Pre Free Agency Mock Draft

[Chopper0080]

I prefer to do a mock draft before the workouts start that way I am not too swayed by the results...so here is my first of the year. I am trying to guess what the team will do rather than what I would do so bear with me.

1- Calvin Pryor - S - Louisville - 6'2 - 208

***A couple of reasons I like this pick for the Cardinals. One, Arians and Keim have stated they are looking to improve the team's ability to cover TEs. Pryor has the length and athleticism to do that, and is comfortable in playing both close to the line of scrimmage as well as deep. Two, Arians and Keim have stated they are looking for agressive and physical players to add to the team. Once again, Pryor fits this bill by almost being too agressive at times. Three, the Cardinals have an obvious need here. Mathieu is more than likely going to return as a CB who plays FS in base formations, is coming off injury and Rashad Johnson is the other S option on the roster. While some will argue that the S position might be better served being filled in free agency, I don't think drafting a scheme versatile player like Pryor prevents them from doing so.

2- David Yankey - OL - Stanford - 6'5 - 314

***Yankey in the second round fits for the Cardinals in several ways. One, he is the physical linemen that the Cardinals have stated they want to add up front. Two, he is a player who can play right away if needed coming from a very good program at Stanford. Three, he is very versatile which we know Arians likes. At Stanford Yankey registered reps at OT, OG and C. With the emphasis on competition and depth, a versatile player like Yankey fits because he can compete for several line spots while also increasing the overall talent level at the position.

3- CJ Fiedorowicz- TE - Iowa - 6'5 - 265

***I had this originally as Brent Urban, but the more I think on it, the more I believe the Cardinals want to improve the physicality of the TE position. And, in terms of physicality, I don't knwo that there is a more physical one than Fiedorowicz. After Arians comments on Heath Miller, I immediately thought that they clsoest thing to him in this draft is Fiedorowicz. He would give the Cardinals a player in their multiple TE sets who would not be a liability as a blocker but also offer a little bit extra in the passing game. I believe he would be an upgrade over anything we currently have.

4- Robert Herron - WR - Wyoming - 5'9 - 187

***Arians likes speed and toughness, Herron brings exactly that. He is the closest thing to Steve Smith I have seen since Steve Smith. He is physical for a small WR who fits thourgh contact and uses strong hands to snatch the ball. He also has vertical speed which we know the Cardinals lack and are looking to add. Round in 2013 was the round the Cardinals were rumored to be targeting Marquise Goodwin last year and is where I believe they will target Herron this year. Also has some return ability.

5- Adrian Hubbard - OLB - Alabama - 6'5 - 248

***I know the Cardinals are going to add an OLB in this draft, but I just don't know where. My guess is because of the depth they already have at OLB, they will look for a later round project and I believe that project will be Hubbard. Big, long and physical on the edge similar to a Matt Shaughnessy, Hubbard would upgrade the physicality of the Cards front 7. I would prefer to add a speed rusher in the draft, but I believe they will be all gone by this time and the Cards will look to add a physical player instead. Personally, I grade Hubbard out higher than Okafor last year which is why I feel he would be a solid pick in round 5.

6- Terrance West - RB - Towson - 5'9 - 225

***This is a bit of a personal preference, but the reasoning is sound. West fills a various number of needs for a valid late round pick. He is in deep positional class which tends to push better talent down in the draft. Because he is a talented player the arguement can be made that he is one of the better player available and he would fill a need on the roster which improves his overall draft grade. My feeling are that the Cardinals targeted running backs late in the 2013 draft and with the hole being left by Mendenhall, they will take advanatge of the quality of the RB draft class this year as well. West would add a nice mix between Ellington and Taylor which the Cardinals hoped Ryan Williams would bring.

That is it, feel free to flame away.

 

[Chopper0080]

Some other players I like as options but in no particular order...

