Cards' Draft Priorities 2008

[Cards Czar]

Here are some higlights of Garcon doing a 1handed catch and a punt return for a TD.

Punt return.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=vvzTkNIVEj0&feature=related

1 handed catch.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=ah81R4pIYEI

 

[artp]

We can count on a lot of positions improving by players returning from injury or gaining experience: DE, DB-S, OL, TE, QB. We cannot say this about RB and CB. These positions have to be improved in this draft. We need immediate contributors at these positions.

 

[b8rtm8nn]

They did see Peterson, but they also saw how great of an Oline Minny has and how good his backup did as well. Teams will take much more stock in the UDFA success then Petersons going for better OLines before anything else. This is a league that doesnt like to pay their RB's and changes starting RB's more so then any other position. All you have to do is look at the franchise tender amounts for each position and the RB position is one of the lowest tenders.

Hmm, please stop using logic and backing it up with numbers.

 

[1DS]

Mitch, another well written and well thought out piece. I have to admit, that draft would have me very excited. Call it the "all sexy" Cardinals draft. I love the idea of adding some serious speed to the offense. Although, we would be counting on our first to draft picks to deliver from day one. If they can become threats, our offense would be scary good.

I have been on and off of the Felix Jones wagon. Watching him in college, I fell in love with his game. He's tough for a player his size. He has big play potential and often bounced off of would be tacklers. After the season, I got caught up too much in the nitpicking. Is he big enough? Is he an every down RB? After all of it, I have decided this. The kid is a heck of a football player and with the right coaches (which I believe we have), he will be a very productive player. I think Felix Jones has the ability to be what Reggie Bush was touted as, which is Brian Westbrook, only better.

Add a game breaking deep threat WR and look out.

The only thing I don't like, is you don't have us taking a LB anywhere in this mock. I believe it's one of our greatest needs and we need to draft one somewhere. We are dangerously thin there.

Overall, a fantastic mock. Probably the most exciting one I have seen yet.

 

[WildBB]

Here is mine.

1. R.Mendenhall RB Ill 5-11 225, 4.45 -40, B 26.
This will be Edge's last year and Mendenhall can help share the load and take over next year. Next years RB class is a C due to all the Juniors comming out this year.

2. T. Thomas CB USC, 6.0, 200, 4.46 -40,B 20. Good player who can play the nickle back and can play FS if need be. He is a leader in the locker room and has good upside.

3. H. Benedict OT/OG, 6-5.5 320, 5.03 -40. b 35. Can really help this team in depth or just might take Wells spot. Big Mean and Nasty player that Grimm Loves. Benedict plays with a low base and is quick in is feet. The only thing he needs to work on his his foot placement and that is coachable.

4. K. Langford DE Hampton, 6-5 290, 4.97 -40. He is a big body that can stop the run and is quick to the QB in passing plays. He has alot of upside and he is a good pick here.

5. G. Guyton OLB G. Tech, 6-1 245, 4.47 -40. Gary can flat out run side to side.

6. T. Johnson FS Ark ST., 6.0 207, 4.47 -40, B 27, V 32.

7. Pierre Garcon WR Mt Union, 5-11 210, 4.48 -40, B 20, V 35.5. My Sleeper pick of the draft. He reminds me of Q with more speed. He catches everthing in site with his velcro hands. Tought as nails and is a good blocker.

That's a good draft. Especially with Mendenhall at the top. I really hope they don't blow that opportunity.

Benedict is a RT mauler type. We have one of those. Pass protecting isn't his strong suit on the outside. Maybe at LG?

Here's my sleeper in the 3rd. He's moving up the charts so we'll need to take him or the S. Fla. kid or Wheatley from Colorado. We take a speed WR in the 2nd. Avery. So that part a agree with Mitch. Not Jones however.

http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/profile.php?pyid=73849

 

[JC_AZ]

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/...-2008_NFL_Mock_Draft_Arizona_Cardinals-010308

Bleacher Report Mock Draft - CB Mike Jenkins - South Florida

 

[DaisyCutter]

OMG, if we take two offensive players in the first two rounds, I'm going to be really disappointed in this draft.

