January 14 Cardinals' Mock

[Mitch]

1. RB/WR/PR Christian McCaffrey, Stanford.

No one will out-work or out-hustle this kid. His passion and eye-popping production are just two of the reasons why he just cracked Mel Kiper's Top 15. To have a versatile playmaker at RB/slot WR to interchange with David Johnson and to combine with Johnson on 3rd downs would give the offense extraordinary continuity and explosiveness. Can flip the field on returns.

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2. LB T.J. Watt, Wisconsin.

Man I really wanted the Cardinals to take his brother---but taking T.J. here would be sweet. We need pass rushing depth. We need STs ballers. Watt provides both with swag, work ethic and attitude.

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3. QB Jerod Evans, Virginia Tech.

Has size, strong arm and mobility. Man he carved up BC's defense like few QBs have the past few years. Juco transfer, lit it up for one year at VT and declared when his top receivers declared. Here's the tape:

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4. S/CB John Johnson, Boston College.

Big, rangy and physical. Very good force tackler. Can play tight man coverage versus bigger WRs and TEs and can give good deep help as a nickel FS. Good ball skils.

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5. WR Zay Jones, East Carolina.

Under-rated playmaker who can produce wide and from the slot. Excellent hands and body control.

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5. G Kyle Kalis, Michigan.

Packs a punch at 6-4, 300. Reminds me of Evan Mathis.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eqFucsgdNvs

6. SS/LB Matt Milano, Boston College.

Always around the ball. Makes a number of tackles for loss and chase down sacks. Has speed to cover RBs and TEs.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EATYwcsy_4A


7. RB/FB/ST Sam Rogers, Virginia Tech.

Tough, physical, non-stop motor. Excels as blocker and runner in short yardage situations. STs ace.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arb85jeanW4

 

[Southpaw]

Jerod Evans is interesting but may be like that other QB the Cards took from Va Tech ( trying to forget his name ). Physical specimen (TE/HB ?) so inexperienced and erratic. With that WR corp and 1 year under Justin Fuente, I expected better.


BTW. Yes on McCaffery. I believe he has a chance to be a major rookie year contributor for whoever drafts him.

 

[Finito]

I would lose my mind if those were our first two draft picks.

We have a great running back and we have short fast speedy slot guys.

Is Watt an upgrade over Golden or Jones? No so that means at best he's gonna be a rotation player no thanks

 

[Mitch]

Jerod Evans is interesting but may be like that other QB the Cards took from Va Tech ( trying to forget his name ). Physical specimen (TE/HB ?) so inexperienced and erratic. With that WR corp and 1 year under Justin Fuente, I expected better.


BTW. Yes on McCaffery. I believe he has a chance to be a major rookie year contributor for whoever drafts him.

Jerod Evans is way more talented than Logan Thomas. I guarantee you that he will be a top 100 pick. The talent is readily apparent. BA may have badly missed on fellow Hokie Thomas, but this time around if he gets a chance to draft Evans, after how well Evans played this year at VT, he is more than apt to.

 

[Mitch]

I would lose my mind if those were our first two draft picks.

We have a great running back and we have short fast speedy slot guys.

Is Watt an upgrade over Golden or Jones? No so that means at best he's gonna be a rotation player no thanks

I guess we see the Cardinals' personnel very differently.

After David Johnson there is sharp drop-off. KW is a good #3 change of pace, RB, so the Cardinals need a bona fide #2 RB. They simply cannot and should not run David Johnson into the ground.

Plus, the best slot WR on the team other than Fitz is David Johnson, by far.

Smoke and Fire are not slot WRs---they are not built for it, for many of the same reasons why they are not good return men.

As for OLB---there is a strong likelihood that Chandler Jones will be playing on a one-year f-tag. Having an edge blaster like Watt not only would help the rotation and the STs, but he could become the starter in 2018 if Jones wants ridiculous money.

Christian McCaffrey and T.J. Watt are all-out ballers. We would be very fortunate to have them on our team.

