guys who are just writing stuff to pad their word count.
 

Azlen

ASFN Lifer
Joined
Apr 29, 2004
Posts
3,724
Reaction score
943
Wow that is some stank outdated work by CBS sports. Whatd they create that list in August?

Probable top 5 pick Shane Ray at #16 is enough to kill any credibility it limped in with

In their most recent rankings Shane Ray is at #8.
 

stewdog1

Hall of Famer
Joined
Mar 22, 2004
Posts
1,637
Reaction score
182
If DGB is there we should be running to the stage.
 

Ohcrap75

Hall of Famer
Joined
Jan 3, 2014
Posts
1,270
Reaction score
723
Wow that is some stank outdated work by CBS sports. Whatd they create that list in August?

Probable top 5 pick Shane Ray at #16 is enough to kill any credibility it limped in with

Couldn't agree more! And what in the world does he lack to play in a 3-4? He's gonna be a star in any system.
 

Ohcrap75

Hall of Famer
Joined
Jan 3, 2014
Posts
1,270
Reaction score
723
Does anybody else question Beasley's size playing OLB in our system? I wonder if he would be able to transition inside?
 
OP
OP
Mitch

Mitch

Crawled Through 5 FB Fields
Joined
Aug 10, 2005
Posts
13,405
Reaction score
2,982
Location
Wrentham, MA
Daniel Jeremiah's Top 50

