Draft smoke starting to clear at #16....

[football karma]

Three weeks to go, it seems (seems being the best word to use) like there is relatively small group of prospects that 1. Fit the direction the Cards are looking, and 2. Will likely be there at #16 and are the right range of value for #16.

Drumroll please...

The please, oh please let them be there (i.e. could fall but likely wont):

Sedrick Ellis, DT USC-- The only reason I think he could fall is that he is short for the prototypical tackle. If Cincy does something unexpected, he could start to slide. Unlikely I know, but he would be a no brainer.

The second best CB-- I havent a clue who this is. It seems like you look at ten different mocks, and you get four or five different rankings of the CBs. A bunch of offensive players would have to go in the top 15 for the Cardinals to have the luxury of picking whomever they feel the second best cb is.

Rashard Mendenhall, RB Ill -- most likely of the three to fall -- it seems like he has to slip past Chicago and Carolina, maybe Detroit to get to the Cards.

The usual suspects:

Derrick Harvey, De/OLB Fl: May not be there, but with Berry, Okeafor and Haggan's age and contract status (last year for all three) -- getting a young pass rusher with upside wouldnt be the worst thing.

Keith Rivers, LB USC: The open spot currently is the weakside backer spot -- Okeafor comes in to take Pace's spot on the strong side. A guy with great speed and excellent coverage skills on the weakside would improve the defense. On the weakside, his size wouldnt be a huge issue. This could be the guy that nobody at ASFN has really considered seriously. Graves and Wis have said the game is won up front, and given the depth at CB -- they add a guy who plays closer to the line of scrimmage (and has great cover skills) and get the CB in round 2.

Jonathan Stewart. RB Ore: Even with the toe, could be the BPA at #16, but Graves is very need oriented, so I would be shocked if this were the pick

Best CB available: This is probably the pick almost regardless of what happens, given what I just wrote above. Is it Talib? Jenkins? Cason? I have no clue. The lack of consensus is a blessing and a curse. On one hand, taking the fourth, or even fifth best CB at #16 just feels like settling on a position-- but at the same time, the lack of consensus makes is a real possibility that the fifth CB taken could very well be the best one.

Best OT available: The Cards tell us what they are thinking if you listen, and there has been zero on the prospect of taking an olineman at #16. You get the sense that Grimm has concluded he likes the guys he has and would prefer continuity.

 

[DaisyCutter]

I think that Okeafor still has a year left on his contract after this one. Both he and Berry signed five-year deals, but Chike signed a year after Berry did.

If the Cards decide to go cornerback at this position, scouting ability is going to be at a premium. The scouts erred in choosing Rolle over Carlos Rogers three years ago. They have to choose right among the top 3 or 4 (I think that at least two and maybe 3 CBs will be off the board before the Cards pick) if that pick is going to be successful.

River would compete for Karlos Dansby's spot. There are no linebacker spots open right now.

 

[Shane]

So what you are saying is that there is still plenty of smoke to clear.

 

[Garthshort]

Ot

Grimm might like his OL, and I believe he does, but we have, just about, zero depth at tackle.

 

[Shane]

Grimm might like his OL, and I believe he does, but we have, just about, zero depth at tackle.

Elton Brown proved he can fill in and be more than adequate IMO.

 

[football karma]

So what you are saying is that there is still plenty of smoke to clear.

Well, I did say "starting"

as for Rivers, I just think that if there is a big run on corners -- and if the Cardinals have decided that RB isnt a round 1 priority --

it may be Rivers.

 

[Savage58]

Rivers would be the worst pick for the Cards at #16 imho, he doesn't fit in here. Kiper thinks Rivers will suddenly turn into a pass rushing OLB in a 3-4 or something, cuz he has us picking him in his latest mock, PUKE! I'll be happy with Harvey, he's a pass rusher we can use, but Rivers bleh, we already have Dansby and Hayes inside, don't want him don't need him.

