Harry
ASFN Consultant and Senior Writer
This might be the weirdest draft ever. Just look at the mocks. Beyond the top 20 nobody knows who likely goes where. It will be hard on Keim. He’ll might make a decent selection. Somebody who goes 5 picks later will make 6 Pro Bowls, have been on some guru’s selection list and Keim will get berated because a random amateur bested him. Please don’t spend too much time telling me on my list this guy is too late or too early. I’ll admit right here, I could be way off on who’s available where. Do spend time telling me who you’d like at a given spot and feel free to say why you do or don’t like one or more of my guys either at this point or ever. I’ll likely respond. I’ve seen many good selections on the board throughout this year.
Then there’s the giant hole (87-201) in the Cards’ draft spots. They may elevate someone to round three rather than miss out on the guy they want. They could trade down, but someone else could grab him. I’d hate to be Keim in this draft. Big gaps are bad for pick strategy management.
What follows are not predictions of which players will go where. Instead they are my attempt to play GM and tell you who I’d take if the Cards don’t move slots and these players are still on the board at this pick. They are not in the order of preference since I won’t know what’s gone before. They are not coordinated. I wouldn’t take 5 receivers. I might take 2, but that’s my limit. I did put an asterisk by my favorite pick. If I put an asterisk on a receiver I put a second asterisk for that pick, as I am receiver heavy.
I know liking Walker in round 2 will not make many happy. He’s what I call an overwhelming BPA. He should go in round 1. If he lasts this late he can’t be passed. He is decisive about hole selection, he has unusual speed for his size and great hands. He could also be split out in 3 & 4 receiver formations. His talent is rare and though he only lasts 3-4 years, he’s an difference making player. He’s much more impactful than Edmonds. He elevates the entire offense.
Ideally the Cards get 2 WRs, 1 OL, 1 DL, 1 Edge & 1 CB.
23
*Zion Johnson G/C. Could immediately start at G with the added bonus of backing up Hudson at C and possibly being Hudson’s successor.
Devonte Wyatt, DL. More of a 4/3 if used as inside guy. He would help against the run and collapsing the pocket. Could he survive as a NG in a 3/4? That looks marginal to me.
Trevor Penning G/OT. He’s agile enough to play inside, but might not be ideal when pulling. He could possibly also start immediately at RT, but inexperience would hurt a little. He’d eventually transition to LT, where he’d be a tone setter for a mean, tough lineman.
*Jameson Williams WR. He wouldn’t still be here if not for injury. Years ago this injury would stunt a career, but today’s medicine should mean a full recovery. He has top end speed, big catching radius and catches well over the shoulder. A solid deep threat.
Travis Jones DT. Some would mark this a reach. I see it as potential to build a needed talent. He rough, but once polished he’s a quality anchor tackle the Cards need.
Boyd Mafe Edge. A late bloomer, he really came on in the Senior Bowl and indicated a significant upside. This is a big need and he’s likely the best on the board at this spot.
55
*Christian Watson WR. If he played at a top school, he’d go in the top 20. He may well be gone by here. He has it all speed, agility, hands and route running precision. N
Logan Hall DL. Incredible agility actually allowed him to play inside against large players. He could still play there in a 4-3, but in a 3-4 he’s likely a DE who provide outstanding run defense.
Kingsley Enagbare Edge. This guy can get after a QB. Tons of pressures but not as many sacks as you’d like. With some polish he might grow into a major asset.
*Kenny Walker RB. I know way too early to take a back, but forget generalizations. He has 4.38 speed, is a fine pass receiver and breaks tons of tackles. He’s not your ordinary back. He could not only replace Edmonds, but like Johnson he could be a slot receiver on some downs. He’s a game breaker if he get loose in the secondary.
Jamaree Sayler G. A tackle convert, he’s a ready to go NFL G. He has balance and agility. He’s good in both the rushing game and pass defense. He shows excellent instincts for the game including leverage and defense recognition.
Andrew Booth CB. A fine athlete that needs to gain experience which would occur in the worst situation possible. That said if you and Booth can accept getting best now and then without becoming discourage, the Cards could win big. He might be the best project in the draft. The fact the Cards play a ton of zone would help considerably. Likely gone by now.