When the Steelers won the Super Bowl, they didn't have a burner in the slot. Whis knows this.

The Cards' offense was 12th in the NFL. 7th in scoring.

The Cards' defense was 17th in the NFL. 27th in scoring.

Why don't we staunch the bleeding where the Cards are actually, bad? Like in stopping the other guys from finding the end zone over and over again.

 

[dreamcastrocks]

OMG, if we take two offensive players in the first two rounds, I'm going to be really disappointed in this draft.

When the Steelers won the Super Bowl, they didn't have a burner in the slot. Whis knows this.

The Cards' offense was 12th in the NFL. 7th in scoring.

The Cards' defense was 17th in the NFL. 27th in scoring.

Why don't we staunch the bleeding where the Cards are actually, bad? Like in stopping the other guys from finding the end zone over and over again.

Agreed. WR shouldn't be adressed until the second day. Period.

I don't mind drafting a RB in the first round, but if we do, our 2nd and 3rd picks need to be CB/DE/LB

 

[MadCardDisease]

1. The team must add speed. The offense is slow...painfully slow at times. The Cards need a couple of burners, which is why adding two players like RB Felix Jones (Arkansas) and/or WR Donny Avery (Houston) with one or both of their first two picks would be a boon.

The rationale against taking RB Felix Jones at #16 is that he isn't what scouts would call an "every down back." My rebuttal to that is that (a) today every team needs a two back rotation; (b) Whiz could be creative in how he uses Jones to put maximum pressure on the opposing defense, by lining him up in a variety of spots (backfield, slot, wideout); (c) what he would provide on special teams would likey be uniquely special.

The rationale against tabbing a WR in round two is that the team has greater needs...and to an extent I agree with this. However, what a speed WR could do for the Cards' offense is beyong anyone's comprehension right now because we haven't seen what the difference would be. The Cards' speed option the past 5 years has been Bryant Johnson. But, as Harry so aptly noted in his WR article, Johnson didn't play fast and when he did manage to slip behind coverage, he had significant difficulty locating and catching the ball.

In my opinion, if the Cardinals had a bona fide deep threat to occupy on of the safeties, this offense would be just about unstoppable because of what Boldin, Fitz, Pope, Patrick, etc. could do underneath the safeties.

2. Adding both an offensive and a defensive tackle. Assuming that Mike Gandy will remain the starting left tackle this year, the Cards need to groom a replacement for 2009. Currently, the only other young tackle on the roster, other than last year's 1st Round pick, Levi Brown, is Elliot Vallejo. Now, Vallejo is a very interesting prospect because of his bounce, good feet and athleticism. However, he's not a mauler, nor does it look like he's the type of player who ever will be. Therefore, in Whiz's smashmouth schemes, Vallejo doesn't look like a fit. Thus, in the third or fourth round, it's quite possible the Cards will tab a tackle such as Kirk Barton (Ohio St.), Barry Richardson (Clemson), John Greco (Toledo) or one of the draft's small school sleepers Heath Benedict (Newberry).

The defensive tackle (called 3-4 DE in our system) situation is currently precarious, as there are no players signed to back up starters Darnell Dockett and Antonio Smith (headed into a contract year, to boot). While it would not be surprising, once the Cardinals somehow manage to find a way to get out of salary cap jail, that the Cards re-sign Rodney Bailey and possibly Chris Cooper, drafting a 3-4 type DE would be advisable. The guy to keep an eye on is Jason Jones (Eastern Michigan)...who, at 6-5, 270, could give the Cards interesting inside/outside versatility.

