K9's Post-Combine Mock Draft

[kerouac9]

Here are the rules:

1) No trades. I don't predict trades. I don't know who the suitors will be, and so there's no use predicting trades up or down.

2) I use the NFL Draft Prospect Rankings at CBSSportsline.com to predict who is available when we're picking. I usually use The Huddle Report's prospect rankings, but my account expired and I didn't want to renew this year.

3) I'll have a fuller prediction when the compensatory picks are announced and the last four rounds' order is put together. Apparently that doesn't happen until the end of March.

Round 1 (20) - Ra'shede Hageman, DT, Minnesota. Good defensive linemen are tough to come by in the NFL, and Darnell Dockett is aging. At 6'6", 310 lbs, Hageman has the length that the Cards look for in defensive linemen, and Hageman can learn for a year and be treated like the Cards integrated their last top DL draftee, Calais Campbell.
ALSO AVAILABLE - Justin Gilbert, CB, Ok State; Dee Ford, DE/OLB, Auburn; Cyrus Kouandjio, OT, Alabama.

Round 2 (52) - Antonio Richardson, OT, Tennessee. Even if the Cards sign a free agent at the position in March, they'll need to add a top prospect in the next few years to integrate into the line. Richardson has ideal size and strength to play either right or left tackle.

Round 3 (84) - Kareem Martin, DE/OLB, North Carolina. Martin's strength is holding the edge at the point of attack and getting after the ball carrier. Martin is a long prospect at 6'6" with great size at 272 lbs.

 

[Jetstream Green]

This has been what is going through my mind in this draft, it is a good position to find Dockett's eventual replacement and you usually find that kind of power in the first round. I do not know if it is Hageman but someone along those lines would be a good choice. I'm probably the odd one out but I would get a speed WR in the second, I say the second because I want one that is capable of catching and tracking down the ball

 

[RugbyMuffin]

Round 3 (84) - Kareem Martin, DE/OLB, North Carolina. Martin's strength is holding the edge at the point of attack and getting after the ball carrier. Martin is a long prospect at 6'6" with great size at 272 lbs.

I am on board with this pick.

 

[MadCardDisease]

If I were to use your same rules:

Round 1) Stephon Tuitt, DT, Notre Dame.

I agree that we need to start looking for Docketts replacement. I beleive Tuitt is slightly more atheletic and has more upside than Hageman. However I don't think we would go wrong with either.

​

Round 2) Ed Reynolds, FS, Stanford

The Cards fill a huge hole and now have a safety that can cover athletic TEs.
​

Round 3) CJ Fiedorowicz, TE, Iowa

The Cards will add at least one TE in this draft and I believe Fiedorowicz fits what Arians is looking for. He is an above average blocker with decent receiving skills.
​

 

[GuernseyCard]

After watching the combine, I would say that there's little chance that Gilbert will be available at #20; Ford's back issue is a question and that Cyrus Kouandjio is working his way out of the first round.

Ra'shede Hageman is fine.

 

[Finito]

I think if Gilbert is there you take him. Two legit shut down corners is a huge luxury. It also says Aaron Donald will be there I would take Donald over Hageman everyday Donald is the most destructive lineman in the draft.

I would go
1 Aaron Donald a young Warren Sapp this guy lives in the back field. Made maybe the greatest or second greatest play I've ever seen a college defensive player make. Playing Duke he bust through the line as the hand off is happening he grabs the QB in one hand and the RB in the other and brings em both down. Must more polished than Hageman

2 Austin Seferian-Jenkins. A TE like this in this offense just opens things up like crazy so many options for Palmer

3 Stanley Jean-Baptiste 6'3 he's huge and athletic I doubt he's here but if he is its a steal, he needs to be schooled in how to actually play the position but if he is willing to learn he def has the tools to be elite. You can teach technique all day can't teach him physical gifts

 

[cardncubfan]

This is from Mitchs thread about 2 different scouts opinion. Makes kind leery about Hageman.

Ra'Shede Hageman, DT, Minnesota: 6-6, 310. Fifth-year senior. "He's unique," one scout said. "He's big and long, and when he wants to play he can play. He has an unusual ability of batting balls down. He does play (high). He does a lot of things you don't like. But when he doesn't want to be shoved, around they can't shove him." Wonderlic of 13. Regarded as somewhat hard to coach. "For the one or two plays a game he plays good, he's a first-rounder," another scout said. "For the other 30 when he's out of the game, or the other 20 when he doesn't do anything, then he's a free agent. It all depends how you value the kid."

 

[juza76]

rumors are that antonio richardson has knee issue and probably could sit in his rookie year

 

[kerouac9]

I think if Gilbert is there you take him. Two legit shut down corners is a huge luxury. It also says Aaron Donald will be there I would take Donald over Hageman everyday Donald is the most destructive lineman in the draft.