Jahan Dotson WR. Super quick first step often gets immediate separation. He shifts gears seamlessly, often throwing defenders off balance. He doesn’t break tackles with strength, but he has those micro moves that make getting a grip on him hard. He’s a truly effective punt returner if he gets even a little space.
Myles Jones CB. Unusual length and height to find in a corner. He’s a very heady player but lacks elite speed. He needs to spend time in the weight room. He’s likely a #2 or slot guy, but he’ll give great effort and be an asset on special teams.
87
Justyn Ross WR injury & poor QB play have set him back. Might well go earlier depending on combine. Has potential to be #2 receiver.
Cam Jorgensen G/C. Quick, agile and excellent at reading defenses. Very often executes second level blocks. Takes good angles & understands leverage.
*Kalia Davis DT. Ready for another project. He has one of the best motors in the draft. He’ll only be on the board this low because of injury concerns and the fact he’s raw. I know that’s two strikes. His first step is unreal and if he builds more technique he’ll be extremely hard to block. His penetration can also be very disruptive of the running game.
Khalil Shakir WR. If any of you remember Ricky Proehl, he was much like this guy. He’s likely a slot WR. He’s not a burner, but he might be the most competitive player in the draft. He fights harder than any receiver in the draft to get the first down line. He is effective as a runner on screens and sweeps. He makes his teammates play better. He comes back to QB and understands throwing lanes. Great locker room asset.
Alec Pierce WR. Think upside. He lacks the polish you would expect from someone playing for a national championship. He’s super fast, yet he’s been limited by poor route execution. He’s awesome on 50-50 balls and has fine hands when he concentrates. He tracks the ball well and with good coaching he should become a deep threat, not just a possession receiver as Cincy used him.
Dare Rosenthal T. He’s huge but still fairly athletic. He struggled at LSU but took major steps forward at KY. His feet are quick enough but some dance lessons would help. He needs to work on keeping his bend but he hits with force.
*Kevin Austin WR. Coming out of high school he was regarded as one of the top Florida prospects. Weed got him suspended at ND. He has a huge upside but he’s not a burner (4.43). Still he had an extremely effective second half (weaker competition) of last season as he grew exponentially in maturity and technique. He’s a bit of a risk here, but his ceiling is very high. He could be a fine #2 WR with good coaching.
201
*Luke Goedeke G. He could be long gone, but his second level school could cause him to drop. He’s a nasty dude who’d bring needed attitude to the Cards’ O-line.
Matt Waletzko T. Looks like the type of player who could grow into a solid tackle. He’s a good athlete. His length makes him hard to go around without being disrupted. He’s aggressive and quick off the snap and should become a successful run blocker. He’s got much to learn but he’s worth the time it will take to develop.
Eric Ezukanma WR. This man knows how to tear up a zone. He also makes a great target in tight spaces and the red zone. He’s not a speed merchant, but he’s a solid asset. He provides decent YAC due to strength, balance and determination.
Tyler Vrabel G. Another tackle I’d move to guard. I like legacy player and BC is one of those schools that turns out excellent offensive linemen. He’s solid in most aspects and plays with aggressiveness. Might take a season, but he should become a dependable starter.
Neil Farrell DT. Strictly useful against heavy running teams or on running downs. Also good for goal line stands. This guy is an anchor tackle personified. He doesn’t typically go forward, but it’s almost impossible to move him back. He can handle 2 gaps fluidly. I don’t see him ever becoming a pocket collapsing guy, but if he adds even more strength, he’ll be a monster.
*Ali Fayad Edge. He won’t make it on everyone’s board as he doesn’t have traditional measurables. That said he was the MAC Defensive POY. He was a big play machine. He could become one of the best special team players in the league and could become an outstanding situational pass rusher. Something tells me this guy is a far more athletic version of Gardeck. He could surprise and beat all the odds.
Max Mitchell T. He has surprisingly good technique considering he’s from a second level school. I like capable linemen with a tough attitude. Mitchell has that. He could play on either side. He still has upside with improved footwork. Projects to starter.