3. A #3 CB...nickel back. As I have stated in other posts, I am hoping the Cards sign UFA CB William James (Eagles)...but drafting a DB is a necessity whether the team as a free agent DB or not. The question is: with such a deep DB class, will the Cardinals act fast and grab one of the top CBs (Cason, Talin, McKelvin, Rodgers-Cromartie) at #16, thus bypassing the good RBs? Or will the Cards decide on a CB (Tribble, Lowery, King, Castille, Flowers) at #50?

The tantalizing choice at #50 may be between one of the aforementioned CBs...or a 3-4 DE type like Trevor Laws...or a WR like Donny Avery.

If the Cardinals choose to wait on a CB...a couple of players come to mind: Charles Godfrey (Iowa), Terrence Wheatley (Colorado) Chevis Jackson (LSU), and Trae Williams (South Florida).

If they choose to wait and draft a safety...look for Jamie Silva (Boston College), Marcus Watts (Kansas St.), Quintin Demps (UTEP), Marty Tadman (Boise St.), Jamar Adams (Michigan) or Darien Williams (Oklahoma).

So...using the preceding criteria, here are the picks:

1. RB Felix Jones, Arkansas.

2. WR Donny Avery, Houston

3. DE Jason Jones, Eastern Michigan

4. T Kirk Barton, Ohio St.

5. CB Terence Wheatley, Colorado

6. FS Marty Tadman, Boise St.

7. LB Ben Moffit, South Florida

I pretty much agree. I think we need to add depth to the OL and DL and add speed to the skill positions. However I would go after the linemen first and add the speed afterwards.





1. Calias Campbell - DE - Miami

Should eventually start over A. Smith within a couple of games. Also remember that Smith will be a FA after this year.​

2. Chad Rinehart - OT - Northern Iowa

Won't start right away but will have the opportunity to learn under Grimm. Had an awesome Senior Bowl week where he showed great improvement over the week.​

3. Eddie Royal - WR - Va. Tech.

Might be a bit small but is explosive with great hands. Finally we have the deep threat that we have always wanted. He is another guy who just plain stood out during Senior Bowl week.​

4. Anthony Aldridge - RB - Houston

More speed on offense. Whiz finally has his homerun back that is a perfect change of pace from Edge.​

5. Gary Guyton - LB - Georgia Tech

Smart and physical. I think he is a steal right here.​

6. Alex Brink - QB - Wash St

We all saw what happened with only 2 QBs on the roster last year. This year we start to develop Warner's replacement for a couple years down the road.​

7. Charles Godfrey - CB - Iowa

A late round project. Has all the physical tools. Just needs time to develop them.​

 

[WildBB]

I pretty much agree. I think we need to add depth to the OL and DL and add speed to the skill positions. However I would go after the linemen first and add the speed afterwards.





1. Calias Campbell - DE - Miami

Should eventually start over A. Smith within a couple of games. Also remember that Smith will be a FA after this year.​

2. Chad Rinehart - OT - Northern Iowa

Won't start right away but will have the opportunity to learn under Grimm. Had an awesome Senior Bowl week where he showed great improvement over the week.​

3. Eddie Royal - WR - Va. Tech.

Might be a bit small but is explosive with great hands. Finally we have the deep threat that we have always wanted. He is another guy who just plain stood out during Senior Bowl week.​

4. Anthony Aldridge - RB - Houston

More speed on offense. Whiz finally has his homerun back that is a perfect change of pace from Edge.​

5. Gary Guyton - LB - Georgia Tech

Smart and physical. I think he is a steal right here.​

6. Alex Brink - QB - Wash St

We all saw what happened with only 2 QBs on the roster last year. This year we start to develop Warner's replacement for a couple years down the road.​

7. Charles Godfrey - CB - Iowa

A late round project. Has all the physical tools. Just needs time to develop them.​

1. Campbell has tools but he''s a reach at 16. Speaking of Smith being FA next year, why doesn't the org. be forward thinking and sign him this year to an extention instead of it becoming a problem AGAIN.
Also with the forward thinking theme, Edge should only be the primary for one more season here. We need to go in that direction if the opportunity presents itself THIS YEAR. Draft the heir apparent. Mendenhall or Stewart.

