Crazy Draft

[Harry]

Why? Mel Kiper is now saying the most NFL ready QB will not go in the first round. I can’t believe he’s right. I know Bridgewater does not have the arm Arians likes, but if he is really there at 20; they can’t pass on him. Yes, his injury risk concerns me. Yes this is against a win-now philosophy that the Cards should have. Still, I cannot pass this guy at 20. Forget the arm strength talk. He completed over 50% of throws of 20 yards or more. He looks off the safety better than most current NFL QBs. He reads defenses better than most as well. He is a winner and must be taken.
As sure as I am of this, I must confess that I have done very little field work this year. I am semi-retired and will only go out by special request, so I’ve leaned on a few colleagues to weigh some of these selections. Also with no seventh round pick, I’ve elevated a few people as I want my guys even if I have to go early. Finally I’ve given you a few names to look for as UDFAs.

Round 1 – Kory Ealy, DE/OLB or Anthony Barr, OLB
Round 2 – Troy Niklas, TE or Jimmy Ward, S
Round 3 – Billy Turner, G (early) or AJ McCarron, QB or Trent Murphy, OLB
Round 4 – Brock Vereen, SS or KaDeem Carey, RB or Lache Seastrunk, RB
Round 5 – Dezmen Southward, FS or Ben Gardner, DE (early)
Round 6 – Keith Wenning, QB or Morgan Breslin, OLB or Michael Schofield, T. I’m highest on Wenning & Schofield if still there. Schofield more likely a UDFA and he would be my top target if he slips.

UDFAs – Marcus Jensen, TE & Demetri Gordon, CB & Trevor Reily, LB & Daytawoin Lowe, S & Austin Franklin, WR & Fitzgerald Franklin, WR & Jamey Stone, C & Zack Fulton, G.

I would not draft more than one player at a position unless there is a BPA that can't be ignored.

 

[GuernseyCard]

Keim made a personal trip up to Montreal to scout Laurent Duvernay-Tardif (OT) McGill U. His testing was easily top 5 in every category. Wouldn't be surprised if he's the pick 4th round or later.

 

[MadCardDisease]

Most have Barr going early in the 1st. Harry do you think the Cardinals move up to grab him?

I personally think Kony Ealy will be our pick.

 

[ASUCHRIS]

Most have Barr going early in the 1st. Harry do you think the Cardinals move up to grab him?

I personally think Kony Ealy will be our pick.

Lots of mocks have him going to Tennessee, but if not there, dropping to the Cards.

Thanks for that Harry, totally agree about Bridgewater, and wouldn't be shocked if he dropped to us.

Decent QBOTF >>>>>> any other potential pick

 

[Russ Smith]

Most have Barr going early in the 1st. Harry do you think the Cardinals move up to grab him?

I personally think Kony Ealy will be our pick.

the talk around UCLA boards is that with the rise of Mack, Barr may slide a bit although I doubt he slides as far as us. Would love to get a pass rusher like that but seems unlikely.

 

[oaken1]

Why? Mel Kiper is now saying the most NFL ready QB will not go in the first round. I can’t believe he’s right. I know Bridgewater does not have the arm Arians likes, but if he is really there at 20; they can’t pass on him. Yes, his injury risk concerns me. Yes this is against a win-now philosophy that the Cards should have. Still, I cannot pass this guy at 20. Forget the arm strength talk. He completed over 50% of throws of 20 yards or more. He looks off the safety better than most current NFL QBs. He reads defenses better than most as well. He is a winner and must be taken.
As sure as I am of this, I must confess that I have done very little field work this year. I am semi-retired and will only go out by special request, so I’ve leaned on a few colleagues to weigh some of these selections. Also with no seventh round pick, I’ve elevated a few people as I want my guys even if I have to go early. Finally I’ve given you a few names to look for as UDFAs.

Round 1 – Kory Ealy, DE/OLB or Anthony Barr, OLB
Round 2 – Troy Niklas, TE or Jimmy Ward, S
Round 3 – Billy Turner, G (early) or AJ McCarron, QB or Trent Murphy, OLB
Round 4 – Brock Vereen, SS or KaDeem Carey, RB or Lache Seastrunk, RB
Round 5 – Dezmen Southward, FS or Ben Gardner, DE (early)
Round 6 – Keith Wenning, QB or Morgan Breslin, OLB or Michael Schofield, T. I’m highest on Wenning & Schofield if still there. Schofield more likely a UDFA and he would be my top target if he slips.