215
*Jeremiah Moon Edge. This guy looked awkward at times on the field, lacking agility. Then he gets to the Combine and blows up the 3 cone (some scouts rate that the best determiner of successful Edge Rushers). He’s quick, but seemed to lack the ability to capitalize. He has a decent motor. He’s a willing attacker, but lacks the strength to impose his will. If he has the drive to take his skills to their peak, he might become a successful special teamer and situational player.
Danny Grey WR. He is underdeveloped physically and that has limited his game despite great speed. He has a fumbling problem and gets manhandled too often. He has good hands, a decent catch radius, a deceptive, variable speed.
Dominique Robinson Edge. He needs to add strength and considerable technique. Still he’s gone from QB to WR to Edge show a willingness to learn and sound athleticism. He’s a project, but the talent is there.
244, 256, 257
uMario Goodrich CB. I think if he can add about 10 pounds of muscle, he could be a decent safety. He likes to hit, he’s sharp on play recognition and not easily influenced by the QB. Doesn’t have the hands to be a true ball hawk but can cover adequately.
*Braxton Jones T. This guy is a major developmental project. So why take the shot? He has the size and athleticism to be decent, but has about as the worst technique compared to potential. Round 7 picks are rarely useful, but this guy is one of the reasons there’s a Practice Squad.
*Eric Johnson DL. There are few scenarios tougher than being from a small school and getting a last minute invitation to the Super Bowl. Johnson with one bull rush capitalized on the opportunity. He blew up the guard and ferociously sacked the QB. At about 6’4”, 300 lbs he has the frame to add more strength and power. He could quickly become a rotation player
Dareke Young WR. A terrific athlete with size and decent speed, he figures to have a shot a becoming a decent possession receiver. He likes to be physical with defenders and is solid on 50-50 balls. He’s very competitive and has always been an overachiever.
Obinna Eze T. A mountain of a man but still decently athletic. He has a massive wingspan and will typically at least slow any rusher. He’s not going to give you many second level blocks but could become solid in pass protection. He’s hard to move.
*Smoke Monday S. This college CB looks to move to S to transition in the NFL. He’s always been a physical player who loves to hit. He’s very aggressive in run support. He’s only medium in coverage, mostly due to his lack of top end speed. Could be an excellent special teams player. He has some ballhawk skills.
Then there’s the giant hole (87-201) in the Cards’ draft spots. They may elevate someone to round three rather than miss out on the guy they want. They could trade down, but someone else could grab him. I’d hate to be Keim in this draft. Big gaps are bad for pick strategy management.
What follows are not predictions of which players will go where. Instead they are my attempt to play GM and tell you who I’d take if the Cards don’t move slots and these players are still on the board at this pick. They are not in the order of preference since I won’t know what’s gone before. They are not coordinated. I wouldn’t take 5 receivers. I might take 2, but that’s my limit. I did put an asterisk by my favorite pick. If I put an asterisk on a receiver I put a second asterisk for that pick, as I am receiver heavy.
I know liking Walker in round 2 will not make many happy. He’s what I call an overwhelming BPA. He should go in round 1. If he lasts this late he can’t be passed. He is decisive about hole selection, he has unusual speed for his size and great hands. He could also be split out in 3 & 4 receiver formations. His talent is rare and though he only lasts 3-4 years, he’s an difference making player. He’s much more impactful than Edmonds. He elevates the entire offense.
Ideally the Cards get 2 WRs, 1 OL, 1 DL, 1 Edge & 1 CB.
23
*Zion Johnson G/C. Could immediately start at G with the added bonus of backing up Hudson at C and possibly being Hudson’s successor.
Devonte Wyatt, DL. More of a 4/3 if used as inside guy. He would help against the run and collapsing the pocket. Could he survive as a NG in a 3/4? That looks marginal to me.
Trevor Penning G/OT. He’s agile enough to play inside, but might not be ideal when pulling. He could possibly also start immediately at RT, but inexperience would hurt a little. He’d eventually transition to LT, where he’d be a tone setter for a mean, tough lineman.
