Cards' Draft Priorities 2008

[Mitch]

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

 

[Cbus cardsfan]

I can see the Cards taking Jones as well. I just hope they don't take him at he expense of Menenhall. There's no doubt that Mendenhall is the better prospect. I know it's 40 times,and not true football speed, but RM ran faster at the combine and didn't look too slow running by USC's defense. We do need speed on offense but i think 50 is too high for Avery. I would consider him in round 3.

Also. Kirk Barton made himself some money yesterday. He ran 2 sub 5 second 40's at the OSU pro day and looked very good. Gholston had another off the charts workout. I'm going from memory,but i believe he ran a 4.52 and had a 42" vertical.

 

[joeshmo]

No way you get Ben Moffitt in the 7th round. huddlereport has him ranked 157 but with 1st round talent. GBN has him at 136. He may be underratted by many casual draft fans but I think he has the attention of the scouts.

I dont think you can get Wheatley in the 5th round either. Some team will get enamored with his 4.3 speed and the workout he had at the combine.

I also don't think they will pick Jones just because he is fast and versatile at the expense of drafting equally fast and explosive every down backs in Stewart or Mendenhall. I have a hard time believing that Edge and his salary will be on the team in 2009 I think they would rather look for his replacement then take a RB that will just compliment him.

 

[joeshmo]

1st round - Stewart or Mendenhall - I think i am leaning more towards Stewart because while not has fast as Mendenhall I think Stewart is more explosive which showed in his much better broad jump and vertical jump compared to Mendenhall, but wouldnt be upset with Mendenhall either.

2nd round - Has to be a CB. Green is only on a 1 year deal and after Green and Hood we have no one of note at all except for some long shot UDFA's from last year. One of Porter, Cason, or King would be nice.

3rd round - Mitch brought up a good point I never realized until he brought it up. We are woefully thin on the DL. We only have 4 of them on the roster right now, Watson, Dockett, Smith, and Branch. One of the 4 of which is only on a one year deal. Didnt realize it until now but this is a huge need. I go with DeMario Pressley - DT - North Carolina St - whom the huddlereport says can play 1 gap or 2 gap, perfect for any spot on Pitts front 3, can work in a 3-4 or a 4-3. Sounds like the perfect DL to add to our rotation that can play all 3 spots if needed in the 3-4 or any spot if needed in the 4-3 as well. Epitome of a perfect rotational DL in our hybrid 3-4 scheme.

Thats my first 3 rounds. Round 4-7 just start taking some good players for the OL, LB, DB, WR core, in what order depends on who is left and who is rated higher on their board.

 

[Gee!]

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 would throw up if it played out like this.. Sorry Mitch.. I didnt say anything bad about the players, its just the they order they were selected..

 

[Gee!]

Oh and BTW.. Just for Skkorp cuz I know he loves it....

CASON!!!

You must be registered for see images

 

[devilfan02]

I seriously wouldn't be upset if we drafted CB's with our 1st and 2nd round picks. It would never happen but we need help their BAD.

I would rather draft a CB (Cromartie preferably then Talib but both might be gone) in Rd 1 as opposed to a RB. There will be plenty of RB's to choose from at #50

 

[football karma]

The Cards scoring offense was #7, yardage offense was #12 -- and one of only two out of the top ten teams to rank there having a negative turnover margin (and a -7 one at that, Cleveland was the other at -2). Most of those yards came through the air, as the team was top 10 in almost all passing stats, but bottom 10 in almost every running stat.

The Cards defense was the mirror image of the offense. Bottom 10 in yards and scoring. Top ten rush defense, but bottom 5 in pass defense. Interestingly, finished 14th in sacks -- so while pass rush can always be better, it doesnt look like the sole reason for bad pass defense.

My conclusion:

needs are CBs, RB and O line depth. In addition, if a pass rusher is on the board that fits the system, you cant pass on those guys.

The good news is that those three areas are the strength of this draft.

 

[perivolaki]

My conclusion:

needs are CBs, RB and O line depth. In addition, if a pass rusher is on the board that fits the system, you cant pass on those guys.

The good news is that those three areas are the strength of this draft.

Couldn't agree more. This draft sets up perfectly for us. Our areas of need are the strength areas of the draft and we sit at a spot where a very good player is going to fall to us and we finally won't have to overpay for that player.

 

[overseascardfan]

With the signing of LaBoy I feel a DL can wait until Round 3.

1. CB Dominique Rogers-Cromartie or Mike Jenkins who is projected to be available at #16.

2. RB Chris Johnson - Guy is blazing fast and doubles as a receiver out of the backfield.

3. DE Jason Jones - Stats don't jump out at you as pass rusher but nice measurables.

4. CB Trae Williams - Playmaker w/ speed. A little small but reminds me of Aaron Glenn but stronger.

5. OT Kirk Barton or Barry Richardson - Either would be a great value pick here, Barton is more likely to be here than Richardson though.

