Cards 4th Round Pick 103 Alex Okafor

[Chris_Sanders]

Such a great pick. Would have been happy with him in Round 2.

 

[CardsSunsDbacks]

NFL.com has him graded at 85.2. Talk about value in the 4th round.

 

[Chris_Sanders]

USA Today had him as a 1st rounder.

Here is Scouts Inc's take:

Production

3

2009: (14/0)  18-2.5-1 2010: (12/8)  27-3.5-3.52011: (13/13)  52-12.5-6 2012: (13/12)  61-16.5-12.5 Career: 7 FF, 4 PBU and 1 blocked kick



Height-Weight-Speed

3

Possesses above-average height and prototypical bulk. Arm length is average (33.7) and hands are on the smaller side (9.5). Estimated top-end speed is up to par and reportedly ran in the high 4.8s at Pro Day.



Durability

1

Sustained hip injury at Senior Bowl and unable to work out at the Combine.



Intangibles

2

Accountable and handles his responsibilities. Above-average student has been on the UT's Directors Honor Roll on multiple occasions throughout his career. Active in community service.


1 = Exceptional2 = Above average3 = Average4 = Below average5 = Marginal


Defensive End Specific Traits




Pass Rush Skills

2

Possesses average-to-slightly above-average first step quickness but may struggle to consistently turn the corner with speed at the next level. Inconsistent initial get off and comes off the ball with too high of pad level at times (See Oklahoma 2012). Flashes ability to convert speed-to-power to knock offensive tackles off balance and flashes an outside-in change up move. Does not have great torso flexibility though. Uses long arms well to execute an outside swim or rip move. Flashes quick hands but needs to learn to be more concise and compact in combat. Also still developing as a counter puncher once initially engaged.



Versus the run

3

Flashes in this area but too inconsistent setting the edge at this point. Needs to learn to fire off with more consistency and play with better pad level at times. When playing with leverage he shows ability to set the edge and can get an initial surge to knock blockers back into the backfield on occasion. Flashes a strong punch. However, needs to be more consistent with hands in combat and can be a split second too late disengaging at times. Displays adequate lateral ability and flashes ability to redirect and fall back into play. Instincts are adequate but can continue to improve.



Versatility

3

Has experience playing in a two point stance and dropping into coverage. Can spot drop but has just average athleticism as a space player if used as a 3-4 OLB. Best fit appears to be at LDE for a 4-3 scheme.



Instincts/Motor

4

When he wants to be he shows flashes of a very good impact player. However motor runs hot and cold too often. Gave a rather lack luster effort vs. Oklahoma in 2012 which is a bit of head scratcher in such a big game against a rival. Needs to show a more consistent effort chasing in pursuit. Will give second effort as a pass rusher on occasion and did show a few effort sacks throughout film study.


1 = Exceptional 2 = Above average 3 = Average 4 = Below average 5 = Marginal

 

[joeshmo]

WOOT!

Can go so many different directions the next pic now.

 

[TigToad]

I actually cheered out loud. I like this pick.

 

[Jetstream Green]

1st round talent

 

[coyoteshockeyfan]

Which begs the question, why'd he drop?

 

[GuernseyCard]

Loving this draft!

 

[Chris_Sanders]

Which begs the question, why'd he drop?

This is why:

Instincts/Motor

4

When he wants to be he shows flashes of a very good impact player. However motor runs hot and cold too often. Gave a rather lack luster effort vs. Oklahoma in 2012 which is a bit of head scratcher in such a big game against a rival. Needs to show a more consistent effort chasing in pursuit. Will give second effort as a pass rusher on occasion and did show a few effort sacks throughout film study.

 

[PDXChris]

Love it. We have 4 guys that can come in and make some sort of impact on day 1.

 

[seesred]

He is a winner pick! I wanted him in round two.

GBR
40

 

[Shane]

fan freaking tastic

 

[desertdawg]

I finally got one of the picks right this year, I was just 2 rounds off.

 

[Chopper0080]

Nice pick

 

[Stout]

Hang on with all the love. I don't know the prospect, so understand, I am NOT judging. One important question: Is he the slotted on Acho's side or on Schofield's side? I'm not asking for opinions or blind optimism--I'm asking for actual football knowledge of what position he can play. IF he CAN play (not 'I hope' or 'golly gee, I'm sure' he can play) as the main pass-rushing OLB, then it's a hell of a pick. If not, it's a luxury pick and little else.

 

[GuernseyCard]

Hang on with all the love. I don't know the prospect, so understand, I am NOT judging. One important question: Is he the slotted on Acho's side or on Schofield's side? I'm not asking for opinions or blind optimism--I'm asking for actual football knowledge of what position he can play. IF he CAN play (not 'I hope' or 'golly gee, I'm sure' he can play) as the main pass-rushing OLB, then it's a hell of a pick. If not, it's a luxury pick and little else.

Everything I've read projects him to the left, Schofield's side, and has strength against the run like Acho. Allows them to use Scho as a pass rush specialist.

 

[Cbus cardsfan]

I'm just not feeling it. I would rather the Cards went in another direction.

 

[Duckjake]

I'm just not feeling it. I would rather the Cards went in another direction.

Someday you have to get over that Fiesta Bowl defeat. 16 seconds!

 

[kerouac9]

I'm so thrilled. My second-favorite non-first round rush linebacker after DaMonster.

 

[Cbus cardsfan]

Someday you have to get over that Fiesta Bowl defeat. 16 seconds!

Give me Jordan Hicks any day.

 

[Duckjake]

Give me Jordan Hicks any day.

Next year. He'll beat out Minton.

Acho, Okafor, Hicks, Washington. Now there's a stud LB group.

 

[overseascardfan]

This is why:

Instincts/Motor

4

When he wants to be he shows flashes of a very good impact player. However motor runs hot and cold too often. Gave a rather lack luster effort vs. Oklahoma in 2012 which is a bit of head scratcher in such a big game against a rival. Needs to show a more consistent effort chasing in pursuit. Will give second effort as a pass rusher on occasion and did show a few effort sacks throughout film study.

This is exactly what McShay & Kiper mentioned when reviewing the pick. They made it seem like he was going to play DE and replace DD but I say like him up at SOLB and Acho at WOLB. Reminds me of Orakpo in terms of production in college and measurables.

 

[Jetstream Green]

Next year. He'll beat out Minton.

Acho, Okafor, Hicks, Washington. Now there's a stud LB group.

You want me to add you to my preorder of a Hicks jersey in Cardinal red

 

[Snakester]

Love this pick. I would have taken him in the second round. A steal in the fourth.

 

[Duckjake]

You want me to add you to my preorder of a Hicks jersey in Cardinal red

No I'm getting an Achokafor Jersey.