2. Too early for that project . Draft a CB.

3. Like the Royal selection. We should look hard at DE/OLB here.Jason Jones from Eastern Mich. ,although the mock I sourced has him available in the 4th. He probobly won't last to us though. And Chris Ellis DE/OLB Va. Tech as well. Rachel OG out of USC is a good possibility here. Scheuning may also be here.

4. Aldridge. No. A DE. If not the best OL available. A Saftey that droped could be a possibility here as well. Griffen from Texas or Hefney from Tennessee. Tre Williams - CB S. Fla. could be here as well.

5. Guyton - OLB, OK if still avail. I like Moulden-CB out of Eastern Ky. if still available. Had a subperb combine. Strong and Fast. See if he can be coached. I like Wheatley CB from Colorado here too. Or Durant - P. Or Aldridge here.

6. Brink - QB. Why not. Or more speed here. A WR? Or a DB/S

7. Godfrey has no chance of being here. How about a QB for the practice squad. Or OT project.

I really like this mock, how it plays out. Notice where Royal sits in the 3rd round. And Rachel the OG out of USC is available as well.
http://www.drafttek.com/round32008.html

 

[Cards Czar]

I pretty much agree. I think we need to add depth to the OL and DL and add speed to the skill positions. However I would go after the linemen first and add the speed afterwards.





1. Calias Campbell - DE - Miami

Should eventually start over A. Smith within a couple of games. Also remember that Smith will be a FA after this year.​

2. Chad Rinehart - OT - Northern Iowa

Won't start right away but will have the opportunity to learn under Grimm. Had an awesome Senior Bowl week where he showed great improvement over the week.​

3. Eddie Royal - WR - Va. Tech.

Might be a bit small but is explosive with great hands. Finally we have the deep threat that we have always wanted. He is another guy who just plain stood out during Senior Bowl week.​

4. Anthony Aldridge - RB - Houston

More speed on offense. Whiz finally has his homerun back that is a perfect change of pace from Edge.​

5. Gary Guyton - LB - Georgia Tech

Smart and physical. I think he is a steal right here.​

6. Alex Brink - QB - Wash St

We all saw what happened with only 2 QBs on the roster last year. This year we start to develop Warner's replacement for a couple years down the road.​

7. Charles Godfrey - CB - Iowa

A late round project. Has all the physical tools. Just needs time to develop them.​

1. Campbell is too much of a boon or bust player and that scares me a bit.

2. Chad Reinhart in the 2nd?? He will be there in the 3-4 rounds. too Early for him.

7. If Godfrey is in the 7th round I will eat my cardinal hat. Godfrey is a late 2nd or 3rd rounder.

 

[JeffGollin]

1. CB Dominique Rogers-Cromartie or Mike Jenkins who is projected to be available at #1....

I'm really starting to zero in on Rogers-Cromartie - His All Star game production was outstanding. His Combine numbers were off the charts. He has the size to cover big receivers (with room to get bigger without losing speed). And, even in the Combine position drills, he was stepping up and leaping high to grab poorly thrown balls; indicating that he can make plays.

Right now, I'd give the inside track to the top three RB's and Cromartie if any of the four are still available at #16.

 

[cardsfanmd]

1. Campbell has tools but he''s a reach at 16.

Agree, I also dont think he is a good fit for the 3-4. Too lean/skinny-legged.

Speaking of Smith being FA next year, why doesn't the org. be forward thinking and sign him this year to an extention instead of it becoming a problem AGAIN.

Because this way Graves can blame it on Dansby next year when we aren't able to resign our guys or bring in good FAs.

 

[perivolaki]

I have really come to a few conclusions (totally speculative, admittedly) on the Cards draft:

I get the impression that they have just decided that they arent taking a RB in round 1. The stuff from Urban and Somers both say a RB will be taken, but probably not in the first round (followed by all sorts of stuff on how lots of backs are found later in the draft). I think this a function of the Graves need based approach where if it isnt a critical need, a first round pick wont be used. Also, I think they have concluded that while he isnt perfect, they need Edge next year. I think they are also wary of the locker room disruption Edge might cause if a round 1 back is picked.