 

[WildBB]

You won't get a consensus here on McCaffrey with DJ in the fold. But I wouldn't hate the pick.

Think we might have to draft a center/G earlier than the 5th. Too many holes to fill right now. QBOF, WR, C/G, ILB, CB, FS.

 

[Southpaw]

Jerod Evans is way more talented than Logan Thomas. I guarantee you that he will be a top 100 pick. The talent is readily apparent. BA may have badly missed on fellow Hokie Thomas, but this time around if he gets a chance to draft Evans, after how well Evans played this year at VT, he is more than apt to.

I agree Evans is much better equipped than Logan. Thomas was pure junk. I would guess I saw at least half of his games this year. He is best suited for the tuck and run college game. Maybe he can be educated to read progressions.

Considering the 3rd round picks in recent Card history, he is probably worthwhile.

 

[Mitch]

You won't get a consensus here on McCaffrey with DJ in the fold. But I wouldn't hate the pick.

Think we might have to draft a center/G earlier than the 5th. Too many holes to fill right now. QBOF, WR, C/G, ILB, CB, FS.

WBB: I think that Steve Keim will sign a UFA RG. He already likes the young OL depth. Adding a veteran at RG would be wise.

Best RG possibilities:

1. Kevin Zeitler (CIN)
2. T.J. Lang (GB)
3. Larry Warford (DET)
4. Hugh Thornton (IND)
5. Dallas Thomas (MIA)

Sleeper UFA: Austin Pasztor, 6-7, 308, Virginia (CLE)

If they don't sign a UFA G, then yes, drafting one would be wise.

 

[Mitch]

I agree Evans is much better equipped than Logan. Thomas was pure junk. I would guess I saw at least half of his games this year. He is best suited for the tuck and run college game. Maybe he can be educated to read progressions.

Considering the 3rd round picks in recent Card history, he is probably worthwhile.

Evans will need a year to assimilate into a pro offense. He can easily make all the throws and he has the size that BA covets. As an added bonus, he can, as you say Southpaw, tuck it and run when necessary.

 

[JeffGollin]

I would lose my mind if those were our first two draft picks.

We have a great running back and we have short fast speedy slot guys.

Is Watt an upgrade over Golden or Jones? No so that means at best he's gonna be a rotation player no thanks

How far down could we go to trade out of #13 and still land McCaffery?

And what in the way of extra picks could a trade like that generate? And who'd be likely to be there when we use our extra pick (s)?

And who might we be passing up by doing the deal? And would McCaffery be worth it?

 

[Mitch]

How far down could we go to trade out of #13 and still land McCaffery?

And what in the way of extra picks could a trade like that generate? And who'd be likely to be there when we use our extra pick (s)?

And who might we be passing up by doing the deal? And would McCaffery be worth it?

McCaffrey is currently #15 on Mel Kiper's board. If he has an excellent showing at the Combine, he could be in the Top 10 conversation, although every scout in the USA knows how special this kid is. With David Johnson's versatility trending---and with Zeke Elliott's immediate impact on the Cowboys, the RB position is getting greater attention. If Dalvin Cook makes it into the teens, he is going to create some buzz. Fornette of LSU will go top 10 for sure. Which is why i think teams won't risk waiting on McCaffrey.

If the Cardinals really want him, they will have to take him at #13, imo.

 

[Finito]

I guess we see the Cardinals' personnel very differently.

After David Johnson there is sharp drop-off. KW is a good #3 change of pace, RB, so the Cardinals need a bona fide #2 RB. They simply cannot and should not run David Johnson into the ground.

Plus, the best slot WR on the team other than Fitz is David Johnson, by far.

Smoke and Fire are not slot WRs---they are not built for it, for many of the same reasons why they are not good return men.

As for OLB---there is a strong likelihood that Chandler Jones will be playing on a one-year f-tag. Having an edge blaster like Watt not only would help the rotation and the STs, but he could become the starter in 2018 if Jones wants ridiculous money.

