Harry
ASFN Consultant and Senior Writer
I mentioned on another thread that I spent yesterday morning in a group session with some knowledgeable draft folks. I took the opportunity to ask several about their impression of the choices facing the Cards. More and more mocks have the Cards selecting Mahomes at 13. The first thing I wanted to know was whether they thought Mahomes' talent justified that selection. Out of 9 guys only 2 thought the pick could be justified on demonstrated ability. A couple doubters did note with his arm strenght that he might evolve into a decent choice but even they thought the odds were against it. 2 also said Mahomes was a second round talent.
That said many thought the Cards would choose him. I asked if this selection would be tied to BA's ego. I proposed that at his age it seems unlikely he will guide a team to the Super Bowl. So would developing a strong QB further solidify BA's legacy as a QB whisperer? His failure with Logan Thomas and Matt Barkley have already tarnished that legacy. Is BA desperate to get one final chance? Does his health necessitate that shot be this year? Of course, will Keim buy into this? How much influence does BA have? The consensus was picking Mahomes would be more emotion and less logic.
This is an extremely strong draft. Whether the Cards pick at 13 or move down this is a rare chance to get a player almost certain to help the team for years. If they stay at 13 a future Pro Bowl player is likely.
BA has done a great deal to make this team credible. The reputation of a perennial loser seems far in the past. Do the Cards owe BA this gesture? I'm definitely the cynical type. I say, "No." If the odds were better that the QBOTF was on the board; I'd jump in. I just don't believe the timing is right. In fact I'm not even certain Palmer leaves next year. Put a quality receiver and a second corner on this team and I think it's thin, but very talented. I think barring serious injury, it makes the playoffs. Once you're there anything can happen. The Cards have weapons. They would be a threat. Taking a QB will mean in round 2 choosing between a receiver and a CB. As receivers are in short supply and everyone expects a big run on corners this strategy looks risky. Likely they pick a corner. The lack of that extra weapon will adversely impact Palmer. The chance of a Williams or Davis being there for the Cards next year is slim. This type of receiver is rare. This in turn makes Palmer's return less likely with Fitz leaving and no certain replacement. The chances a year-two Mahomes is better than a year older Palmer is remote.
I fully understand the urgency fans feel about a QBOTF. They felt the same way before the Cards traded for Palmer or signed Warner. I'm only pointing out that not drafting a QB is not indicative of a disaster. I believe you take a near sure thing impact player when you can get one and one will be there this year!
That said many thought the Cards would choose him. I asked if this selection would be tied to BA's ego. I proposed that at his age it seems unlikely he will guide a team to the Super Bowl. So would developing a strong QB further solidify BA's legacy as a QB whisperer? His failure with Logan Thomas and Matt Barkley have already tarnished that legacy. Is BA desperate to get one final chance? Does his health necessitate that shot be this year? Of course, will Keim buy into this? How much influence does BA have? The consensus was picking Mahomes would be more emotion and less logic.
This is an extremely strong draft. Whether the Cards pick at 13 or move down this is a rare chance to get a player almost certain to help the team for years. If they stay at 13 a future Pro Bowl player is likely.
BA has done a great deal to make this team credible. The reputation of a perennial loser seems far in the past. Do the Cards owe BA this gesture? I'm definitely the cynical type. I say, "No." If the odds were better that the QBOTF was on the board; I'd jump in. I just don't believe the timing is right. In fact I'm not even certain Palmer leaves next year. Put a quality receiver and a second corner on this team and I think it's thin, but very talented. I think barring serious injury, it makes the playoffs. Once you're there anything can happen. The Cards have weapons. They would be a threat. Taking a QB will mean in round 2 choosing between a receiver and a CB. As receivers are in short supply and everyone expects a big run on corners this strategy looks risky. Likely they pick a corner. The lack of that extra weapon will adversely impact Palmer. The chance of a Williams or Davis being there for the Cards next year is slim. This type of receiver is rare. This in turn makes Palmer's return less likely with Fitz leaving and no certain replacement. The chances a year-two Mahomes is better than a year older Palmer is remote.
I fully understand the urgency fans feel about a QBOTF. They felt the same way before the Cards traded for Palmer or signed Warner. I'm only pointing out that not drafting a QB is not indicative of a disaster. I believe you take a near sure thing impact player when you can get one and one will be there this year!