Brandin Cooks - WR - Oregon St. - Round 2
Bruce Ellington - WR - Clemson - Round 5 or 6

Austin Seferian-Jenkins - TE - Washington - Round 2
Troy Nikklas - TE - Notre Dame - Round 3

Antonio Richarson - OT - Tennessee - Round 2
Jake Mewhort - OT - Ohio St. - Round 3
Brandon Thomas - OG/OT - Clemson - Round 3 or 4

Aaron Donald - DL - Pittsburgh - Round 1
Ra'shede Hageman - DL - Minnesota - Round 1
Stephon Tuitt - DL - Notre Dame - Round 2
Brent Urban - DL - Virginia - Round 3 or 4

Dee Ford - OLB - Auburn - Round 1
Scott Crichton - OLB - Oregon St. - Round 3
Chris Smith - OLB - Arkansas - Round 3
Jeremiah Attaochu - OLB - Georgia Tech - Round 3
Carl Bradford - OLB - Arizona St. - Round 4

CBs..there are a ton...Keith McGill, Jaylen Watkins, Bradley Roby and Aaron Colvin

Deone Bucannon - S - Washington St. Round 3

 

[sundevil04]

I like it, but if I were to put one together only using the other players you listed in the 2nd post, I'd go

1- Calvin Pryor
2-Stephan Tuitt
3- Troy Nikklas
4-Robert Herron

 

[BW52]

Pretty good draft Chopper.Liked all the picks except #6 RB.Would rather see a Dline guy to groom behind DD

 

[Mitch]

Love the first 4 picks (Pryor and Yankee are studs and immediate starters) and would be ecstatic if we drafted them...assuming, of course, that free agency addressed the other needs, like at LT, OLB, DT/DE, CB, K.

Not so high on Hubbard---been trying to warm up to him because he's physically gifted, but his effort and his technique are both below what one would expect---kind of surprised they played him as much as they did, he is a real step backwards from what they are used to on the edge in Bama.

 

[Chopper0080]

Love the first 4 picks (Pryor and Yankee are studs and immediate starters) and would be ecstatic if we drafted them...assuming, of course, that free agency addressed the other needs, like at LT, OLB, DT/DE, CB, K.

Not so high on Hubbard---been trying to warm up to him because he's physically gifted, but his effort and his technique are both below what one would expect---kind of surprised they played him as much as they did, he is a real step backwards from what they are used to on the edge in Bama.

Hubbard isn't a player I like either, but one who seems to fit with how Keim and Arians are shaping the roster. In my mind he is very similar to Shaughnessy who had success last year in Bowles system. Personally, I would love more of an edge/speed rusher but I haven't seen anything from Keim to make me believe he feels the same way.

 

[Chopper0080]

Pretty good draft Chopper.Liked all the picks except #6 RB.Would rather see a Dline guy to groom behind DD

Me too, but I don't see much talent available at defensive end in the 6th round that you couldn't acquire for the vet min on the open market. I would much rather use our later picks to take advanatge of players who drop because of positional depth rather than target a need position.

CB, RB, WR, OLB are the positions where you should be able to get the best talent late in the draft. Those positions are all loaded with players.

 

[Mitch]

Hubbard isn't a player I like either, but one who seems to fit with how Keim and Arians are shaping the roster. In my mind he is very similar to Shaughnessy who had success last year in Bowles system. Personally, I would love more of an edge/speed rusher but I haven't seen anything from Keim to make me believe he feels the same way.

I think we will see Keim add speed to the defense because he recognizes that in order to defend Wilson and Kaepernick, we need edge players who can disengage blocks and fly to the ball on scrambles. We need very good, quick-to-react chasers.

It will be very interesting to see what they do with Matt Shaughnessy, who held the edge versus the run beautifully, but who loses contain far too easily and often gets caught crashing down inside on play fakes.

 

[Jay Cardinal]

I like this draft. The first three rounds the Cards are getting arguably the toughest player at each position (SS, OG, TE). I would like to take a shot on another cornerback if possible, but well put together draft, with good logical explanations!

I might consider Troy Niklaus over CJ Fiedorowicz, but they look to be very similar in talent and style. I would be ecstatic for either.

 

[Cardiac]

I prefer to do a mock draft before the workouts start that way I am not too swayed by the results...so here is my first of the year. I am trying to guess what the team will do rather than what I would do so bear with me.

1- Calvin Pryor - S - Louisville - 6'2 - 208

***A couple of reasons I like this pick for the Cardinals. One, Arians and Keim have stated they are looking to improve the team's ability to cover TEs. Pryor has the length and athleticism to do that, and is comfortable in playing both close to the line of scrimmage as well as deep. Two, Arians and Keim have stated they are looking for agressive and physical players to add to the team. Once again, Pryor fits this bill by almost being too agressive at times. Three, the Cardinals have an obvious need here. Mathieu is more than likely going to return as a CB who plays FS in base formations, is coming off injury and Rashad Johnson is the other S option on the roster. While some will argue that the S position might be better served being filled in free agency, I don't think drafting a scheme versatile player like Pryor prevents them from doing so.

