First Picks Who Would Make Me Happy

[Mitch]

I say with the first pick because I think there is a good possibility that Steve Keim will trade down to add extra picks and added flexibility in what is a very deep draft.

I don't think the Cardinals need to take more than 7 players in this draft because it will be hard for the later picks to make the team this year.

What I am trying to do is, like Steve Keim, is to identify impact players who are self-starters ("gym rats") and high character leaders. There is no particular order here---just listing them as i am thinking of them:

1. DT/34DE Aaron Donald, Pittsburgh. He's short, but works everything he has (quickness, explosion, strength and motivation) to his advantage.

2. T/G Zach Martin, Notre Dame. I could care less about his short arms. He's the consummate puncher and battler.

3. OLB Kyle Van Noy, BYU. Love his motor and excellent versatility.

4. S Calvin Pryor, Louisville. Most of the best safeties in the NFL are in his size range. He's a stick of dynamite on the football field and a player who, like Honey Badger, can set the tempo and the highest of performance standards on the football field.

5. OLB/DE Kony Ealy, Missouri. Gifted edge athlete. Hard worker.

6. QB Jimmy Garoppolo, Eastern Illinois. Love the quick release and good feet. Showed impressive leadership in the All-Star games, which isn't as easy as it may seem.

7. WR Marqise Lee, USC. I think this guy is a stud. Not afraid at all of going over the middle and can burn teams deep. Love the USC connection he would have with Carson Palmer.

8. OLB Jeremiah Attaochu, Georgia Tech. Relentless off the edge and cat quick. Work and competes his tail off.

9. WR Brandin Cooks. Fast WR who plays fast, decisive and disciplined (rare combination). Super productive and a slot type of WR who commands the ball.

10. DE Timmy Jernigan, Florida St. Productive, tenacious and highly competitive. Tom Pratt, Brentson Buckner and John Lott could turn him onto a Pro-Bowler.

11. G/T David Yankee, Stanford. This kid gets after it. Gritty and focused. A winner.

12. OLB Ryan Shazier, Ohio St. I just love the way he flies to the ball---very much the way Honey Badger does. Takes runners down at the knees in a flash. Can run run run all day. In a division with Wilson and Kaepernick, he could be a key asset.

13. CB Darqueze Dennard, Michigan St. Love this kid---love his leadership and toughness. Must play in a physical style of defense...which could suit the Cardinals very well.

14. S Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, Alabama. Has all the physical talent---the size, the quickness, the toughness. May struggle a while mentally in learning the defense, as most rookies do. But once he feels at ease with the system, he could shine.

 

[Garthshort]

Mitch, I keep going back to SK's claim that he's looking for length and speed on defense. Think it's a smokescreen?

 

[Chopper0080]

I say with the first pick because I think there is a good possibility that Steve Keim will trade down to add extra picks and added flexibility in what is a very deep draft.

I don't think the Cardinals need to take more than 7 players in this draft because it will be hard for the later picks to make the team this year.

What I am trying to do is, like Steve Keim, is to identify impact players who are self-starters ("gym rats") and high character leaders. There is no particular order here---just listing them as i am thinking of them:

1. DT/34DE Aaron Donald, Pittsburgh. He's short, but works everything he has (quickness, explosion, strength and motivation) to his advantage.

2. T/G Zach Martin, Notre Dame. I could care less about his short arms. He's the consummate puncher and battler.

3. OLB Kyle Van Noy, BYU. Love his motor and excellent versatility.

4. S Calvin Pryor, Louisville. Most of the best safeties in the NFL are in his size range. He's a stick of dynamite on the football field and a player who, like Honey Badger, can set the tempo and the highest of performance standards on the football field.

5. OLB/DE Kony Ealy, Missouri. Gifted edge athlete. Hard worker.

6. QB Jimmy Garoppolo, Eastern Illinois. Love the quick release and good feet. Showed impressive leadership in the All-Star games, which isn't as easy as it may seem.

7. WR Marqise Lee, USC. I think this guy is a stud. Not afraid at all of going over the middle and can burn teams deep. Love the USC connection he would have with Carson Palmer.

8. OLB Jeremiah Attaochu, Georgia Tech. Relentless off the edge and cat quick. Work and competes his tail off.

9. WR Brandin Cooks. Fast WR who plays fast, decisive and disciplined (rare combination). Super productive and a slot type of WR who commands the ball.

10. DE Timmy Jernigan, Florida St. Productive, tenacious and highly competitive. Tom Pratt, Brentson Buckner and John Lott could turn him onto a Pro-Bowler.

11. G/T David Yankee, Stanford. This kid gets after it. Gritty and focused. A winner.

12. OLB Ryan Shazier, Ohio St. I just love the way he flies to the ball---very much the way Honey Badger does. Takes runners down at the knees in a flash. Can run run run all day. In a division with Wilson and Kaepernick, he could be a key asset.

