Zeno
Ancient
Here is the Cardinals portion of TSN's 7 round mock draft....
6 (6) Cardinals Terrell Suggs DE Arizona St.
The Cardinals biggest need is at receiver, but if Rogers and Johnson both go before the eighth pick, Suggs would be a great value. The hometown product recently had a disappointing workout, but he is still a top-10 pick, and he could solve the Cardinals' pass-rush woes in a hurry.
Terrell Suggs
War Room analysis
Vs. the run: Lacks great size, but is bigger and has better instincts than the Colts' Dwight Freeney. Shows exceptional quickness and upfield burst. Has a terrific nose for the ball and the change-of-direction skills to chase down plays. Has elite speed. Is a sound and powerful open-field tackler. Uses quickness and upper-body strength to maintain separation and get through traffic. Uses hands well and never stops hustling. Struggles when reached by offensive tackles at the point of attack. Lacks great lower-body strength. Is disruptive, instinctive and active enough to make up for lack of size. Grade: 8.4
Pass rush: Is faster than both Freeney and the Panthers' Julius Peppers. Shows the top-end speed to consistently turn the corner. Is a gifted athlete with body control. Can stop and start without losing much momentum. Has neither great size nor power, but has solid upper-body strength. Can work back inside because of good footwork and by using club and rip moves. Is relentless. Has exceptional closing quickness and big-time playmaking skills. Grade: 8.9
Initial quickness: Is better in this area than any collegiate speed rusher of the past five years. Has terrific anticipation. Gets to full speed in a flash. Comes out of stance with good leverage and explosiveness. Wins most battles with first two or three steps. Grade: 8.9
Run/pass recognition: Is adequate in this area. Occasionally runs out of plays by getting too far upfield. Struggles to get back inside against the run at times because of size limitations. Still has a good nose for the ball. Changes directions well. Has the burst to recover from false steps. Grade: 8.5
Pursuit/tackling: Few players are as aggressive. Is a sideline-to-sideline playmaker. Explodes when closing and is powerful in the short area. Rarely misses tackles and shows great explosion when gathered to make hits. Has a great "tomahawk chop" pass-rush move and can cause many fumbles from the backside. Grade: 8.7
Bottom line: Suggs, a converted high school running back, is a bit short for end and ideally must add 10-to-15 pounds, but he is a top 10 prospect because of his dazzling athleticism. He might be athletic enough to play outside linebacker in an NFL 3-4. He is also quick and fluid enough to develop into a full-time 4-3 end if allowed to play wide.
Dan Pompei analysis
A spectacular pass rusher, is very difficult to block. Shows fantastic speed and quickness with cat-like agility. Has an explosive first step. Plays with good pad level. Shows excellent technique. Knows how to use his long arms and quick hands. Is instinctive. Has punch at the point. Excels at getting off blocks. Is strong against the run. Keeps coming on every play.
5 (37) Cardinals Billy McMullen WR Va.
After drafting a defensive end in the first round, Cardinals officials would have to take a wide receiver here, even if it means reaching for McMullen.
Billy McMullen
War Room analysis
Strengths: Is tall and strong with impressive athleticism for his size. Is a smooth route runner and is quick both in and out of his breaks. Has long arms. Can catch the ball away from his body and over his head. Shows great concentration and body control. Makes spectacular sideline catches. Can catch in traffic. Is fearless in going over the middle. Uses body to shield defenders well. Is a consistent target. Runs sharp routes. Doesn't disappear from games. Takes pride in blocking -- is adequate with good initial pop in that respect.
Weaknesses: Is faster than his clocked time, but lacks initial quickness. May have some trouble gaining as much separation out of his breaks in the NFL. Lack of elusiveness after the catch limits big-play explosiveness.
Bottom line: McMullen, one of the biggest receivers in this class, is surprisingly fluid for his size. He is in much the same mold as former Virginia standout Herman Moore. McMullen should make for a solid No. 2 NFL wideout. If he isn't taken late on Day 1, he won't be available for long on Day 2.
