New Draft Priorities

[Reddog]

Things are shaping up nicely. We have our guards and pass rusher. Now we need a center and someone to compete with D.J. at right tackle. Andre Smith? Do we bring back one of our FA journeymen swing linemen to back up or does someone on the roster or practice squad fill that depth? Watford will serve one of those roles unless he beats out D.J. at RT.

Do we take Ryan Kelly at 29? Can he step right in and make the line calls or could he get some help from Mathis in that area? Having he and Iupati on his flanks would certainly help. I don't see a lot of guys being there by our 2nd pick at the end of R3.

On the other side of the ball we need a CB and a big safety. I hope we keep Jefferson and if the price is right I can see us bringing Powers back for some slot help but I expect to se us draft these two positions.
I think the only real outstanding pieces after that are less critical given the presence of David Johnson and Chandler Jones but it would be nice to have Freeney and Chris Johnson back but I have a feeling someone will pay them a premium we will not.

Losing our 2nd pick hurts, but was well worth the trade. If we assume Lynch isn’t there at 29 or we will pass on a high pick for a QB of the future, here are a couple drafte scenarios with OC, CB & S as priority.
#29. R1 Ryan Kelly Center #93. R3 Sean Davis Safety #125. R4 Deiondre' Hall Cornerback

#29. R1 Keanu Neal Safety #93. R3 Jack Allen Center #125. R4 Maurice Canaday Cornerback

#29. R1 William Jackson III Cornerback - Eli Apple if he drops-unlikely #93. R3 Miles Killebrew Safety #125. R4 Graham Glasgow Center

 

[oaken1]

I am still targeting Vernon Butler at 29...get a decent center in round three. Glasgow, Tuerk, or possibly even Martin will be on the board in round three

 

[GoldGloveschmidt]

Center
CB for depth or starter depending on round
DL to replace Campbell next year
OG to replace Mathis next year
WR to replace fitz/floyd next year.
RB to supplement DJ going forward.


Only real needs are Center and DB, other than that all the picks will probably be forward thinking rather than immediate impact. We are scary thin at corner right now though.

 

[TheCardFan]

Good post.

I think Ryan Kelly has to be right there in the discussion. The Seahawks could very well snag Kelly before us and I wouldn't rule out a trade down to select Kelly or Nick Martin (C- Notre Dame). Nick is more of a mauler and he should be a good to great NFL starter.

I also like William Jackson III...great cover corner, very solid tackler for a CB, and plays ST.

Keep an eye on a later round (4th?) tall CB from LSU named Rashard Robinson. He is 6-0/6-1 and 4.4 speed. He hasn't played much due to off the field issues but his talent is undeniable. I can't help but think AZ is a perfect fit with PP and the Badger.

I also love Cardale Jones and in the right round...he would be a very good gamble. Some people say he is Daunte Culpepper, some say Logan Thomas, and others say Jamarcus Russell. He has NFL caliber talent but a missing an ingredient. The question for BASK...can you develop him?

The other player that is major boom or bust is Eric Striker. He is basically a safety body playing DE. If you get a chance...watch some tape on him. He has the same bend and torque around the corner as Von Miller. I don't know if that translates (he seems to be so small big OT can't get on him) to the NFL but that kid has the pass rushing gene. I see him as a passing down rusher and ST player only.

 

[crisper57]

Center
CB for depth or starter depending on round
DL to replace Campbell next year
OG to replace Mathis next year
WR to replace fitz/floyd next year.
RB to supplement DJ going forward.


Only real needs are Center and DB, other than that all the picks will probably be forward thinking rather than immediate impact. We are scary thin at corner right now though.

QBOF could also enter into the equation if the right guy is still on the board.

 

[GoldGloveschmidt]

QBOF could also enter into the equation if the right guy is still on the board.

Definitely. But I think the Cards are going all-in on this year, and QBOF doesn't immediately help. I wouldn't be surprised if they only keep 2 qb's again so they can have that extra depth going into the season.

 

[Shaggy]

Definitely. But I think the Cards are going all-in on this year, and QBOF doesn't immediately help. I wouldn't be surprised if they only keep 2 qb's again so they can have that extra depth going into the season.

