My Cards top 10 draft board

[Cbus cardsfan]

If I were making the Cards draft board, my top 10 would look like the following. I am leaving out Luck, RG III, Kalil, and Claiborne because there is less than 1% chance of any being available at 13. I am combining BPA combined with an area of need for the Cards.

1). Justin Blackmon: he'd be an ideal #2, actually 1A, across from Fitz. It's a passing league and he's too good to pass up.
2). Trent Richardson: probably won't be availble at 13 but there's a chance. It's another case of a guy being too good to pass up.
3). Jonathon Martin: Start slinging the arrows. Remember, this is what my draft board would be(I know, you're glad I'm not Steve Keim ). He fills a need and, to me, has the most upside of any OT in the class. His feet and movement are much better than any OT not named Kalil and adding strength is the easiest thing to do when developing a tackle.
4). David DeCastro: he's plug and play from day 1. He's an excellent player but the Cards have a decent amount of money tied up in the OG position and they are going to play those guys.
5). Melvin Ingram: his short arms are a concern but you can't argue with his on field production. He can provide a much needed pass rush from the outside.
6). Luke Kuechly: another guy that can start from day 1. Him a Washington could form a very good ILB tandem for years to come.
7). Riley Reiff: I'm not as high on as others. I see him as a RT only but that still is a hole on the Cards and he'll be a very good RT that would likely also start from day 1.
8). Michael Brockers: he's the most intriguing guy to me in this draft. He's only 20 years old and has a monster upside. Two to three years down the road, he and CC could be the best combo of 3-4 DE's in the league.
9). Michael Floyd: He was impressive at the combine and has great hands. Like metioned earlier, it's a passing league and he provides another weapon.
10/10a) Dre Kirkpatrick and Mark Barron: Both guys would upgrade the secondary from day 1. However, they are not huge needs right now. They are both ultra talented and would improve any team. I just don't think the secondary is high on the list of needs for the Cards.

Feel free to add your top 10. I know I'm going to get trashed for having Martin that high but I think he's being underrated by many. At least that's my story and I'm sticking to it .

 

[Lagerfilled]

Hate to derail your Martin train, but Jurecki said yesterday on the radio that the Cards don't like Martin and I was SO glad to hear that. They believe he's soft and lacks confidence. Also if Mayock doesn't endorse him, that's pretty telling. We don't need potential; we need playmakers.

 

[Dougmo]

One thing that stands out to me is Barron at 10. He's by far the best safety prospect, but it's a really weak class.
I just don't see him in our top 10 (with either BPA or taking needs into consideration).

 

[Cbus cardsfan]

Hate to derail your Martin train, but Jurecki said yesterday on the radio that the Cards don't like Martin and I was SO glad to hear that. They believe he's soft and lacks confidence. Also if Mayock doesn't endorse him, that's pretty telling. We don't need potential; we need playmakers.

Not saying it isn't true, but I think that's more Jurecki's opinion and doubt the Cards discussed draft strategy with a radio personality. Besides, it seems Jurecki is wrong alot more than he's right.

Mayock, who has Martin as the 3rd ranked OT, is really no better or worse than a guy like Kiper or McShay. I don't know where they have Martin ranked but I put more stock in ex-GM types like Polian, who may or may not like him either. I've seen where both Casserly and Lombardi have Martin mocked to the Cards.

 

[juza76]

jonathan martin is not in top 100 cardinals list..take his name off...soft weak..they dont like him..1th place is kalil even if is out of reach
brockers is not in the list too..overrated
1-kalil
2-de castro
3-clairbone
4-floyd
5-reiff
6-kuehli
7-kirkpatrick
8-kendal wright
9-upshaw
10-mercilus

 

[Crazy Canuck]

Not saying it isn't true, but I think that's more Jurecki's opinion and doubt the Cards discussed draft strategy with a radio personality. Besides, it seems Jurecki is wrong alot more than he's right.

Mayock, who has Martin as the 3rd ranked OT, is really no better or worse than a guy like Kiper or McShay. I don't know where they have Martin ranked but I put more stock in ex-GM types like Polian, who may or may not like him either. I've seen where both Casserly and Lombardi have Martin mocked to the Cards.