*Jameson Williams WR. He wouldn’t still be here if not for injury. Years ago this injury would stunt a career, but today’s medicine should mean a full recovery. He has top end speed, big catching radius and catches well over the shoulder. A solid deep threat.
Travis Jones DT. Some would mark this a reach. I see it as potential to build a needed talent. He rough, but once polished he’s a quality anchor tackle the Cards need.
Boyd Mafe Edge. A late bloomer, he really came on in the Senior Bowl and indicated a significant upside. This is a big need and he’s likely the best on the board at this spot.
55
*Christian Watson WR. If he played at a top school, he’d go in the top 20. He may well be gone by here. He has it all speed, agility, hands and route running precision. N
Logan Hall DL. Incredible agility actually allowed him to play inside against large players. He could still play there in a 4-3, but in a 3-4 he’s likely a DE who provide outstanding run defense.
Kingsley Enagbare Edge. This guy can get after a QB. Tons of pressures but not as many sacks as you’d like. With some polish he might grow into a major asset.
*Kenny Walker RB. I know way too early to take a back, but forget generalizations. He has 4.38 speed, is a fine pass receiver and breaks tons of tackles. He’s not your ordinary back. He could not only replace Edmonds, but like Johnson he could be a slot receiver on some downs. He’s a game breaker if he get loose in the secondary.
Jamaree Sayler G. A tackle convert, he’s a ready to go NFL G. He has balance and agility. He’s good in both the rushing game and pass defense. He shows excellent instincts for the game including leverage and defense recognition.
Andrew Booth CB. A fine athlete that needs to gain experience which would occur in the worst situation possible. That said if you and Booth can accept getting best now and then without becoming discourage, the Cards could win big. He might be the best project in the draft. The fact the Cards play a ton of zone would help considerably. Likely gone by now.
Jahan Dotson WR. Super quick first step often gets immediate separation. He shifts gears seamlessly, often throwing defenders off balance. He doesn’t break tackles with strength, but he has those micro moves that make getting a grip on him hard. He’s a truly effective punt returner if he gets even a little space.
Myles Jones CB. Unusual length and height to find in a corner. He’s a very heady player but lacks elite speed. He needs to spend time in the weight room. He’s likely a #2 or slot guy, but he’ll give great effort and be an asset on special teams.
87
Justyn Ross WR injury & poor QB play have set him back. Might well go earlier depending on combine. Has potential to be #2 receiver.
Cam Jorgensen G/C. Quick, agile and excellent at reading defenses. Very often executes second level blocks. Takes good angles & understands leverage.
*Kalia Davis DT. Ready for another project. He has one of the best motors in the draft. He’ll only be on the board this low because of injury concerns and the fact he’s raw. I know that’s two strikes. His first step is unreal and if he builds more technique he’ll be extremely hard to block. His penetration can also be very disruptive of the running game.
Khalil Shakir WR. If any of you remember Ricky Proehl, he was much like this guy. He’s likely a slot WR. He’s not a burner, but he might be the most competitive player in the draft. He fights harder than any receiver in the draft to get the first down line. He is effective as a runner on screens and sweeps. He makes his teammates play better. He comes back to QB and understands throwing lanes. Great locker room asset.
Alec Pierce WR. Think upside. He lacks the polish you would expect from someone playing for a national championship. He’s super fast, yet he’s been limited by poor route execution. He’s awesome on 50-50 balls and has fine hands when he concentrates. He tracks the ball well and with good coaching he should become a deep threat, not just a possession receiver as Cincy used him.
Dare Rosenthal T. He’s huge but still fairly athletic. He struggled at LSU but took major steps forward at KY. His feet are quick enough but some dance lessons would help. He needs to work on keeping his bend but he hits with force.
*Kevin Austin WR. Coming out of high school he was regarded as one of the top Florida prospects. Weed got him suspended at ND. He has a huge upside but he’s not a burner (4.43). Still he had an extremely effective second half (weaker competition) of last season as he grew exponentially in maturity and technique. He’s a bit of a risk here, but his ceiling is very high. He could be a fine #2 WR with good coaching.
