High Impact Players

[Mitch]

In analyzing the potential options the Cardinals will have late in the first round, here are the players whom I feel could have the most immediate impact:

CB Mackensie Alexander, Clemson.

I think that pound for pound he is the best and most aggressive cover RCB in the draft. I think he can come in and immediately start opposite Patrick Peterson. Alexander is outspoken and cocky---and reports are that at times he irked the coaches at Clemson---but I think those reports are overblown. Yes, he did turn some teams off during his Combine interviews, but I think that BA would embrace this kid and bring out the best in him.

S Keanu Neal, Florida.

Just think of a slightly more fluid, more versatile and just as hard-hitting version of Adrian Wilson. Neal can do it all as a safety. He can command the box and he can cover over the top. He has a keen sense of anticipation and is lightning fast to react to where the ball is going either versus the run or the pass. His physical play electrifies the entire defense and because of that I feel very strongly that he was the MVP of the nation's top defense.

RB Derrick Henry, Alabama.

I think that pairing him for the next 4 years with David Johnson would not only be a boon to the Cardinals' improved running game, but could prolong Carson Palmer's career during that time. RBs of his size typically do not possess the kind of physical burst that Henry avails.

G/C Joshua Garnett, Stanford.

While I can see why scouts rate C Ryan Kelly and G Cody Whitehair as highly as they do, I strongly believe that Garnett is the superior talent and has the most Pro Bowl potential. With Garnett, you can check all the boxes---productivity, toughness, agility, personal character, football character, football IQ and smarts (he wants to be a trauma surgeon following his NFL career). I think that he could make the transition to starting center quicker than Whitehair can, and if the Cardinals can draft a center they like later in the draft and groom him for a year, they can move Garnett to RG in place of Evan Mathis next year and not even skip a beat.

DE/OLB Noah Spence, Eastern Kentucky.

I am of the opinion that Spence's off the field troubles are well in the rearview mirror. What makes me believe this is true is how goal-oriented he is. That's just the way the Honey Badger is. Honey Badger is totally team and goal oriented. In this way, I feel Spence would be a good fit, and having the chance to learn from Chandler Jones and hopefully Dwight Freeney would be a tremendous way for Spence to assimilate as a pro.

DT/DE Sheldon Rankins, Louisville.

While it would be quite a surprise to see him on the board at #29, I mention him here because he has exactly what the Cardinals are looking for---inside pass rushing ability and prowess. Rankins is a big-lights kind of player too who has shown a penchant for taking over games late in the 4th quarter. He is super competitive and determined.

WR Sterling Shepard, Oklahoma.

Recently I have been calling him "Little Larry." The reason is that of all the WRs in this draft, he is the best chain mover, the most effective route runner (of the whole route tree) the best RAC guy and the most sure-handed. Plus, he has dynamic ability as a punt returner, which the Cardinals could really use at this point.

While there are other very intriguing players being discussed and projected for the Cardinals in mock drafts, I do not think any of them are as potentially elite as these players. Let me know of the players you agree with and if you think I missed a player. Thanks.

 

[juza76]

Miles killebrew
I would add to the list

 

[GuernseyCard]

The term commonly found in reviews of kids coming out early is, "still has a lot to learn".

CB Mackensie Alexander, Clemson, is in that category.

 

[RugbyMuffin]

DT/DE Sheldon Rankins, Louisville.

While it would be quite a surprise to see him on the board at #29, I mention him here because he has exactly what the Cardinals are looking for---inside pass rushing ability and prowess. Rankins is a big-lights kind of player too who has shown a penchant for taking over games late in the 4th quarter. He is super competitive and determined.

If Rankins is there at #29, I expect Keim to push Goodell off the podium and scream, "We got him", spike the draft card, drop the mic, and moonwalk off the stage.

There is no way he is there at #29.

The prospects at the defensive line are extremely interesting in this draft, especially at #29. If the 1st night of the draft has more than three surprise picks, by the time #29 comes around there may be a beast of a defensive lineman available.

Sheldon Rankings
DeForrest Buckner
A'Shawn Robinson
Jarran Reed

Any of these four would be ridiculously good for the Cardinals.

