Draft Needs?

[Garthshort]

I'm not talking names, but rather positions. We should have seven picks, no second but an extra sixth, and I understand that FA will be a major factor on who we will draft. That aside, I'm assuming that we will draft an OT in the first round, though even that could change, but here is how I think our picks will go:
*Two OT's
*An OLB
*An ILB
*A SS
*A WS
*A Wild Card (A surprise at a position on no need)

How do you see it?

 

[cardpa]

I'm not talking names, but rather positions. We should have seven picks, no second but an extra sixth, and I understand that FA will be a major factor on who we will draft. That aside, I'm assuming that we will draft an OT in the first round, though even that could change, but here is how I think our picks will go:
*Two OT's
*An OLB
*An ILB
*A SS
*A WS
*A Wild Card (A surprise at a position on no need)

How do you see it?

I totally agree that is the order this team needs. As you said FA will probably change the order however as of now that is pretty much it.

 

[crisper57]

LT
(None)
LT
LT
LT
LB
2nd WR

 

[football karma]

in this order:

an offensive tackle -- right or left
another young LB -- either inside or outside
a guard
a corner
a free safety
a defensive end

 

[kerouac9]

Assuming that we don't use the draft to close gaping, self-imposed holes in the roster, we can go BPA to develop long-term depth at positions that are aging or have pending free agents.

That being said, I'd invest at least two and maybe three draft picks on OL players--one at least in the first four rounds--and then take a DE (to hedge on Dockett aging out and Campbell leaving after '12), ILB, OLB, and safety.

 

[JeffGollin]

Not just the draft. Free agency too. Trades possibly also.

I'm in favor of applying a large broom to our Entire O-line, fixing it for once and for all and moving on from there.

The more we can do outside the draft, the less tempted we will be to forgoe a Patrick Peterson caliber athlete to reach for a lineman.

 

[Seandonic]

1. LEFT TACKLE/RIGHT TACKLE is by far the most important. If one of the big three OT's (Kalil, Martin, or Reiff) are available, the Cards should select them with no hesitation. Even if they have already signed a free agent. Demetrius Bell is one of the better options in a pretty shallow FA pool. The Cards could always resign Levi Brown as well, although he would have to sign for RT money (There is no way he is worth resigning to a LT contract).

After that there are some positions which should be addressed. Depending on free-agent pickups of course, I would list them as follows (In no particular order):

2. Guard. This is not a pressing need but the O-line has been a problem for soooo long it would be nice to have someone like David DeCastro(early pick) or Kevin Zeitler(later pick) either unseat someone right away or be waiting in the wings to take over very soon.

3. 3-4 OLB. Acho and Schofield are certainly playing better as the year goes on but another body would be nice. Preferably, someone whose specialty is rushing the passer. A third round selection could be used here. However, this might be a good position to fill via free-agency. Some old yet serviceable guys may be available. Such as, Andre Carter or John Abraham. Anthony Spencer could be a decent younger guy to consider.

4. WR. The Cards have needed some speed at the WR position for a long time now. It would be great to get a fast guy who is talented enough to be a solid number two opposite Fitz. The FA pool looks pretty solid so that might be the route to go.

5. S. The league has changed and Adrian Wilson is no longer a prototype SS. Not to mention he is getting old . A replacement and some depth is needed.

6. ILB. Depth is needed but the overall importance of this position in regards to the draft will ultimately depend on whether or not Stewart Bradley can become a starter.

7. CB. I happen to like what the Cards currently have with Peterson and Toler on the corners. I don't think that CB is as pressing a need as the others I've mentioned but it's still worth considering at any point in the draft.

 

[MadCardDisease]

Draft Needs:

Best Player Available!

 

[NJCardFan]

I still think we need a #2 receiver. Doucet nor Roberts is a viable #2 receiver. However, it appears we solved at least 1 OLB problem(Acho). Pending Williams' health we should have a good #2 back. We just need a good pancake tackle as I think our interior OL is starting to gel. Defensively, we need 1 more good pass rushing DE and a good strong safety. We're not that far, kids.

 

[Seandonic]

We're not that far, kids.

Even when the Cards were playing much worse earlier in the season, I stuck to my position that in truth, the Cards are just a few players away from being good. Therefore, in the interest of optimism, I wholeheartedly agree with you here.

 

[Duckjake]

Not just the draft. Free agency too. Trades possibly also.

I'm in favor of applying a large broom to our Entire O-line, fixing it for once and for all and moving on from there.

The more we can do outside the draft, the less tempted we will be to forgoe a Patrick Peterson caliber athlete to reach for a lineman.

Since the problems with the offensive line are the result of taking a small broom to it in both 2010 and 2011 maybe a large broom would work.

