Combine Thoughts/Things To Look For

[Chopper0080]

Combine Thoughts and Things to

1-Larger RBs who can catch. More than speed, watch the combine for big backs who can catch. That is essentially the role Dwyer was signed to fill, and what the Cards are looking for. They want a bigger guy who can block and catch.

2-Size for players. Shaq Thompson, Vic Beasley, Eric Kendricks, and Paul Dawson are all possible fits for the ILB spot, but all have some size questions. Where they weigh in matters. Danielle Hunter, Eli Harold, and Alvin Dupree as well.

3-Change of direction for edge players, and burst. 40 time is not a huge thing, but their 10 sec split is. Also, 3 cone is big. Dante Fowler will be impacted by these numbers.

4-Benardrick McKinney. Great athlete, but big question if he can play 3 downs. Again, his display of burst and change of direction will matter this week.

Just a few important things to watch for among a bunch of stuff that is a bit overrated.

 

[Garthshort]

McKinney is the guy I hope we get, but unlike Chopper, I have no idea how he fits our defensive scheme. And I'm basing my take on how he played in college, obviously.

 

[Chopper0080]

Big guys who need to test athletic...

Dante Fowler-Florida
Nate Orchard-Utah
Owa Odighizuwa-UCLA
Lynden Trail-Norfolk St.
Xzavier Dickson-Alabama
Zach Hodges-Harvard
Benardrick McKinney-Miss. St.
Taijan Jones-Michigan St.

Jeremy Langford-Michigan St
Mike Davis-South Carolina
David Johnson-Northern Iowa
David Cobb-Minnesota
Nick Boyle-Delaware
Maxx Williams-Minnesota
Ali Marpet-Hobart

 

[Chopper0080]

Depending on what happens in free agency, I'm curious to see how much interest the Cardinals will have in TE Maxx Williams - Minnesota. They have Fells and Niklas, but they need better production. Williams has a little look of Heath Miller. Nice pass catcher, good frame, and willing blocker. I believe Nick Boyle - Delaware is more likely, but I'm curious to see their interest.

 

[Krangodnzr]

Big guys who need to test athletic...

Dante Fowler-Florida
Nate Orchard-Utah
Owa Odighizuwa-UCLA
Lynden Trail-Norfolk St.
Xzavier Dickson-Alabama
Zach Hodges-Harvard
Benardrick McKinney-Miss. St.
Taijan Jones-Michigan St.

Jeremy Langford-Michigan St
Mike Davis-South Carolina
David Johnson-Northern Iowa
David Cobb-Minnesota
Nick Boyle-Delaware
Maxx Williams-Minnesota
Ali Marpet-Hobart

I watched quite a bit of Mike Davis and he's one of the more underrated RBs in this draft class. Good size and the showed the speed to take runs the distance. He also catches the ball well. His only knock realy has been nagging injuries. If not for the nagging injuries he would've been one of the top 3 or 4 backs in the country.

I also like Duke Johnson from Miami a lot, he reminds me a bit of Clinton Portis. Smaller back who does most things well and runs a lot harder than his size would indicate. I wouldn't bet agains him being a starter in the NFL at some point, though injuries have been a concern with him as well.

 

[Mitch]

I watched quite a bit of Mike Davis and he's one of the more underrated RBs in this draft class. Good size and the showed the speed to take runs the distance. He also catches the ball well. His only knock realy has been nagging injuries. If not for the nagging injuries he would've been one of the top 3 or 4 backs in the country.

I also like Duke Johnson from Miami a lot, he reminds me a bit of Clinton Portis. Smaller back who does most things well and runs a lot harder than his size would indicate. I wouldn't bet agains him being a starter in the NFL at some point, though injuries have been a concern with him as well.

Great analogy of Duke Johnson to Clinton Portis. Money.

 

[Mitch]

Depending on what happens in free agency, I'm curious to see how much interest the Cardinals will have in TE Maxx Williams - Minnesota. They have Fells and Niklas, but they need better production. Williams has a little look of Heath Miller. Nice pass catcher, good frame, and willing blocker. I believe Nick Boyle - Delaware is more likely, but I'm curious to see their interest.

