Catfish
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Whereas so many posters are lamenting what the Cards missed out on with the 2014 draft, I choose to look at what they accomplished instead. Most would do well to consider this. Keep in mind that Michael Bidwill and BASK formed their plan LAST year and this draft put the finishing touches on what was needed to win now.
Admittedly, not all went right for the Cards in this draft, but BASK did stay true to their board, but still SK was agile enough to gain a much needed extra 3rd round pick. Now let's look at what they did accomplish.
1. With DEONE BUCANNON, they did take the perfect SS to round-out our secondary of PP, Cromartie, and Honey Badger. He has the speed, length, strength, and athleticism to be 'the guy' without a doubt. His 114 tackles last year, matched with 6 interceptions, 3 forced fumbles, and 2 fumble recoveries round out the measurables.
So far a intangibles are concerned, he comes from a military family, and has the character, perseverance, passion, and the decision making ability to match his measurables.
This could become one of the best secondaries in the entire NFL.
2. TROY NIKLAS, TE: At 6-6, 270 lbs. he earned the nickname 'Hercules' at Notre Dame. Mike Mayock says that he "should become the best blocking TE in the NFL if he wants to". He is the perfect addition to fit BA's penchant for wanting blocking TE's who can catch. He completes the rebuild of this unit, having brought in John Carlson and Jake Ballard to accompany pass-catcher Rob Housler. We now have the additional short-yardage blockers, and the red-zone threats that we have been lacking on this unit. This a far cry from what our usual TE package has consisted of.
3a. KAREEM MARTIN, DE: 6-6, 272 lbs. This athletic, former hurdler/high jumper, led ALL down linemen at the combine in speed, (4.68 forty); broad jump, (10 feet 9 inches); and vertical jump, (35 and a half inches). A back-up to Callais Campbell, he has the room to grow and gain strength. The staff believes that he can even play standing up at OLB, and Todd Bowles has visions of using him all over the line and the edge to scheme.
3b. JOHN BROWN, WR: With his 4.34 forty time, (2nd at the combine), he provides the speed receiver that BA covets. In addition, he is fearless up the middle, and should become our KR/PR, thus relieving PP of his extra duties. Ted Ginn should relieve PP of his offensive duties freeing him to concentrate on becoming the best shutdown corner in the league. He had 185 receptions for 45 TD's in 34 games in college. He was a three time team captain. He played for Division II, Pittsburgh State, Ks. (a very good program that has at least one national championship).
4. LOGAN THOMAS, QB: 6-6, 250 lbs. 4.61 forty. Everyone knows of his shortcomings and inaccuracy. Consider what he brings to BA's penchant for situational football. With the rule change that allows 46 players to suit up instead of 45, he can become the running QB (who is a threat to pass), for wildcat and short yardage situations that we have so far lacked. He can do this right away, (while learning to become our QBOF). Check out some video on his running ability and strength. If that doesn't make you salivate, you need to check for a pulse.
5. ED STINSON, DE: The 'Bama' guy who played injured all year with a nagging groin after having surgery for it early in 2013. Mayock had him rated as a third round pick. He is powerful, and explosive through the hips, allowing him to chase laterally. A strong tackler. Should be a good back-up to Darnel Dockett.
6. WALT POWELL, WR: Another smallish speed receiver, (4.45 forty), that BA covets. He gets straight up-field and makes guys miss.
Overall, BASK added great situational threats to this offense, while adding great depth to this roster. Each selection is a great fit for this team. Based on last year's success, if these selections match those, this could be the year that the Cards win the NFC West.
Admittedly, not all went right for the Cards in this draft, but BASK did stay true to their board, but still SK was agile enough to gain a much needed extra 3rd round pick. Now let's look at what they did accomplish.
1. With DEONE BUCANNON, they did take the perfect SS to round-out our secondary of PP, Cromartie, and Honey Badger. He has the speed, length, strength, and athleticism to be 'the guy' without a doubt. His 114 tackles last year, matched with 6 interceptions, 3 forced fumbles, and 2 fumble recoveries round out the measurables.
So far a intangibles are concerned, he comes from a military family, and has the character, perseverance, passion, and the decision making ability to match his measurables.
This could become one of the best secondaries in the entire NFL.
2. TROY NIKLAS, TE: At 6-6, 270 lbs. he earned the nickname 'Hercules' at Notre Dame. Mike Mayock says that he "should become the best blocking TE in the NFL if he wants to". He is the perfect addition to fit BA's penchant for wanting blocking TE's who can catch. He completes the rebuild of this unit, having brought in John Carlson and Jake Ballard to accompany pass-catcher Rob Housler. We now have the additional short-yardage blockers, and the red-zone threats that we have been lacking on this unit. This a far cry from what our usual TE package has consisted of.
3a. KAREEM MARTIN, DE: 6-6, 272 lbs. This athletic, former hurdler/high jumper, led ALL down linemen at the combine in speed, (4.68 forty); broad jump, (10 feet 9 inches); and vertical jump, (35 and a half inches). A back-up to Callais Campbell, he has the room to grow and gain strength. The staff believes that he can even play standing up at OLB, and Todd Bowles has visions of using him all over the line and the edge to scheme.
3b. JOHN BROWN, WR: With his 4.34 forty time, (2nd at the combine), he provides the speed receiver that BA covets. In addition, he is fearless up the middle, and should become our KR/PR, thus relieving PP of his extra duties. Ted Ginn should relieve PP of his offensive duties freeing him to concentrate on becoming the best shutdown corner in the league. He had 185 receptions for 45 TD's in 34 games in college. He was a three time team captain. He played for Division II, Pittsburgh State, Ks. (a very good program that has at least one national championship).
4. LOGAN THOMAS, QB: 6-6, 250 lbs. 4.61 forty. Everyone knows of his shortcomings and inaccuracy. Consider what he brings to BA's penchant for situational football. With the rule change that allows 46 players to suit up instead of 45, he can become the running QB (who is a threat to pass), for wildcat and short yardage situations that we have so far lacked. He can do this right away, (while learning to become our QBOF). Check out some video on his running ability and strength. If that doesn't make you salivate, you need to check for a pulse.
5. ED STINSON, DE: The 'Bama' guy who played injured all year with a nagging groin after having surgery for it early in 2013. Mayock had him rated as a third round pick. He is powerful, and explosive through the hips, allowing him to chase laterally. A strong tackler. Should be a good back-up to Darnel Dockett.
6. WALT POWELL, WR: Another smallish speed receiver, (4.45 forty), that BA covets. He gets straight up-field and makes guys miss.
Overall, BASK added great situational threats to this offense, while adding great depth to this roster. Each selection is a great fit for this team. Based on last year's success, if these selections match those, this could be the year that the Cards win the NFC West.
