Harry
ASFN Consultant and Senior Writer
That gust of air Arizona residents felt Thursday night was not the Santa Ana winds; it was the result of a collective sigh from the Cardinal management staff. It’s not that they were lying when they said they didn’t move up because several players on their board still remained. Rather it was that the need for a NT was dramatically accentuated by the Niners selection of two of the best offensive linemen in the draft. Coupled with last year’s first round selection of Joe Staley and former round 2nd selection David Baas, the Niners now present a formidable line. In fact it likely is the highest drafted line in the league. They want to run a ball control offense and wear down the opposition. What they lack in quarterback talent will be concealed by demanding very little of the player occupying that slot. The Niners waited patiently for this draft and made the most of it.
As for the Cards, they selected an outstanding player. If you looked at Williams’ performance two years ago, it would be hard to envision him becoming the player he is today. Enter Monte Kiffin! While Tennessee fans may rue the day the Kiffins came to town, the Cards’ fans may come to honor that date. Monte long considered one of the great minds in the NFL, went to help his son. Not only did the senior Kiffin teach; he inspired. Dan Williams went from being a decent guy who could play a little to being an outstanding NT prospect. He can anchor as well as anyone in the draft with the possible exception of Mr. Suh. He can also penetrate a little and collapse a pocket. While not fast in pursuit or in possession of a burst that would make him a sack threat, he can get enough penetration to be very disruptive. He is good enough to play 3 downs if needed. He may never become an All-Pro, but he should be a solid player for a long time. His acumen honed by Kiffin should enable him to make an immediate contribution.
As for the remainder of the selections, don’t expect to get much comfort from the draft gurus about the 2010 group. A few of them will tell you how much they love Skelton’s arm and a couple will tell you about Schofield pre-injury. In the end though, they will see the glass as half-empty.
The most important aspect of this draft to me was what the Cards didn’t do. They didn’t go out of their way to plug holes with stopgap players. I believe instead that they are showing the first stages of a new style of draft philosophy I see emerging. In the old days philosophy was restricted to BPA or need. I wrote (I think in my first year on this board) that a new strategy was coming into play because of the cap. That strategy was picking BPAs in the top areas of need. It was sort of a meeting of the minds between the two older strategies. The Cards indicated this strategy was the one they employ to build their board in 2010.
Today I see a more complex strategy evolving among a few teams and the Cards are leading the way. If a position is a need position, don’t be afraid to overdraft for that slot. Taking two linebackers makes it quite clear the Cards see that position as pivotal for their team. The defensive scheme they wish to employ will not work without those slots effectively manned. They value athleticism over technique and believe they can teach if they have the right students. They didn’t just look for combine wonders; they selected productive players who actually played below their potential despite posting good numbers.
The only player among their selections who likely has little upside is Williams. He already plays like he belongs thanks to Kiffin. Schofield showed major improvement last season, but still has a lot to learn in coverage. What he does know is how to lead. The Cards lacked on-the-field leadership last season. It will be tough for him to be ready by the start of the season, but I wouldn’t bet against him. He comes to play. He likely would have gone in the second round without the injury. He is a solid pass rusher and an exceptional tackler. He possesses outstanding football instincts.
The Cards moved up to get Washington (I thought the price too high), but he might be the best athlete among the linebackers and has the character the Cards value. Some people have criticized his field awareness and instincts. I think their info is old. His game has steadily improved in this area throughout his career. He will provide major upgrade in covering tight ends and backs. The rough edges on his game should be capable of being straightened and he will be a productive player for years to come. He will immediately contribute at least on special teams.
Keep in mind the Cards have a returning Cody Brown to add in this mix as well. This group will be young and somewhat error prone, but also should form the nucleus of a powerful, versatile unit that will grow together.
Wide receiver wasn’t a primary need despite the departure of Boldin. However, once again redundancy is valued. Andrea Roberts is another high character guy. He will remind you a great deal of Boldin but without as much ‘tude. My old buddy Dave Te says he might be the best FCS player in the draft and when Dave talks, smart people listen. Roberts had a nearly 96% reception rate on catchable balls, which is the best number achieved in almost 10 years. There are so many extraordinary things about this guy; it’s hard to know where to start. He may well have the best first step in college football. This made him the nation’s leading FCS punt returner. It also made him a feared “Wildcat” quarterback. He took 35 direct snaps, producing 15 first downs and 9 of his carries went for more than 10 yards. Roberts is also an excellent runner after the catch being very elusive. The biggest thing he will have to learn in the NFL is survival. This is one tough guy. He loves to block. He won’t go out of bounds. He won’t give up the ball if hit hard. That said he hasn’t played against the guys with the speed/size ratio of NFL players. If he’s not careful, like Boldin, he will get hurt too often.