6. P Durant Brooks - Not completely sold on Dirk Johnson.

7. QB - Alex Brink - Nice 3rd string prospect.

 

[football karma]

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.

Looking at the mock drafts, it just seems like 1-15 will have a big run on defensive players. So....

I really hope that Jerry Jones just falls in love with Felix Jones, and feels like he needs to trade up to get him. His #28, plus his 2nd and a 5th works on the draft trade chart.

I have no problem moving all the way down to 28 as the positions the Cards are looking at are pretty much the same value wise at 28 as 16.

28th might be the perfect spot for Cason. At #50 they could go with a Shawn Crable or Cliff Avrill. Then at #61 (from Dall), they could go Ray Rice, Kevin Smith, Jamaal Charles, etc. Follow that up with Tracy Porter in the third round, and it wraps up a pretty good need driven first half of the draft.

 

[HookemCards]

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.

 

[HookemCards]

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.

Looking at the mock drafts, it just seems like 1-15 will have a big run on defensive players. So....

I really hope that Jerry Jones just falls in love with Felix Jones, and feels like he needs to trade up to get him. His #28, plus his 2nd and a 5th works on the draft trade chart.

I have no problem moving all the way down to 28 as the positions the Cards are looking at are pretty much the same value wise at 28 as 16.

28th might be the perfect spot for Cason. At #50 they could go with a Shawn Crable or Cliff Avrill. Then at #61 (from Dall), they could go Ray Rice, Kevin Smith, Jamaal Charles, etc. Follow that up with Tracy Porter in the third round, and it wraps up a pretty good need driven first half of the draft.

Yeah, I'd be pretty happy with this draft except you could probably get Crable or Avrill later. Add best available Left OT in the 4th and Durant Brooks in the 5th and I'd be thrilled.

 

[Pariah]

Oh and BTW.. Just for Skkorp cuz I know he loves it....

CASON!!!

You must be registered for see images

If we can get Cason in the second, I'm loving the pick. If we reach for him in the first, I'm on the fence.

 

[Mitch]

1st round - Stewart or Mendenhall - I think i am leaning more towards Stewart because while not has fast as Mendenhall I think Stewart is more explosive which showed in his much better broad jump and vertical jump compared to Mendenhall, but wouldnt be upset with Mendenhall either.

2nd round - Has to be a CB. Green is only on a 1 year deal and after Green and Hood we have no one of note at all except for some long shot UDFA's from last year. One of Porter, Cason, or King would be nice.

3rd round - Mitch brought up a good point I never realized until he brought it up. We are woefully thin on the DL. We only have 4 of them on the roster right now, Watson, Dockett, Smith, and Branch. One of the 4 of which is only on a one year deal. Didnt realize it until now but this is a huge need. I go with DeMario Pressley - DT - North Carolina St - whom the huddlereport says can play 1 gap or 2 gap, perfect for any spot on Pitts front 3, can work in a 3-4 or a 4-3. Sounds like the perfect DL to add to our rotation that can play all 3 spots if needed in the 3-4 or any spot if needed in the 4-3 as well. Epitome of a perfect rotational DL in our hybrid 3-4 scheme.

Thats my first 3 rounds. Round 4-7 just start taking some good players for the OL, LB, DB, WR core, in what order depends on who is left and who is rated higher on their board.

Joe: I like your thinking here and I think you could be right on the money.

Some interesting twists: (1) What do you do if both Mendenhall and Stewart are off the board at #16?...Aaron Freeman of The Huddle Report has Mendenhall going to the Bears at #14 and Stewart to the Lions at #15 in his mock.

The Huddle Report has Wheatley ranked #135 and Moffit #157...which by my figures would suggest if the Cards wanted them they'd have to be 4th and 5th round picks respectively. Those two selections would be fine with me.

I like your pick of DeMarrio Pressley (NC St. ) in the third, but have a feeling he will be off the board late 2nd/early 3rd...which is why I had us taking Jason Jones.

If DT Trevor Laws is sitting there at #50, I think the Cards would take him...that is if they don't pull off another trade up to the beginning of Round 2.

I prefer Mendenhall to Stewart because of his extraordinary balance...but they really grade out pretty equal.

 

[DoTheDew]

If speed is so important than how does a team with Brandon Jacobs and Plaxico Burress win the superbowl?

 

[Mitch]

If speed is so important than how does a team with Brandon Jacobs and Plaxico Burress win the superbowl?

Great question. One could argue it was speed at DE and DT that won the Giants the Super Bowl.

 

[asuhoopnut]

If speed is so important than how does a team with Brandon Jacobs and Plaxico Burress win the superbowl?

Don't forget about speedy/quick Ahmad Bradshaw. He was a great replacement for Tiki Barber, especially during the second half of the season and the playoffs.

 

[Cards Czar]

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.

