Lomax to Green 84
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I can't say I 100% agree if this is his intention with the #1 pick, but it is encouraging if Whisenhunt really thinks we are an immediate impact player away from retaking the NFC West.
In looking at the top players, I would define impact player as being a player who is ready to contribute right away. A safe, highly productive player who you don't need to project or who doesn't need a ton of re-educating to learn an NFL system.
The following are players who based on this theory don't meet the immediate impact definition and who have been linked to the Cardinals #5 pick:
Blaine Gabbert: I put him here just because of the position he plays. Very smart guy, but played in a spread system and will need a ton of work on learning to play under center. I really like Gabbert and would not be opposed to us taking him, but I don't think he meets the immediate impact criteria.
Cam Newton: Same situation as Gabbert only more extreme. Not a good fit for the Cardinals in 2011. Maybe if we were patient and wanted a long term guy, but not as an immediate impact player.
Robert Quinn: As much as it pains me to admit this because Quinn is my favorite player in the draft, Quinn would fit into the great potential, but has to learn a new position type of player and would be considered a bit of a project as an outside backer. Great, great talent but probably a year away from making a true impact as an outside linebacker.
Players linked to the Cardinals at #5 who do meet the immediate impact criteria:
Von Miller: Terrific pass rusher, played in a 2 point stance and won't have as much of a transition to the NFL game as Quinn especially in learning the nuances of the outside linebacker position in the 3-4. When its all said and done, Miller is probably the Cardinals #1 choice but he most likely won't be available at #5.
Prince Amakamura: A bit of a reach for the 5th pick and may be a better selection if the Cardinals trade the 5th pick and move back to say #8 with the Titans. Excellent talent and a very polished player who moves into the starting role opposite DRC by the start of the regular season.
Patrick Peterson: When the Cardinals come on the clock on Thursday evening its very possible that Peterson will be the #1 rated player on their board. Terrific talent who steps in day #1 and makes an impact. With a creative defensive coordinator, can become a dynamic cover corner, slot corner, or safety in the Ed Reed mold.
In conclusion, I think Patrick Peterson becomes a Cardinal. I do think Von Miller is the #1 option but will be gone by pick #5. Robert Quinn is very intruiging, but having to make a position change and not playing for a year makes him too much of a risk at #5. Quinn comes into play if the Cardinals move down to say #8, #9, #10. He is less risky being taken in a lower draft slot. Patrick Peterson gives us the bigtime versatile athlete who makes an immediate impact just on his terrific athleticism alone.
The 2nd round guy I think the Cardinals are zeroing in on is Brooks Reed. He like Quinn is a conversion guy who played with his hand on the ground, but is obviously much less a risk by being picked at #38 instead of taking Quinn at #5.
In looking at the top players, I would define impact player as being a player who is ready to contribute right away. A safe, highly productive player who you don't need to project or who doesn't need a ton of re-educating to learn an NFL system.
The following are players who based on this theory don't meet the immediate impact definition and who have been linked to the Cardinals #5 pick:
Blaine Gabbert: I put him here just because of the position he plays. Very smart guy, but played in a spread system and will need a ton of work on learning to play under center. I really like Gabbert and would not be opposed to us taking him, but I don't think he meets the immediate impact criteria.
Cam Newton: Same situation as Gabbert only more extreme. Not a good fit for the Cardinals in 2011. Maybe if we were patient and wanted a long term guy, but not as an immediate impact player.
Robert Quinn: As much as it pains me to admit this because Quinn is my favorite player in the draft, Quinn would fit into the great potential, but has to learn a new position type of player and would be considered a bit of a project as an outside backer. Great, great talent but probably a year away from making a true impact as an outside linebacker.
Players linked to the Cardinals at #5 who do meet the immediate impact criteria:
Von Miller: Terrific pass rusher, played in a 2 point stance and won't have as much of a transition to the NFL game as Quinn especially in learning the nuances of the outside linebacker position in the 3-4. When its all said and done, Miller is probably the Cardinals #1 choice but he most likely won't be available at #5.
Prince Amakamura: A bit of a reach for the 5th pick and may be a better selection if the Cardinals trade the 5th pick and move back to say #8 with the Titans. Excellent talent and a very polished player who moves into the starting role opposite DRC by the start of the regular season.
Patrick Peterson: When the Cardinals come on the clock on Thursday evening its very possible that Peterson will be the #1 rated player on their board. Terrific talent who steps in day #1 and makes an impact. With a creative defensive coordinator, can become a dynamic cover corner, slot corner, or safety in the Ed Reed mold.
In conclusion, I think Patrick Peterson becomes a Cardinal. I do think Von Miller is the #1 option but will be gone by pick #5. Robert Quinn is very intruiging, but having to make a position change and not playing for a year makes him too much of a risk at #5. Quinn comes into play if the Cardinals move down to say #8, #9, #10. He is less risky being taken in a lower draft slot. Patrick Peterson gives us the bigtime versatile athlete who makes an immediate impact just on his terrific athleticism alone.
The 2nd round guy I think the Cardinals are zeroing in on is Brooks Reed. He like Quinn is a conversion guy who played with his hand on the ground, but is obviously much less a risk by being picked at #38 instead of taking Quinn at #5.