13. CB Darqueze Dennard, Michigan St. Love this kid---love his leadership and toughness. Must play in a physical style of defense...which could suit the Cardinals very well.

14. S Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, Alabama. Has all the physical talent---the size, the quickness, the toughness. May struggle a while mentally in learning the defense, as most rookies do. But once he feels at ease with the system, he could shine.

I could live with...

Eric Ebron - TE
Jace Amaro - TE
Zach Martin - OT/OG
Aaron Donald- DE
Ra'Shede Hageman - DE
Kony Ealy - DE
Dee Ford - OLB
Justin Gilbert - CB
Darqueze Dennard - CB
Jason Verrett - CB
Calvin Pryor - S

and that is about it unless we trade WAY back.

 

[Mitch]

Mitch, I keep going back to SK's claim that he's looking for length and speed on defense. Think it's a smokescreen?

No, Garth. I think we will see the Cardinals add a DB with length in free agency. Chris Clemons comes to mind. So does Chris Cook.

If not in FA---there are some big DBs in this draft like Stanley Jean-Baptiste, Keith McGill and Pierre Desir who might be available in rounds 2-3.

 

[GuernseyCard]

I don't think there's a chance in heck that he trades back in the first round, there's just too much talent available at #20. Later rounds, like last year, yes.

 

[Russ Smith]

I'm not sure that Palmer having graduated USC 12 years ago qualifies as a USC connection with Lee. Lee was what 9 when Palmer last played at SC?

I do like him though but I don't think we should use a first rounder on him unless he's the proverbial BPA.

 

[juza76]

mitch ,pryor was listed 6-2 before combine and then measured 5-11 he looked also slow today
he is very tenacious player and a hard hitter.but keim said he want a fast tall safety..pryor is shorter then bell and as fast as him.
this is my list
1-buchanon 6-1 4.49
2-keith mcgill utah 6-3 4.51
3-jean baptista from nebraska 6-3 4.50
4-telvin smith lb from florida state,is a 6-3 guy 218lb-fast ,he can be converted safety 4.51
5-terrence brooks florida state 4.41

 

[Buckybird]

mitch ,pryor was listed 6-2 before combine and then measured 5-11 he looked also slow today
he is very tenacious player and a hard hitter.but keim said he want a fast tall safety..pryor is shorter then bell and as fast as him.
this is my list
1-buchanon 6-1 4.49
2-keith mcgill utah 6-3 4.51
3-ahmad brooks baylor 6-0 4.50
4-telvin smith lb from florida state,is a 6-3 guy 218lb-fast ,he can be converted safety 4.51
5-terrence brooks florida state 4.41
also jean baptista from nebraska 6-3 4.50

I guarantee you Keim will throw out the height issue on Pryor despite his comments!!! Comparing him to Bell as far as speed IMO is ridiculous...watch the tape & how he flys to the ball...timed speed isn't always game speed.

This kid is an absolute stud & unless injury shortens his career, looks like a SPECIAL kind of player who has HOF potential IMO. He's nasty & will fit right in with the Cards D & bring some more tenacity too it. My biggest fear is Dallas is salivating over the chance to pick him.

 

[juza76]

I guarantee you Keim will throw out the height issue on Pryor despite his comments!!! Comparing him to Bell as far as speed IMO is ridiculous...watch the tape & how he flys to the ball...timed speed isn't always game speed.

This kid is an absolute stud & unless injury shortens his career, looks like a SPECIAL kind of player who has HOF potential IMO. He's nasty & will fit right in with the Cards D & bring some more tenacity too it. My biggest fear is Dallas is salivating over the chance to pick him.

ok so kleim just threw smokescreen about height
but outside of peterson the defensive back are really short right now
did u notice last year how much good were johnson jefferson matthieu bell powers against tall receiver

 

[Buckybird]

ok so kleim just threw smokescreen about height

How tall is TM? Didn't Keim draft him last year?

I'm sure they want some bigger DB's, but IMO Keim isn't dumb enough to let a kids height (in this case maybe 2") scare him off of all world talent & production. I think Pryors got that ability & many others do as well.

 

[juza76]

How tall is TM? Didn't Keim draft him last year?

I'm sure they want some bigger DB's, but IMO Keim isn't dumb enough to let a kids height (in this case maybe 2") scare him off of all world talent & production. I think Pryors got that ability & many others do as well.

bucky as i mentoned before we lack height in the backfield,and they struggle against tigh end.
i think we can add a taller talented defensive back
i prefer talent too,,and matthieu is great,,but did u see him johnson jefferson powers covering tigh ends
it was the only weak point last season for the defense

 

[Buckybird]

bucky as i mentoned before we lack height in the backfield,and they struggle against tigh end.
i think we can add a taller talented defensive back
i prefer talent too,,and matthieu is great,,but did u see him johnson jefferson covering tigh ends

I hear ya juza, but I'm telling ya don't believe every single detail an NFL GM says. 6-2 & 6-3 DB's are few & far between...only 8 guys were taller than 6".