Again? They haven't had 2 QBs on the roster for several years. Its always been 3.

 

[DVontel]

Definitely. But I think the Cards are going all-in on this year, and QBOF doesn't immediately help. I wouldn't be surprised if they only keep 2 qb's again so they can have that extra depth going into the season.

Yea but I would rather be safe than sorry, in case we don't win it all. We wouldn't have to delay a year or two for finding a QBOTF after Carson retires when he would be already on the roster groomed up.

If Paxton is still there, we gotta take him, no matter who else is on the board.

 

[oaken1]

Yea but I would rather be safe than sorry, in case we don't win it all. We wouldn't have to delay a year or two for finding a QBOTF after Carson retires when he would be already on the roster groomed up.

If Paxton is still there, we gotta take him, no matter who else is on the board.

if we really want a QBOF,...Wentz is the only real choice in this draft.... the Titans will trade the pick for the right offer....they don't want to pick first.

 

[RugbyMuffin]

I would not change anything.

BPA at 1-29 is key, IMHO.

You cannot miss on that choice. Pass Rusher, Cornerback, Inside Linebacker even Quarterback.

 

[BW52]

I think the Round 1 pick has to be a guy who can start immediately,,,,either CB or DE Sheldon Rankins DE- Louisville 6`1 300 or CB Mackensie Alexander 5`11 195 Clemson or CB Vernon Hargreaves Florida 5`11 195 or Eli Apple CB Ohio State 6`1 200.
Round 3 If you draft Rankins DE RD 1 then you got to go with best CB available available- .Round 4 Graham Glasgow C-G Michigan 6`6 310 RD 5 BPA RD 5 Comp pick- BPA
RD 6-BPA


To summarize
1.RD 1 -starter right away either DE opposite CC or CB opposite PP
RD 3 .Depends on RD 1 .Either DE or CB
RD 4.TOp CENTER
RD 5 BPA
RD5 Comp- BPA
RD6-BPA

 

[Denny Green Fan]

Yea but I would rather be safe than sorry, in case we don't win it all. We wouldn't have to delay a year or two for finding a QBOTF after Carson retires when he would be already on the roster groomed up.

If Paxton is still there, we gotta take him, no matter who else is on the board.

I have a feeling Elway trades up for Paxton Lynch. He would fit that

offense well.

 

[Ohcrap75]

Good post.

I think Ryan Kelly has to be right there in the discussion. The Seahawks could very well snag Kelly before us and I wouldn't rule out a trade down to select Kelly or Nick Martin (C- Notre Dame). Nick is more of a mauler and he should be a good to great NFL starter.

I also like William Jackson III...great cover corner, very solid tackler for a CB, and plays ST.

Keep an eye on a later round (4th?) tall CB from LSU named Rashard Robinson. He is 6-0/6-1 and 4.4 speed. He hasn't played much due to off the field issues but his talent is undeniable. I can't help but think AZ is a perfect fit with PP and the Badger.

I also love Cardale Jones and in the right round...he would be a very good gamble. Some people say he is Daunte Culpepper, some say Logan Thomas, and others say Jamarcus Russell. He has NFL caliber talent but a missing an ingredient. The question for BASK...can you develop him?

The other player that is major boom or bust is Eric Striker. He is basically a safety body playing DE. If you get a chance...watch some tape on him. He has the same bend and torque around the corner as Von Miller. I don't know if that translates (he seems to be so small big OT can't get on him) to the NFL but that kid has the pass rushing gene. I see him as a passing down rusher and ST player only.

Good call on LSU corner Rashard Robinson. Very long with speed. He had the flu at the combine and lost some weight and I also think it affected his 40 time. Not much tape, but he had a very competitive battle going one on one with Mike Evans a couple years ago.

He was kicked off of the team for getting arrested for breaking and entering I believe. Apparently he was trying to get his stuff back from a teammate that had taken it from him. Sorry for not providing link because I'm too lazy, but with our LSU connections I'm sure we can figure out if this kid is a bad apple or not.