Mayoch is a coach's son; former College star and NFLer who reviews all tape on his own, as well as, speaking to player evaluators. Kiper and McShay simply talk to scouts and compile lists. Mayoch attends offseason academies, camps and pro days and is constanly revising his boards based on his own eye test.

Mayoch sees this year as a weak OT class, with value in later rounds, and a much stronger guard class.

 

[WildBB]

Of those who are obtainable, imo.

1- Floyd - WR
1a- DeCastro - G
3- Keuchly - ILB
4- Ingram - OLB
5- Perry - OLB
6- Barron - S
7- Wright - WR
8- Reiff or Martin - OT
9- Hightower - ILB
10- Kirkpatrick - CB

 

[Crazy Canuck]

jonathan martin is not in top 100 cardinals list..take his name off...soft weak..they dont like him..1th place is kalil even if is out of reach
brockers is not in the list too..overrated
1-kalil
2-de castro
3-clairbone
4-floyd
5-reiff
6-kuehli
7-kirkpatrick
8-kendal wright
9-upshaw
10-mercilus

Who showed you their board?

(Please share...)

 

[Garthshort]

I only have a top five. And it consists of guys who MIGHT be available at #13.
1. DeCastro
2. Floyd
3. Martin (might take a year to develop)
4. Perry
5. Glenn (RG or possibly RT)

 

[Chopper0080]

If I were making the Cards draft board, my top 10 would look like the following. I am leaving out Luck, RG III, Kalil, and Claiborne because there is less than 1% chance of any being available at 13. I am combining BPA combined with an area of need for the Cards.

1). Justin Blackmon: he'd be an ideal #2, actually 1A, across from Fitz. It's a passing league and he's too good to pass up.
2). Trent Richardson: probably won't be availble at 13 but there's a chance. It's another case of a guy being too good to pass up.
3). Jonathon Martin: Start slinging the arrows. Remember, this is what my draft board would be(I know, you're glad I'm not Steve Keim ). He fills a need and, to me, has the most upside of any OT in the class. His feet and movement are much better than any OT not named Kalil and adding strength is the easiest thing to do when developing a tackle.
4). David DeCastro: he's plug and play from day 1. He's an excellent player but the Cards have a decent amount of money tied up in the OG position and they are going to play those guys.
5). Melvin Ingram: his short arms are a concern but you can't argue with his on field production. He can provide a much needed pass rush from the outside.
6). Luke Kuechly: another guy that can start from day 1. Him a Washington could form a very good ILB tandem for years to come.
7). Riley Reiff: I'm not as high on as others. I see him as a RT only but that still is a hole on the Cards and he'll be a very good RT that would likely also start from day 1.
8). Michael Brockers: he's the most intriguing guy to me in this draft. He's only 20 years old and has a monster upside. Two to three years down the road, he and CC could be the best combo of 3-4 DE's in the league.
9). Michael Floyd: He was impressive at the combine and has great hands. Like metioned earlier, it's a passing league and he provides another weapon.
10/10a) Dre Kirkpatrick and Mark Barron: Both guys would upgrade the secondary from day 1. However, they are not huge needs right now. They are both ultra talented and would improve any team. I just don't think the secondary is high on the list of needs for the Cards.

Feel free to add your top 10. I know I'm going to get trashed for having Martin that high but I think he's being underrated by many. At least that's my story and I'm sticking to it .

I hate your board, but way to put some work in.

Here is mine...

1-David DeCastro: Less injury concerns and more need than Richardson. He is an awesome prospect.
2-Trent Richardson: Terrific talent that would cost a ton for me to trade away from. 3 down back.
3-Melvin Ingram: Has question marks, but his versatility and pass rush ability are rare.
4-Mark Barron: In a league where S's are becoming more important, he is special.
5-Justin Blackmon: He is Anquan Boldin w/o the knee injuries. Solid #2, but deep WR class.
6-Michael Floyd: Has similar style as Fitz, but could contribute. Deep WR class.
7-Kendall Wright: Great playmaker in college, would bring different element to AZ offense. Deep WR class.
8-Jonathan Martin: Great athlete, not sure if he fits in system or is physical enough for pros.
9-Fletcher Cox: Versatile, hard working DL. Could play all 3 spots and rush on 3rd down.
10-Michael Brockers: 3-4 DE, but not much of a pass rusher inside. A big risk, but has big talent.