 

[iLLmatiC]

I could live with...

Eric Ebron - TE
Jace Amaro - TE
Zach Martin - OT/OG
Aaron Donald- DE
Ra'Shede Hageman - DE
Kony Ealy - DE
Dee Ford - OLB
Justin Gilbert - CB
Darqueze Dennard - CB
Jason Verrett - CB
Calvin Pryor - S

and that is about it unless we trade WAY back.

If I could And 1 this post I would. I love your list, I seriously hope Keim considers a TE in the first round, I think it'd make a world of a difference for Carson; I also dig me some Dee Ford too. I could live with a pass rushing OLB/DE, TE, or S.

 

[Finito]

Jurecki saying pretty much the best defensive player on the board will be the pick. CB, SS,OLB or a defensive lineman. Said no WR or TE in round one.

 

[juza76]

mitch agree also about shazier ,is exceptional..watching this video make me really like this kid
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iql1UpBn_nQ
he makes some reckless tackle

what a hit ouch
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwQzkshFkaM

 

[Buckybird]

mitch agree also about shazier ,is exceptional..watching this video make me really like this kid
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iql1UpBn_nQ
he makes some reckless tackle

what a hit ouch
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwQzkshFkaM

Now you want a bigger DB? There's your safety. IMO his frame won't get much bigger therefore I'd move him to SS.

 

[juza76]

Now you want a bigger DB? There's your safety. IMO his frame won't get much bigger therefore I'd move him to SS.

No.i just like the player even if he doesnt fit

 

[DoTheDew]

Going into free agency, we need starters at 3 positions: LT, SS, and TE. All our other needs are depth. BA wants starters with first round picks.

Looking at the free agency class and comments made by the FO and coaching staff, I think we will sign a LT in free agency. We want a blocking TE and those can be had cheaper in FA or later in the draft. That leaves SS. I look at the FA class of safeties and I don't see any good fits. Certainly no one that is going to be a reasonable price and a significant upgrade from Bell. Additionally, there's a good probability that one of Clinton-Dix or Pryor will be there at 20 and be one of the BPAs.

 

[Finito]

I'm really really starting to come around on Aaron Donald or Rasheed Hageman. That would give us the ability to create a lot of new looks up front. CC, Williams, Docket and Donald 4 lineman in certain situations who's going to stop that pass rush? Hageman isn't as polished but physically he's a freak if he ever realizes his potential watch out.

I also really like Ealy coming off the edge maybe getting a guy like Will Sutton in round 2 or 3. He had a bad year last year gained too much weight and that really effected his explosiveness. We've seen him slim and he's very disruptive. I say continue to build this defense

 

[perivolaki]

Going into free agency, we need starters at 3 positions: LT, SS, and TE. All our other needs are depth. BA wants starters with first round picks.

Looking at the free agency class and comments made by the FO and coaching staff, I think we will sign a LT in free agency. We want a blocking TE and those can be had cheaper in FA or later in the draft. That leaves SS. I look at the FA class of safeties and I don't see any good fits. Certainly no one that is going to be a reasonable price and a significant upgrade from Bell. Additionally, there's a good probability that one of Clinton-Dix or Pryor will be there at 20 and be one of the BPAs.

I agree with most of this but the wild card is how things fall in the draft.

A player at an already stocked position falls to 20 & BASK just love the guy.

Now you have decsion to make. Do you take that position of need, take the guy you just love, or trade down.

That's what makes this so fun.

 

[dreamcastrocks]

I agree with most of this but the wild card is how things fall in the draft.

A player at an already stocked position falls to 20 & BASK just love the guy.

Now you have decsion to make. Do you take that position of need, take the guy you just love, or trade down.

That's what makes this so fun.

Take the guy you love, trade down, position of need in that order.

 

[DoTheDew]

Take the guy you love, trade down, position of need in that order.

That's why it's always nice to love guys at positions of need.

 

[Cbus cardsfan]

Despite his issues, I think Hageman is the best fit for the defense. Having solid leadership in guys like Dansby, CC, and DD should help with his transition to the NFL.

The other guy I keep getting a feeling about the Cards drafting is Shazier. He weighed in at 237, which is still smallish, but he showed great speed and explosion and he plays non-stop. I question his ability as a 3-4 OLB but with guys like Kaep and Wilson, the traditional size requirements for a 3-4 OLB may be evolving into more run and chase guys.

 

[WildBB]

I don't think there's a chance in heck that he trades back in the first round, there's just too much talent available at #20. Later rounds, like last year, yes.

There is but this is a very deep draft through Rd's 3-4.

They may be just as content drafting someone at 30 as 20 and wind up with extra picks that could materialise as starters. (see T. Mathieu, A Ellington and poss. Watford). That is what Seattle has done so well. We still have a lot of needs.

 

[Finito]

I think you can get Hageman in round 2 he has the physical build buy he still very raw