201
*Luke Goedeke G. He could be long gone, but his second level school could cause him to drop. He’s a nasty dude who’d bring needed attitude to the Cards’ O-line.
Matt Waletzko T. Looks like the type of player who could grow into a solid tackle. He’s a good athlete. His length makes him hard to go around without being disrupted. He’s aggressive and quick off the snap and should become a successful run blocker. He’s got much to learn but he’s worth the time it will take to develop.
Eric Ezukanma WR. This man knows how to tear up a zone. He also makes a great target in tight spaces and the red zone. He’s not a speed merchant, but he’s a solid asset. He provides decent YAC due to strength, balance and determination.
Tyler Vrabel G. Another tackle I’d move to guard. I like legacy player and BC is one of those schools that turns out excellent offensive linemen. He’s solid in most aspects and plays with aggressiveness. Might take a season, but he should become a dependable starter.
Neil Farrell DT. Strictly useful against heavy running teams or on running downs. Also good for goal line stands. This guy is an anchor tackle personified. He doesn’t typically go forward, but it’s almost impossible to move him back. He can handle 2 gaps fluidly. I don’t see him ever becoming a pocket collapsing guy, but if he adds even more strength, he’ll be a monster.
*Ali Fayad Edge. He won’t make it on everyone’s board as he doesn’t have traditional measurables. That said he was the MAC Defensive POY. He was a big play machine. He could become one of the best special team players in the league and could become an outstanding situational pass rusher. Something tells me this guy is a far more athletic version of Gardeck. He could surprise and beat all the odds.
Max Mitchell T. He has surprisingly good technique considering he’s from a second level school. I like capable linemen with a tough attitude. Mitchell has that. He could play on either side. He still has upside with improved footwork. Projects to starter.
215
*Jeremiah Moon Edge. This guy looked awkward at times on the field, lacking agility. Then he gets to the Combine and blows up the 3 cone (some scouts rate that the best determiner of successful Edge Rushers). He’s quick, but seemed to lack the ability to capitalize. He has a decent motor. He’s a willing attacker, but lacks the strength to impose his will. If he has the drive to take his skills to their peak, he might become a successful special teamer and situational player.
Danny Grey WR. He is underdeveloped physically and that has limited his game despite great speed. He has a fumbling problem and gets manhandled too often. He has good hands, a decent catch radius, a deceptive, variable speed.
Dominique Robinson Edge. He needs to add strength and considerable technique. Still he’s gone from QB to WR to Edge show a willingness to learn and sound athleticism. He’s a project, but the talent is there.
244, 256, 257
uMario Goodrich CB. I think if he can add about 10 pounds of muscle, he could be a decent safety. He likes to hit, he’s sharp on play recognition and not easily influenced by the QB. Doesn’t have the hands to be a true ball hawk but can cover adequately.
*Braxton Jones T. This guy is a major developmental project. So why take the shot? He has the size and athleticism to be decent, but has about as the worst technique compared to potential. Round 7 picks are rarely useful, but this guy is one of the reasons there’s a Practice Squad.
*Eric Johnson DL. There are few scenarios tougher than being from a small school and getting a last minute invitation to the Super Bowl. Johnson with one bull rush capitalized on the opportunity. He blew up the guard and ferociously sacked the QB. At about 6’4”, 300 lbs he has the frame to add more strength and power. He could quickly become a rotation player
Dareke Young WR. A terrific athlete with size and decent speed, he figures to have a shot a becoming a decent possession receiver. He likes to be physical with defenders and is solid on 50-50 balls. He’s very competitive and has always been an overachiever.
Obinna Eze T. A mountain of a man but still decently athletic. He has a massive wingspan and will typically at least slow any rusher. He’s not going to give you many second level blocks but could become solid in pass protection. He’s hard to move.
*Smoke Monday S. This college CB looks to move to S to transition in the NFL. He’s always been a physical player who loves to hit. He’s very aggressive in run support. He’s only medium in coverage, mostly due to his lack of top end speed. Could be an excellent special teams player. He has some ballhawk skills.