 

[TruColor]

Rivers would be the worst pick for the Cards at #16 imho, he doesn't fit in here. Kiper thinks Rivers will suddenly turn into a pass rushing OLB in a 3-4 or something, cuz he has us picking him in his latest mock, PUKE! I'll be happy with Harvey, he's a pass rusher we can use, but Rivers bleh, we already have Dansby and Hayes inside, don't want him don't need him.

Actually, Kiper has the Cardinals taking Leodis McKelvin of Troy in his latest mock.

 

[BleedRed]

In my opinion Rivers will be long gone. Personally I agree that the Cards are hoping that Mendenhall falls to us, and if not we'll proabably going to go corner (hopefully not Talib because I think he will be a bust). Best case scenerio in my opinion is Mendenhall in round 1 and Cason in round 2. That would be a dream draft IMO.

If Mendenhall is not there @ 16 then I say we hope either McKelvin or DRC are still available as they are the only corners I think are worthy to go that high. Jenkins is a little of a reach @ that point, but if Mendenahall, McKelin, and DRC are all gone we'll probably have to go in that direction and then look for a guy like Chris Johnson, Kevin Smith, or Jamaal Charles in round 2.

 

[Savage58]

Actually, Kiper has the Cardinals taking Leodis McKelvin of Troy in his latest mock.

I prefer a corner to Rivers all day long Thanks for enlightening me in regards to Kiper though.

 

[Buckybird]

Rivers would be the worst pick for the Cards at #16 imho, he doesn't fit in here. Kiper thinks Rivers will suddenly turn into a pass rushing OLB in a 3-4 or something, cuz he has us picking him in his latest mock, PUKE! I'll be happy with Harvey, he's a pass rusher we can use, but Rivers bleh, we already have Dansby and Hayes inside, don't want him don't need him.

Agree about Rivers. I watched alot of USC games over the last 4 years and Keep hearing the hype on Rivers. He never really ever stood out to me and never really ever does anything to make him stand out(sacks, int, forced fumbles). In my opinion he is not a playmaker, something Groves and Harvey have shown in college. Beware!!! Stay away from Keith Rivers!!!

 

[cardsfanmd]

I am not 100% on how I feel about Rivers, but I wouldn't be terribly upset with the pick. Dansby is a FA and we have no depth beyond Beisel or any developing guys at that position.

 

[Skkorpion]

Whoever Whisenhunt picks is fine by me. With Steve Kiem now officially in total control of college scouting, I think we are positioned to make good choices in rounds 1 and 2 and beyond.

Personally, I'll be disappointed and very surprised if we draft Keith Rivers.

 

[WildBB]

Whoever Whisenhunt picks is fine by me. With Steve Kiem now officially in total control of college scouting, I think we are positioned to make good choices in rounds 1 and 2 and beyond.

Personally, I'll be disappointed and very surprised if we draft Keith Rivers.

Or Jenkins. PFW flat out calls him a prima-dona type player that doesn't put his all into practicing and takes whole series off. Not a sure tackler either, but how many CB's are.

Doesn't fit Whizenhut mold of what he's looking for at all.

 

[overseascardfan]

I am going to say this and might take some heat but USC players are often overhyped. They are great college players who rarely pan out in the NFL. Take a look at this list.

DT Darrell Russell - Pro Bowler until he started doping.

WR Mike Williams - Should have stayed in school instead of sitting out that year.

SS Darnell Bing - 5 star recruit who never panned out in the pros.

DT Manuel Wright - see above

OT Winston Justice - Eagles still looking for OT help.

WR Dwayne Jarrett - Looking like a bust.

RB - Lendale White - Injuries and recent legal trouble not helping him.

RB - Reggie Bush - Maybe Kim Kardashian will pull a Jessica Simpson and jinx him.

QB - Matt Leinart - Jury still out, rep taking a hit with his party boy image.

DE Kenechi Udeze - Hate to knock the guy because of his recent medical status but he has done nothing since arriving in the league.

These guys are not busts yet but haven't lighten up the league either:

C Matt Kahlil - Didn't play much rookie year.

OG Duece Lutui - Entrenched starter but was a second round pick and needs to improve.