 

[Chopper0080]

I would look at the draft this way...

QB-Probably won't be in a position to take one in the first three rounds, and anything later than that probably can't beat out Barkley or get snuck on the practice squad. UDFA unless something weird happens.

RB-I can't see this as an option prior to round 5, but a possibility at the back half of the draft as Ellington and Taylor are replaceable, and Chris Johnson is old.

WR-Unless Floyd is traded, I doubt the Cardinals take one due to same reasons they won't take a QB late. Can they get someone who can replace Jaron Brown? Probably not.

TE-Weak class, and I believe the Cardinals like their mix.

OL-The Cardinals need to find cheaper options on the offensive line than free agency, and need a C and a swing OT. A first round C would be cheaper than Sendlein last year so, Kelly is in play in round 1. I think we can pencil in a C somewhere in the draft, and I doubt the Cardinals want to risk one falling to round 3.

DL-I would say the Cardinals would pass on defensive line, but the class is so talented and deep, I have to think they will grab one in rounds 1, 3, maybe 4. The problem with any players after this is that I don't believe they acn beat out what we have on our roster.

LB-I could see the Cards taking a developmental OLB in the 5th or 6th round, but I can't see them taking one early. ILB could be taken rounds 4 or later where value may be high.

CB-They will draft at least one CB, but where. I doubt the value will be there in round 1 as Apple, Alexander and Hargreaves should all be gone. Round 3 may have players who drop, but rounds 4 and 5 might have the best value for long, physical corners with either small school experience or off field issues.

S-I can't see the round 1 S option that the Cardinals would jump on. Rounds 3-5 seem like the most likely spot for the Cards to draft a S as there seems like there will be value with the players likely available.

No idea where we are going to find a KR/PR. No idea at all.

My best guess at a mock of what we may see...

1-Ryan Kelly - C
3-Jihad Ward - DE
4-TJ Green - S
5a-James Bradberry - CB
5b-Joe Schobert - LB
6-Rashard Robinson - CB

 

[Shane]

I would look at the draft this way...

QB-Probably won't be in a position to take one in the first three rounds, and anything later than that probably can't beat out Barkley or get snuck on the practice squad. UDFA unless something weird happens.

RB-I can't see this as an option prior to round 5, but a possibility at the back half of the draft as Ellington and Taylor are replaceable, and Chris Johnson is old.

WR-Unless Floyd is traded, I doubt the Cardinals take one due to same reasons they won't take a QB late. Can they get someone who can replace Jaron Brown? Probably not.

TE-Weak class, and I believe the Cardinals like their mix.

OL-The Cardinals need to find cheaper options on the offensive line than free agency, and need a C and a swing OT. A first round C would be cheaper than Sendlein last year so, Kelly is in play in round 1. I think we can pencil in a C somewhere in the draft, and I doubt the Cardinals want to risk one falling to round 3.

DL-I would say the Cardinals would pass on defensive line, but the class is so talented and deep, I have to think they will grab one in rounds 1, 3, maybe 4. The problem with any players after this is that I don't believe they acn beat out what we have on our roster.

LB-I could see the Cards taking a developmental OLB in the 5th or 6th round, but I can't see them taking one early. ILB could be taken rounds 4 or later where value may be high.

CB-They will draft at least one CB, but where. I doubt the value will be there in round 1 as Apple, Alexander and Hargreaves should all be gone. Round 3 may have players who drop, but rounds 4 and 5 might have the best value for long, physical corners with either small school experience or off field issues.

S-I can't see the round 1 S option that the Cardinals would jump on. Rounds 3-5 seem like the most likely spot for the Cards to draft a S as there seems like there will be value with the players likely available.

No idea where we are going to find a KR/PR. No idea at all.

JJ Nelson could be our PR... I think they should use Elington on KR now that they signed CJ

 

[Chopper0080]

JJ Nelson could be our PR... I think they should use Elington on KR now that they signed CJ

Could be...yes...Neither looked good last year.

 

[Bodha]

As much of a Ryan Kelly fan as I am, #29 feels like a need reach. Theres virtually no scenario where he is the true "BPA" at #29.