I would go
1 Aaron Donald a young Warren Sapp this guy lives in the back field. Made maybe the greatest or second greatest play I've ever seen a college defensive player make. Playing Duke he bust through the line as the hand off is happening he grabs the QB in one hand and the RB in the other and brings em both down. Must more polished than Hageman

2 Austin Seferian-Jenkins. A TE like this in this offense just opens things up like crazy so many options for Palmer

3 Stanley Jean-Baptiste 6'3 he's huge and athletic I doubt he's here but if he is its a steal, he needs to be schooled in how to actually play the position but if he is willing to learn he def has the tools to be elite. You can teach technique all day can't teach him physical gifts

Here's the thing--

1) We have a commitment to Peterson and Powers and intend to develop Bethel. We'll likely add at least another corner in free agency. With those understandings, I'm not sure that the team marginally improves as much in the short or long term by adding another corner. I expect that we'll draft another cornerback in the middle rounds to develop, but spending a 1st round pick on a cornerback is like spending another first round pick on a wide receiver.

2) I don't expect Aaron Donald to be there, but even if he were, he's a terrible scheme fit. Donald is a pure three-technique--as you say, the comparison is Warren Sapp. Keim has already said that we're looking to add length up front, and Donald is a little bowling ball. He'll be playing a very different position at DE for the Cards than he would be paying DT for, say, the Chicago Bears (who I expect will take him).

3) I like Jean-Baptiste and almost put him instead of Martin, but I wanted to add a pass rusher because I think there will be value there at corner.

 

[Finito]

Here's the thing--

1) We have a commitment to Peterson and Powers and intend to develop Bethel. We'll likely add at least another corner in free agency. With those understandings, I'm not sure that the team marginally improves as much in the short or long term by adding another corner. I expect that we'll draft another cornerback in the middle rounds to develop, but spending a 1st round pick on a cornerback is like spending another first round pick on a wide receiver.

2) I don't expect Aaron Donald to be there, but even if he were, he's a terrible scheme fit. Donald is a pure three-technique--as you say, the comparison is Warren Sapp. Keim has already said that we're looking to add length up front, and Donald is a little bowling ball. He'll be playing a very different position at DE for the Cards than he would be paying DT for, say, the Chicago Bears (who I expect will take him).

3) I like Jean-Baptiste and almost put him instead of Martin, but I wanted to add a pass rusher because I think there will be value there at corner.

A first round pick on a CB would be allot of money tied up at the CB position and Gilbert would be a huge upgrade over anyone on the roster not named Peterson. I don't really think this team is committed to Powers that much. My stance on Bethel is if he was going to do it he would of done it by now.

My stance on Donald is the Cotton Fitzsimmons position give me the most talented players no matter what position and I'll find a way to make it work.

I don't think Gilbert or Donald will be there anyway

 

[kerouac9]

A first round pick on a CB would be allot of money tied up at the CB position and Gilbert would be a huge upgrade over anyone on the roster not named Peterson. I don't really think this team is committed to Powers that much. My stance on Bethel is if he was going to do it he would of done it by now.

My stance on Donald is the Cotton Fitzsimmons position give me the most talented players no matter what position and I'll find a way to make it work.

I don't think Gilbert or Donald will be there anyway

I don't think that Gilbert or Donald will be there, either. I thought a lot about Gilbert (he's actually the 20th-ranked player on CBS's board), but he's still a cornerback, and cornerbacks come along every year, and there are more very good corners out there than there are at almost any other position. I just couldn't pull the trigger when I could take a lineman that's such a good system fit.

Isn't Bethel only a second year player--going into his third season? He's a 6th round pick out of tiny Presbyterian. I understand the feeling that if he had any value as a corner he would have illustrated it, but at the same time, it's not like he's had a ton of reps. He's always had to play behind a bunch of folk.

IMO, there are going to be a lot of quality veteran starters available for cheap in free agency for the foreseeable future. If you have a clear #1, I'd rather get one of those starters on one-year deals and develop a very cheap rookie than lose the opportunity to add at a position of greater need.

 

[Buckybird]

I don't think that Gilbert or Donald will be there, either. I thought a lot about Gilbert (he's actually the 20th-ranked player on CBS's board), but he's still a cornerback, and cornerbacks come along every year, and there are more very good corners out there than there are at almost any other position. I just couldn't pull the trigger when I could take a lineman that's such a good system fit.

Isn't Bethel only a second year player--going into his third season? He's a 6th round pick out of tiny Presbyterian. I understand the feeling that if he had any value as a corner he would have illustrated it, but at the same time, it's not like he's had a ton of reps. He's always had to play behind a bunch of folk.

IMO, there are going to be a lot of quality veteran starters available for cheap in free agency for the foreseeable future. If you have a clear #1, I'd rather get one of those starters on one-year deals and develop a very cheap rookie than lose the opportunity to add at a position of greater need.

