Keim's 2017 Draft A Work of Art

[Mitch]

Rumor had it that the Cardinals were trying to trade up to the #2 spot. They were one of a few teams mentioned at the beginning of the draft. If true, who were the Cardinals hoping to pick at #2 and what would it have taken to climb up the board from #13?

The pundits believed that QB Patrick Mahomes II was the Cardinals' target.

Do you believe that?

I don't.

I think the Cardinals were after DE Solomon Thomas or S Jamal Adams, and they were willing to give up the #13 and #45 picks plus their 2018 2nd rounder.

Then next question is: had QBs Patrick Mahomes and/or Deshaun Watson been available at #13 would Keim have taken one of them?

I do not believe he would have. I think he would have taken BPA and done what Peter King suggested he would do, is try to trade back up into the later portion of Round 1 if Mahomes was still on the board.

Be that as it may, what Keim was able to do in this draft was artful. He made three bold trades that allowed him to address areas of both short and long-term needs. Think of it this way...look at which players (in what could be their last year or two with the team) the draft picks are likely to succeed:

1. LB Hassan Reddick -- LB Karlos Dansby

2. S Budda Baker -- S Antoine Bethea

3. WR Chad Williams -- WR Larry Fitzgerald

4. G Dorian Johnson -- G Mike Iupati

5. T Will Holden -- T Jared Veldheer

5. RB/KR T.J. Logan -- RB/KR Andre Ellington

6. CB/ST gunner Rudy Ford -- CB/ST gunner Justin Bethel

When you look at Keim's plan in this fashion, it makes a ton of common sense.

And this has been Keim's pattern for a couple of years now -- like drafting T D.J. Humphries to take T Bobby Massie's spot or DE Robert Nkemdiche to take DE Calais Campbell's spot.

This too is why the Cardinals don't feel the immediate urgency to start rookies -- they can ease them in when the feel the rookies are ready, or integrate them into sub package roles, as they first did with hybrid S/$LB Deone Bucannon.

Moreover, all of his picks have athletic upside. His picks in Rounds 2 and 4 were 2016 All Americans. His picks in Rounds 1 and 3 were players who aced every aspect of the pre-draft process. His pick in Round 5 is as near a proto-type to Jared Veldheer as one is going to find. His second pick in Round 5 was the fastest RB/KR at the Combine. And his pick in Round 6 is a slightly faster and equally aggressive on STs version of Justin Bethel, for which Keim was willing to give up both 7th round picks in order to ensure the selection.

To be candid, I came into this draft wondering what Keim's plan was-- and now that I am able to connect the dots, I can appreciate how prescient and precise this plan was. Kudos to Keim. This draft is a work of art.

 

[juza76]

Chad Williams being Fitzgerald successor is a long shot

But its part of the process find some future replacement


Considering The Roster needs he drafted best player available, but the priority was filling the roster based on needs
I guess he apply also a order about the grade of roster need

All the rumors regarding what the cardinals were going to do are just speculation since is not first time I hear something like this post draft

I think keim made the picks he supposed to do
Keim is not the type to throw high and future picks for a player not playing qb, and nobody of this quarterback class was a real target and probably worth that price

 

[Camshaft]

No Mahomes means this draft is a work of crap.

 

[Veer]

I agree that Keim has shown what the draft is all about: Sticking to your board (Haason Reddick, Dorian Johnson), trading up if one particular player sticks out (Budda Baker, Rudy Ford), and trading down when you can get equal value later (Chad Williams).

To me it's pretty clear that the whole QBOF chatter by BASK was a smokescreen at its finest.

While the old smoke and mirror game got us some solid players, the most important position in football is still the biggest hole moving forward. The Chiefs and Texans, both similar to the Cardinals one way or another, were willing to pull the trigger. I'm not saying it was a bad decision to pass on this QB class. But it will be much tougher next year, especially if Palmer retires which I fully expect.

 

[Veer]

No Mahomes means this draft is a work of crap.

Apparently Reddick was top 5 on their board. So that pick was a no-brainer. But if BASK were indeed willing to trade back into the 1st for one of the top 3 QBs, they should reassess their process of finding a long-term franchise QB. With a solid team in place that won't be in contention for a top 3 pick anytime soon, I really question their process. It won't get any easier next year.