If anything, the absolute best scenario is to trade back into the 2nd (grab an extra 3rd), and take Kelly then.

As for #29 picks:

1. Mackensie Alexander CB. Im 100% locked in on this cat being an All-Pro. Kids got a special mind.

1B. Sheldon Rankins DT. No way he makes it to #29, but I can dream. He might be DROTY. Hes a poor mans Aaron Donald, which is to say a poor mans HOFr.

2. Jon Bullard DT - Lockdown run defender. His presence allows Chandler to go after the QB without hesitancy about a run play.

3. Xavien Howard CB. A viciously physical CB who proved to have elite deep speed at his pro day.

4. Jarran Reed DT - Same as Bullard. Run specialist.

5. Chris Jones DT. A more athletic Gunter. I think he and Gunter make a great 1-2 punch.

6. Cody Whitehair G/C/T. Theres rumor he can play C. If so, hes much bigger and stronger than Kelly.

 

[juza76]

As much of a Ryan Kelly fan as I am, #29 feels like a need reach. Theres virtually no scenario where he is the true "BPA" at #29.

If anything, the absolute best scenario is to trade back into the 2nd (grab an extra 3rd), and take Kelly then.

As for #29 picks:

1. Mackensie Alexander CB. Im 100% locked in on this cat being an All-Pro. Kids got a special mind.

1B. Sheldon Rankins DT. No way he makes it to #29, but I can dream. He might be DROTY. Hes a poor mans Aaron Donald, which is to say a poor mans HOFr.

2. Jon Bullard DT - Lockdown run defender. His presence allows Chandler to go after the QB without hesitancy about a run play.

3. Xavien Howard CB. A viciously physical CB who proved to have elite deep speed at his pro day.

4. Jarran Reed DT - Same as Bullard. Run specialist.

5. Chris Jones DT. A more athletic Gunter. I think he and Gunter make a great 1-2 punch.

6. Cody Whitehair G/C/T. Theres rumor he can play C. If so, hes much bigger and stronger than Kelly.

We need to look at captains. .bask love to add captains,this match the culture of the organization..

 

[Chopper0080]

As much of a Ryan Kelly fan as I am, #29 feels like a need reach. Theres virtually no scenario where he is the true "BPA" at #29.

If anything, the absolute best scenario is to trade back into the 2nd (grab an extra 3rd), and take Kelly then.

As for #29 picks:

1. Mackensie Alexander CB. Im 100% locked in on this cat being an All-Pro. Kids got a special mind.

1B. Sheldon Rankins DT. No way he makes it to #29, but I can dream. He might be DROTY. Hes a poor mans Aaron Donald, which is to say a poor mans HOFr.

2. Jon Bullard DT - Lockdown run defender. His presence allows Chandler to go after the QB without hesitancy about a run play.

3. Xavien Howard CB. A viciously physical CB who proved to have elite deep speed at his pro day.

4. Jarran Reed DT - Same as Bullard. Run specialist.

5. Chris Jones DT. A more athletic Gunter. I think he and Gunter make a great 1-2 punch.

6. Cody Whitehair G/C/T. Theres rumor he can play C. If so, hes much bigger and stronger than Kelly.

If you prioritize your offensive line, value the C position, and belive Kelly si the best C in the draft...you can easily make a case that Kelly is the BPA at 29. It all comes down to how close teams rank the players and prioritize the positions.

I like Alexander, but I belive he is as likely to be there as Rankins.

Chris Jones isn't going to put in the work to be a good pro. My opinion from info I have gathered and what I have seen.

Vernon Butler is a real possibility if we go DE. He fits better than Reed.

Karl Joseph is a possibility of the Cards are good with his health. But he is not a long S.

Tough for me to see a CB available at 29 that wouldn't be a huge reach. Apple, Alexander and Hargreaves probably all gone.

 

[Bodha]

If you prioritize your offensive line, value the C position, and belive Kelly si the best C in the draft...you can easily make a case that Kelly is the BPA at 29. It all comes down to how close teams rank the players and prioritize the positions.