These guys panned out:
QB Carson Palmer - CIN got their franchise QB.

SS Troy Polamalu - Heart of Steeler D.

WR Steve Smith - Didn't play much in regular season but looked like a star in the playoffs.

Rivers & Ellis scare me at #16 as both wouldn't fit in our system. Go best CB available or trade down and get Cason.

 

[az jam]

Guys that may be availabe at #16 that the Cards could pick:

Phil Merling DE Clemson - has not worked out due to a sports hernia. Would fit right in with the cards 3-4 defense and could beat out Antonio Smith.

Jonathon Stewart RB Oregon - Just had surgery on a big toe injury but should be ready by training camp. Would be James replacement in 2009.

Mike Jenkins CB South Florida - is still considered one of the top 3 CBs

Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie CB Tenn. State - he could slip and be there


I think that Harvey DE, Rivers LB and Mendenhall RB will be gone. I also don't see the Cards drafting an OL in the first round this year.

 

[ianzym]

I really like Antonie Cason and even though I am an ASU guy, I thought Cason was a great player at U of A. I wouldn't mind the Cards snatching him up at #16 because I think he will be a solid pro. Also, now with Bryant Johnson gone we need a #3 receiver, what do you guys think if the Cards were to draft Desean Jackson with the #16 pick if they didn't go for defense? I think Jackson would be of huge value especially as a deep threat because of his speed.

 

[Dr. Jones]

McKelvin, DRC, or Mendenhall. I think one of these three will be ours.

I am hoping for a CB in RD 1. Charles in round 2. DE's, LB's, & T's the rest of the way.

 

[cardsfanmd]

These guys are not busts yet but haven't lighten up the league either:

C Matt Kahlil - Didn't play much rookie year.



Rivers & Ellis scare me at #16 as both wouldn't fit in our system. Go best CB available or trade down and get Cason.

Ryan Kalil was a stud last year at guard IMO and has taken the starting center spot going into camp.

Again I dont know much about Rivers but Ellis is a flat out stud and I would hope the team would sprint to the podium were he available (which he wont be). The guy reminds me of Warren Sapp.

 

[Skkorpion]

I really like Antonie Cason and even though I am an ASU guy, I thought Cason was a great player at U of A. I wouldn't mind the Cards snatching him up at #16 because I think he will be a solid pro. Also, now with Bryant Johnson gone we need a #3 receiver, what do you guys think if the Cards were to draft Desean Jackson with the #16 pick if they didn't go for defense? I think Jackson would be of huge value especially as a deep threat because of his speed.

Welcome to ASFN. I doubt we address the WR position early this year, if at all.

 

[perivolaki]

Agree about Rivers. I watched alot of USC games over the last 4 years and Keep hearing the hype on Rivers. He never really ever stood out to me and never really ever does anything to make him stand out(sacks, int, forced fumbles). In my opinion he is not a playmaker, something Groves and Harvey have shown in college. Beware!!! Stay away from Keith Rivers!!!

Maybe true but he is moving up the charts after his pro day at SC. I heard he had a 42" vertical and almost out jumped the device they had for measuring. I heard scouts and observers were cheering. I don't think there is any way he drops to us now.

 

[ianzym]

I hope we address the the WR at some point. Should we of had a speedy 3 or 4 receiver this past season we would've won that game against San Fran where Urban was caught from behind by Patrick Willis.....

 

[john h]

Three weeks to go, it seems (seems being the best word to use) like there is relatively small group of prospects that 1. Fit the direction the Cards are looking, and 2. Will likely be there at #16 and are the right range of value for #16.

Drumroll please...

The please, oh please let them be there (i.e. could fall but likely wont):

Sedrick Ellis, DT USC-- The only reason I think he could fall is that he is short for the prototypical tackle. If Cincy does something unexpected, he could start to slide. Unlikely I know, but he would be a no brainer.

The second best CB-- I havent a clue who this is. It seems like you look at ten different mocks, and you get four or five different rankings of the CBs. A bunch of offensive players would have to go in the top 15 for the Cardinals to have the luxury of picking whomever they feel the second best cb is.

