This is often a thankless task especially ahead of the Combine, All Star Games and Pro Days. These tests occasionally provide new options, but more often disqualify players.
Turning to the Cards it is my belief they have 3 primary targets with their first 4 picks. Most of the focus should be on positions difficult to fill through free agency or trades. This year it’s true the Cards need to strengthen their offensive line. They can do so in free agency. They may well hit this area with their late picks, but I don’t see them targeted early in the draft.
An important requirement of this offseason is adding speed to the WR group. This will be a draft challenge. I don’t anticipated it can be solved through a trade or free agency. The FA pool looks especially weak. Cards’ fans who bemoan all those 6 yard passes should be aware they may still be the future. There are a few speed receivers in the draft. However, they all have issues that may mean they are not credible threats. Some of these issues may be correctable, but that’s a major obstacle.
The biggest break the Cards get is the defensive front 7. This is a great draft for adding impact players in that area. IMO they need an anchor tackle capable of collapsing the pocket and stuffing the run. They also need pass rushers capable of sacking the QB and setting the edge. The last time I indicated the DT was the smallest pool, someone posted a list of DTs. It’s easy to post a list, dozens of draft sites have them. How many have round 1 grades and are capable of both functions the Cards need? IMO very few meet the criteria. To some extent it’s also is true dual function Edges are not the rule. I do think it’s easier to use a situational pass rushers than a situational DT. There are simply more pass rushing situations than there are mid-line runs. Also most Edges are strongest using outside attacks. If the QB just has to step up to neutralize those, sacks are too often avoided.
So I think the Cards go DT (if their guy is still available), Edge, Edge and WR. Of course all that depends who’s on the board.
Turning to the Cards it is my belief they have 3 primary targets with their first 4 picks. Most of the focus should be on positions difficult to fill through free agency or trades. This year it’s true the Cards need to strengthen their offensive line. They can do so in free agency. They may well hit this area with their late picks, but I don’t see them targeted early in the draft.
An important requirement of this offseason is adding speed to the WR group. This will be a draft challenge. I don’t anticipated it can be solved through a trade or free agency. The FA pool looks especially weak. Cards’ fans who bemoan all those 6 yard passes should be aware they may still be the future. There are a few speed receivers in the draft. However, they all have issues that may mean they are not credible threats. Some of these issues may be correctable, but that’s a major obstacle.
The biggest break the Cards get is the defensive front 7. This is a great draft for adding impact players in that area. IMO they need an anchor tackle capable of collapsing the pocket and stuffing the run. They also need pass rushers capable of sacking the QB and setting the edge. The last time I indicated the DT was the smallest pool, someone posted a list of DTs. It’s easy to post a list, dozens of draft sites have them. How many have round 1 grades and are capable of both functions the Cards need? IMO very few meet the criteria. To some extent it’s also is true dual function Edges are not the rule. I do think it’s easier to use a situational pass rushers than a situational DT. There are simply more pass rushing situations than there are mid-line runs. Also most Edges are strongest using outside attacks. If the QB just has to step up to neutralize those, sacks are too often avoided.
So I think the Cards go DT (if their guy is still available), Edge, Edge and WR. Of course all that depends who’s on the board.