I have been curious about TE Maxx Williams too.

The problem is---using a #2 on Niklas last year, can they really come back with a #1 for a TE this year? Plus---how many targets would a TE really get with Fitz, Floyd, Brown and Ellington on the field? Thus, I think a TE like Boyle later on would be a better call. Good call on Boyle.

 

[Mitch]

The more I think of it the more I am convinced that if BA&SK take care of the OLB and G positions in FA---that if Todd Gurley or Melvin Gordon is on the board at #24---there's the Cardinals' pick.

 

[Finito]

Couple players I would really like McKinney, Dupree or Cam Erving at center. I really think McKinney is the type to blow up the combine I think he's gonna put up great numbers along with his size he's gonna be a top ten pick. Dupree might slip to us just because of the depth at the pass rushing OLB position. Erving looks like a monster on the inside and this team really needs to get some push inside.

I wouldn't take Gordon in round 1. I understand he's good but Wisconsin has had a 1000 yard back for something like 9-10 years in a row. A lot of it is the system. Plus a RB that early is like putting the cart before the horse we need guys up front that can get push and open holes. I want Tevin Campbell in round 2. I think he's every bit as good as Gordon now a healthy Gurly was the best RB I've seen since Reggie Bush he's well worth a 1 if healthy

 

[WildBB]

Jeremy Langford-Michigan St
Mike Davis-South Carolina
David Johnson-Northern Iowa
David Cobb-Minnesota

This RB crew is going to be real interesting to watch.

I also want to see how Varga performs. If you can land him late it would be a great p/u. We draft late so I'm thinking you'd have to land him in the 5th Rd. If you don't p/u one of the for mentioned before that.

 

[RugbyMuffin]

Good post Chopper, I agree about the running back situation. LSU's Hilliard is a guy to watch, if he was invited to the combine that is.

Sent from my intergalactic transmorgapher

 

[don7031]

I've read that Benardrick McKinney lacks instincts and makes up for it with athleticism. That won't cut it in the pros. His size and measurables should propel him to the top of the ILB lists post combine.

Brandon Scherff just became a guard as his arm length was 33 3/8. Goodbye first round and he hasn't even stepped on the field - ouch.

Holy Andre the Giant, Florida's Trent Brown is a big, big man: 6'8", 355 lbs, 36" arm.

 

[Bodha]

Heard on the radio the Cards want a big guy, notably at LB.

Thatd be Benardick all day. Guys 6'5 250. Wouldnt be surprised



Also Andrus Peat said its his dream to be a Card or Raida cuz his dad played for them.

No way he ever slides to #24, but keep that info in your back pocket in 3-4 years when rookie contracts come due.

 

[Finito]

I've read that Benardrick McKinney lacks instincts and makes up for it with athleticism. That won't cut it in the pros. His size and measurables should propel him to the top of the ILB lists post combine.

Brandon Scherff just became a guard as his arm length was 33 3/8. Goodbye first round and he hasn't even stepped on the field - ouch.

Holy Andre the Giant, Florida's Trent Brown is a big, big man: 6'8", 355 lbs, 36" arm.

Everybody on planet knows Scherff is going to slide to guard. Matt Miller did a comparison on Scherff and Martin from last year saying he's better than Martin. No way way Scherff goes out of the first round

 

[Cbus cardsfan]

I wish I could get some info on player interviews but my Jax friend father just passed away and not sure when he'll be at the combine. Even then, I don't really want to bug him with draft questions. Maybe down the road I'll get something.

Guys I am interested in are Danielle Hunter, Yeldon, Kevin Johnson, Cameron Erving, and just about every other OLB prospect.

 

[Chopper0080]

I wish I could get some info on player interviews but my Jax friend father just passed away and not sure when he'll be at the combine. Even then, I don't really want to bug him with draft questions. Maybe down the road I'll get something.

