Draft notes

[Cbus cardsfan]

My front office friend, he's 2 steps below the GM, was over for dinner Sunday evening and we were talking the draft. I thought I'd pass on some info.

First off, we talked about Keim. He knows Keim well and scouted him when he was coming out of NC St. He's a hard working guy and has done great for himself. The Cards are in good shape with him running the show.

For the 2015 draft;

There are no QB's he likes. Mariota has to be in the right system, Winston is a wildcard, Carden is un-athletic and not a strong arm, and Grayson is ok but nothing more. Not a fan of Petty, Hundley, or Hogan. Right now, other than Hackenberg from PSU, and he still has a lot of developing to do, there aren't many pro style QB's on the horizon. USC kid is ok.

Strong, very strong RB class. Loves Gurley but UGA was extremely unhappy with his decision that led to his suspension. But he's a very good football player. Even with his knee, he may still go early.

Gordon and Yeldon are both legit. A somewhat sleeper is the kid from Indiana. I can't remember his name but he's in their class. However, putting it nicely, he's not the sharpest tool in the shed.

Amani Cooper, WR from Bama is the real deal. (btw, thinks OSU has a real chance to upset them on New Year's day. The key is handling Bama's DL, which is incredible. There are about 7-8 of them and they're all good).

The other Bama player I really like is Landon Collins. He said he is very good but more of an in the box safety. Well, we just took one of those last year so I doubt he's in the Cards plans.

The only other position we talked about was OLB because I think that's where the Cards will draft: (highlights from memory)

Shane Ray- loves him. High motor and will only get better.
Dante Fowler- high on him as well.
Orchard- good player but lacks the top end speed/burst.
Gregory- early pick.
There's a young kid from LSU whose name I can't remember that has a real high ceiling. Not sure if he'll declare but probably has the best size/speed/athleticism of the bunch.

 

[Dougmo]

Good stuff.
I like hearing the insight from your source.
It's all still opinion, but an informed one is always interesting to hear.
thanks!

 

[Cbus cardsfan]

Also, we talked about Cooper and Minter. He really liked them both entering the draft. I said that I thought Cooper was out of shape. He said that was an issue from time to time at UNC. Hopefully that means Cooper will get back in shape and be the player many of thought he would be.

As for Minter, he found it hard to believe he is struggling like he is. He was a very good player at LSU and projected well to the NFL. Maybe the light will go on for him.

Btw, loves Dan Williams as a player too.

 

[Chopper0080]

Thanks for the information.

Kind of reinforces my thoughts on the QB and RB draft classes. Not a shock that QB is really dried up right now. College guys just aren't coming out with an advanced understanding of QB play. That being said, if you can find the guy with the right mental makeup and skills, you can develop one.

Connor Cook is a kid I am watching. Hackenburg as well.

Gerold Holliman is a S I am keeping my eye on. He is a true center fielder but isn't very physical. I just have a feeling that Mathieu might end up as more of a nickel CB / dime S rather than a FS.

 

[az jam]

Thanks for the info, I always look forward to your "meetings" with your scout friend and updates on the Board.

I like RB Yeldon and think we could get him in round 2 or 3 (although that could be a push). He would be the big back that would compliment Ellington.

The qb that i really want is Glennon from the Tampa Bay Bucs. Lovie Smith likes McCown better and will most likely draft either Mariota or Winston making Glennon available for perhaps a 6th or 7th round pick. Glennon would be a perfect fit for BA's system. He would be a better backup next year than Stanton and ready to take Palmers place in 2016. Just my two cents.

 

[cardpa]

Thanks for the information.

Kind of reinforces my thoughts on the QB and RB draft classes. Not a shock that QB is really dried up right now. College guys just aren't coming out with an advanced understanding of QB play. That being said, if you can find the guy with the right mental makeup and skills, you can develop one.

Connor Cook is a kid I am watching. Hackenburg as well.