I agree K9 that this team more than likely wont pick a CB. I think the bigger needs & players among the available will be an OT, S, OLB or DE...unless we trade out, which I hope we don't. But if Gilbert's there...you never know.

 

[football karma]

I like Madcards better, but can't argue with yours.

At least how it's looking now, #20 is beginning to feel like no mans land as it relates to BPA matching up with perceived needs. Seems the best players still at 20 are all WRs, CBs or guards.

 

[PJ1]

If I were to use your same rules:

Round 1) Stephon Tuitt, DT, Notre Dame.

I agree that we need to start looking for Docketts replacement. I beleive Tuitt is slightly more atheletic and has more upside than Hageman. However I don't think we would go wrong with either.

​

Round 2) Ed Reynolds, FS, Stanford

The Cards fill a huge hole and now have a safety that can cover athletic TEs.
​

Round 3) CJ Fiedorowicz, TE, Iowa

The Cards will add at least one TE in this draft and I believe Fiedorowicz fits what Arians is looking for. He is an above average blocker with decent receiving skills.
​

This wouldn't bother me a bit.

 

[Catfish]

Round 1 (20) - Ra'shede Hageman, DT, Minnesota. Good defensive linemen are tough to come by in the NFL, and Darnell Dockett is aging. At 6'6", 310 lbs, Hageman has the length that the Cards look for in defensive linemen, and Hageman can learn for a year and be treated like the Cards integrated their last top DL draftee, Calais Campbell.
ALSO AVAILABLE - Justin Gilbert, CB, Ok State; Dee Ford, DE/OLB, Auburn; Cyrus Kouandjio, OT, Alabama.

Round 2 (52) - Antonio Richardson, OT, Tennessee. Even if the Cards sign a free agent at the position in March, they'll need to add a top prospect in the next few years to integrate into the line. Richardson has ideal size and strength to play either right or left tackle.

Round 3 (84) - Kareem Martin, DE/OLB, North Carolina. Martin's strength is holding the edge at the point of attack and getting after the ball carrier. Martin is a long prospect at 6'6" with great size at 272 lbs.

These picks are extremely solid, and would delight me to no end if we could swing them.

Hageman, if given the time like CC got, could learn the position like CC did. I remember that even after he began to start, CC still slid off almost sure tackles for the better part of a year or so. While Hageman appears stronger than CC was at the time, I am sure there will be much he can learn in the way of technique, that would assist his athleticism when he gets his chance to start. I don't see him stepping in and blowing DD out of the lineup immediately, (though he may do so rather quickly on obvious passing downs), because of his length and strength.

Richardson, could be a great candidate for our long term answer at Left Tackle. If Keim lands a free agent to start for a year or two on a short contract, Richardson could be ready to take over that slot for years to come.
Given the time and teaching to learn great technique, he could become elite as he has the size, and athleticism to go with the position.

Martin might be able to step in right away, (or at the very least (quickly), to set the edge on defense, and finally give us the length and the speed to become the threat we have been looking for at OLB.

Very nice job K-9!!!!!

 

[kerouac9]

If I were to use your same rules:

Round 1) Stephon Tuitt, DT, Notre Dame.

I agree that we need to start looking for Docketts replacement. I beleive Tuitt is slightly more atheletic and has more upside than Hageman. However I don't think we would go wrong with either.

​

Round 2) Ed Reynolds, FS, Stanford

The Cards fill a huge hole and now have a safety that can cover athletic TEs.
​

Round 3) CJ Fiedorowicz, TE, Iowa

The Cards will add at least one TE in this draft and I believe Fiedorowicz fits what Arians is looking for. He is an above average blocker with decent receiving skills.
​

I get Tuitt for similar reasons that I like Hageman, but CBS has him as the 40th-best prospect.

None of them are particularly "value" picks. Watch: we'll take Jo Don Duncan in the 4th round.

 

[juza76]

I get Tuitt for similar reasons that I like Hageman, but CBS has him as the 40th-best prospect.

None of them are particularly "value" picks. Watch: we'll take Jo Don Duncan in the 4th round.

tuitt is also 3 years younger,and had more competitive football and production..i dont know why he should be compared to hageman

 

[Cbus cardsfan]

I like Hageman and Tuitt. However, I think Tuitt had a broken foot at the combine similar to Seferian-Jenkins and he was coming off an injury this past year that affected his weight and overall play. Two injuries in two years is not a good trend.

With Hageman, his issues are in the mental aspect. If they can keep his head on straight, he'll be a star. The reason the Cards may pass on him is something Keim said about not being able to make dumb players play smart. Of course, I don't think DD is any genius out there and he does fine.