Christian McCaffrey and T.J. Watt are all-out ballers. We would be very fortunate to have them on our team.

You don't spend the 13th pick on a backup running back. Every can agree that Mcaffrey is at best the #3 RB in this draft with Fournette and Cook being 1 and 2. I wouldn't spend the 13th overall pick on the 3rd best player at his position.

TJ Watt He realistically is not rated in the top 10 when it comes to Edge pass rushers. Is he better than a guy like Taco Charleton? Or a Takarrist McKinnley both guys might be there in round 2. Watt is an effort guy with limited upside he's not blessed with the freak athletic ability his brother has. Two very different players

 

[Finito]

McCaffrey is currently #15 on Mel Kiper's board. If he has an excellent showing at the Combine, he could be in the Top 10 conversation, although every scout in the USA knows how special this kid is. With David Johnson's versatility trending---and with Zeke Elliott's immediate impact on the Cowboys, the RB position is getting greater attention. If Dalvin Cook makes it into the teens, he is going to create some buzz. Fornette of LSU will go top 10 for sure. Which is why i think teams won't risk waiting on McCaffrey.

If the Cardinals really want him, they will have to take him at #13, imo.

Matt Miller has him 27

 

[Mitch]

You don't spend the 13th pick on a backup running back. Every can agree that Mcaffrey is at best the #3 RB in this draft with Fournette and Cook being 1 and 2. I wouldn't spend the 13th overall pick on the 3rd best player at his position.

TJ Watt He realistically is not rated in the top 10 when it comes to Edge pass rushers. Is he better than a guy like Taco Charleton? Or a Takarrist McKinnley both guys might be there in round 2. Watt is an effort guy with limited upside he's not blessed with the freak athletic ability his brother has. Two very different players

Let's just agree to disagree. I think McCaffrey is special. You don't. I do not think of him as a backup as he and David Johnson would play a great deal of snaps at the same time.

I have Watt rated a lot higher than you do. I liken his motor and relentlessness to Markus Goldens'.

Taco Charleton and Tak McKinley are not going to be on the board at #45. I think both of them will go in round one or the first 3-4 picks of Round 2.

I am also thinking about STs---and believe that both McCaffrey and Watt would excel on teams.

But this is what makes the draft interesting. One man's junk is another man's treasure.

 

[Finito]

Let's just agree to disagree. I think McCaffrey is special. You don't. I do not think of him as a backup as he and David Johnson would play a great deal of snaps at the same time.

I have Watt rated a lot higher than you do. I liken his motor and relentlessness to Markus Goldens'.

Taco Charleton and Tak McKinley are not going to be on the board at #45. I think both of them will go in round one or the first 3-4 picks of Round 2.

I am also thinking about STs---and believe that both McCaffrey and Watt would excel on teams.

But this is what makes the draft interesting. One man's junk is another man's treasure.

I'm not saying either is junk. Mcaffrey is a world more talented than Watt. But we have a legit top 2-3 back in DJ and we have book end rushers who both got double digit sacks. Neither of those guys start on this team.

 

[unseenaz]

if this was the cardinals actual draft haul how would you actually feel about it? or are we just highlighting different prospects, which i'm cool with.

 

[RON_IN_OC]

1. RB/WR/PR Christian McCaffrey, Stanford.

No one will out-work or out-hustle this kid. His passion and eye-popping production are just two of the reasons why he just cracked Mel Kiper's Top 15. To have a versatile playmaker at RB/slot WR to interchange with David Johnson and to combine with Johnson on 3rd downs would give the offense extraordinary continuity and explosiveness. Can flip the field on returns.

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2. LB T.J. Watt, Wisconsin.

Man I really wanted the Cardinals to take his brother---but taking T.J. here would be sweet. We need pass rushing depth. We need STs ballers. Watt provides both with swag, work ethic and attitude.

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3. QB Jerod Evans, Virginia Tech.

Has size, strong arm and mobility. Man he carved up BC's defense like few QBs have the past few years. Juco transfer, lit it up for one year at VT and declared when his top receivers declared. Here's the tape:

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4. S/CB John Johnson, Boston College.

