Sorry this took so long. I was up in Green Bay. Despite my pick, expect the Pack to go corner unless someone drops.
BTW, I’m not being solicitous when I tell you this board is impressive. Since we’re not going to hang out, I don’t need to win your favor, but I wanted you all to know that the level of knowledge and the creativity on this board is outstanding. It’s what keeps me coming back.
As to the PSU players, I think Conner is the best of the bunch. I don’t see him in the top 50, but would as you may have judged from my philosophy I wouldn’t throw him out due to timed speed. I could see him with the Cards' pick in the third, but he will surely be gone by then. He’ll be a nice addition somewhere.
I dropped Blake for two reasons. I have heard he my go as high as late third and that’s too big of a gamble. Also, I understand he is not on the Cards’ board.
As to Forte, he has become one of the “now” backs who is moving up the board. I believe the Cards like him as well. I could see the Bears going that way, but hopefully not the Cards unless they wait until the third round and he is somehow there.
I knew my Gholston comment would get a response. It is clearly not based on his college history. It’s based on his style of play. He exposes himself too much when dueling with larger blockers or tackling larger opponents. There is also something odd about the way he plants to make a cut. It’s more of an impression than anything, but I do not believe he will prove durable. Obviously, I do not think this will impact where he is taken.
I don’t see Laws in the top 50, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see him go in the third. You have to wonder if he had it all along and only stepped it up for the draft.
I could see the Cards keeping Dansby & Rivers if I am right and Rivers drops. They do have a somewhat similar style, but Dansby is a sure thing.
Finally, I am not worried about Smith’s timed speed. He ran a 4.45 on Pro Day and was hand timed to a similar number on his first combine try. He is fast enough. Edge was never fast, but he was a great runner. Smith is the best pure runner in the draft. His vision is his best asset. He is one of those players who see the entire field, recognizes patterns and can make the cuts necessary to get the big yards. I keep hearing his opposition was weak. Did anyone saying that look at the film from the Texas game? His body type is a concern for durability, though he too was durable in college. I cannot find out if the Cards have looked at him, but if they haven’t they are missing a potentially great player.