Dan Pompei analysis
Is big and strong. Shows good instincts, athleticism and body control. Has been productive. Has a long stride, and plays faster than his 40-yard-dash times would indicate. Shows average hands. Is similar to the 49ers' J.J. Stokes
6 (70) Cardinals Nnamdi Asomugha CB Cal.
Nnamdi Asomugha
War Room analysis
Strengths: Has good size, speed and coverage skills for a free safety. Is an aggressive player with good power at the point of attack. Is a willing hitter who charge hard in run support. Has good experience in man-to-man coverage after playing cornerback at Cal. Is surprisingly smooth for a tall defensive back. Is aggressive in coverage, and jams receivers well at the line. Attacks the ball in the air, and has adequate ball skills.
Weaknesses: Must improve his play in the open field. Needs time to make transition to safety. Takes some poor angles against the run, and misses too many open-field tackles. Lacks size to matchup near the line, and lacks range downfield because of marginal reaction skills. Must improve run/pass recognition skills.
Bottom line: Asomugha played safety and cornerback in college. He played corner as a senior but likely will move back to safety in the NFL. Asomugha is an intriguing mid-round prospect because of his physical tools and ability in coverage. He lacks great instincts, but he is smooth and has good speed in man-to-man. Asomugha has good strength for a free safety and can be a powerful hitter. The concern, however, is his struggles in the open field -- poor angles and too many missed tackles. He has upside but will need time to develop better run/pass recognition skills and technique.
Dan Pompei analysis
Is big, fast and athletic. Could be a safety or corner, but the fear of some scouts is that he might be neither. Presses and covers well, but isn’t as effective in off coverage. Shows good ball skills. Doesn't play with the ideal physical style.
5 (102) Cardinals Tyrone Calico WR Middle Tenn.
Tyrone Calico
War Room analysis
Strengths: Has an outstanding combination of size, strength and speed. Is powerful; drives defensive backs off the line. Shows good vertical speed and consistently gets over the top of cornerbacks. Has excellent leaping ability. Is a threat on fade routes and in the red zone. Is a strong runner after the catch and has some elusiveness. Shows a second gear in the open field once he gets going.
Weaknesses: Hands are inconsistent. Route-running skills are marginal. Should be much more polished and productive than he is. Is somewhat of an underachiever. Lacks suddenness on routes and the initial quickness to beat the press. Lacks ideal burst both in and out of his breaks. Will struggle to separate from NFL cornerbacks. Lacks upfield burst after the catch. Takes him a while to hit full speed. Has some trouble on quick-hitters because he lacks soft hands. Doesn't consistently catch on the run and at times struggles to adjust to balls in the air.
Bottom line: Calico offers a great size-speed combination and flashes some big- play ability, but he is too inconsistent, sloppy and unfocused to draft before the fourth round.
Dan Pompei analysis
Stock is climbing. Is a big receiver with athleticism and speed. Ran a 4.34-second 40-yard dash at the Combine. Shows improved technique, but still needs work. Is tough and aggressive. Is a willing blocker. Shows inconsistent hands. Doesn't adjust to passes well or show a feel for getting open. Lacks the quickness to separate from defenders.
6 (141) Cardinals Terrance Martin DT NC State
Terrance Martin
War Room analysis
Strengths: Is well built with good bulk. Is tough to move in the running game. Is primarily a power player. Plays with good leverage. Has solid lower-body power. Can penetrate as a bull rusher. Is physical and aggressive at the point of attack. Uses hands and arms nicely to keep separation. Is versatile; can play either one or two-gap schemes.
Weaknesses: Had knee and back problems in the past. Doesn't dazzle in any one area. Lacks great speed. Doesn't penetrate much as a one-gap rusher. Lacks burst when through the line and isn't very adept at changing directions. Is a marginal athlete. Doesn't make many plays on the run. Tends to wear down late in games. Looks sluggish at times. Must play with more consistent leverage.