 

[Cbus cardsfan]

A guy I'm starting to really like as the Cards 1st rounder is Luke Kuechly, ILB from BC. I've been saying Te'o would be a perfect fit for the Cards but Kuechly is just a better player. He has the size at 6'3 237,is smart, and a tackling machine. He's only a junior and may stay in school but if he comes out, the Cards could get the #1 player at ILB while drafting in the teens.

Here's an excerpt about his play:
"Kuechly, who led the nation in tackles for the second straight season with 191 , is a finalist for the Lombardi, Nagurski and Butkus awards and will likely retain his status as All-American. He holds the ACC and school record for career tackles (532) (in only 3 years) and is 14 shy of the NCAA record".

He's already won the Butkus. I'm sure he'll win the other as well.

 

[Bodha]

3. 3-4 OLB. Acho and Schofield are certainly playing better as the year goes on but another body would be nice. Preferably, someone whose specialty is rushing the passer. A third round selection could be used here. However, this might be a good position to fill via free-agency. Some old yet serviceable guys may be available. Such as John Abraham . Anthony Spencer could be a decent younger guy to consider.

.

You consider John Abraham to be 'old and serviceable'?

Dudes elite. Besides, hes exclusively a 4-3 guy



My views on the draft:

BPA all the Way

As far as needs:

LT
Elite rusher (whether that be a DE convert, or OLB) Whitney, Brown and Jones are all options
CB - We can upgrade. Toler isnt a #2 in this league. Hes more of a 3
WR - Need a guy to stretch the field. period. Need a deep threat to free up Larry
Guard - Im not a fan of Daryn. A G + Deuce would give us a sick run game
RT
Adubs replacement

 

[Bobcat]

1. LEFT TACKLE/RIGHT TACKLE is by far the most important. If one of the big three OT's (Kalil, Martin, or Reiff) are available, the Cards should select them with no hesitation. Even if they have already signed a free agent. Demetrius Bell is one of the better options in a pretty shallow FA pool. The Cards could always resign Levi Brown as well, although he would have to sign for RT money (There is no way he is worth resigning to a LT contract).

After that there are some positions which should be addressed. Depending on free-agent pickups of course, I would list them as follows (In no particular order):

2. Guard. This is not a pressing need but the O-line has been a problem for soooo long it would be nice to have someone like David DeCastro(early pick) or Kevin Zeitler(later pick) either unseat someone right away or be waiting in the wings to take over very soon.

3. 3-4 OLB. Acho and Schofield are certainly playing better as the year goes on but another body would be nice. Preferably, someone whose specialty is rushing the passer. A third round selection could be used here. However, this might be a good position to fill via free-agency. Some old yet serviceable guys may be available. Such as, Andre Carter or John Abraham. Anthony Spencer could be a decent younger guy to consider.

4. WR. The Cards have needed some speed at the WR position for a long time now. It would be great to get a fast guy who is talented enough to be a solid number two opposite Fitz. The FA pool looks pretty solid so that might be the route to go.

5. S. The league has changed and Adrian Wilson is no longer a prototype SS. Not to mention he is getting old . A replacement and some depth is needed.

6. ILB. Depth is needed but the overall importance of this position in regards to the draft will ultimately depend on whether or not Stewart Bradley can become a starter.

7. CB. I happen to like what the Cards currently have with Peterson and Toler on the corners. I don't think that CB is as pressing a need as the others I've mentioned but it's still worth considering at any point in the draft.

1.) I would move Adrian Wilson to OLB.

2.) Bring in a WR to compliment FITZ. and Roberts.

3.) 2 OT's from FA.

4.) RB to really compliment BW. The kid from ALABAMA look like my guy

5.) Resign CC now not later. Our defensive Coordinator has won me over. Just get him a new SS and CB from FA or the Kid from LSU. PP clone.

6.) Get new OL Coach. Grimm Reminds me of Mean Joe Green. Cn you see the similarities?

7.) what the hell has happened to Duce L...???

 

[Seandonic]

You consider John Abraham to be 'old and serviceable'?

Dudes elite. Besides, hes exclusively a 4-3 guy/quote]

He is old (33) and will be even older (34) at the start of next season. Porter and Haggans are both 34. They are old right? He is no longer elite (IMHO) but he is better than those two are at getting to the QB. As far as him being "exclusively a 4-3 guy", I am aware of this. I mentioned him because I thought at this point in his career he might be used as a pass rush specialist only. Kind of like B. Berry in his last years with the Cards. I admit, it was a stretch on my part.

 

[Sunryze88]

O-line and line backers, and if there is good safety pick him up too. But I think WR and RB can be picked up through free agency pretty easily.

