Quick Thoughts on the Draft & Before

[kerouac9]

I'm not excited by any of the centers. The best value pick might be Blythe from Iowa. Most see him as more of a career backup, but he has tons of grit. If he's on the board in round 4 I'd have to consider him.

I know it's hard to watch Bethel and say "promising," but you have to look at where a player comes from. He certainly didn't learn to be a CB in college, so for my money he was basically a rookie last season. I could fill a book with names of corners who looked questionable in year one. He's got the speed, which you can't teach. He's got ball skills, which are had to teach. He's comes out of a cut smoothly. He needs to learn the moves and how to match them. It's a matter of repetitions. He may never be a premier CB, but I think he could well be solid.

LOL. That sounds familiar: http://www.arizonasportsfans.com/basically-a-rookie/

Pay no attention to the fact that Justin Bethel is entering his fifth NFL season and third as a dedicated cornerback.

 

[Krangodnzr]

That's what people used to say about L.J. Shelton, too.

I always loved L.J.

I thought he was a vastly underrated player.

 

[Jetstream Green]

Bethel is promising? Wow. Couldn't disagree more. I think you know what we have with him and your are going to need to shore up Corner. It becomes super scary if you lose Peterson for any length of time.

This

 

[Stout]

I'm not excited by any of the centers. The best value pick might be Blythe from Iowa. Most see him as more of a career backup, but he has tons of grit. If he's on the board in round 4 I'd have to consider him.

I know it's hard to watch Bethel and say "promising," but you have to look at where a player comes from. He certainly didn't learn to be a CB in college, so for my money he was basically a rookie last season. I could fill a book with names of corners who looked questionable in year one. He's got the speed, which you can't teach. He's got ball skills, which are had to teach. He's comes out of a cut smoothly. He needs to learn the moves and how to match them. It's a matter of repetitions. He may never be a premier CB, but I think he could well be solid.

You don't rate Kelly, then? What do you think of our Center situation? What vets might you want us to bring in to start?

 

[Harry]

Kelly is a decent center, but not likely an outstanding player. He could well play for 10 years, but look how many decent, low round draft picks have done the same. The only way I could see the Cards taking him is if they trade down, but I still think they have spots that could be better addressed that early in the draft.

 

[oaken1]

Kelly is a decent center, but not likely an outstanding player. He could well play for 10 years, but look how many decent, low round draft picks have done the same. The only way I could see the Cards taking him is if they trade down, but I still think they have spots that could be better addressed that early in the draft.

That is basically my take on Kelly...pretty sure he will be a decent journeyman type center who would start for most teams...will likely play a long career... but never be spectacular...and that is fine,..but not with a first round pick...
then factor in the current waves in pro football, and the fact that Kelly had a concussion this past October....and there is no way I pick him in the first.... would rather take a chance with Tuerk in the third.. or gamble that Glasgow is not a blazing drunk..in the third....as we get closer to the draft...Kelly may not even be the first center taken.... Martin is a day one starter as well, and has a higher ceiling than Kelly

 

[CFLredzoned]

I know it's hard to watch Bethel and say "promising," but you have to look at where a player comes from. He certainly didn't learn to be a CB in college, so for my money he was basically a rookie last season. I could fill a book with names of corners who looked questionable in year one. He's got the speed, which you can't teach. He's got ball skills, which are had to teach. He's comes out of a cut smoothly. He needs to learn the moves and how to match them. It's a matter of repetitions. He may never be a premier CB, but I think he could well be solid.

How are his hips? I think that might end up being the deciding factor with him.

FWIW the buzzword I keep hearing is "versatility". Supposedly this year more than ever, alot of teams are putting a premium on it. Not sure what teams, but that sounds like Arians.