It’s hard to evaluate a QB coming out of a spread offense, though he played some downs under center in a more Pro-Style look. Put him against marginal competition and the task becomes even harder. So for advice the Cards likely turned to famed QB mentor Jerry Rhome. He’s worked extensively with John Skelton and he believes Skelton can make this difficult transition. Later the Cards met directly with Shelton and went to Fordham to have him do a private workout. He performed as good as advertised. To start his college career Skelton has had it rough. He was a high school star in Texas, yet was ignored by all the schools there. Somehow a rumor got started that he didn’t work hard (untrue). He has a very calm, quiet demeanor that may have contributed to this view. To get a college scholarship he literally drove to a wide array of schools leaving video tapes behind. This Johnny Appleseed approach led to a full ride at Fordham and he played well. Unlike may spread QBs, Skelton has a cannon for an arm. In one game he threw 4 touchdown passes of more than 50 yards. He needs work on just about everything, but despite being big as a redwood (258 at one point in the season), he has decent agility like Dante Culpepper. You’ll have fun watching potential tacklers hit him and bounce off. He can throw with people hanging on him like Christmas ornaments. His biggest flaw will remind you of the departed Mr. Warner. Skelton always believes he can complete a pass regardless of the coverage. A couple of people I’ve talked with don’t like his release, but it looks fine to me. Don’t put too much stock in some hesitancy in his looking slow and mechanical at the Shrine Game; he isn’t either. He was likely very nervous, but some seasoning will calm him down. "I feel like I have a strong arm, that I can make all the NFL throws," Skelton said. "I know I need a little polish and I know the coaches will work with me to improve my footwork, to improve my fundamentals." You have to like the fact he wants to play in Arizona, "In my heart of hearts, I always thought the Cardinals would pick me up," he said. "In the back of my mind, I always thought I'd be a Cardinal."
I covered Jorrick Calvin on that thread. Late in the draft you want guys who can contribute on special teams and have a shot at being more down the road. He fits that bill.
Jim Dray is a blocking tight end who lost a little speed after a knee injury a couple of years ago. He would be in the top 5 among the blocking tight ends and he actually has soft enough hands to be an effective receiver. As a receiver he looks best on drag or delay plays because he doesn’t get much separation. Still he’s good enough to demand coverage and can block at the next level. He makes at least the practice squad and maybe displaces one of the older tight ends.
It’s too early to panic about what the Cards still need to do. You already know I’m not losing sleep over McFadden’s departure. This was a good draft, both for now and the future. It may be a couple of years before everyone sees how good. I make it a B out of the chute with lots of upside.
As for the Cards, they selected an outstanding player. If you looked at Williams’ performance two years ago, it would be hard to envision him becoming the player he is today. Enter Monte Kiffin! While Tennessee fans may rue the day the Kiffins came to town, the Cards’ fans may come to honor that date. Monte long considered one of the great minds in the NFL, went to help his son. Not only did the senior Kiffin teach; he inspired. Dan Williams went from being a decent guy who could play a little to being an outstanding NT prospect. He can anchor as well as anyone in the draft with the possible exception of Mr. Suh. He can also penetrate a little and collapse a pocket. While not fast in pursuit or in possession of a burst that would make him a sack threat, he can get enough penetration to be very disruptive. He is good enough to play 3 downs if needed. He may never become an All-Pro, but he should be a solid player for a long time. His acumen honed by Kiffin should enable him to make an immediate contribution.
As for the remainder of the selections, don’t expect to get much comfort from the draft gurus about the 2010 group. A few of them will tell you how much they love Skelton’s arm and a couple will tell you about Schofield pre-injury. In the end though, they will see the glass as half-empty.
The most important aspect of this draft to me was what the Cards didn’t do. They didn’t go out of their way to plug holes with stopgap players. I believe instead that they are showing the first stages of a new style of draft philosophy I see emerging. In the old days philosophy was restricted to BPA or need. I wrote (I think in my first year on this board) that a new strategy was coming into play because of the cap. That strategy was picking BPAs in the top areas of need. It was sort of a meeting of the minds between the two older strategies. The Cards indicated this strategy was the one they employ to build their board in 2010.
Today I see a more complex strategy evolving among a few teams and the Cards are leading the way. If a position is a need position, don’t be afraid to overdraft for that slot. Taking two linebackers makes it quite clear the Cards see that position as pivotal for their team. The defensive scheme they wish to employ will not work without those slots effectively manned. They value athleticism over technique and believe they can teach if they have the right students. They didn’t just look for combine wonders; they selected productive players who actually played below their potential despite posting good numbers.