 

[Arizona's Finest]

The more research I do, the more I am convinced we will take one of Calvin Pryor or Ha-Ha Clinton Dix. That is our biggest weakness on defense and adding a big hitter in the secondary would add another dimension to our defense. Would be good to have a guy who can actually cover a TE too.

 

[WisconsinCard]

I like Hageman and Tuitt. However, I think Tuitt had a broken foot at the combine similar to Seferian-Jenkins and he was coming off an injury this past year that affected his weight and overall play. Two injuries in two years is not a good trend.

With Hageman, his issues are in the mental aspect. If they can keep his head on straight, he'll be a star. The reason the Cards may pass on him is something Keim said about not being able to make dumb players play smart. Of course, I don't think DD is any genius out there and he does fine.

And becasue of this I would add Louis Nix into the conversation, and just hope he doesn't eat himself out of the league a la Duece.

 

[Cbus cardsfan]

The more research I do, the more I am convinced we will take one of Calvin Pryor or Ha-Ha Clinton Dix. That is our biggest weakness on defense and adding a big hitter in the secondary would add another dimension to our defense. Would be good to have a guy who can actually cover a TE too.

Dix fits the profile of what the Cards brass has been talking about all off season. He's tall, fast, and can(should be able to) cover TE's.

 

[Krangodnzr]

The more research I do, the more I am convinced we will take one of Calvin Pryor or Ha-Ha Clinton Dix. That is our biggest weakness on defense and adding a big hitter in the secondary would add another dimension to our defense. Would be good to have a guy who can actually cover a TE too.

I'm warming to the idea too; Calvin Pryor sounds like the seek and destroy safety that this defense could use. Adding Pryor to a corps of Johnson, Jefferson, and Mathieu, makes the position a relative strength.

 

[BW52]

All 3 choices have differing opinions according to who is doing the scouting.Hagemann is a huge talent but has poor instincts,lacks motivation and has a poor motor.Those are red flags on a #1 pick.Antonio Richardson has good skills and talent yet needs a lot of coaching and has a underachiever label with a motor problem.Another red flag.
Martin has good talent yet reviews say he lacks bulk,strength and doesn`t hold at POA.You say he is good holding the edge yetreview says different.Plus motor issues pops upo with Martin also.
That said all 3 can help and if Cards decide they are what they want so be it.IMHO there are too many red flags.

 

[kerouac9]

Dix fits the profile of what the Cards brass has been talking about all off season. He's tall, fast, and can(should be able to) cover TE's.

I'm warming to the idea too; Calvin Pryor sounds like the seek and destroy safety that this defense could use. Adding Pryor to a corps of Johnson, Jefferson, and Mathieu, makes the position a relative strength.

Maybe, and maybe this is what's going to happen. But I'll raise this--from a roster-construction standpoint, is a safety really that valuable in Bowles' system?

Last offseason, we discarded two pro bowl-caliber safeties and replaced them with Rashard Johnson and a zombie from the Walking Dead and still had a Top 5 defense.

There are defensive systems out there that require high-caliber safety play. That Cover-3 in Seattle requires a top safety. The Pittsburgh zone blitz requires a top safety. The San Francisco defense doesn't. I'd argue that our defense doesn't--and Keim and Arians understand that they'd be better off pushing resources into the Front-7 and the cornerbacks than they would be with a top safety prospect.

And we HAVE two nice safety prospects in Matthieu and Tony Jefferson. Jefferson played 100% of our defensive snaps in week 16. I understand liking Clinton-Dix and Pryor as prospects, but I have concerns about their utility in the system and value compared to more limited prospects that come with less opportunity cost later in the draft.

 

[cardpa]

Maybe, and maybe this is what's going to happen. But I'll raise this--from a roster-construction standpoint, is a safety really that valuable in Bowles' system?

Last offseason, we discarded two pro bowl-caliber safeties and replaced them with Rashard Johnson and a zombie from the Walking Dead and still had a Top 5 defense.

There are defensive systems out there that require high-caliber safety play. That Cover-3 in Seattle requires a top safety. The Pittsburgh zone blitz requires a top safety. The San Francisco defense doesn't. I'd argue that our defense doesn't--and Keim and Arians understand that they'd be better off pushing resources into the Front-7 and the cornerbacks than they would be with a top safety prospect.

And we HAVE two nice safety prospects in Matthieu and Tony Jefferson. Jefferson played 100% of our defensive snaps in week 16. I understand liking Clinton-Dix and Pryor as prospects, but I have concerns about their utility in the system and value compared to more limited prospects that come with less opportunity cost later in the draft.

I think you make a good point here K9. It may be nice to have a top notch safety but if the system doesn't require one why waste the resources on one.
I caught the end of a segment on Moving the Chains yesterday on Sirius and they were discussing the Cardinals and possible draft choices. They mentioned a TE and WR as the first two choices. What I don't know is if they had separated the defense and offense and were giving possible choices for each side as I only caught the very end of the segment.