It might be a function of need but there are a some teams that just believe that it is a poor decision to take a Running Back in the 1st round.

I know Parcells has said he won't take a RB with a 1st round pick because it is strictly a risk/reward type situation. Running Backs have a shorter career so you waist a 1st rounder on a player that statistically won't be around in a few years because of injury.

The rational is that it is better to take an offensive tackle, cornerback or quarterback with your 1st rounder because they will more likely play 10+ years in the league.

It all about potential return on investment. A 1st round player is a huge huge investment and it only makes sense to take a player with more long term potential than a player that might have 2-4 good seasons and then is out of the league.

I don't always agree with that line of thinking but it is a philosophy that several NFL teams follow.

 

[Totally_Red]

I wouldn't take Jones in the 1st. If you want to use a 1st rounder on a RB it has to be one of the big 3. I still think the number one priority in round 1 should be fix our pass defense. I'd rather get a DE or OLB that can get after the passer over a CB. With pressure our CBs are decent (Green) and very good (Hood). Unless you are convinced that one of the CBs available in the first is a Deion, or Bailey type lockdown corner, go with the pass rusher. I'd still like to get a DE in FA, and then draft a DE and OLB, get the pass rush fixed.

Go RB or CB in the 2nd, OT or whichever you didn't get in 2nd in the 3rd, and of course our punter in the 5th.

If by some chance McFadden, Mendenhall and Stewart are all gone by #16, I'd take a CB or OT. Jones at #16 is a bit of a reach IMO.

 

[cardsfanmd]

If by some chance McFadden, Mendenhall and Stewart are all gone by #16, I'd take a CB or OT. Jones at #16 is a bit of a reach IMO.

I like Clady, but he will be gone. If we are gonna go O-line @ #16 my vote is for Branden Albert OG.

 

[Cbus cardsfan]

Calais Campbell may be around in the second round. HIs stock is in free fall after running slower than expected times, lacking explosiveness, 2 bad workouts, and a ho-hum season.

 

[joeshmo]

Calais Campbell may be around in the second round. HIs stock is in free fall after running slower than expected times, lacking explosiveness, 2 bad workouts, and a ho-hum season.

Could be this years Moses. Although not as far as the 3rd round.

 

[MadCardDisease]

Calais Campbell may be around in the second round. HIs stock is in free fall after running slower than expected times, lacking explosiveness, 2 bad workouts, and a ho-hum season.

True I hadn't seen the report from his lackluster pro day performance. Definitely sliding at this point.

 

[Doc Cardinal]

It does look like Campbell may be sliding out of the first round. As far as DE/OLB types (since we signed Laboy) I like Cliff Avril from Purdue in Round 2.

 

[Skkorpion]

Totally-red, I dislike that much-used "he's a reach" claim about any player.

It's usually based on the well-proven fallacy that since a group of self-appointed experts group-think a certain player should be drafted later in the draft, it would be a terrible mistake to draft him sooner.

No criticism intended to you. I believe if a good GM sees a player he likes, he gets him. End of story. Screw the herd mentality.

 

[SECTION 11]

We need speed speed speed.

 

[Savage58]

I like Clady, but he will be gone. If we are gonna go O-line @ #16 my vote is for Branden Albert OG.

I haven't seen Albert play that much, what is his game all about? I've heard he has great balance and power and can possibly play the LT position in the NFL. ATM I like Jeff Otah to Albert, but either one would be welcome on this OL imo, we need to solidify this part of our team, it helps "Everyone" espescially Matt Leinart, via the protection/running game.

Count me in for drafting Offensive Line in the first if Otah is there but I think he's going top 13

 

[john h]

1. The team must add speed. The offense is slow...painfully slow at times. The Cards need a couple of burners, which is why adding two players like RB Felix Jones (Arkansas) and/or WR Donny Avery (Houston) with one or both of their first two picks would be a boon.

