Chris Jones, DT, Mississippi St.

[Mitch]

My prediction is, Chris Jones, DT, Mississippi St. is the Cardinals' Plan A at #29.

Reasons:

* Calais Campbell and Frostee Rucker, 2 of the top 4 rotation DEs are in the final year of their contracts.

* The Cardinals have been searching for an inside pass rusher, and while Jones only had 2.5 sacks, he ranked #1 by PFF in NCAA pass rushing tackles because of all the disruption and the hurries he caused.

* He has the length (6-5), size (308) and quick feet the Cardinals want inside.

* His flashes on tape are as good as any DT in this class, as is his upside.

* Very good run stuffer---very good power.

* Can power and spin rush from the edge in addition to rushing from inside.

* The Cardinals would be "keeping up with the Joneses" in adding DE Chandler Jones and DT Chris Jones.

Concerns:

* Got tired in games and rested on some plays---which is common for DTs who rush 35-45 times a game.

* Had the driving with a suspended license incident a few weeks ago.

* Needs to finish his tackles on QBs as some slipped away from him.

* is his talent stronger than his work ethic?

Plan B: DE Noah Spence---adding him would allow them to rush Chandler Jones at times from the inside in passing situations.

Plan C: DT Robert Nkemdiche---for all the reasons the Cardinals want in improving the inside rush.

Plan D: DT Vernon Butler---same.

The Cardinals are serious about improving their pass rush and this year's draft is unusually strong early on in pass rushers---so they have the opportunity to take advantage. It would be too ironic for the Cardinals to pass on drafting a pass rusher when finally the pool will allow them as unusual opportunity to.

Do I agree with this plan? Boo Yeah!:new cards:

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[bg7brd]

I think Noah Spence is going to go higher than most project.

 

[WildBB]

I'm with you Walter. Go with the big guys!

 

[PJ1]

I think Noah Spence is going to go higher than most project.

Agreed. Lots of noise about him lately.

 

[gmabel830]

I'm with you Walter. Go with the big guys!

What was that you said about big guys?!

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[Mitch]

What was that you said about big guys?!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hnjomZ37Jxw

Plus, he is well endowed!

 

[b8rtm8nn]

I like Plan B, C and D better than Plan A - I actually don't like the guy's play, looks sloppy, I hope he isn't ours at #29

 

[sr7706]

#2 CB

Mitch, would have to think that if a CB falls to them they think they can start opposite of 21, would have to be at the top of their list as well.

 

[Mitch]

Mitch, would have to think that if a CB falls to them they think they can start opposite of 21, would have to be at the top of their list as well.

I am sure CB is high on the Cardinals' considerations....but my question is, are the CBs late in round one nearly as good and talented as the pass rushers? This is unusual because usually one would say yes---but this year the draft is loaded with defensive line talent---and the cupboard will be bare come pick #92, so the Cardinals had better get their pass rusher first.

Plus, there is no question in my mind that Jerraud Powers will return. That gives them some added time to groom a 3rd or 4th round CB, and there are some talented ones there such as Deirdre Hall, Harlan Miller, Zack Sanchez and perhaps even Jalen Mills and my dream pick there which would be BC's Justin Simmons.

 

[bg7brd]

I am sure CB is high on the Cardinals' considerations....but my question is, are the CBs late in round one nearly as good and talented as the pass rushers? This is unusual because usually one would say yes---but this year the draft is loaded with defensive line talent---and the cupboard will be bare come pick #92, so the Cardinals had better get their pass rusher first.

Plus, there is no question in my mind that Jerraud Powers will return. That gives them some added time to groom a 3rd or 4th round CB, and there are some talented ones there such as Deirdre Hall, Harlan Miller, Zack Sanchez and perhaps even Jalen Mills and my dream pick there which would be BC's Justin Simmons.

What are your thoughts on Jalen Mills LSU in the 3rd or 4th? Could be a nice Nickel/Safety.

 

[Cardiac]

I really like your list Mitch and agree they need to go pass rush in rd 1 as that where the best talent will still be on the board.

My concern about Jones you addressed as him getting tired but I have read that he just gets lazy at times. So are they taking the easy way out and not factoring that Jones was on snap 47 of a game?

 

[redheat]

We do need to look at next years needs in this draft just as much as current.

Would have had a major hole at RT had we not drafted one or forced to over pay for Massie.

It's time we get get a Rucker/Calais replacement, along with QB and WR while hopefully filling current needs of C and CB.

We also have special teams issues with lack of LS, KR/PR and three RB's that don't play special teams.

 

[GatorAZ]

This was McShay's pick for us in his ESPN the Mag mock.

 

[Mitch]

What are your thoughts on Jalen Mills LSU in the 3rd or 4th? Could be a nice Nickel/Safety.

I think Jalen Mills would be a very good fit for us at #92. He's versatile and has good measurables.

 

[Mitch]

I really like your list Mitch and agree they need to go pass rush in rd 1 as that where the best talent will still be on the board.

My concern about Jones you addressed as him getting tired but I have read that he just gets lazy at times. So are they taking the easy way out and not factoring that Jones was on snap 47 of a game?

Because the Cardinals like to rotate their DTs, it's going to be easier for Jones to keep fresh---plus, when you know you are in for one series, you don't worry about tiring.

 

[bg7brd]

I think Jalen Mills would be a very good fit for us at #92. He's versatile and has good measurables.

We've had good luck with Tigers so far

 

[Buckybird]

Jones was wearing red & black at the red carpet event

 

[Harry]

Can't see them touching plan C; off the field issues. Remember they added character yo their board. I think there's a message there.

 

[Goldfield]

I'd be thrilled with Jones. He is big and powerful. I am all about an upgrade on the DL. Just ask the Panthers how that's worked out.

 

[Lagerfilled]

Butler is the guy!

 

[b8rtm8nn]

So happy we didn't take Jones

 

[Denny Green Fan]

I think Jalen Mills would be a very good fit for us at #92. He's versatile and has good measurables.

Eric Murray cb Minnesota seems like a kind of kid we like. The Mississippi

State corner Redmond may still be there two.

 

[az jam]

Well Mitch, you were right about the position taken at #29.