Gerold Holliman is a S I am keeping my eye on. He is a true center fielder but isn't very physical. I just have a feeling that Mathieu might end up as more of a nickel CB / dime S rather than a FS.

The bad part about Hackenburg is the offensive system he is now playing in. Under O'Brian he was in a pro style offense which suited him quite well. Now with Franklin as head coach at PSU he has inserted a more college spread type offense which does not play to the strengths of Hackenburg. I am concerned that Hackenburg regresses under Franklin and I honestly think it would be in his best interests to transfer out of PSU to a more friendly style offensive system. They already had one other QB how was more of a pro style QB transfer out and Franklin has just signed a kid who fits the spread run offense he likes to run. It would not surprise me if Hackenburg ends up on the bench by the end of next year if he stays at PSU. Hackenburg is not in a good situation at PSU.

 

[Finito]

Thanks for the info, I always look forward to your "meetings" with your scout friend and updates on the Board.

I like RB Yeldon and think we could get him in round 2 or 3 (although that could be a push). He would be the big back that would compliment Ellington.

The qb that i really want is Glennon from the Tampa Bay Bucs. Lovie Smith likes McCown better and will most likely draft either Mariota or Winston making Glennon available for perhaps a 6th or 7th round pick. Glennon would be a perfect fit for BA's system. He would be a better backup next year than Stanton and ready to take Palmers place in 2016. Just my two cents.

Man I really have no idea what that kid did wrong. He had a great rookie year the second Lovie got that job he said he was bringing McCown in to be his starter. I would give up anything from a 4-7 for him.

 

[juza76]

Man I really have no idea what that kid did wrong. He had a great rookie year the second Lovie got that job he said he was bringing McCown in to be his starter. I would give up anything from a 4-7 for him.

i didnt watch him play recently,did he improve his footwwork or is like a statue?

 

[Totally_Red]

Thanks for the info, I always look forward to your "meetings" with your scout friend and updates on the Board.

I like RB Yeldon and think we could get him in round 2 or 3 (although that could be a push). He would be the big back that would compliment Ellington.

The qb that i really want is Glennon from the Tampa Bay Bucs. Lovie Smith likes McCown better and will most likely draft either Mariota or Winston making Glennon available for perhaps a 6th or 7th round pick. Glennon would be a perfect fit for BA's system. He would be a better backup next year than Stanton and ready to take Palmers place in 2016. Just my two cents.

I'd give up a draft choice for him if push came to shove. Maybe a 7th and swapping choices to give them a higher one.

 

[CardLogic]

My front office friend, he's 2 steps below the GM, was over for dinner Sunday evening and we were talking the draft. I thought I'd pass on some info.

For the 2015 draft;

There are no QB's he likes. Mariota has to be in the right system, Winston is a wildcard, Carden is un-athletic and not a strong arm, and Grayson is ok but nothing more. Not a fan of Petty, Hundley, or Hogan. Right now, other than Hackenberg from PSU, and he still has a lot of developing to do, there aren't many pro style QB's on the horizon. USC kid is ok.

What about the kid from Oregon State? Mannion?

Kessler from USC has as his upside about as good as every other QB from USC since Carson Palmer. In other words, he's crap.

 

[Finito]

i didnt watch him play recently,did he improve his footwwork or is like a statue?

Carson Palmer is the definition of a statue in the pocket.

 

[Cbus cardsfan]

BTW, the kid from LSU is named Danielle Hunter. He's 6'6 240 and athletic as anything. Keep an eye on him if he declares.

 

[Mitch]

BTW, the kid from LSU is named Danielle Hunter. He's 6'6 240 and athletic as anything. Keep an eye on him if he declares.

Good call...freakish athlete...versatile...

 

[PJ1]

Also, we talked about Cooper and Minter. He really liked them both entering the draft. I said that I thought Cooper was out of shape. He said that was an issue from time to time at UNC. Hopefully that means Cooper will get back in shape and be the player many of thought he would be.

