Harry
ASFN Consultant and Senior Writer
Football Karma asked a question on the "Cut List" thread that got me started on draft philosophy. I covered the QB situation on that thread, but here's how I see the rest of it. Some long time readers may recall some of this from my draft guru days.
The Cards 1st pick could well be in the top 7. At that point you should be looking for a probable future Pro Bowl player. If you can find a player who looks uniquely special, that's even better. The other thing you need to do is to look at the pools at various positions and compare them to your team needs. What about BPA? Well the cap has changed the philosophy of most teams and mine as well. In the first three rounds I want the BPA, but I want that player to play a position of need.
This year much will depend on which FAs the Cards retain. For example, do they keep Minter? If so they likely don't pick an ILB. Clearly they need a CB to start opposite Peterson. The interior of the O-line must be rebuilt. I'm certain they keep Jones, but Campbell will likely leave and probably Okafor as well, so they need front 7 depth on the defense. They're thin at running back. They clearly need a WR capable of starting and may need 2.
I believe the Cards let Minter walk. Looking at key prospects I'm thinking the Cards go ILB, CB or WR. The most impressive player I see is Foster. He's not Kuechly. He's a different player, but in terms of impacting a game he's highly skilled. He's a force sideline to sideline. He controls the gap he targets and excels at shaking would be blockers. He's decent in pass coverage and certainly is better than Minter. He also is a better blitzer. The opposing offense must account for him on every play. He's better than Dansby. He'll plug the middle for years. He's a rare talent that can't be passed if available. If he's gone or the Cards re-sign Minter the best receiver is Williams. The best corner is Tabor. Either would be a good choice. I'd take Williams. Even if Fitz stays for a year Floyd's absence leaves a major void. Williams is more like Fitz than Floyd, but Boldin & Fitz took the Cards to a Super Bowl and neither was a burner. There are other good receivers but the need at WR is greater than corner, so I'm filling the biggest need with an outstanding player. Als the CB pool is deeper. I wouldn't criticize taking Tabor, but with Peterson to take the top receiver, the Cards' secondary has done well with simply a competent #2 corner. For certain one of these 3 players will be there when they choose. This should be a no brainer!
The Cards 1st pick could well be in the top 7. At that point you should be looking for a probable future Pro Bowl player. If you can find a player who looks uniquely special, that's even better. The other thing you need to do is to look at the pools at various positions and compare them to your team needs. What about BPA? Well the cap has changed the philosophy of most teams and mine as well. In the first three rounds I want the BPA, but I want that player to play a position of need.
This year much will depend on which FAs the Cards retain. For example, do they keep Minter? If so they likely don't pick an ILB. Clearly they need a CB to start opposite Peterson. The interior of the O-line must be rebuilt. I'm certain they keep Jones, but Campbell will likely leave and probably Okafor as well, so they need front 7 depth on the defense. They're thin at running back. They clearly need a WR capable of starting and may need 2.
I believe the Cards let Minter walk. Looking at key prospects I'm thinking the Cards go ILB, CB or WR. The most impressive player I see is Foster. He's not Kuechly. He's a different player, but in terms of impacting a game he's highly skilled. He's a force sideline to sideline. He controls the gap he targets and excels at shaking would be blockers. He's decent in pass coverage and certainly is better than Minter. He also is a better blitzer. The opposing offense must account for him on every play. He's better than Dansby. He'll plug the middle for years. He's a rare talent that can't be passed if available. If he's gone or the Cards re-sign Minter the best receiver is Williams. The best corner is Tabor. Either would be a good choice. I'd take Williams. Even if Fitz stays for a year Floyd's absence leaves a major void. Williams is more like Fitz than Floyd, but Boldin & Fitz took the Cards to a Super Bowl and neither was a burner. There are other good receivers but the need at WR is greater than corner, so I'm filling the biggest need with an outstanding player. Als the CB pool is deeper. I wouldn't criticize taking Tabor, but with Peterson to take the top receiver, the Cards' secondary has done well with simply a competent #2 corner. For certain one of these 3 players will be there when they choose. This should be a no brainer!