Rashard Mendenhall, RB Ill -- most likely of the three to fall -- it seems like he has to slip past Chicago and Carolina, maybe Detroit to get to the Cards.

The usual suspects:

Derrick Harvey, De/OLB Fl: May not be there, but with Berry, Okeafor and Haggan's age and contract status (last year for all three) -- getting a young pass rusher with upside wouldnt be the worst thing.

Keith Rivers, LB USC: The open spot currently is the weakside backer spot -- Okeafor comes in to take Pace's spot on the strong side. A guy with great speed and excellent coverage skills on the weakside would improve the defense. On the weakside, his size wouldnt be a huge issue. This could be the guy that nobody at ASFN has really considered seriously. Graves and Wis have said the game is won up front, and given the depth at CB -- they add a guy who plays closer to the line of scrimmage (and has great cover skills) and get the CB in round 2.

Jonathan Stewart. RB Ore: Even with the toe, could be the BPA at #16, but Graves is very need oriented, so I would be shocked if this were the pick

Best CB available: This is probably the pick almost regardless of what happens, given what I just wrote above. Is it Talib? Jenkins? Cason? I have no clue. The lack of consensus is a blessing and a curse. On one hand, taking the fourth, or even fifth best CB at #16 just feels like settling on a position-- but at the same time, the lack of consensus makes is a real possibility that the fifth CB taken could very well be the best one.

Best OT available: The Cards tell us what they are thinking if you listen, and there has been zero on the prospect of taking an olineman at #16. You get the sense that Grimm has concluded he likes the guys he has and would prefer continuity.

Having had a bad toe for about ten years scares the hell out of me for a running back. These can be minor or they can linger for a lifetime. Many a pro athlete has has his career cut short because of a toe. You would be better off with a broken leg.

 

[john h]

Having had a bad toe for about ten years scares the hell out of me for a running back. These can be minor or they can linger for a lifetime. Many a pro athlete has has his career cut short because of a toe. You would be better off with a broken leg.

Any CB taken #1 scares me. We also have a terrible history of drafting CB's with #1. People cannot even agree who the best CB is. Every 5 or so years a CB will emerge that is sure fire but for the most part you just are playing with fire. Good CB's can come from lower positions as well as #1's with a lot less chance of a bust. Unless their is a Deion Sanders out there stay away from the CB and go with the best player which is very unlikely to be a CB.

 

[john h]

I am going to say this and might take some heat but USC players are often overhyped. They are great college players who rarely pan out in the NFL. Take a look at this list.

DT Darrell Russell - Pro Bowler until he started doping.

WR Mike Williams - Should have stayed in school instead of sitting out that year.

SS Darnell Bing - 5 star recruit who never panned out in the pros.

DT Manuel Wright - see above

OT Winston Justice - Eagles still looking for OT help.

WR Dwayne Jarrett - Looking like a bust.

RB - Lendale White - Injuries and recent legal trouble not helping him.

RB - Reggie Bush - Maybe Kim Kardashian will pull a Jessica Simpson and jinx him.

QB - Matt Leinart - Jury still out, rep taking a hit with his party boy image.

DE Kenechi Udeze - Hate to knock the guy because of his recent medical status but he has done nothing since arriving in the league.

These guys are not busts yet but haven't lighten up the league either:

C Matt Kahlil - Didn't play much rookie year.

OG Duece Lutui - Entrenched starter but was a second round pick and needs to improve.

These guys panned out:
QB Carson Palmer - CIN got their franchise QB.

SS Troy Polamalu - Heart of Steeler D.

WR Steve Smith - Didn't play much in regular season but looked like a star in the playoffs.

Rivers & Ellis scare me at #16 as both wouldn't fit in our system. Go best CB available or trade down and get Cason.

High profile teams do seem to get their players rated higher. The probable reason is that any one players is surrounded by a team full of good players which makes you look better than you are on an average team. In the NFL the Cards are an average team at best and a star at USC does not necessarily translate to a star with the Cards.