 

[Cardiac]

If Rankins is there at #29, I expect Keim to push Goodell off the podium and scream, "We got him", spike the draft card, drop the mic, and moonwalk off the stage.

There is no way he is there at #29.

The prospects at the defensive line are extremely interesting in this draft, especially at #29. If the 1st night of the draft has more than three surprise picks, by the time #29 comes around there may be a beast of a defensive lineman available.

Sheldon Rankings
DeForrest Buckner
A'Shawn Robinson
Jarran Reed

Any of these four would be ridiculously good for the Cardinals.

Very funny comment about SK's reaction to Rankins still being there but there is a better chance of him being there then DeForrest Buckner.

I think we can all agree because of the depth and talent at the Dline position a great one will be sitting there for us at 29.

 

[Mitch]

Miles killebrew
I would add to the list

I think some teams picture Myles Killebrew in the Deion Bucannon role. I think he is goi g to come off the board sooner than people think---quite possibly in the top 40 picks.

 

[Mitch]

The term commonly found in reviews of kids coming out early is, "still has a lot to learn".

CB Mackensie Alexander, Clemson, is in that category.

Mackensie Alexander has a lot to learn. Don't we all!

Here's a draft prediction that has him going to the Cardinals. It's good read with good videos:

http://www.bleedinggreennation.com/...cornerback-mackensie-alexander-tigers-profile

 

[Mitch]

If Rankins is there at #29, I expect Keim to push Goodell off the podium and scream, "We got him", spike the draft card, drop the mic, and moonwalk off the stage.

There is no way he is there at #29.

The prospects at the defensive line are extremely interesting in this draft, especially at #29. If the 1st night of the draft has more than three surprise picks, by the time #29 comes around there may be a beast of a defensive lineman available.

Sheldon Rankings
DeForrest Buckner
A'Shawn Robinson
Jarran Reed

Any of these four would be ridiculously good for the Cardinals.

lol Rugby! I would pay to see Steve Keim do a moonwalk!

Reed and Robinson are excellent run stuffers but not especially talented pass rushers, at least not as of yet. If SK takes a DT, it will be one with inside pass rushing skill.

 

[oaken1]

Be wary of crimson tide players who play in the trenches. That coaching staff coaches them up beyond belief...they get every ounce of talent out of their o and d linemen at bama .... these guys will not improve much if at all when they get in the nfl

 

[Mitch]

Be wary of crimson tide players who play in the trenches. That coaching staff coaches them up beyond belief...they get every ounce of talent out of their o and d linemen at bama .... these guys will not improve much if at all when they get in the nfl

Thus far, what you said applies very accurately to DT Ed Stinson, although in Stinson's case he was never thought of as a 1st rounder.

 

[Buckybird]

Be wary of crimson tide players who play in the trenches. That coaching staff coaches them up beyond belief...they get every ounce of talent out of their o and d linemen at bama .... these guys will not improve much if at all when they get in the nfl

The Oline as well

 

[Vermont Maverick]

If Rankins is there at #29, I expect Keim to push Goodell off the podium and scream, "We got him", spike the draft card, drop the mic, and moonwalk off the stage.

There is no way he is there at #29.

The prospects at the defensive line are extremely interesting in this draft, especially at #29. If the 1st night of the draft has more than three surprise picks, by the time #29 comes around there may be a beast of a defensive lineman available.

Sheldon Rankings
DeForrest Buckner
A'Shawn Robinson
Jarran Reed

Any of these four would be ridiculously good for the Cardinals.

I agree the DL is the most likely pick for us. Having said that, I think whatever we do, I will be happy. I am on the "In Kiem we Trust" Bandwagon.

 

[Denny Green Fan]

Mackensie Alexander has a lot to learn. Don't we all!

Here's a draft prediction that has him going to the Cardinals. It's good read with good videos:

http://www.bleedinggreennation.com/...cornerback-mackensie-alexander-tigers-profile

I dont see us being interested in Alexander. He is too short. I would be ok

with the pick. Jason Verrett clone.

 

[Mitch]

I dont see us being interested in Alexander. He is too short. I would be ok

with the pick. Jason Verrett clone.