UDFAs – Marcus Jensen, TE & Demetri Gordon, CB & Trevor Reily, LB & Daytawoin Lowe, S & Austin Franklin, WR & Fitzgerald Franklin, WR & Jamey Stone, C & Zack Fulton, G.

I would not draft more than one player at a position unless there is a BPA that can't be ignored.

Yeah,......Mettenberger is projected as a second rounder...possibly even third....

 

[PACardsFan]

Why? Mel Kiper is now saying the most NFL ready QB will not go in the first round. I can’t believe he’s right. I know Bridgewater does not have the arm Arians likes, but if he is really there at 20; they can’t pass on him. Yes, his injury risk concerns me. Yes this is against a win-now philosophy that the Cards should have. Still, I cannot pass this guy at 20. Forget the arm strength talk. He completed over 50% of throws of 20 yards or more. He looks off the safety better than most current NFL QBs. He reads defenses better than most as well. He is a winner and must be taken.
As sure as I am of this, I must confess that I have done very little field work this year. I am semi-retired and will only go out by special request, so I’ve leaned on a few colleagues to weigh some of these selections. Also with no seventh round pick, I’ve elevated a few people as I want my guys even if I have to go early. Finally I’ve given you a few names to look for as UDFAs.

Round 1 – Kory Ealy, DE/OLB or Anthony Barr, OLB
Round 2 – Troy Niklas, TE or Jimmy Ward, S
Round 3 – Billy Turner, G (early) or AJ McCarron, QB or Trent Murphy, OLB
Round 4 – Brock Vereen, SS or KaDeem Carey, RB or Lache Seastrunk, RB
Round 5 – Dezmen Southward, FS or Ben Gardner, DE (early)
Round 6 – Keith Wenning, QB or Morgan Breslin, OLB or Michael Schofield, T. I’m highest on Wenning & Schofield if still there. Schofield more likely a UDFA and he would be my top target if he slips.

UDFAs – Marcus Jensen, TE & Demetri Gordon, CB & Trevor Reily, LB & Daytawoin Lowe, S & Austin Franklin, WR & Fitzgerald Franklin, WR & Jamey Stone, C & Zack Fulton, G.

I would not draft more than one player at a position unless there is a BPA that can't be ignored.

Up until a few days ago, I was of the mindset that we should draft either a S or an OLB with our 1st pick. I have since changed my mind & am leaning heavily towards QB with that pick. I know that Arians has said otherwise, but I don't think Michael Bidwill wants to be caught with his pants down like he did when Warner retired. If we are that close to being in the hunt for the ultimate prize, there's a good chance that we will be drafting in the mid to late 20's ( or worse for the next 2-3 years. If so, what's the likelihood that we'll be in a position to find a QBOF. How old will Palmer be then?? As old or older than Warner was when he hung up his cleats! We just can't keep bringing in 30+ year old retreads trying to resurrect their careers.

Furthermore, was Palmer really that good last year. Hell no. I still don't trust him to be the guy late in the 4th quarter of important games. He's never been that guy & he'll never be that kind of guy. Let's not forget that he threw 4 pics in Seattle last year. If not for our D, we lose that game by 4 tds. With a deep QB draft, we need to get our guy THIS YEAR. And I'm not talking about the 2nd or 3rd round. Get the best QB there at 20. Harry is right. If TB is there at 20 you better grab him. In fact, if any of the top 4-5 QB's are still there, you grab one of them. That's my story & I'm sticking with it.

 

[Chopper0080]

Up until a few days ago, I was of the mindset that we should draft either a S or an OLB with our 1st pick. I have since changed my mind & am leaning heavily towards QB with that pick. I know that Arians has said otherwise, but I don't think Michael Bidwill wants to be caught with his pants down like he did when Warner retired. If we are that close to being in the hunt for the ultimate prize, there's a good chance that we will be drafting in the mid to late 20's ( or worse for the next 2-3 years. If so, what's the likelihood that we'll be in a position to find a QBOF. How old will Palmer be then?? As old or older than Warner was when he hung up his cleats! We just can't keep bringing in 30+ year old retreads trying to resurrect their careers.

Furthermore, was Palmer really that good last year. Hell no. I still don't trust him to be the guy late in the 4th quarter of important games. He's never been that guy & he'll never be that kind of guy. Let's not forget that he threw 4 pics in Seattle last year. If not for our D, we lose that game by 4 tds. With a deep QB draft, we need to get our guy THIS YEAR. And I'm not talking about the 2nd or 3rd round. Get the best QB there at 20. Harry is right. If TB is there at 20 you better grab him. In fact, if any of the top 4-5 QB's are still there, you grab one of them. That's my story & I'm sticking with it.

