Keim's Draft HRs and Enigmas

[Mitch]

Part 1: Offense

QB (1):

Logan Thomas---4th Round 2014---enigma. Blessed with supreme physical talents, but very slow to process offense and throw with consistent accuracy. Didn't even make it to year two.

RB (3):

Stepfan Taylor---5th Round 2013---enigma. Has contributed on STs, but has not been a factor in the running game.

Andre Ellington---6th Round 2013---enigma. Has flashed big play talent on bounce-out runs and short to intermediate passes, but has not been a factor running between the tackles and has been sidelined repeatedly by injuries.

David Johnson---3rd Round 2015---home run. Keim's hope was to draft Ameer Abdullah in the 2nd round, but Keim stuck with his board in the 3rd to tab this remarkable young triple threat.

TE (3):

D.C. Jefferson---7th Round 2013---enigma. Off the field issues and erratic play caused an early release.

Troy Niklas---2nd Round 2014---enigma. Was supposed to be the big blocking, play-action receiving TE the team was lacking, but a bevy of injuries and inconsistent play have relegated him to 3rd or 4th string.

Gerald Christian---7th Round---early enigma. Had a good camp, but landed on the IR.

OL (5)

Jonathan Cooper, G---1st Round 2013---enigma---hailed as the next Randall McDaniel, a pre-season leg fracture which sidelined him his first year, a slow recovery which sidelined him his second year and an odd propensity to miss assignments and to lose his balance sidelined him yet again his third year.

Earl Watford, G/T---4th Round 2013---enigma---every bit the part physically, Watford has only contributed less than a handful of spot starts in the three years. Despite some solid showings, he does not get much mention from the coaches.

D.J. Humphries, T---1st Round 2015---early enigma---branded with the nickname "knee deep" and reporting to camp last year lacking the tone of an NFL physique, Humphries could not even beat out Bradley Sowell as a backup tackle. The RT is his this year and much is expected.

Evan Boehm, C---4th Round 2016---4 year starter as SEC center and team captain, the hope is that he can assimilate into the offense quickly and win the starting center position.

Cole Toner, G/T---5th Round 2016---All-Ivy League right tackle whom the coaches are moving to guard. The hope is that he will become a valuable swing G/T backup and perhaps compete for the starting RG position after Evan Mathis retires.

WR (4)

Ryan Swope---6th Round 2013---enigma---history of concussions led to immediate retirement.

John Brown---3rd Round 2014---home run---brought the speed and big-play ability the team needed in order to draw the safeties away from Fitz and Floyd.

Walter Powell---6th Round---enigma---had a decent rookie camp but was cut and claimed by the Jets.

J.J. Nelson---5th Round---home run---made several big, explosive plays as a rookie and added more "take the top off the defense" speed to the offense.

Summary:

Keim has gotten production at WR and RB---but, thus far, underwhelming returns from draftees on the OL, at TE and at QB.

Free Agent Signings or Contact Extensions of Significance:

QB: Palmer, Stanton
RB: C. Johnson
TE: Fells, Gresham
LT: Veldheer
LG: Iupati
RG: Mathis
WR: Fitzgerald

 

[Reign Blood]

AE an enigma? He's no Jamaal Charles but he's earned Cardinal red. S. Taylor is a backup RB and decent in certain situations.

Agreed on the other positions but feel your too harsh on my boy AE.

 

[Mitch]

AE an enigma? He's no Jamaal Charles but he's earned Cardinal red. S. Taylor is a backup RB and decent in certain situations.

Agreed on the other positions but feel your too harsh on my boy AE.

As BA always says, "can't help the club from the tub."

I can see your point if one argues that as a 6th rounder the Cardinals have gotten some good value---but, at the end of the day, here he is heading into his 4th season as the team's #3 RB and there are still major questions about his ability to hold up physically.

As for Taylor, let's face it, he's a solid STs player, but BA prefers playing Kerwynn Williams over him. He really is a non-factor on offense.

 

[Mitch]

Two of the home runs you didn't mention were grand slams. Buc and HB.

I enjoy your posts though Mitch.

Stay tuned---I haven't written up Part 2: Defense yet. But, for sure, Honey Badger and Bucannon will be highlighted.

 

[Reign Blood]

As BA always says, "can't help the club from the tub."

I can see your point if one argues that as a 6th rounder the Cardinals have gotten some good value---but, at the end of the day, here he is heading into his 4th season as the team's #3 RB and there are still major questions about his ability to hold up physically.

As for Taylor, let's face it, he's a solid STs player, but BA prefers playing Kerwynn Williams over him. He really is a non-factor on offense.

He wasn't the only one sitting in the tub last year. Maybe we can agree this is a make or break season for AE.

 

[Reign Blood]

Stay tuned---I haven't written up Part 2: Defense yet. But, for sure, Honey Badger and Bucannon will be highlighted.

Lol I just realized this and deleted it the same time you posted.

 

[Buckybird]

He wasn't the only one sitting in the tub last year. Maybe we can agree this is a make or break season for AE.