Bottom line: Martin, a junior-college transfer, showed versatility, durability and toughness against the run at NC State. He has enough size, strength and initial burst to warrant mid-round consideration as a two-gap player, but because he lacks great pass-rush skills and is poorly conditioned, he may be only a rotation player in the NFL.
Dan Pompei analysis
Is a run plugger who goes all out. Is a physical player with the power to push the pocket. Is an average athlete. Must develop better technique. Has some durability issues.
4 (177) Cardinals Chaun Thompson OLB West Texas A&M
Chaun Thompson
War Room analysis
Strengths: Has adequate size and excellent speed. Shows great range vs. the run. Is effective in open field. Is most comfortable when working upfield. Shows great initial quickness. Gets to top-end speed quickly. Has some upside as a pass rusher; shows good speed to turn the corner and closing burst.
Weaknesses: Comes from a small school and plays like it. Is very raw. Doesn't play with enough leverage vs. the run. Uses hands poorly when trying to shed. Has trouble disengaging once reached. Doesn't show enough pass-rush moves and is finished once the tackle locks on. Lacks fluid hips in coverage. Doesn't move well laterally. Is only average at changing directions. Instincts and recognition skills are sub-par.
Bottom line: Thompson, a standout three-year starter in Division II, could develop into a situational rush linebacker and special teams contributor in the NFL, but he will likely go undrafted because he lacks both great athleticism and football skills.
Dan Pompei analysis
Was a start at the Combine. Shows good speed, athleticism and instincts. Was productive against a lower level of competition. Showed up at the Cactus Bowl. Is a good blitzer. Needs to refine technique, but should be solid on special teams.
37 (210) Cardinals Bryant McNeal DE Clemson
Bryant McNeal
War Room analysis
Strengths: Has a quick first step. Shows good initial quickness and closing burst. Excels at changing directions and can spin and swim back inside. Locates the ball well. Has good speed in pursuit and chases down running plays. Is an adequate tackler with some big-play flair.
Weaknesses: Is undersized. Must add bulk to tall, lanky frame to even project as a situational rush end in the NFL. Looks too tall to make transition to outside linebacker. Has trouble stacking at the point of attack. Lacks lower-body strength and base when teams run at him. Gets engulfed by bigger offensive tackles and has trouble disengaging once reached off the edge.
Bottom line: McNeal, a classic undersized college pass rusher, projects as either a situational 4-3 end or possibly a 3-4 linebacker. The problem is that he is smaller than most ‘tweeners in this class and also lacks exceptional speed. He is, however, a good upfield athlete with room for improvement, making him an intriguing fourth- or fifth-round prospect.
Dan Pompei analysis
Too light for an end, not fast enough for an outside linebacker. Is a playmaker who never stops hustling. Is a speed rusher; can bend and turn the corner. Is athletic and tough. Lacks strength.
6 (220) Cardinals Gary Byrd T Clemson
Gary Byrd
War Room analysis
Strengths: Has good physical tools. Is experienced and consistent. Plays with good leverage. Bends knees in pass protection and doesn't get overextended. Gets back inside vs. double moves. At his best when run blocking. Shows good strength and power. Drives legs well and creates surge. Has solid lock-on qualities. Comes out of stance low, plays with good leverage and finishes blocks well.
Weaknesses: Lacks explosiveness in all areas. Doesn't show great initial pop. Lacks ideal quickness and athleticism. Has trouble vs. speed rushers. Isn't very mobile. Is on the short end.
Bottom line: Byrd played both left and right tackle in college, but because of his lacking height, athleticism and mobility, he projects as a right tackle or guard in the NFL. He is still a solid all-around prospect, but with little upside, he will likely slip to the mid-to-late rounds.
Dan Pompei analysis
Mirrors well and can play in space. Recovers nicely. Can pull. Plays consistently. Blocks with a narrow base, and doesn't get a lot of movement on run blocks. Lacks explosiveness. Is considered a guard by some teams
6 (6) Cardinals Terrell Suggs DE Arizona St.