 

[juza76]

Apparently Reddick was top 5 on their board. So that pick was a no-brainer. But if BASK were indeed willing to trade back into the 1st for one of the top 3 QBs, they should reassess their process of finding a long-term franchise QB. With a solid team in place that won't be in contention for a top 3 pick anytime soon, I really question their process. It won't get any easier next year.

If u pick around 20 next year u can trade the first and following year first for a qb in the top 10

 

[JeffGollin]

Two ways to look at it:

1. Draft picks as heir for key positions

2. Draft picks to provide backup depth for key positions.

The two objectives are not exclusive, but I think #2 makes more sense.

Random Comments:

- As I've posted before - The Cards are not bashful about creating hybrid positions on both offense and defense. Danger is: If a key hybrid player gets injured and we don't have a similar backup player, we're toast. I view an overriding objective as providing 2-deep depth at uniquely filled positions.

- I think Wiiliams was drafted less to be heir to Fitz @ more to fill the void vacated by Floyd

- I don't think Nkemdiche's style of play replaces the 6-7 Calais Campbell (Bevins maybe - if he sticks)

- Baker provides depth behind Mathieu rather than be slotted next to him at the other safety.

- There will be surprises (both good & bad). It's premature to anoint SK a draft guru or slam him as a failure.

 

[Snakester]

Nice comparisons Walter. I'm with you that I think Keim had a very good draft. I think Dorian Johnson wins the RG spot and starts this year. I think Reddick comes in a lot to rush the passer at first then is eased in a little more each game. Although I don't think Buddha will start the year I can see him starting by mid season because of injuries.

I think Chad Williams becomes a number three wideout for us next year. To me Will Holden is Bradley Sowell part two. I just don't see good enough feet and movement skills for him to be a RT and he's not even close to being a LT prospect. I love the TJ Logan pick. He's a very good return man. I think he's under rated as a RB plus he's a good receiver out of the backfield. I agree that Rudy Ford takes over for Justin Bethel on special teams. Same type of player only much cheaper.

To me getting three starters and a returner makes this a great draft.

 

[Veer]

- Baker provides depth behind Mathieu rather than be slotted next to him at the other safety.

I agree on all your assessments otherwise. But there is no way they traded up for Baker high in the 2nd to provide depth behind Mathieu. Of course injury-prone Mathieu could never be the same again and Baker takes his spot down the road. But they can absolutely coexist in our defense. Both can play deep centerfield, cover the slot, cause havoc blitzing off the edge in the pass or run game. With a healthy Mathieu, Baker and Reddick our defense can do so many things, I'm really excited about it. You can bet offensive coordinators in our division have already headaches!

 

[juza76]

I agree on all your assessments otherwise. But there is no way they traded up for Baker high in the 2nd to provide depth behind Mathieu. Of course injury-prone Mathieu could never be the same again and Baker takes his spot down the road. But they can absolutely coexist in our defense. Both can play deep centerfield, cover the slot, cause havoc blitzing off the edge in the pass or run game. With a healthy Mathieu, Baker and Reddick our defense can do so many things, I'm really excited about it. You can bet offensive coordinators in our division have already headaches!

Budda baker is day one starter
100%
He has superb football instict, great in coverage, great blitzer, great tackler despite a below average size for the position
He is the player who can make the secondary a position of strenght

 

[Harry]

I can't see Holden at tackle. Speed rushers exposed his footwork despite his drill numbers. It's hard to teach footwork to players who don't develop it early. He was a late pick because he's a long shot to ever start. He's of no use on special teams.

 

[dreamcastrocks]

I can't see Holden at tackle. Speed rushers exposed his footwork despite his drill numbers. It's hard to teach footwork to players who don't develop it early. He was a late pick because he's a long shot to ever start. He's of no use on special teams.

Me either. Most think that he is a G in the NFL.

 

[GuernseyCard]

On defence, we are in Nickle and Dime packages 70% + of the time. Budda will be a de facto starter, and Hasson will get all kinds of pass rushing opportunities.