 

[JeffGollin]

My top 10 -

1. Luck
2. Griffin III
3. Kalil
4. Clairborn
5. DeCastro
6. Keuchly
7. Blackmon
8. Ingram
9. Reiff
10. K. Wright

But where it gets dicey is the next 3 picks (which arguably could include Tannehill, Richardson, Floyd, Martin, Glenn, Copley, Upshaw, Hightower and Kirkpatrick).

Are there 3 guys in that second tier of 9 who'd get you excited enough not to trade down if we could.

 

[Mitch]

With regard to players who might be available at #13, here's my short list:

1. Luke Keuchly, LB, Boston College. Having seen every snap he took in his three years at BC, I can tell you this kid is extraordinary. I have never seen a player so in tune with where the ball is going AND so adept at finishing off plays. Best of all, that goes for passing plays as well as running plays. In this day and age with all the short to intermediate passing routes that WRs, TEs and RBs run, it is a total boon when you have a player inside who can sniff those plays out. It takes extremely quick reactions and instincts to be able to do what Keuchly does.

I heard some of you question whether his stats were inflated---and that he didn't make enough clutch plays---and I can tell you without a shred of doubt that neither is true---one, because, after a while, as BC fans we would count up Keuchly's tackles like you would count up Roy Holliday's strike outs...and there were numerous games where I had him for 3-4 more tackles than he was credited for. As for the clutch issue---not only did Keuchly make the key plays down the stretch in virtually every win BC had the past three years---there were some uncanny plays he made that made you just go wow---like the play he made at Virginia in the 4th quarter where BC was clinging to a two point lead and Virginia had the ball well into FG range but faced a 4th and inches and they figured they could make the inch and then milk out the remaining minute and half on the clock to kick the game winning FG and not give the BC offense a chance to drive for a game winning FG of their own. What we saw next I can't still believe...Keuchly times the snap perfectly, leaps over the center and stonewalls the Virginia QB for a 1 yard loss. BC wins.

And let me add this---during Keuchly's last two years at BC, he played behind defensive tackles that were young, undersized and barely Division I talents, unlike B.J. Raji and Ron Brace who stacked things up for Keunchly when he was freshman.

Then, talk about character---this kid works as hard as any player in football. And he is the best tackler in the draft. He stacks people up and squares up to the ball in textbook fashion. I can't recall ever seeing him try to arm tackle---this kid is a finisher and he puts every ounce of his body into every tackle he makes.

2. Mark Barron, S, Alabama. This kid runs a 4.4 at 6-2 220---and he relishes in playing a physical brand of safety. He's great in the box and he's also great at playing over the top. The reason why he is such a perfect fit for the Cardinals is that he has the ability to play any of the four DB positions in our scheme---that's the type of versatility Dick LeBeau 34 defenses require.

3. Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame. Sure you have to love Stephen Hill's blazing speed and Kendall Wright's electricity in the open field...but for the Cardinals Floyd is the best fit because he can thrive in the short and intermediate routes and stretch the defense deep. He uses his superior frame and strength to shield off defenders---and he can adjust to the ball and go up to get it better than any WR in this draft.

4. David DeCastro, G, Stanford. Technique-wise he's was ahead of his years---he's already a pro. He understands leverage and he's great at influencing his man and taking him out of the play---he's also clean on his pulls and cuts blockers in half on the move. The only thing I am not sure of at this point is how well he will hold up versus the bigger, faster DTs in the NFL. But, he's the best fan blocker in pass protection in the draft and I actually think he could play RT, even though his has shorter than desired arms---his technique, feet and base indicate to me that he could be very good anywhere on the right side. He is such a great competitor---you can give him a job and he will do everything he can to excel at it.