The Cardinals biggest need is at receiver, but if Rogers and Johnson both go before the eighth pick, Suggs would be a great value. The hometown product recently had a disappointing workout, but he is still a top-10 pick, and he could solve the Cardinals' pass-rush woes in a hurry.
Terrell Suggs
War Room analysis
Vs. the run: Lacks great size, but is bigger and has better instincts than the Colts' Dwight Freeney. Shows exceptional quickness and upfield burst. Has a terrific nose for the ball and the change-of-direction skills to chase down plays. Has elite speed. Is a sound and powerful open-field tackler. Uses quickness and upper-body strength to maintain separation and get through traffic. Uses hands well and never stops hustling. Struggles when reached by offensive tackles at the point of attack. Lacks great lower-body strength. Is disruptive, instinctive and active enough to make up for lack of size. Grade: 8.4
Pass rush: Is faster than both Freeney and the Panthers' Julius Peppers. Shows the top-end speed to consistently turn the corner. Is a gifted athlete with body control. Can stop and start without losing much momentum. Has neither great size nor power, but has solid upper-body strength. Can work back inside because of good footwork and by using club and rip moves. Is relentless. Has exceptional closing quickness and big-time playmaking skills. Grade: 8.9
Initial quickness: Is better in this area than any collegiate speed rusher of the past five years. Has terrific anticipation. Gets to full speed in a flash. Comes out of stance with good leverage and explosiveness. Wins most battles with first two or three steps. Grade: 8.9
Run/pass recognition: Is adequate in this area. Occasionally runs out of plays by getting too far upfield. Struggles to get back inside against the run at times because of size limitations. Still has a good nose for the ball. Changes directions well. Has the burst to recover from false steps. Grade: 8.5
Pursuit/tackling: Few players are as aggressive. Is a sideline-to-sideline playmaker. Explodes when closing and is powerful in the short area. Rarely misses tackles and shows great explosion when gathered to make hits. Has a great "tomahawk chop" pass-rush move and can cause many fumbles from the backside. Grade: 8.7
Bottom line: Suggs, a converted high school running back, is a bit short for end and ideally must add 10-to-15 pounds, but he is a top 10 prospect because of his dazzling athleticism. He might be athletic enough to play outside linebacker in an NFL 3-4. He is also quick and fluid enough to develop into a full-time 4-3 end if allowed to play wide.
Dan Pompei analysis
A spectacular pass rusher, is very difficult to block. Shows fantastic speed and quickness with cat-like agility. Has an explosive first step. Plays with good pad level. Shows excellent technique. Knows how to use his long arms and quick hands. Is instinctive. Has punch at the point. Excels at getting off blocks. Is strong against the run. Keeps coming on every play.
5 (37) Cardinals Billy McMullen WR Va.
After drafting a defensive end in the first round, Cardinals officials would have to take a wide receiver here, even if it means reaching for McMullen.
Billy McMullen
War Room analysis
Strengths: Is tall and strong with impressive athleticism for his size. Is a smooth route runner and is quick both in and out of his breaks. Has long arms. Can catch the ball away from his body and over his head. Shows great concentration and body control. Makes spectacular sideline catches. Can catch in traffic. Is fearless in going over the middle. Uses body to shield defenders well. Is a consistent target. Runs sharp routes. Doesn't disappear from games. Takes pride in blocking -- is adequate with good initial pop in that respect.
Weaknesses: Is faster than his clocked time, but lacks initial quickness. May have some trouble gaining as much separation out of his breaks in the NFL. Lack of elusiveness after the catch limits big-play explosiveness.
Bottom line: McMullen, one of the biggest receivers in this class, is surprisingly fluid for his size. He is in much the same mold as former Virginia standout Herman Moore. McMullen should make for a solid No. 2 NFL wideout. If he isn't taken late on Day 1, he won't be available for long on Day 2.