I like Alexander, but I belive he is as likely to be there as Rankins.

Chris Jones isn't going to put in the work to be a good pro. My opinion from info I have gathered and what I have seen.

Vernon Butler is a real possibility if we go DE. He fits better than Reed.

Karl Joseph is a possibility of the Cards are good with his health. But he is not a long S.

Tough for me to see a CB available at 29 that wouldn't be a huge reach. Apple, Alexander and Hargreaves probably all gone.

Overvaluing a position of need is the same as reaching. Theres no scenario where Kelly is the true BPA. BPA doesn't have to be reasoned or explained like "yeah but C is really the last piece of the puzzle, and Kellys the best guy so....". Still a reach. Would I be mad? No, I like Kelly. But a reach is a reach.

I say again, trade back into 2nd round and take Kelly. That's a perfect scenario.


Alexander absolutely has a shot to make it to #29. His height (5'10) is really hurting him with a lot of teams. Ive seen multiple mocks with him going as late as early 2nd. Hes not the #1 CB per rankings. That's Ramsay, then Hargreaves is generally considered #2.

However I feel Mack is a clear cut pro bowl CB. His play, passion and the way he speaks just reeks of star.


As for Chris Jones - that's not a judgment you can make. He made the effort to be a borderline 1st rounder, that's not easy. So whos to say he'll washout in the NFL? Ive heard of some issues with Jones, but his talented is undeniable. We have as about a strong a lockeroom as a "problem guy" could ever need. Also its not like hes might 1st choice. We're talking 6 deep at this point. Id say anything after Bullard I start aggressively trying to trade back.

 

[cardncubfan]

As much of a Ryan Kelly fan as I am, #29 feels like a need reach. Theres virtually no scenario where he is the true "BPA" at #29.

If anything, the absolute best scenario is to trade back into the 2nd (grab an extra 3rd), and take Kelly then.

As for #29 picks:

1. Mackensie Alexander CB. Im 100% locked in on this cat being an All-Pro. Kids got a special mind.

1B. Sheldon Rankins DT. No way he makes it to #29, but I can dream. He might be DROTY. Hes a poor mans Aaron Donald, which is to say a poor mans HOFr.

2. Jon Bullard DT - Lockdown run defender. His presence allows Chandler to go after the QB without hesitancy about a run play.

3. Xavien Howard CB. A viciously physical CB who proved to have elite deep speed at his pro day.

4. Jarran Reed DT - Same as Bullard. Run specialist.

5. Chris Jones DT. A more athletic Gunter. I think he and Gunter make a great 1-2 punch.

6. Cody Whitehair G/C/T. Theres rumor he can play C. If so, hes much bigger and stronger than Kelly.

So are you thinking Bullard lasts until our pick in the 3rd round? Because we don't have a 2nd rounder & you have him listed as the 2nd pick.

 

[juza76]

So are you thinking Bullard lasts until our pick in the 3rd round? Because we don't have a 2nd rounder & you have him listed as the 2nd pick.

I assume are first round options and second round options in case we trade back as he mentioned in his post

 

[Bodha]

So are you thinking Bullard lasts until our pick in the 3rd round? Because we don't have a 2nd rounder & you have him listed as the 2nd pick.

No, the guys listed are my picks at #29 in order

 

[Reddog]

Alexander absolutely has a shot to make it to #29. His height (5'10) is really hurting him with a lot of teams. Ive seen multiple mocks with him going as late as early 2nd. Hes not the #1 CB per rankings. That's Ramsay, then Hargreaves is generally considered #2.

However I feel Mack is a clear cut pro bowl CB. His play, passion and the way he speaks just reeks of star.

SI thinks Eli Apple in a high 2nd round guys but most I see have him projected higher.
http://www.si.com/nfl/2016/03/18/nfl-draft-scouting-reports-chris-jones-cody-whitehair-eli-apple

http://www.si.com/nfl/2016/03/18/nfl-draft-scouting-reports-chris-jones-cody-whitehair-eli-apple

 

[cardsfanmd]

I don't want to draft anyone who's parents were ******** enough to name their kid "Jihad".