 

[Duckjake]

Here's the answer to our situation at ILB.

http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=81708&draftyear=2012&genpos=OLB

 

[Chopper0080]

We need to address the

OL (tackle is the biggest need, but we need better players all around)
OLB (need a more dynamic edge rusher)
SILB (need a more physical pressence inside. not necessarily big)
S (need depth)
WR2 (either a top player, or nothing in my opinion as we are already young at the position)
DL (ideally a player that can swing at NT/DE ala David Carter)
CB (we take one only because this class is pretty good and it might represent top value)
QB*Nick Foles* (I would take one every year. The position is too important to not have talent at)

Positions to ignore
WR-If not a top player, we are already very inexperienced.
RB-Deep at this position
FB-We are set, and shouldn't carry two
TE-We probably could use another guy here, but draft class is pretty weak.

 

[Chopper0080]

Here's the answer to our situation at ILB.

http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=81708&draftyear=2012&genpos=OLB

I would be ok with bringing him in with what I have seen w/ his brother, but I can't say how he projects inside. Does he play with good leverage and power? Is he comfortable on his feet and in coverage? How instinctive is he? All questions I can't answer, but I know that he would work his butt off.

 

[Chopper0080]

A guy I'm starting to really like as the Cards 1st rounder is Luke Kuechly, ILB from BC. I've been saying Te'o would be a perfect fit for the Cards but Kuechly is just a better player. He has the size at 6'3 237,is smart, and a tackling machine. He's only a junior and may stay in school but if he comes out, the Cards could get the #1 player at ILB while drafting in the teens.

Here's an excerpt about his play:
"Kuechly, who led the nation in tackles for the second straight season with 191 , is a finalist for the Lombardi, Nagurski and Butkus awards and will likely retain his status as All-American. He holds the ACC and school record for career tackles (532) (in only 3 years) and is 14 shy of the NCAA record".

He's already won the Butkus. I'm sure he'll win the other as well.

I like this kid, but have not seen enough to know whether he plays strong enough (leverage and power). I have seen him flash very good instincts which are very important. Size might be a concern as well, but a player to watch.

 

[Duckjake]

I would be ok with bringing him in with what I have seen w/ his brother, but I can't say how he projects inside. Does he play with good leverage and power? Is he comfortable on his feet and in coverage? How instinctive is he? All questions I can't answer, but I know that he would work his butt off.

Just consider this. Texas defense is ranked 14th in the nation this year. Playing in the Big 12. To give people an idea of how amazing that is the next highest ranked Big 12 team is Missouri at 61.

OK Longhorn homer report over for today.

 

[Chopper0080]

Just consider this. Texas defense is ranked 14th in the nation this year. Playing in the Big 12. To give people an idea of how amazing that is the next highest ranked Big 12 team is Missouri at 61.

OK Longhorn homer report over for today.

You don't have to sell me on the Texas defense statistically, I know that they are good. I just haven't been able to watch many of their games, which makes me hesitant to throw out a huge opinion either way on Acho Jr. I do know that transitioning inside is tough, but I am pretty sure that Acho Jr., like his brother, will not fail due to a lack of committment and effort. I would have no problem with him, as long as he plays inside with instinct, leverage and power. The rest he can do.

 

[Duckjake]

You don't have to sell me on the Texas defense statistically, I know that they are good. I just haven't been able to watch many of their games, which makes me hesitant to throw out a huge opinion either way on Acho Jr. I do know that transitioning inside is tough, but I am pretty sure that Acho Jr., like his brother, will not fail due to a lack of committment and effort. I would have no problem with him, as long as he plays inside with instinct, leverage and power. The rest he can do.

I have a question. Is moving inside from being a 4-3 OLB really that hard? Dansby didn't seem to have any trouble.

Problem for us is that EAcho is ranked as a 2nd round pick. One we don't have. Maybe he'll be like his brother and drop so we can grab him.

 

[Cbus cardsfan]

Here's the answer to our situation at ILB.

http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=81708&draftyear=2012&genpos=OLB

I like him and mentioned him in another thread but thought he may play the same position as Washington. But, I didn't realize he's as big as he is. I'd have zero problems with the Cards drafting him, especially in round 4 again.

 

[Chopper0080]

I have a question. Is moving inside from being a 4-3 OLB really that hard? Dansby didn't seem to have any trouble.

Problem for us is that EAcho is ranked as a 2nd round pick. One we don't have. Maybe he'll be like his brother and drop so we can grab him.

4-3 OLB have more time to read plays, and don't have as many responsibilities on every play like ILB's in a 3-4 do. Every play, 3-4 ILBs are responsible for either cutback lanes or point of attack and have to battle guards and fullbacks while doing so. 4-3 OLBs have to either set the edge, or pursue behind the LOS when play goes away. They face more OTs and TEs than OGs and FBs, and are protected a bit more.

Honestly, the hardest part about transtioning from OLB in a 4-3 to ILB in a 3-4 is that playing inside in a 3-4 requires significantly better instincts and technique (leverage). False steps, and high hips kill you inside in a 3-4 while you can get away with them more playing outside in a 4-3. The problem is that these are hard traits to scout.