Rank Name Pos College Class Conf Last Rank Difference Latest Headline
1 Williams, Leonard DE USC Junior Pac-12 NR Jeremiah: Williams 'most dominating' player in draft
01/27/2015
2 Gregory, Randy OLB Nebraska Junior Big Ten NR Gregory needs 'substantial improvement'
01/07/2015
3 White, Kevin WR West Virginia Senior Big 12 NR Jeremiah: White is top receiver of 2015 NFL Draft
01/06/2015
4 Cooper, Amari WR Alabama Junior SEC NR Ask 5: Where would Cooper rank in 2014 WR class?
11/24/2014
5 Shelton, Danny NT Washington Senior Pac-12 NR Davis: Shelton among 10 Senior Bowl standouts
01/23/2015
6 Winston, Jameis QB Florida St. * Sophomore ACC NR Debate: Should Buccaneers draft Winston at No. 1?
01/20/2015
7 Fowler, Jr., Dante OLB Florida Junior SEC NR Muschamp sees Fowler as first-rounder
11/19/2014
8 Ray, Shane DE Missouri * Junior SEC NR Ask 5: Who is best NFL comparison for Ray?
12/03/2014
9 Parker, DeVante WR Louisville Senior ACC NR Parker a contender to be first WR taken in 2015 draft
01/06/2015
10 Gordon, Melvin RB Wisconsin * Junior Big Ten NR Gordon thanks Badgers fans on Twitter
01/22/2015
11 Mariota, Marcus QB Oregon * Junior Pac-12 NR Mariota might not throw at combine
01/24/2015
12 Waynes, Trae CB Michigan St. * Junior Big Ten NR
13 Armstead, Arik DT Oregon Junior Pac-12 NR NFL GM on Armstead: 'He has first-round talent, no doubt'
12/26/2014
14 Gurley, Todd RB Georgia Junior SEC NR Jay Z's Roc Nation signs Gurley
01/12/2015
15 Clemmings, T.J. OT Pittsburgh * Senior ACC NR Mayock: Clemmings losing buzz as potential top-10 pick
01/22/2015
16 McKinney, Benardrick ILB Mississippi St. * Junior SEC NR Scout: McKinney like a poor man's Urlacher
11/14/2014
17 Green-Beckham, Dorial WR Oklahoma Junior Big 12 NR Brandt: Green-Beckham among those who should have stayed in school
01/19/2015
18 Collins, Landon SS Alabama Junior SEC NR Scout likes Collins over Barron, Clinton-Dix
10/03/2014
19 Peat, Andrus OT Stanford Junior Pac-12 NR
20 Brown, Malcom DT Texas Junior Big 12 NR
21 Scherff, Brandon OT Iowa * Senior Big Ten NR Sources Tell Us: Scherff 'a better prospect than Bryan Bulaga and Riley Reiff'
11/12/2014
22 Goldman, Eddie DT Florida St. Junior ACC NR Sources Tell Us: 'Edwards was hyped ... Goldman has better pro potential'
12/03/2014
23 Smith, Devin WR Ohio St. Senior Big Ten NR Sources Tell Us: Smith 'shows flashes of explosiveness'
01/21/2015
24 Funchess, Devin WR Michigan Junior Big Ten NR NFL scout compares Funchess to Jimmy Graham
10/01/2014
25 Harold, Eli DE Virginia Junior ACC NR
26 Dupree, Bud OLB Kentucky Senior SEC NR Sources Tell Us: Dupree's 'really starting to grow on me'
12/10/2014
27 Perryman, Denzel ILB Miami Senior ACC NR Sources Tell Us: Perryman 'will be an outstanding pro'
11/19/2014
28 Beasley, Vic OLB Clemson * Senior ACC NR
29 Strong, Jaelen WR Arizona State * Junior Pac-12 NR Scout compares Strong to Marques Colston
10/22/2014
30 Williams, P.J. CB Florida St. Junior ACC NR
31 Peters, Marcus CB Washington * Junior Pac-12 NR Scout: Peters' ties to Marshawn Lynch an issue
01/05/2015
32 Collins, La'el OT LSU Senior SEC NR Sources Tell Us: Collins 'plays tough like Pouncey'
01/20/2015
33 Flowers, Ereck OT Miami Junior ACC NR
34 Erving, Cameron C Florida St. * Senior ACC NR Sources Tell Us: 'Potentially, a (Dolphins OL Mike) Pouncey'
11/19/2014
35 Ajayi, Jay RB Boise St. * Junior Mountain West NR Scout's Take: Ajayi generating buzz
12/01/2014
36 Coleman, Tevin RB Indiana Junior Big Ten NR Zierlein: Coleman 'is a home-run hitter'
12/29/2014
37 Smith, Preston DE Mississippi St. Senior SEC NR Sources Tell Us: Smith's 'a sneaky pass rusher'
12/03/2014
38 Cann, A.J. OG South Carolina * Senior SEC NR
39 Mauldin, Lorenzo OLB Louisville Senior ACC NR Sources Tell Us: Mauldin 'has that knack as a pass rusher'
10/29/2014
40 Agholor, Nelson WR USC Junior Pac-12 NR Sources Tell Us: Agholor like a young Reggie Wayne?
10/29/2014
41 Johnson, Kevin CB Wake Forest * Senior ACC NR
42 Thompson, Shaq OLB Washington Junior Pac-12 NR Sources Tell Us: Thompson 'has an amazing nose for the ball'
11/12/2014
43 Alexander, Kwon OLB LSU Junior SEC NR
44 Yeldon, T.J. RB Alabama Junior SEC NR Scout: Yeldon could be better than Eddie Lacy
12/09/2014
45 Sambrailo, Ty OT Colorado St. * Senior Mountain West NR
46 Orchard, Nate DE Utah Senior Pac-12 NR Orchard sends draft stock soaring after Senior Bowl
01/24/2015
47 Williams, Maxx TE Minnesota * Sophomore Big Ten NR Williams stars in Citrus Bowl loss
01/01/2015
48 Ogbuehi, Cedric OT Texas A&M * Senior SEC NR Ogbuehi tore ACL in Liberty Bowl
01/12/2015
49 Holliman, Gerod FS Louisville * Junior ACC NR Sources Tell Us: Concerns over Holliman's character, effort
01/07/2015
50 Poutasi, Jeremiah OT Utah Junior Pac-12 NR
 

don7031

Hall of Famer
Joined
Jun 24, 2014
Posts
1,035
Reaction score
297
Beasley has not spent time in a pro weight room.
 
OP
OP
Mitch

Mitch

Crawled Through 5 FB Fields
Joined
Aug 10, 2005
Posts
13,405
Reaction score
2,982
Location
Wrentham, MA
Does anybody else question Beasley's size playing OLB in our system? I wonder if he would be able to transition inside?