Dan Pompei analysis
Is big and strong. Shows good instincts, athleticism and body control. Has been productive. Has a long stride, and plays faster than his 40-yard-dash times would indicate. Shows average hands. Is similar to the 49ers' J.J. Stokes
6 (70) Cardinals Nnamdi Asomugha CB Cal.
Nnamdi Asomugha
War Room analysis
Strengths: Has good size, speed and coverage skills for a free safety. Is an aggressive player with good power at the point of attack. Is a willing hitter who charge hard in run support. Has good experience in man-to-man coverage after playing cornerback at Cal. Is surprisingly smooth for a tall defensive back. Is aggressive in coverage, and jams receivers well at the line. Attacks the ball in the air, and has adequate ball skills.
Weaknesses: Must improve his play in the open field. Needs time to make transition to safety. Takes some poor angles against the run, and misses too many open-field tackles. Lacks size to matchup near the line, and lacks range downfield because of marginal reaction skills. Must improve run/pass recognition skills.
Bottom line: Asomugha played safety and cornerback in college. He played corner as a senior but likely will move back to safety in the NFL. Asomugha is an intriguing mid-round prospect because of his physical tools and ability in coverage. He lacks great instincts, but he is smooth and has good speed in man-to-man. Asomugha has good strength for a free safety and can be a powerful hitter. The concern, however, is his struggles in the open field -- poor angles and too many missed tackles. He has upside but will need time to develop better run/pass recognition skills and technique.
Dan Pompei analysis
Is big, fast and athletic. Could be a safety or corner, but the fear of some scouts is that he might be neither. Presses and covers well, but isn’t as effective in off coverage. Shows good ball skills. Doesn't play with the ideal physical style.
5 (102) Cardinals Tyrone Calico WR Middle Tenn.
Tyrone Calico
War Room analysis
Strengths: Has an outstanding combination of size, strength and speed. Is powerful; drives defensive backs off the line. Shows good vertical speed and consistently gets over the top of cornerbacks. Has excellent leaping ability. Is a threat on fade routes and in the red zone. Is a strong runner after the catch and has some elusiveness. Shows a second gear in the open field once he gets going.
Weaknesses: Hands are inconsistent. Route-running skills are marginal. Should be much more polished and productive than he is. Is somewhat of an underachiever. Lacks suddenness on routes and the initial quickness to beat the press. Lacks ideal burst both in and out of his breaks. Will struggle to separate from NFL cornerbacks. Lacks upfield burst after the catch. Takes him a while to hit full speed. Has some trouble on quick-hitters because he lacks soft hands. Doesn't consistently catch on the run and at times struggles to adjust to balls in the air.
Bottom line: Calico offers a great size-speed combination and flashes some big- play ability, but he is too inconsistent, sloppy and unfocused to draft before the fourth round.
Dan Pompei analysis
Stock is climbing. Is a big receiver with athleticism and speed. Ran a 4.34-second 40-yard dash at the Combine. Shows improved technique, but still needs work. Is tough and aggressive. Is a willing blocker. Shows inconsistent hands. Doesn't adjust to passes well or show a feel for getting open. Lacks the quickness to separate from defenders.
6 (141) Cardinals Terrance Martin DT NC State
Terrance Martin
War Room analysis
Strengths: Is well built with good bulk. Is tough to move in the running game. Is primarily a power player. Plays with good leverage. Has solid lower-body power. Can penetrate as a bull rusher. Is physical and aggressive at the point of attack. Uses hands and arms nicely to keep separation. Is versatile; can play either one or two-gap schemes.
Weaknesses: Had knee and back problems in the past. Doesn't dazzle in any one area. Lacks great speed. Doesn't penetrate much as a one-gap rusher. Lacks burst when through the line and isn't very adept at changing directions. Is a marginal athlete. Doesn't make many plays on the run. Tends to wear down late in games. Looks sluggish at times. Must play with more consistent leverage.