Does anyone really think the Cards crapped the bed regarding the post Warner situation with their effort? They signed a free agent in Derek Anderson who proved to be bad and then they traded for and signed a young QB in Kevin Kolb who just wasn't good.

Again, they made a solid effort in acquiring a QB, they just were terrible at it. Kurt Warner retired in 2010. Since 2010, Sam Bradford, Tim Tebow, Jimmy Clausen, Cam Newton, Jake Locker, Blaine Gabbert, Christian Pnder, Andy Dalton, Colin Kaepernick, Andrew Luck, RGIII, Ryan Tannehill, Brandon Weeden, Russell Wilson, Nick Foles, Kirk Cousins, Geno Smith, EJ Manuel, and Mike Glennon have all been drafted and started in NFL games. Peyton Manning has been acquired as well as Ryan Fitzpatrick, Matt Flynn, Alex Smith, Brett Favre, Tavrais Jackson, Carson Palmer, Kevin Kolb, and Josh Freeman.

Some of these guys have panned out and some have not, but there were a variety of options available for the Cards, post Warner, they just chose poorly. We weren't caught with out pants down, we pulled our own pants down and chose to show the world.

 

[football karma]

I love crazy drafts! Especially when my team doesnt pick until #20. Just increases the odds that a player nobody would ever dream of being available will be available

 

[football karma]

if Bridgewater is falling --

do you consider trading down for the requisite picks?

just seems like with King loudly proclaiming the Cards take a QB, you are just making the 19th pick all that much more valuable

 

[Krangodnzr]

I agree with you here Harry; present be damned, if the Cardinals can take a possible future starter at QB, you take him over any position.

There is no position more important in all professional sports than Quarterback. As the cliché goes, they touch the ball on every offensive play.

Bridgewater seems to be mentally prepared, which is the single greatest asset a college QB can have. Plus he would be stepping into a good situation now that we have a solid LT, a developing offensive line as a whole, and good young weapons sprinkled throughout the offense.

I think there is a chance that Barr slips, primarily because he's a poor fit in a 4-3, and quite a few 3-4 team are set at OLB. If he gets past Tennesse, we probably get him.

 

[Snakester]

Harry, what do u think of Gabe Jackson and do u think he will be there in the third round when we pick? To me the guy would make the perfect RG but I don't know if he will make it past the second round. I think Bridgewater will be a very good West Coast QB. Very smart and accurate within 25 yards.

 

[overseascardfan]

I have seen a lot of mocks lately that have Barr sliding to the 20's including AZ Central's Bob McManaman who has him going to NE at #29. Logically, Barr doesn't get past PIT, DAL or BAL who all pick just before us, but if Barr is there then it should be a no brainer even if Pryor or Bridgewater are there. Again though I TRULY believe he will not make it past #18 if he even falls that far.

On a side note, Bruce Cooper modified his Cardinal mock from a few weeks ago and I must say its not bad but I still prefer my final mock. He did keep some of his original picks but without his earlier trade scenario with STL, you be the judge.

BC's picks:
1 - Kony Ealy
2 - Kadeem Carey
3 - Kyle Van Noy (love pick)
4 - Stanley Jean Baptiste (love pick)
5 - Terrence Mitchell
6 - Antone Exum

 

[Broseph]

Up until a few days ago, I was of the mindset that we should draft either a S or an OLB with our 1st pick. I have since changed my mind & am leaning heavily towards QB with that pick. I know that Arians has said otherwise, but I don't think Michael Bidwill wants to be caught with his pants down like he did when Warner retired. If we are that close to being in the hunt for the ultimate prize, there's a good chance that we will be drafting in the mid to late 20's ( or worse for the next 2-3 years. If so, what's the likelihood that we'll be in a position to find a QBOF. How old will Palmer be then?? As old or older than Warner was when he hung up his cleats! We just can't keep bringing in 30+ year old retreads trying to resurrect their careers.

Furthermore, was Palmer really that good last year. Hell no. I still don't trust him to be the guy late in the 4th quarter of important games. He's never been that guy & he'll never be that kind of guy. Let's not forget that he threw 4 pics in Seattle last year. If not for our D, we lose that game by 4 tds. With a deep QB draft, we need to get our guy THIS YEAR. And I'm not talking about the 2nd or 3rd round. Get the best QB there at 20. Harry is right. If TB is there at 20 you better grab him. In fact, if any of the top 4-5 QB's are still there, you grab one of them. That's my story & I'm sticking with it.