Guys I am interested in are Danielle Hunter, Yeldon, Kevin Johnson, Cameron Erving, and just about every other OLB prospect.

DL & LB day is what every person on this board needs to watch. I agree, and am excited to see those guys move around.

Arians today reiterated what Keim said yesterday, they want to get faster at LB.

Arians also said he wants more competition at interior OL. Happy with OTs. Said Jonathan Cooper was like a rookie every time he came back from injury. (code for not working on the mental aspects of the game)

 

[LoyaltyisaCurse]

OT TJ CLEMMINGS looks like a beast out there...Big,Quick, nimble, and athletic.

 

[WisconsinCard]

OT TJ CLEMMINGS looks like a beast out there...Big,Quick, nimble, and athletic.

I like Ereck Flowers too, kid moves pretty well side to side. But I see him more as a RT and I cant see making that pick in the first round.

 

[overseascardfan]

Looking at the Combine Results Tracker, Marpet & Erving are really looking impressive. Marpet ran a sub 5.00 40 (4.98), hit 30 reps on bench, 30.5 vertical. Erving put up identical numbers in bench and vertical and ran a 5.15 40. Ereck Flowers is a beast posting 37 reps on the bench.

 

[Bodha]

I dont think im feeling Mckinney anymore. At his media day visit he was listing his strengths and he said some version of "im big" twice. Well-spokeness is not an indication of your talent. How you say things doesnt matter, case in point Tyrann. What you say does matter. Mckinney didnt sound too sharp today.

Im really liking Bud Dupree. Odds he makes it to us? Like 0%, but I can hope.

Tell you what a grandslam draft would be: Dupree rnd 1, Cam Erving 2, Stephone Anthony 3

also a mid-late rounder Id really like to grab is Obum Gwacham. I think he has a ton of potential and he seems like a great dude

 

[don7031]

TJ Clemmings athletic ability gives him a high ceiling, but his current floor is much lower than the other top tackles. The Rams took Jason Smith second overall based on his athletic ability and he was a major bust.

 

[Bodha]

If we encounter a scenario like last year: All our 1st rnd targets were stolen, and we were forced to trade back into the 20s a bit, Im getting more comfortable with the idea of taking Cam Erving.

I have not changed my mind on his experience. Id much rather take a C whos been a C his entire career, but Ive always acknowledged Cams ceiling as possibly being the single best C in the NFL someday. You cant put a price on that. He showed great athleticism in the combine, and even more impressive, hes very well spoken. Intelligence is crucial for the C position, and Cam seems like a very smart guy.

In addition, his value doubles in the sense hes a solid emergency LT.

I wouldnt be happy, but I wouldnt be mad because ultimately I think its a good choice.

 

[Cbus cardsfan]

If we encounter a scenario like last year: All our 1st rnd targets were stolen, and we were forced to trade back into the 20s a bit, Im getting more comfortable with the idea of taking Cam Erving.

I have not changed my mind on his experience. Id much rather take a C whos been a C his entire career, but Ive always acknowledged Cams ceiling as possibly being the single best C in the NFL someday. You cant put a price on that. He showed great athleticism in the combine, and even more impressive, hes very well spoken. Intelligence is crucial for the C position, and Cam seems like a very smart guy.

In addition, his value doubles in the sense hes a solid emergency LT.

I wouldnt be happy, but I wouldnt be mad because ultimately I think its a good choice.

I'm liking Erving too. He has size and moves well. Plus, being able to play anywhere on the OL is a good thing.

An OL of Veldheer, an in-shape Cooper, Erving, Iupati, and Massie doesn't sound too bad.

 

[Snakester]

The more I think of it the more I am convinced that if BA&SK take care of the OLB and G positions in FA---that if Todd Gurley or Melvin Gordon is on the board at #24---there's the Cardinals' pick.

I can see this. I can see us signing Brian Orakpo and one of the top guards then taking either Gordon or Gurley in the draft. The one thing I do believe is Keim will get it done in free agency.

 

[Darkside]

Good stuff Chopper.