Been reading a lot about Beasley and Dupree and a number of scouts are saying that Dupree will be more productive in the NFL. They too question Beasley's size and cite that as the chief deterrent.

When I study them on video----Beasley has the more explosive first step and quick-twitch reaction---but Dupree is stronger, more athletic and gets to the ball faster.

Beasley 2014 vs. FSU and LT Cam Erving:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gD7r8CPqVAw

Kentucky & Bud Dupree (#2):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=47BmkYkv0-g

Bud Dupree highlights:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TlAayCoZrR8
 

RugbyMuffin

ASFN IDOL
Joined
Apr 30, 2003
Posts
30,485
Reaction score
4,877
Beasley is a roll of the dice, but IMO, no more of a risk than any other pass rusher.

If you can rush the passer then your weight doesn't matter. There have been plenty of guys that came into the league light and put up good numbers.

Can Beasley put on 10 or 15 lbs ? If so, you are talking about a Von Miller type player.
 

cardpa

Have a Nice Day!
Joined
Mar 14, 2003
Posts
7,399
Reaction score
4,134
Location
Monroe NC
Sounds as if no matter how the draft plays out there should be a OLB that can rush the passer left when the Cardinals are on the clock.
 

Ohcrap75

Hall of Famer
Joined
Jan 3, 2014
Posts
1,270
Reaction score
723
Beasley is a roll of the dice, but IMO, no more of a risk than any other pass rusher.

If you can rush the passer then your weight doesn't matter. There have been plenty of guys that came into the league light and put up good numbers.

Can Beasley put on 10 or 15 lbs ? If so, you are talking about a Von Miller type player.
Expecting a guy that is a fifth year senior DE to put on 10 to 15 lbs and not lose any speed is hard for me. It has been done, but more common in younger players that leave early and are still growing into frame.
 

Catfish

Registered
Joined
Aug 14, 2006
Posts
4,551
Reaction score
64
I like all three of your picks Mitch. I don't see the Cards using a #1 on a RB, (given BA's lack of zeal for the run game). Both Ray and Beasley would give us needed help as edge rushers. Beasley was my choice for #24.
 

WildBB

Yogi n da Bear
Joined
Mar 20, 2004
Posts
14,295
Reaction score
1,239
Location
The Sonoran Jungle - West
27 Perryman, Denzel ILB Miami Senior ACC NR Sources Tell Us: Perryman 'will be an outstanding pro'.

This years CJ Mosley. Benardrick McKinney is also an option, imo. Solidifies the ILB position for a long long time. Frees up Deone Bucannon to play in the secondary where he belongs.
 

Cbus cardsfan

Back to Back ASFN FFL Champion
Joined
May 14, 2002
Posts
21,430
Reaction score
7,487
I posted earlier in the year, the first thing I was told about Beasley, was that he was very small for the position.

There's really no rhyme or reason to this, but the scout also mentioned that, for some reason, defensive players from Clemson players look and test great, but don't produce results very often in the NFL. He cited Adrian Branch as an example and who is currently on the Jags.

Phillip Merling, Gaines Adams, and Daequan Bowers also come to mind. To me, that wouldn't be a reason to pass on someone if you thought they were good but is interesting that they seem to struggle in the NFL.
 

WisconsinCard

Herfin BIg Time
Joined
Apr 1, 2003
Posts
15,866
Reaction score
7,539
Location
In A Cigar Bar Near You
I am driving the Bud Dupree express. I also think this might be the year to mortgage the future and trade up, and I do that if Shane Ray falls out of the top 10 or if Dupree is there around 15. Either of those two are on my wish list, and I obviously don't expect either to be there at 24.
 

Chopper0080

2021 - Prove It
Joined
May 15, 2002
Posts
28,129
Reaction score
39,766
Location
Colorado
Some thoughts...

1-Melvin Gordon is not the best RB in this class, much less should he be a first rounder. #1 reason is that he has Chris Wells disease. He struggles to get through muck, and needs a clean hole to run through. Gets tripped up very easy.