2- David Yankey - OL - Stanford - 6'5 - 314

***Yankey in the second round fits for the Cardinals in several ways. One, he is the physical linemen that the Cardinals have stated they want to add up front. Two, he is a player who can play right away if needed coming from a very good program at Stanford. Three, he is very versatile which we know Arians likes. At Stanford Yankey registered reps at OT, OG and C. With the emphasis on competition and depth, a versatile player like Yankey fits because he can compete for several line spots while also increasing the overall talent level at the position.

3- CJ Fiedorowicz- TE - Iowa - 6'5 - 265

***I had this originally as Brent Urban, but the more I think on it, the more I believe the Cardinals want to improve the physicality of the TE position. And, in terms of physicality, I don't knwo that there is a more physical one than Fiedorowicz. After Arians comments on Heath Miller, I immediately thought that they clsoest thing to him in this draft is Fiedorowicz. He would give the Cardinals a player in their multiple TE sets who would not be a liability as a blocker but also offer a little bit extra in the passing game. I believe he would be an upgrade over anything we currently have.

4- Robert Herron - WR - Wyoming - 5'9 - 187

***Arians likes speed and toughness, Herron brings exactly that. He is the closest thing to Steve Smith I have seen since Steve Smith. He is physical for a small WR who fits thourgh contact and uses strong hands to snatch the ball. He also has vertical speed which we know the Cardinals lack and are looking to add. Round in 2013 was the round the Cardinals were rumored to be targeting Marquise Goodwin last year and is where I believe they will target Herron this year. Also has some return ability.

5- Adrian Hubbard - OLB - Alabama - 6'5 - 248

***I know the Cardinals are going to add an OLB in this draft, but I just don't know where. My guess is because of the depth they already have at OLB, they will look for a later round project and I believe that project will be Hubbard. Big, long and physical on the edge similar to a Matt Shaughnessy, Hubbard would upgrade the physicality of the Cards front 7. I would prefer to add a speed rusher in the draft, but I believe they will be all gone by this time and the Cards will look to add a physical player instead. Personally, I grade Hubbard out higher than Okafor last year which is why I feel he would be a solid pick in round 5.

6- Terrance West - RB - Towson - 5'9 - 225

***This is a bit of a personal preference, but the reasoning is sound. West fills a various number of needs for a valid late round pick. He is in deep positional class which tends to push better talent down in the draft. Because he is a talented player the arguement can be made that he is one of the better player available and he would fill a need on the roster which improves his overall draft grade. My feeling are that the Cardinals targeted running backs late in the 2013 draft and with the hole being left by Mendenhall, they will take advanatge of the quality of the RB draft class this year as well. West would add a nice mix between Ellington and Taylor which the Cardinals hoped Ryan Williams would bring.

That is it, feel free to flame away.

I would be pretty happy with this draft but what I really want is for SK to trade down a couple of times, especially since this is a very deep draft.

 

[Ohcrap75]

Great job....Prior is ideal combination of talent and need......CJ is also perfect fit as he is a great blocker and underrated athlete. I like Yankey a lot but would probably look at a DE in round 2 if we sign a starting LT, but no complaints if ends up with the cards.

 

[TJ]

I would be pretty happy with this draft but what I really want is for SK to trade down a couple of times, especially since this is a very deep draft.

100%. If talent is going to get pushed further down the draft, then it'd be prudent for Keim to trade down or trade assets for picks. I'd like to see us have 8 picks at least for this draft.

 

[Cbus cardsfan]

That's a good, solid draft. I think Yankey could be the Cards RT rather than OG.

 

[Gandhi]

The first two picks alone would make me approve this draft, Chopper. Not so sure about the rest, but I do agree with your premise that Arians, Keim and Bidwill could choose to go in that direction with their board.

Do you really think Yankey could fall to the middle of the second round? I think that’s highly unlikely but I did read something the other day about how offensive linemen can struggle at first in the NFL because at Stanford they play with such small gaps between their linemen, which makes for a somewhat difficult transition.

The other day I saw Jurecki tweeting something about the Cardinals being interested in Rodger Saffold as a guard. What’s your take on that? Personally, I don’t really want him as a tackle but as a guard, that’s a whole other story.