 

[DVontel]

I agree on all your assessments otherwise. But there is no way they traded up for Baker high in the 2nd to provide depth behind Mathieu. Of course injury-prone Mathieu could never be the same again and Baker takes his spot down the road. But they can absolutely coexist in our defense. Both can play deep centerfield, cover the slot, cause havoc blitzing off the edge in the pass or run game. With a healthy Mathieu, Baker and Reddick our defense can do so many things, I'm really excited about it. You can bet offensive coordinators in our division have already headaches!

This.

I think Budda will be a star for us. I have never been as high on anyone else before their rookie year than I have for Budda under the Keim era so far. I really do see him being a perennial All-Pro soon.

 

[Mitch]

Chad Williams being Fitzgerald successor is a long shot

But its part of the process find some future replacement


Considering The Roster needs he drafted best player available, but the priority was filling the roster based on needs
I guess he apply also a order about the grade of roster need

All the rumors regarding what the cardinals were going to do are just speculation since is not first time I hear something like this post draft

I think keim made the picks he supposed to do
Keim is not the type to throw high and future picks for a player not playing qb, and nobody of this quarterback class was a real target and probably worth that price

Right. No one can replace Fitz.

But i get Keim's thinking. Chad Williams is a fighter and a scrapper. There a toughness to his game and his approach.

 

[Mitch]

No Mahomes means this draft is a work of crap.

So, you would have been happier trading up and giving up 2 1st rounders (this year's and next) and the #45 pick to take Mahomes?

That's what it would have taken.

Please tell us what your draft would have looked like from there.

 

[Mitch]

I agree that Keim has shown what the draft is all about: Sticking to your board (Haason Reddick, Dorian Johnson), trading up if one particular player sticks out (Budda Baker, Rudy Ford), and trading down when you can get equal value later (Chad Williams).

To me it's pretty clear that the whole QBOF chatter by BASK was a smokescreen at its finest.

While the old smoke and mirror game got us some solid players, the most important position in football is still the biggest hole moving forward. The Chiefs and Texans, both similar to the Cardinals one way or another, were willing to pull the trigger. I'm not saying it was a bad decision to pass on this QB class. But it will be much tougher next year, especially if Palmer retires which I fully expect.

We would only know for sure whether the QB talk was a smokescreen had Mahomes and/or Watson been available at #13. After that, they clearly did not want to trade up for any of the other QBs...or take Dobbs in Round 3 or Peterman in Round 5.

 

[NJCardFan]

Judging by what the Bears gave up to move up 1 spot(#3, 3rd round, 4th round, 3rd round in 2018), it would have taken a hell of a lot more than our pick at 13, our 2nd round pick, and next year's 2nd round pick to move up 12 spots.

 

[WildBB]

They hit every position but QB. But the picks do make a lot of sense, especially for OL depth and addressing ST's need.

If u pick around 32 next year u can trade the first and following year first for a qb in the top 10

Fify.

 

[Mitch]

I can't see Holden at tackle. Speed rushers exposed his footwork despite his drill numbers. It's hard to teach footwork to players who don't develop it early. He was a late pick because he's a long shot to ever start. He's of no use on special teams.

At this point, I do not see it either...but Keim does. Or at least Keim thinks Holden can be a better swing tackle down the road than John Wetzel or Ulrich John. I really like Wetzel. I think he's a baller and could be a mainstay at RT after Veldheer.

But I have to hand it to Kiem. In the last three years he's drafted the following OL:

LT Humphries
LG Johnson
C Boehm
RG Toner
RT Holden

 

[Camshaft]

Hey Mitch, remember 2010, 2011, 2012.

 

[cardsfanmd]

At the end of the day, we still have a top 15 QB for the upcoming season and both a plethora of picks as well as ample cap space heading into next offseason that will potentially feature a QB crop of Stafford, Garopolo, Bortles, Cousins, Sam Darnold, Josh Rosen, Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson. Additionally, a few of the talent-poor teams that are likely to head up the draft (SAN Francisco, St Louis, Chicago, Cleveland, Jets) have or think they have their QB already.