Bottom line: Martin, a junior-college transfer, showed versatility, durability and toughness against the run at NC State. He has enough size, strength and initial burst to warrant mid-round consideration as a two-gap player, but because he lacks great pass-rush skills and is poorly conditioned, he may be only a rotation player in the NFL.
Dan Pompei analysis
Is a run plugger who goes all out. Is a physical player with the power to push the pocket. Is an average athlete. Must develop better technique. Has some durability issues.
4 (177) Cardinals Chaun Thompson OLB West Texas A&M
Chaun Thompson
War Room analysis
Strengths: Has adequate size and excellent speed. Shows great range vs. the run. Is effective in open field. Is most comfortable when working upfield. Shows great initial quickness. Gets to top-end speed quickly. Has some upside as a pass rusher; shows good speed to turn the corner and closing burst.
Weaknesses: Comes from a small school and plays like it. Is very raw. Doesn't play with enough leverage vs. the run. Uses hands poorly when trying to shed. Has trouble disengaging once reached. Doesn't show enough pass-rush moves and is finished once the tackle locks on. Lacks fluid hips in coverage. Doesn't move well laterally. Is only average at changing directions. Instincts and recognition skills are sub-par.
Bottom line: Thompson, a standout three-year starter in Division II, could develop into a situational rush linebacker and special teams contributor in the NFL, but he will likely go undrafted because he lacks both great athleticism and football skills.
Dan Pompei analysis
Was a start at the Combine. Shows good speed, athleticism and instincts. Was productive against a lower level of competition. Showed up at the Cactus Bowl. Is a good blitzer. Needs to refine technique, but should be solid on special teams.
37 (210) Cardinals Bryant McNeal DE Clemson
Bryant McNeal
War Room analysis
Strengths: Has a quick first step. Shows good initial quickness and closing burst. Excels at changing directions and can spin and swim back inside. Locates the ball well. Has good speed in pursuit and chases down running plays. Is an adequate tackler with some big-play flair.
Weaknesses: Is undersized. Must add bulk to tall, lanky frame to even project as a situational rush end in the NFL. Looks too tall to make transition to outside linebacker. Has trouble stacking at the point of attack. Lacks lower-body strength and base when teams run at him. Gets engulfed by bigger offensive tackles and has trouble disengaging once reached off the edge.
Bottom line: McNeal, a classic undersized college pass rusher, projects as either a situational 4-3 end or possibly a 3-4 linebacker. The problem is that he is smaller than most ‘tweeners in this class and also lacks exceptional speed. He is, however, a good upfield athlete with room for improvement, making him an intriguing fourth- or fifth-round prospect.
Dan Pompei analysis
Too light for an end, not fast enough for an outside linebacker. Is a playmaker who never stops hustling. Is a speed rusher; can bend and turn the corner. Is athletic and tough. Lacks strength.
6 (220) Cardinals Gary Byrd T Clemson
Gary Byrd
War Room analysis
Strengths: Has good physical tools. Is experienced and consistent. Plays with good leverage. Bends knees in pass protection and doesn't get overextended. Gets back inside vs. double moves. At his best when run blocking. Shows good strength and power. Drives legs well and creates surge. Has solid lock-on qualities. Comes out of stance low, plays with good leverage and finishes blocks well.
Weaknesses: Lacks explosiveness in all areas. Doesn't show great initial pop. Lacks ideal quickness and athleticism. Has trouble vs. speed rushers. Isn't very mobile. Is on the short end.
Bottom line: Byrd played both left and right tackle in college, but because of his lacking height, athleticism and mobility, he projects as a right tackle or guard in the NFL. He is still a solid all-around prospect, but with little upside, he will likely slip to the mid-to-late rounds.
Dan Pompei analysis
Mirrors well and can play in space. Recovers nicely. Can pull. Plays consistently. Blocks with a narrow base, and doesn't get a lot of movement on run blocks. Lacks explosiveness. Is considered a guard by some teams