5. Whitney Mercilus, OLB, Illinois. I love Melvin Ingram but he's going in the top 12, I have no doubt---but I love Mercilus as well. This guy is tenacious and his skill set is outstanding. I think of any pass rusher in the draft he has the best chance of being this year's Aldon Smith. The only thing that concerns me is the same thing that concerned me about Smith---only one real good year of college production. I rated Keuchly, Barron, Floyd and DeCastro a little higher because all of them were reliably productive for multiple years at their programs. But, as for pure talent, Mercilus has all the goods.

 

[Crazy Canuck]

Mitch,

Like Mercilus, but it seems to me that Andre Branch has a bit more pedigree.

 

[Mitch]

Mitch,

Like Mercilus, but it seems to me that Andre Branch has a bit more pedigree.

I like Branch a lot, Canuck. Good call there. I think he's going to be a real good one.

Mercilus runs a faster 40 (4.68)...and he's stronger (27 reps to 19)...but it's not by much...and they are both pretty much the same size 6-4, 261.

 

[Cbus cardsfan]

Mayoch is a coach's son; former College star and NFLer who reviews all tape on his own, as well as, speaking to player evaluators. Kiper and McShay simply talk to scouts and compile lists. Mayoch attends offseason academies, camps and pro days and is constanly revising his boards based on his own eye test.

Mayoch sees this year as a weak OT class, with value in later rounds, and a much stronger guard class.

How do you know what Kiper and McShay do? McShay has been at almost every pro day as well. If ESPN covered the combine, people would like their position just as much. Besides even if they just talked to scouts, that is probably more effective since their opinions are what form the teams draft boards. Every draft person sees this class as a weak OT class and strong OG class.

Also, in Pat Kirwan's mock, another ex-GM, he has the Cards taking Martin. But I guess those Gm's don't have the inside info juza does and know that Martin and Brockers, considered by many the #1 DT/DE prospect, are not even good enough prospects to crack the Cards top 100.

 

[Crazy Canuck]

How do you know what Kiper and McShay do? McShay has been at almost every pro day as well. If ESPN covered the combine, people would like their position just as much. Besides even if they just talked to scouts, that is probably more effective since their opinions are what form the teams draft boards. Every draft person sees this class as a weak OT class and strong OG class.

Also, in Pat Kirwan's mock, another ex-GM, he has the Cards taking Martin. But I guess those Gm's don't have the inside info juza does and know that Martin and Brockers, considered by many the #1 DT/DE prospect, are not even good enough prospects to crack the Cards top 100.

Kiper and McShay are forthcoming on how they evaluate, as is Mayoch. It's a vast canvassing of opinion. But, what I like about Mayoch is his constant review of coach's tape - as well as - attendence. I trust his judgement that Martin will drop because he"s physically immature and that the benefits are down the road some. As such, he's not who I want at this point, and doubt he's the Card selection at #13.

 

[Dayman]

Although I like Keuchley, the soft free agent market for MLBs makes me wonder if he's going to be one of the biggest fallers in the draft. It actually wouldn't shock me to see him sink to the end of the first round. Again, I'm not trying to take anything away from him as a player. Teams just don't seem to be valuing the MLB position too highly these days.

 

[Crazy Canuck]

Although I like Keuchley, the soft free agent market for MLBs makes me wonder if he's going to be one of the biggest fallers in the draft. It actually wouldn't shock me to see him sink to the end of the first round. Again, I'm not trying to take anything away from him as a player. Teams just don't seem to be valuing the MLB position too highly these days.

Can't imagine him getting past Philly, even with the Ryans signing, or Dallas.

 

[juza76]

Mitch,

Like Mercilus, but it seems to me that Andre Branch has a bit more pedigree.

players coming from clemson very disappointing in the last years

charly withehurst
chansy stuckey
de quan bowers
adams gaines(rip)
philip merling
marcus gilchrist
cj spiller

the only one great is bryan dawkins

 

[JeffGollin]

Although I like Keuchley, the soft free agent market for MLBs makes me wonder if he's going to be one of the biggest fallers in the draft. It actually wouldn't shock me to see him sink to the end of the first round. Again, I'm not trying to take anything away from him as a player. Teams just don't seem to be valuing the MLB position too highly these days.