 

[joeshmo]

Some interesting twists: (1) What do you do if both Mendenhall and Stewart are off the board at #16?...Aaron Freeman of The Huddle Report has Mendenhall going to the Bears at #14 and Stewart to the Lions at #15 in his mock.

If all 3 go before we select I think that means a top CB might be there, maybe Harvey, Maybe even Connor considering they were willing to let a smaller sized Chillar compete with Okeafer for his OLB spot.

Dont think the Bears will take another 1st round RB after Benson especially with needs at QB, WR, OL, DT, and Safety. I think they go with defense to get back above the average mark, because their D was worse then ours in yards and is only just average in points. Lovie goes D here, maybe Kenny Phillips or a DT to replace Tank Johnson whom they missed badly last year.

Lions could go RB but they have much bigger needs at LB, CB, and maybe even OL. If Connor, Rivers, or one of the top CB's are sitting there I think they would pick them instead.

Remember the league is a copy cat league and teams saw what the udfa RB's did this year for the Giants and the Packers and a few others. That combined with the seemingly high amount of talented RB's I think teams with a need at LB, DT, or S will pick one of those first considering those positions are not that deep.

 

[b8rtm8nn]

Remember the league is a copy cat league and teams saw what the udfa RB's did this year for the Giants and the Packers and a few others. That combined with the seemingly high amount of talented RB's I think teams with a need at LB, DT, or S will pick one of those first considering those positions are not that deep.

And I think they also saw the impact of Peterson for the Vikings, so I think the top 3 go by fast and then it slows down drastically. Fortunately, I think the logic on the board will match the logic of our draft and if a stellar RB or CB is there, we take them. BPA on either line is likely the next option.

 

[Chopper0080]

Mine is a little off the map but I stand that this would be best for our organization down the road.

1-Branden Albert-OG/OT-Much like the 49ers did last year, we can get a future LT or LG without spending a top 10 pick. Albert's versatility, power and athleticsm are all top 5 and better than Jake Longs. What Albert needs is time to develop which we can give him backing up Wells and Gandy. Also, we could probably trade down and still get him though we would need to stay in front of Pittsburgh. Albert shores up our offensive line this year and for years to come.

2-Quentin Groves-OLB/DE-In my opinion he is difference maker from day 1 but he might not be here when we pick. Groves would give us a young pass rusher behind Berry and Okeafer and insure that we keep our OLB's all fresh. Say what you want about our CB's, our problem is getting to the QB.

3-Tashard Choice-RB-It is tempting to say Jamaal Charles but I see him as a very similar back to JJ Arrington and believe that Choice is a better player. A true sledge hammer, Choice ensures that we convert on 3rd and shorts and inside the red zone. James doesn't have this kind of power, and I can't think of the last time we had a punishing back like this.

4-Jason Jones-DE-With the emphasis on speed rushers, I can see where Jones might drop. We are very limited in our depth at DE though I hope we can add a guy like Kimo in free agency which would make the addition of Jones cream on top of the cake. A lunch pail guy Jones should be able to give up depth and develop another young player ala Antonio Smith.

From here i am a bit out of my element. I believe that we need a QB, CB, MLB, WR still and don't have the draft picks to get all these filled. I would emphasize MLB and CB due to lack of depth and future openings but we have to get players that fit our scheme.

 

[lobo]

I prefer Mendenhall to Stewart because of his extraordinary balance...but they really grade out pretty equal.[/quote]


It is easy to criticize someone elses ideas so I won't but give you a hip hip horray for a very rational set of picks well founded.

 

[Doc Cardinal]

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.

Probably the best mock I've seen so far. I like the positions picked as much as the players, for example getting Stewart or F. Jones or Mendehall would make me happy. A CB at two is also nice and your guy Thomas or Tracy Porter of Indiana would suffice. Their seems to be some decent OL's that you can get after round 3, guys like Mike McGlynn of Pitt and Kirk Barton of Ohio State in maybe round 4. Since we signed Laboy, I'd rather go with someone who can play both OLB and rush the passer in round 3, guys like Bruce Davis of UCLA and Cliff Avril of Purdue. At free safety I like Gafney of Tennesse, but he may be gone by round 4, so maybe we could look at guys like Quentin Demps of UTEP and D.J. Parker of Va.Tech. Your best pick is Garcon of Mt. Union and if he's gone in the later rounds maybe Kevin Robinson of Utah State, Dexter Jackson of Appalachian State, and even 6'4"-225 Jabari Arthur of Akron. Two day two linebackers that I like are Bryan Kehl of BYU and Larry Grant of Ohio state.

 

[joeshmo]

And I think they also saw the impact of Peterson for the Vikings, so I think the top 3 go by fast and then it slows down drastically. Fortunately, I think the logic on the board will match the logic of our draft and if a stellar RB or CB is there, we take them. BPA on either line is likely the next option.

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.