I am starting to feel the same way, especially if Carr, Bortles,Manziel, or Bridgewater happen to be there at 20. Palmer only has a couple of years of football left in the tank, would rather take a QB now at 20 to season for a year or two.

 

[GuernseyCard]

I am starting to feel the same way, especially if Carr, Bortles,Manziel, or Bridgewater happen to be there at 20. Palmer only has a couple of years of football left in the tank, would rather take a QB now at 20 to season for a year or two.

If 3 or 4 QB needy teams pass on these guys, why should we buy in the first round?

(Getting the impression to the tail end of the first and second round will be the QB round)

 

[Snakester]

If Manziel is there u take him. If he makes it out of the top ten I would trade up for him.

 

[overseascardfan]

If 3 or 4 QB needy teams pass on these guys, why should we buy in the first round?

(Getting the impression to the tail end of the first and second round will be the QB round)

+ Infinity. They would be falling for a reason, that reason is that teams do not feel they are franchise QB's. Take the best pass rusher, CB or S available at #20.

 

[dreamcastrocks]

If 3 or 4 QB needy teams pass on these guys, why should we buy in the first round?

(Getting the impression to the tail end of the first and second round will be the QB round)

Because guys that are special fall all of the time. Rodgers was considered #1 overall and went 24th.

 

[GuernseyCard]

Because guys that are special fall all of the time. Rodgers was considered #1 overall and went 24th.

And Brady Quinn dropped and those who passed were right.

I don't see a Rodgers in Bridgewater, more Geno Smith.

 

[BW52]

And Brady Quinn dropped and those who passed were right.

I don't see a Rodgers in Bridgewater, more Geno Smith.

And how many Bridgewater games have you seen?

 

[GuernseyCard]

And how many Bridgewater games have you seen?

A few in season games and Bowl appearances.

Enough to form an opinion.

As a fan, mine is largely irrelevant, but it does seem to increasingly coincide with those who get paid to evaluate.

Arians compared him to Troy Smith... that's Troy Smith!!!

 

[BW52]

A few in season games and Bowl appearances.

Enough to form an opinion.

As a fan, mine is largely irrelevant, but it does seem to increasingly coincide with those who get paid to evaluate.

Arians compared him to Troy Smith... that's Troy Smith!!!

A lot of the guys who played the game and are now TV guys like him quite a bit and still say he`s a early 1st round pick.Just because a couple of guys say he`s a 2nd rounder doesn`t make it so.This IS THE LYING SEASON by coaches and GMS.
As for watch a few in season games and Bowl games to form a opinion that`s your right.
After watching 30 plus games I respectfully disagree.

 

[Harry]

Gabe Jackson has concerns about maturity & conditioning. He's that boom or bust type player the Cards have not done well with in the past. I don't think I'd take the risk, but I understand the attraction.

Let me be clear about Bridgewater. I think Palmer can play 3 more seasons, especially if the Cards get a RT. So, I'm not saying they need a QB. However, if Bridgewater falls to them his value overrides need. Trading down would net an early 2nd & 3rd, but surely a team that wants him that badly would strike earlier in the round. I wouldn't make the deal; if he's on the board I take him.

As to Barr I have several sources telling me he is below 20 on most boards. He could go, but I think he's likely there.

 

[WildBB]

Gabe Jackson has concerns about maturity & conditioning. He's that boom or bust type player the Cards have not done well with in the past. I don't think I'd take the risk, but I understand the attraction.

Let me be clear about Bridgewater. I think Palmer can play 3 more seasons, especially if the Cards get a RT. So, I'm not saying they need a QB. However, if Bridgewater falls to them his value overrides need. Trading down would net an early 2nd & 3rd, but surely a team that wants him that badly would strike earlier in the round. I wouldn't make the deal; if he's on the board I take him.

As to Barr I have several sources telling me he is below 20 on most boards. He could go, but I think he's likely there.

I agree, if someone wants Bridewater, they'll allmost surely cut a deal with Miami before he reaches the Cards' pick -- ie....Cleveland , Oak, or Jax, imo.
But fwiw, The Cards FO from some speculations that are floating around may well think Carr is the better fit for Arians system anyway, and have him higher on their draft board come Draft day.

But in the climate controlled confines of UoP, I'd don't think it should make a big difference if QB is the way they choose to go in the 1st Rd. Highly unlikely, unless they trade down and aquire picks. Then they could even opt to go for Mettenberger early in a trade down after picking up and extra early pick.