 

[overseascardfan]

My Pre-Combine Draft:

1. OLB Kyle Van Noy - I feel like he fits everything you would want in an OLB. He can cover TE's & RB's, he can rush the passer, has the speed to go sideline to sideline & he has nice size at 6'3-6'4 245 pounds.

2. CB Bradley Roby - Struggled a little as a SR but he has the speed and ball skills to be a great #2 CB in the NFL.

3. SS Jimmie Ward - Straight up playmaker at the S position who would form an awesome young tandem with Mathieu.

4. RB Jeremy Hill - Bruiser of a RB who will have an immediate impact next year.

5. WR De'Anthony Thomas Small and will be regulated to the slot but probably the fastest player in the draft. Very shifty & elusive. Next TY Hilton/Darren Sproles?

6. DE Cassius Marsh - Has motor, size & was very productive for UCLA. Possible replacement for DD after next year.

So that leaves 3 needs for ARZ to fill in FA: LT, RT & TE

LT - Monroe - Hope BAL doesn't franchise
RT - Oher - Still young, would be a definite upgrade over Winston
TE - Zach Miller - Possible cap casualty in SEA, still only 28.

Try to re-sign Danbsy but if he bolts, Minter has to step up.

 

[Cardiac]

My Pre-Combine Draft:

1. OLB Kyle Van Noy - I feel like he fits everything you would want in an OLB. He can cover TE's & RB's, he can rush the passer, has the speed to go sideline to sideline & he has nice size at 6'3-6'4 245 pounds.

I've become a huge Van Noy fan so I would be good with this pick but Mitch and Chopper have me leaning towards Dee Ford. Better pass rusher and we need that the most.

2. CB Bradley Roby - Struggled a little as a SR but he has the speed and ball skills to be a great #2 CB in the NFL.

I'm good with Powers so give me a trench guy or TE here.

3. SS Jimmie Ward - Straight up playmaker at the S position who would form an awesome young tandem with Mathieu.

Fills a need but I hope we fill it in FA.

4. RB Jeremy Hill - Bruiser of a RB who will have an immediate impact next year.

I've heard Hill and some buds use to go video him beating up dudes outside of bars. At the very least he does have two arrests. People change but there are several talented RB's in this draft I'd go with instead.
http://fansided.com/2014/02/21/jeremy-hill-explains-arrests-letter-sent-32-nfl-teams/

5. WR De'Anthony Thomas Small and will be regulated to the slot but probably the fastest player in the draft. Very shifty & elusive. Next TY Hilton/Darren Sproles?



6. DE Cassius Marsh - Has motor, size & was very productive for UCLA. Possible replacement for DD after next year.

I'd be shocked if the SK waits until rd 6 to pick a trench guy.

So that leaves 3 needs for ARZ to fill in FA: LT, RT & TE

LT - Monroe - Hope BAL doesn't franchise
RT - Oher - Still young, would be a definite upgrade over Winston
TE - Zach Miller - Possible cap casualty in SEA, still only 28.

Try to re-sign Danbsy but if he bolts, Minter has to step up.

Deep draft for o-line talent and I think d-line. Poor safety class but there are several FA's that could be had at probably very reasonable costs.

I do want a LT signed in FA but after that I'd like a OT taken in the draft.

It will be a blast to watch how BASK handles this offseason.

 

[Denny Green Fan]

Awesome first round pick. Yankey aint making it to 52 but I like the pick.

I think Hubbard will be gone by then but I like the pick.

 

[Chopper0080]

The first two picks alone would make me approve this draft, Chopper. Not so sure about the rest, but I do agree with your premise that Arians, Keim and Bidwill could choose to go in that direction with their board.

Do you really think Yankey could fall to the middle of the second round? I think that’s highly unlikely but I did read something the other day about how offensive linemen can struggle at first in the NFL because at Stanford they play with such small gaps between their linemen, which makes for a somewhat difficult transition.

The other day I saw Jurecki tweeting something about the Cardinals being interested in Rodger Saffold as a guard. What’s your take on that? Personally, I don’t really want him as a tackle but as a guard, that’s a whole other story.

Yankey is not a great athlete which showed on Sat at the combine and will put him behind some of the OT/OG prospects. I like him as a possible C, RG & RT prospect. His versatility and ability to compete at multiple positions is why I think he gets picked end 2nd or in the 3rd.

Re: Saffold, the Cards would sign him as a tackle.