The thing that caught my eye about Keuchly was that, although he seemed to fit the ILB prototype (tough & instinctive but not very fast or athletic and, therefore likely to be underdrafted) his 4.58 combine forty time turned him into a tough, instinctive "fast" ILB worth drafting high.

 

[Broseph]

I'm starting to like Floyd more and more. I know we need O lineman, but we also need another #2 WR. I think with Fitz and Floyd running havoc, we'd really make Peyton wish he would of thought twice about going to Denver and throwing to mediocre wide receivers.

 

[Bodha]

Couldnt disagree more with just about everything, but youre entitled to your opinion.



I will say I think Martin and Brockers are the most Bust destined players since Russell.

 

[Phrazbit]

Since I've seen it asked a couple times in this thread:

Kiper has the Cards drafting Floyd and has dropped Martin completely out of the 1st round.

McShay has the Cards taking Martin but thinks it would be a need pick a big reach to do so. However, his mock was written before the Cards resigning Levi, so its reasonable to expect Martin will be much lower in his next mock.

And I have seen mocks with the Cards taking Martin elsewhere, but at the same time the mocks bash the pick before its even made, calling him a reach and unlikely to be a LT.

 

[WildBB]

Here is PFW's top 20.

Wow, Fletcher Cox - DL, is really climbing up! But listing Coples as DE/DT -

1. QB Andrew Luck Stanford 8.50 6-4 234 4.64
2. CB-KR Morris Claiborne LSU 7.00 5-11 1/8 188 4.49
3. RB Trent Richardson Alabama 7.00 5-9 1/4 228 4.45e
4. OT Matt Kalil USC 6.75 6-6 5/8 306 4.99
5. QB Robert Griffin III Baylor 6.70 6-2 3/8 223 4.39
6. WR Justin Blackmon Oklahoma State 6.60 6-1 1/4 215 4.56
7. DT-DE Fletcher Cox Mississippi State 6.50 6-4 298 4.81
8. ILB-OLB Luke Kuechly Boston College 6.30 6-3 1/4 242 4.61
9. DT Dontari Poe Memphis 6.30 6-3 1/2 346 4.94
10. OG David DeCastro Stanford 6.30 6-4 7/8 316 5.42
11. WR Michael Floyd Notre Dame 6.21 6-2 5/8 220 4.44
12. OT Riley Reiff Iowa 6.20 6-5 3/4 313 5.19
13. DE-DT Quinton Coples North Carolina 6.20 6-5 3/4 284 4.76
14. DE-DT-OLB Melvin Ingram South Carolina 6.20 6-1 1/2 264 4.76
15. SS Mark Barron Alabama 6.20 6-1 213 4.50e
16. OLB Courtney Upshaw Alabama 6.17 6-1 5/8 272 4.79
17. OG-OT Cordy Glenn Georgia 6.15 6-5 3/4 345 5.09
18. DT-DE Michael Brockers LSU 6.15 6-5 322 5.36
19. OG Amini Silatolu Midwestern State (Texas) 6.15 6-3 5/8 311 5.39
20. ILB Dont'a Hightower Alabama 6.10 6-2 1/4 265 4.64

 

[oaken1]

How do you know what Kiper and McShay do? McShay has been at almost every pro day as well. If ESPN covered the combine, people would like their position just as much. Besides even if they just talked to scouts, that is probably more effective since their opinions are what form the teams draft boards. Every draft person sees this class as a weak OT class and strong OG class.

Also, in Pat Kirwan's mock, another ex-GM, he has the Cards taking Martin. But I guess those Gm's don't have the inside info juza does and know that Martin and Brockers, considered by many the #1 DT/DE prospect, are not even good enough prospects to crack the Cards top 100.

Those who have the Cards picking martin are just setting up the "I told you so" on who makes the most boneheaded pick in the first round....easy choice for them since the Cards have a long history of reaching for borderline OT;s where they should be drafting stars.

I would be tickled to death with picking Martin.....if we got him at 80....but he is nowhere near worthy of a top 20 pick...aint even close.