Big, rangy and physical. Very good force tackler. Can play tight man coverage versus bigger WRs and TEs and can give good deep help as a nickel FS. Good ball skils.

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5. WR Zay Jones, East Carolina.

Under-rated playmaker who can produce wide and from the slot. Excellent hands and body control.

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5. G Kyle Kalis, Michigan.

Packs a punch at 6-4, 300. Reminds me of Evan Mathis.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eqFucsgdNvs

6. SS/LB Matt Milano, Boston College.

Always around the ball. Makes a number of tackles for loss and chase down sacks. Has speed to cover RBs and TEs.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EATYwcsy_4A


7. RB/FB/ST Sam Rogers, Virginia Tech.

Tough, physical, non-stop motor. Excels as blocker and runner in short yardage situations. STs ace.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arb85jeanW4

Kalis has NFL in his blood...his dad play OL in the league and for ASU.

Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk

 

[WildBB]

I'm not saying either is junk. Mcaffrey is a world more talented than Watt. But we have a legit top 2-3 back in DJ and we have book end rushers who both got double digit sacks. Neither of those guys start on this team.

This mind set gets you defeated before teams even take the field. Too many times teams draft first for mead and pass up special talents. Take the Cards' 3rd Rd. Last year. Total need reach for CB. They should have addressed that position after the draft when special talent falls to u. It's the same 1st, 2nd or 3rd Rd' s. Take who's the clear producer, who adds character qualities and IQ. SLAM DUNK.

 

[Finito]

This mind set gets you defeated before teams even take the field. Too many times teams draft first for mead and pass up special talents. Take the Cards' 3rd Rd. Last year. Total need reach for CB. They should have addressed that position after the draft when special talent falls to u. It's the same 1st, 2nd or 3rd Rd' s. Take who's the clear producer, who adds character qualities and IQ. SLAM DUNK.

Neither of those guys is a "special" talent. We've been over this McCaffrey is at best the 3rd best RB in this draft. Nobody will say he's better than Fournette or Cook "special" players aren't the 3rd best player at there position in the draft and nobody thinks Watt is "special". Your picking 13th for a reason it's because we have holes. McCaffrey won't even be the first player from Standford drafted

 

[Finito]

"Special" players don't sit out bowl games when perfectly healthy either and before you start Fornette was hurt and not 100%

 

[TJ]

I'm not saying either is junk. Mcaffrey is a world more talented than Watt. But we have a legit top 2-3 back in DJ and we have book end rushers who both got double digit sacks. Neither of those guys start on this team.

Yeah, this mock only adds valuable pieces to places in which we have high quality talent. I like Zay Jones and think he'll be a special player in the NFL, but WR is a position Keim cant wait until Day 3 to address.

 

[NJCardFan]

I agree Evans is much better equipped than Logan. Thomas was pure junk. I would guess I saw at least half of his games this year. He is best suited for the tuck and run college game. Maybe he can be educated to read progressions.

Considering the 3rd round picks in recent Card history, he is probably worthwhile.

Problem is, the window is closing fast on Palmer so we don't need another project QB like Thomas was or Evans is. If we're going to go with that type of QB then just sign Tyrod Taylor is the Bills do indeed let him go.

 

[Cbus cardsfan]

I think Curtis Samuel would bring everything to this team that McCaffery would and he may be able to be had in round 3.

Also, isn't it funny that last year at this time, RB's were "being phased out" and not legit 1st round draft prospects. 1 year of Ezekial Elliot and the emergence of guys like DJ and Bell sure changes things.

 

[Mitch]

I had Curtis Samuel in my first mock. 2nd round. I was a little disappointed in his performance versus Clemson. He looked out of sorts. i thought he would have a big game. I still am high on him, as he is just the kind of versatile RB we could use to form a due with David Johnson.

 

[Ohcrap75]

I always enjoy your out of the box thinking Mitch!