The rationale against taking RB Felix Jones at #16 is that he isn't what scouts would call an "every down back." My rebuttal to that is that (a) today every team needs a two back rotation; (b) Whiz could be creative in how he uses Jones to put maximum pressure on the opposing defense, by lining him up in a variety of spots (backfield, slot, wideout); (c) what he would provide on special teams would likey be uniquely special.

The rationale against tabbing a WR in round two is that the team has greater needs...and to an extent I agree with this. However, what a speed WR could do for the Cards' offense is beyong anyone's comprehension right now because we haven't seen what the difference would be. The Cards' speed option the past 5 years has been Bryant Johnson. But, as Harry so aptly noted in his WR article, Johnson didn't play fast and when he did manage to slip behind coverage, he had significant difficulty locating and catching the ball.

In my opinion, if the Cardinals had a bona fide deep threat to occupy on of the safeties, this offense would be just about unstoppable because of what Boldin, Fitz, Pope, Patrick, etc. could do underneath the safeties.

2. Adding both an offensive and a defensive tackle. Assuming that Mike Gandy will remain the starting left tackle this year, the Cards need to groom a replacement for 2009. Currently, the only other young tackle on the roster, other than last year's 1st Round pick, Levi Brown, is Elliot Vallejo. Now, Vallejo is a very interesting prospect because of his bounce, good feet and athleticism. However, he's not a mauler, nor does it look like he's the type of player who ever will be. Therefore, in Whiz's smashmouth schemes, Vallejo doesn't look like a fit. Thus, in the third or fourth round, it's quite possible the Cards will tab a tackle such as Kirk Barton (Ohio St.), Barry Richardson (Clemson), John Greco (Toledo) or one of the draft's small school sleepers Heath Benedict (Newberry).

The defensive tackle (called 3-4 DE in our system) situation is currently precarious, as there are no players signed to back up starters Darnell Dockett and Antonio Smith (headed into a contract year, to boot). While it would not be surprising, once the Cardinals somehow manage to find a way to get out of salary cap jail, that the Cards re-sign Rodney Bailey and possibly Chris Cooper, drafting a 3-4 type DE would be advisable. The guy to keep an eye on is Jason Jones (Eastern Michigan)...who, at 6-5, 270, could give the Cards interesting inside/outside versatility.

3. A #3 CB...nickel back. As I have stated in other posts, I am hoping the Cards sign UFA CB William James (Eagles)...but drafting a DB is a necessity whether the team as a free agent DB or not. The question is: with such a deep DB class, will the Cardinals act fast and grab one of the top CBs (Cason, Talin, McKelvin, Rodgers-Cromartie) at #16, thus bypassing the good RBs? Or will the Cards decide on a CB (Tribble, Lowery, King, Castille, Flowers) at #50?

The tantalizing choice at #50 may be between one of the aforementioned CBs...or a 3-4 DE type like Trevor Laws...or a WR like Donny Avery.

If the Cardinals choose to wait on a CB...a couple of players come to mind: Charles Godfrey (Iowa), Terrence Wheatley (Colorado) Chevis Jackson (LSU), and Trae Williams (South Florida).

If they choose to wait and draft a safety...look for Jamie Silva (Boston College), Marcus Watts (Kansas St.), Quintin Demps (UTEP), Marty Tadman (Boise St.), Jamar Adams (Michigan) or Darien Williams (Oklahoma).

So...using the preceding criteria, here are the picks:

1. RB Felix Jones, Arkansas.

2. WR Donny Avery, Houston

3. DE Jason Jones, Eastern Michigan

4. T Kirk Barton, Ohio St.

5. CB Terence Wheatley, Colorado

6. FS Marty Tadman, Boise St.

7. LB Ben Moffit, South Florida

I think I saw Kiper had Jones as about the 16th best player. He still has McFadden as the best player in the draft.