The dude can flat-out cover---and I would love to have him to match up with Doug Baldwin, Tavon Austin and Tyler Lockett. When we play the Patriots---who is going to cover Julian Edelman? We used to have Jerraud Powers to cover the slot. He's not signed. Plus, Alexander thrived at RCB at Clemson---which is great because Peterson typically plays LCB.

 

[Jetstream Green]

The Oline as well

This

 

[Harry]

Posted already, but he doesn't fit Cards scheme well as he's an incredibly poor tackler.

 

[CardLogic]

In analyzing the potential options the Cardinals will have late in the first round, here are the players whom I feel could have the most immediate impact:


G/C Joshua Garnett, Stanford.

While I can see why scouts rate C Ryan Kelly and G Cody Whitehair as highly as they do, I strongly believe that Garnett is the superior talent and has the most Pro Bowl potential. With Garnett, you can check all the boxes---productivity, toughness, agility, personal character, football character, football IQ and smarts (he wants to be a trauma surgeon following his NFL career). I think that he could make the transition to starting center quicker than Whitehair can, and if the Cardinals can draft a center they like later in the draft and groom him for a year, they can move Garnett to RG in place of Evan Mathis next year and not even skip a beat.

I would be concerned that he will choose to not remain in the NFL for an extended length of time. He may be anxious to get on the that 2nd career.

 

[Cardiac]

Posted already, but he doesn't fit Cards scheme well as he's an incredibly poor tackler.

Do you mean Alexander?

 

[Harry]

Yes, he has so many technique flaws that he may not be fixable.

 

[overseascardfan]

Yes, he has so many technique flaws that he may not be fixable.

What your opinion on TJ Green Harry? If you feel that way about Alexander you must really not like Green. I hope ARZ steers clear of him, especially if they are going to try and move him to CB.

 

[Mitch]

Yes, he has so many technique flaws that he may not be fixable.

Honestly, I have watched a good deal of tape on Mackenzie Alexander and I love his technique and his aggressiveness. If you can watch his tape covering WR Sterling Shepard---MA was the only CB all year to smother Shepard, which is saying something because Shepard can shake the best of them. Shepard admitted after the game how tough and relentless MA was.

In the NCAACG, when Alabama threw short to MA's side he came up like gangbusters and made plays. One play he blasted through one of the WRs and made the tackle on a WR bubble screen.

The obvious knock on MA is his size 5-10, 195. But, he plays big, imo. I would have no problem having him play and start at RCB. And, of course, in the nickel he could command the slot---which in our division versus Tavon Austin, Doug Baldwin and Tyler Lockett is important. His understanding of leverage is outstanding.

 

[Mitch]

I would be concerned that he will choose to not remain in the NFL for an extended length of time. He may be anxious to get on the that 2nd career.

He's got 4+ years of med school in front of him. He might not be as anxious to start that as you think.

 

[Cardiac]

He's got 4+ years of med school in front of him. He might not be as anxious to start that as you think.

Good point and an NFL salary would surely help pay those crazy med school costs.

 

[Harry]

Okay, he's a huge trash talker, so much so that scouts fear he has an excessive ego and therefore may be hard to coach. He is a film junkie, but mostly values his own opinion. He is smart. He had 0 interceptions in his career; ackward positioning and mediocre hands. His tackling is terrible. He's a willing hitter but he tends to give too much cushion. That can be fixed. However he has a bad tendency to take a mis-step to start his coverage. He has exceptional catchup speed, but when he does it on passes in the flat there's tons of tape on him missing the receiver entirely. He arm tackles continually; very hard to correct. He goes in too high and and is easily shaken off. He never puts his shoulder into the ball carrier. He constantly gets run by on change of pace moves. I will grant you it's odd because he doesn't make similar mistakes in coverage. He has mastered trapping receivers against the sideline, but those are college receivers. This will be tough to do to the bigger NFL receivers. He could turn out to be great but that's a great deal to fix. The Cards' secondary scheme requires DBs who can tackle in space. As of now Alexander can't.

xc_hide_links_from_guests_guests_error_hide_media