Wasn't in the tub because he rarely played

some guys just are jinxed & bodies can't handle the rigors of the NFL game, so far Dre is one of those guys. Talent is only part of the game

 

[Goldfield]

I still think AE could be a perfect spot duty back up RB for us.

 

[BigRedRage]

i dont think DC even saw the field before getting a dUI and being released.

 

[kerouac9]

If you look up "false dichotomy" in the dictionary, you'll find "Home Run or Enigma."

 

[Mitch]

Defense

DT/DE (3)

Ed Stinson---5th Round 2014---enigma---hailed at first as "Little Dockett," Stinson has been anything but. Has played some, but sparingly, in the DT/DE rotation.

Rodney Gunter---4th Round 2015---home run---started at NT as a rookie and showed flashes of strength and athleticism in the middle.

Robert Nkemdiche---1st Round 2016---has Dockett-esque explosiveness, but comes with question marks about off-field decision making and on-field inconsistencies.

ILB (2)

Kevin Minter---2nd Round 2013---enigma---he has emerged as a solid 2 down run stuffer, but in today's game, 2 down run stuffers do not warrant top 50 picks in the draft. Minter was taken at #45.

Deone Bucannon---1st Round 2014---home run---desperate to fill the void left by Darryl Washington, Buc was tried as nickel LB as a rookie and showed he could cover and tackle in the box and now has revolutionized the WILB position.

OLB (4)

Alex Okafor---4th Round 2013---enigma---had a good sophomore year recording 8 sacks, but regressed sharply last year and wound up missing the playoffs due to mysterious bye week toe injury.

Kareem Martin---3rd Round 2014---enigma---was first tried at 34 DE and then last year was moved to 34 OLB and used some as a DE in the 4 man rush. Classic tweeter who is not stout enough to be a factor inside, and not quick or athletic enough to cover or to wreak consistent havoc from the edge.

Markus Golden---2nd Round 2015---home run---feisty, high motored player who quickly became a starter and major contributor.

Shaquille Riddick---5th Round 2015---early enigma---could not earn a single snap as a rookie due to leg injuries and being behind in his preparation.

CB (2)

Brandon Williams---Round 3 2016---first CB drafted in the Keim era (although one could make a case that the Honey Badger is often a CB), Williams has superb physical attributes, but only played college CB for one year, but appears to be a fast learner and high character player.

Harlan Miller---Round 6 2016---small school cover man who was defensive player of the week at the Senior Bowl.

S (2)

Tyrann Mathieu---3rd Round 2013---home run---dynamic playmaking game changer who has had to overcome off-field addictions and two ACL injuries.

Marqui Christian---5th Round 2016---small school standout who caught the eye and imagination of Adrian Wilson with his playmaking ability and his big-hit tackling.

Summary:

Stronger success on this side of the ball as Keim has drafted what could be 7-8 starters and a couple of key role players. His recent picks seem more tailor-made to the defensive scheme.

Significant FA trade, FA signings and in-house contract extensions:

DT/DE: Campbell, Rucker, Peters, Mauro
OLB: Jones
S: Branch, Jefferson, Swearinger

 

[Ouchie-Z-Clown]

7 of 32 picks dubbed "home run" by Mitch. I think more gradations would be appropriate, but I'm uncertain what to think about batting average. Of course jury is out on this year's rooks, so 7 of 26 looks a bit better. I'd be interested to know the "home run" rate of teams like the pats or steelers or Seahawks.

 

[Mitch]

7 of 32 picks dubbed "home run" by Mitch. I think more gradations would be appropriate, but I'm uncertain what to think about batting average. Of course jury is out on this year's rooks, so 7 of 26 looks a bit better. I'd be interested to know the "home run" rate of teams like the pats or steelers or Seahawks.

Yeah, more gradations are a good idea. For this round I will just use HIT or miss.

Patriots:

2013 Draft:

2---Jamie Collins, OLB---HIT
2---Aaron Dobson, WR---miss
3---Logan Ryan, CB---HIT
3---Duron Harmon, S---HIT
4---Josh Boyce, WR---miss
7---Michael Buchannon, DE---miss
7---Steve Beauharnais, LB---miss

2014 Draft:

1---Dominique Easley, DT---miss
2---Jimmy Garoppolo, QB---HIT
4---Brian Stork, C---HIT
4---James White, RB---HIT
4---Cameron Fleming, T---miss
6---Jon Halapio, G---miss
6---Zach Moore, DE---miss
6---Jemea Thomas, CB---miss
7---Jeremy Gallon, WR---miss

2015 Draft:

1---Malcom Brown, DT---HIT
2---Jordan Richards, S---HIT
3---Geneo Grissom, DE/OLB---miss
4---Trey Flowers, DE---miss
4---Tre Jackson, G---HIT
4---Shaq Mason, G---=HIT
5---Joe Cardona, LS---HIT
6---Matthew Wells, LB---traded to Bears
6---A.J. Darby, TE---miss
7---Darryl Roberts, CB---miss
7---Xavier Dickson, DT---miss

Summary: Very good at drafting DBs and OL. Not so good at WR and middle round edge rushers.