As for Minter, he found it hard to believe he is struggling like he is. He was a very good player at LSU and projected well to the NFL. Maybe the light will go on for him.

Btw, loves Dan Williams as a player too.

Loved Minter in college as well. Every time I saw him play all I thought was this guy is a football player. Really liked the pick.

 

[Lomax to Green 84]

Good call...freakish athlete...versatile...

Yeah, he is a freak. Kind of like Mingo in that he doesn't have monster numbers, but still impacts games. Keim loves those LSU kids. I think it was the Mississippi game that he really stood out. Also the other outside backer #59 looks to be a pretty good player as well.

 

[WildBB]

Thanks Cbus.

I really like the Bell kid - WR - out of Nebraska.

Holds all their records. Really runs crisp routes and doesn't drop A N Y T H I N G!

His speed will determine his draft Rd. But he'll make ANY team - guaranteed.


I'm all in for a OL or RB early. I'd put ROLB in there too, someone like an Attouchou.

But continue to strengthen the OL is my main priority right now for this team. We need to get better in all area's of pass pro and toting the rock.

ILB is another area that needs some work. Is Minter ready to take over for Foote next season??!! Big question.

 

[Dr. Jones]

The QB from USC really is an Arians type of QB. And his comp % this year is sick. Deep posts, outs, etc. i really hope this is the year for an OLB and a few interior lineman. Especially a center. Please for the love of god... A Center!!!!

 

[GatorAZ]

Carson Palmer is the definition of a statue in the pocket.

It will be worse next year. Worse knee and even slower foot speed.

 

[juza76]

The QB from USC really is an Arians type of QB. And his comp % this year is sick. Deep posts, outs, etc. i really hope this is the year for an OLB and a few interior lineman. Especially a center. Please for the love of god... A Center!!!!

yeah u right,kessler stats are ridicolous,but i dont think he will declare for the next draft

 

[MrYeahBut]

What's the scenario for Tampa or Tennessee getting the #1 pick, please?

 

[BW52]

Thanks for the information.

Kind of reinforces my thoughts on the QB and RB draft classes. Not a shock that QB is really dried up right now. College guys just aren't coming out with an advanced understanding of QB play. That being said, if you can find the guy with the right mental makeup and skills, you can develop one.

Connor Cook is a kid I am watching. Hackenburg as well.

Gerold Holliman is a S I am keeping my eye on. He is a true center fielder but isn't very physical. I just have a feeling that Mathieu might end up as more of a nickel CB / dime S rather than a FS.

As a Louisville fan Holliman is a ballhawk but isn`t a great tackler.You are exactly right with Holliman plays like a CF.Charles Gaines a CB from Luisville is going to declare but he talks a big game more than he produces on the field.Gaines was toasted by WRS quite often this season.

 

[splitsecond]

The QB from USC really is an Arians type of QB. And his comp % this year is sick. Deep posts, outs, etc. i really hope this is the year for an OLB and a few interior lineman. Especially a center. Please for the love of god... A Center!!!!

No no no and no on Kessler. He's another noodle armed limp worsted poor leader just like every other QB to come out of USC after Carson Palmer.

 

[slanidrac16]

I don't pretend to know about any of these potential prospects. However, if the Cards can't or don't resign Cromartie I would not rule out a CB with the first pick.

It's obvious that the design of the Cards defense requires 2 cover cb's. I would just as soon resign Cro and get us a big OLB pass rusher.

 

[CardLogic]

No no no and no on Kessler. He's another noodle armed limp worsted poor leader just like every other QB to come out of USC after Carson Palmer.

Right on target, split! Kessler is a less than average college QB. Can't understand why people expect him to be good at the next level.

 

[Cbus cardsfan]

What's the scenario for Tampa or Tennessee getting the #1 pick, please?

Tampa gets it by losing today. Which according to at least one person on this board, they had a much better season than the Cards.