The only player among their selections who likely has little upside is Williams. He already plays like he belongs thanks to Kiffin. Schofield showed major improvement last season, but still has a lot to learn in coverage. What he does know is how to lead. The Cards lacked on-the-field leadership last season. It will be tough for him to be ready by the start of the season, but I wouldn’t bet against him. He comes to play. He likely would have gone in the second round without the injury. He is a solid pass rusher and an exceptional tackler. He possesses outstanding football instincts.
The Cards moved up to get Washington (I thought the price too high), but he might be the best athlete among the linebackers and has the character the Cards value. Some people have criticized his field awareness and instincts. I think their info is old. His game has steadily improved in this area throughout his career. He will provide major upgrade in covering tight ends and backs. The rough edges on his game should be capable of being straightened and he will be a productive player for years to come. He will immediately contribute at least on special teams.
Keep in mind the Cards have a returning Cody Brown to add in this mix as well. This group will be young and somewhat error prone, but also should form the nucleus of a powerful, versatile unit that will grow together.
Wide receiver wasn’t a primary need despite the departure of Boldin. However, once again redundancy is valued. Andrea Roberts is another high character guy. He will remind you a great deal of Boldin but without as much ‘tude. My old buddy Dave Te says he might be the best FCS player in the draft and when Dave talks, smart people listen. Roberts had a nearly 96% reception rate on catchable balls, which is the best number achieved in almost 10 years. There are so many extraordinary things about this guy; it’s hard to know where to start. He may well have the best first step in college football. This made him the nation’s leading FCS punt returner. It also made him a feared “Wildcat” quarterback. He took 35 direct snaps, producing 15 first downs and 9 of his carries went for more than 10 yards. Roberts is also an excellent runner after the catch being very elusive. The biggest thing he will have to learn in the NFL is survival. This is one tough guy. He loves to block. He won’t go out of bounds. He won’t give up the ball if hit hard. That said he hasn’t played against the guys with the speed/size ratio of NFL players. If he’s not careful, like Boldin, he will get hurt too often.
It’s hard to evaluate a QB coming out of a spread offense, though he played some downs under center in a more Pro-Style look. Put him against marginal competition and the task becomes even harder. So for advice the Cards likely turned to famed QB mentor Jerry Rhome. He’s worked extensively with John Skelton and he believes Skelton can make this difficult transition. Later the Cards met directly with Shelton and went to Fordham to have him do a private workout. He performed as good as advertised. To start his college career Skelton has had it rough. He was a high school star in Texas, yet was ignored by all the schools there. Somehow a rumor got started that he didn’t work hard (untrue). He has a very calm, quiet demeanor that may have contributed to this view. To get a college scholarship he literally drove to a wide array of schools leaving video tapes behind. This Johnny Appleseed approach led to a full ride at Fordham and he played well. Unlike may spread QBs, Skelton has a cannon for an arm. In one game he threw 4 touchdown passes of more than 50 yards. He needs work on just about everything, but despite being big as a redwood (258 at one point in the season), he has decent agility like Dante Culpepper. You’ll have fun watching potential tacklers hit him and bounce off. He can throw with people hanging on him like Christmas ornaments. His biggest flaw will remind you of the departed Mr. Warner. Skelton always believes he can complete a pass regardless of the coverage. A couple of people I’ve talked with don’t like his release, but it looks fine to me. Don’t put too much stock in some hesitancy in his looking slow and mechanical at the Shrine Game; he isn’t either. He was likely very nervous, but some seasoning will calm him down. "I feel like I have a strong arm, that I can make all the NFL throws," Skelton said. "I know I need a little polish and I know the coaches will work with me to improve my footwork, to improve my fundamentals." You have to like the fact he wants to play in Arizona, "In my heart of hearts, I always thought the Cardinals would pick me up," he said. "In the back of my mind, I always thought I'd be a Cardinal."
I covered Jorrick Calvin on that thread. Late in the draft you want guys who can contribute on special teams and have a shot at being more down the road. He fits that bill.
Jim Dray is a blocking tight end who lost a little speed after a knee injury a couple of years ago. He would be in the top 5 among the blocking tight ends and he actually has soft enough hands to be an effective receiver. As a receiver he looks best on drag or delay plays because he doesn’t get much separation. Still he’s good enough to demand coverage and can block at the next level. He makes at least the practice squad and maybe displaces one of the older tight ends.
It’s too early to panic about what the Cards still need to do. You already know I’m not losing sleep over McFadden’s departure. This was a good draft, both for now and the future. It may be a couple of years before everyone sees how good. I make it a B out of the chute with lots of upside.