2-Vic Beasley is an ILB in the 3-4. This OLB stuff is for 4-3 only. Bruce Irvin is a pass rush specialist. Miller 4-3 WOLB. If we take Beasley, he is playing ILB in our base 3-4.

3-Consider that we only run a base 3-4 50% of the time or less.

4-Shane Ray is a yo yo guy. He was ranked as a 2nd rounder, then top 5, and now top 15. It is all going to come down to preference. Ray has one year of starting experience, and this class has several athletic rush players.

5-Dupree is probably the prototype physically of a 3 down OLB for this defense. He would be a solid pick.

6-Owa Odig is the prototype as well.

###

Top 3 Base 3-4 OLBs in this class
1-Dante Fowler
2-Alvin Dupree
3-Owa Odighizuwa

Best of the rest
1-Shane Ray (he might be more of a pass rusher than the aformentioned 3, but he doesn't show interest in setting the edge.
2-Nate Orchard (he needs to show more burst, but he wouldn't be a bad option)

###

Options at ILB in round 1

1-Eric Kendricks (You would like him 10lbs heavier, but he is similar to Bowman coming out).
2-Vic Beasley (you get more explosiveness here, but less pollish)
3-Shaq Thompson (great coevrage skills and makes plays. size?)
 

Chopper0080

2021 - Prove It
Joined
May 15, 2002
Posts
28,129
Reaction score
39,766
Location
Colorado
I am driving the Bud Dupree express. I also think this might be the year to mortgage the future and trade up, and I do that if Shane Ray falls out of the top 10 or if Dupree is there around 15. Either of those two are on my wish list, and I obviously don't expect either to be there at 24.

This would not be a smart move when you consider the bust history of first round picks, and conversion pass rushers specifically. Too much risk for a guy you hope gets 14 sacks per year. It is rarely a great idea to give up what it costs to move up in the first round. After the first round, you can make a better arguement because of the reduced cost.
 

Bodha

ASFN Addict
BANNED BY MODERATORS
Joined
Sep 3, 2011
Posts
5,710
Reaction score
754
I hope Denzel Perryman runs slow in the 40 so we can get him in the 2nd round.

Hes a great player and is good in coverage and is a never-miss tackler, lets get that minor detail out of the way.

I like him because he has a Ray Lewis/Karlos Dansby personality and leadership we desperately need. Especially with DD out the door this year or next, we need a leader on D. Cannot emphasize that enough. Perryman is a very vibrant, loud, in your face, leader of leaders.

Really, really like that guy
 

Cbus cardsfan

Back to Back ASFN FFL Champion
Joined
May 14, 2002
Posts
21,430
Reaction score
7,487
This would not be a smart move when you consider the bust history of first round picks, and conversion pass rushers specifically. Too much risk for a guy you hope gets 14 sacks per year. It is rarely a great idea to give up what it costs to move up in the first round. After the first round, you can make a better arguement because of the reduced cost.
On the other hand, sometimes, when the time is right, you need to take chances to get that type of player. The guy could just as easily be Von Miller as he is Vernon Gholston. I would have been ecstatic if the Cards had pulled off a trade for Anthony Barr last year. I think the time is right, and the Cards are in their window, to make a bold move and get an impact player. There is less of a chance at getting the impact player sitting at 24 then at, say 7-8.
 

WisconsinCard

Herfin BIg Time
Joined
Apr 1, 2003
Posts
15,866
Reaction score
7,539
Location
In A Cigar Bar Near You
This would not be a smart move when you consider the bust history of first round picks, and conversion pass rushers specifically. Too much risk for a guy you hope gets 14 sacks per year. It is rarely a great idea to give up what it costs to move up in the first round. After the first round, you can make a better arguement because of the reduced cost.

The reason I think this might be the year is because I believe we have a short window with our QB. Also our coaching staff may not be geared for the long haul either. So if you think you're a 14 to 17 sack guy short of a chance to get to the super bowl then now is as good a time as any.
 

Forum statistics

Threads
551,426
Posts
5,387,055
Members
6,310
Latest member
sundevils78
Top