Seattle:

2013 Draft:

2---Christine Michael, RB---miss
3---Jordan Hill, DT---miss
4---Chris Harper, WR---miss
5---Jesse Williams, DT---miss
5---Tharold Simon, CB---HIT
5---Luke Wilson, TE---HIT
6---Spencer Ware, RB---miss
7---Ryan Seymour, G---miss
7---Ty Powell, OLB---miss
7---Jared Smith, G---miss
7---Michael Bowie, T---miss


2014 Draft

2---Paul Richardson, WR---IR, miss
3---Justin Britt, G/T---HIT
4- Cassius Marsh, DE---IR, miss
4---Kevin Norwood, WR---miss
4---Kevin Pierre-Louis, OLB---HIT
5---Jimmy Staten, DT---miss
6---Garrett Scott, T---miss
6---Eric Pinkins, CB---miss
7---Kiero Small, FB---miss

2015 Draft

2---Frank Clark, DE---HIT
3---Tyler Lockett, WR/KR---HIT
4---Terry Poole, T---miss
4---Mark Glowinski, G---played well in late start
5---Tye Smith, CB---depth, STs guy
6---Obum Gwachum, DE---was 53 man roster cut and claimed by Saints
6---Kristjan Sokoli, G/C---active for 1 game, coaches like him
7---Ryan Murphy, S---was roster cut and signed to Broncos' PS

Summary: Like Patriots, they like stockpiling picks and they like trying to develop young o-linemen and d-linemen. Not a lot of home runs in these drafts, as of yet.

 

[BACH]

Great article, Mitch.

I more or less agree with your evaluation based if we use a all or nothing-scale.

But, is that fair? Isn't a 6th rounder like Ellington, who is a good back-up and rotational player a good pick? Can you expect more in the 6th?

 

[Mitch]

Great article, Mitch.

I more or less agree with your evaluation based if we use a all or nothing-scale.

But, is that fair? Isn't a 6th rounder like Ellington, who is a good back-up and rotational player a good pick? Can you expect more in the 6th?

Great point, Bach. When Sir Juke was a rookie, it sure looked like the Cardinals were geniuses for stealing him in the 6th round---yet, as we know, his recent production and availability have been disappointing. However, if Ellington has a good year this year, as far as I am concerned, he's a home run.

 

[82CardsGrad]

I really like this thread Mitch. But to be fair, I think it would be appropriate to remove the 2016 draft selections, no?

 

[pinetopred]

I very much enjoy this thread, but my take away from it if you cdont put AE as a homerun then you can't put any players drafted last year as a homerun they have only done it for parts of 1 year. While AE may not be everyone's cup of tea he has shown now for a couple of years to be a game changer when healthy, JMO.

 

[Mitch]

I very much enjoy this thread, but my take away from it if you cdont put AE as a homerun then you can't put any players drafted last year as a homerun they have only done it for parts of 1 year. While AE may not be everyone's cup of tea he has shown now for a couple of years to be a game changer when healthy, JMO.

You're right. Good point.

 

[THESMEL]

Said that first year - AE is not a featured back but hell of a specialist - BA pushed him out of his best role and this happened - again just like whiz and tht - seems as fans underappreciate bell cow backs

 

[Finito]

AE, Kevin Minter, Taylor and Alex Okafor are all hits far from misses.

Not every player you draft is going to be a pro bowl superstar. Good role players are just as important to a team.

 

[unseenaz]

AE, Kevin Minter, Taylor and Alex Okafor are all hits far from misses.

Not every player you draft is going to be a pro bowl superstar. Good role players are just as important to a team.

Only 1 of those guys is a starter, and not a great one at that.

I'd give only Taylor a little more slack than saying he was an enigma, but on a go / no-go scale, I guess a no-go is about right. He's a real nice ST player, no chance we ever resign him, and he was a 5th round pick, I can see where Mitch wants a little more than ST contributions

 

[Cheesebeef]

Golden and Gunter are home runs? I think that's being incredibly generous.

 

[Finito]

Only 1 of those guys is a starter, and not a great one at that.

I'd give only Taylor a little more slack than saying he was an enigma, but on a go / no-go scale, I guess a no-go is about right. He's a real nice ST player, no chance we ever resign him, and he was a 5th round pick, I can see where Mitch wants a little more than ST contributions

For a 5th round pick? The more the Cardinals win the more fans seem to get a little jaded.

Something like 80% of the players drafted from rounds 4-7 aren't even in the league 3 years in.

If you can fill out your roster with solid role players in those rounds that's a plus. It's unrealistic to think every player you draft should be an all pro.

 

[Finito]

Golden and Gunter are home runs? I think that's being incredibly generous.

Oh Gunter is a massive home run. You have to understand this kid pretty much played glorified high school ball came in won the starting job on just raw strength and athleticism he doesn't even really know how to play yet.

The potential is off the charts

 

[kerouac9]

Oh Gunter is a massive home run. You have to understand this kid pretty much played glorified high school ball came in won the starting job on just raw strength and athleticism he doesn't even really know how to play yet.

The potential is off the charts

He didn't win the starting job. The starter got injured.