Harry
ASFN Consultant and Senior Writer
Assessing day one is relatively easy. For a pleasant change, the Cards didn’t reach or make any strange selections. They took two players capable of being impact players, though not likely next year. DRC clearly has more upside than any corner in this draft. In fact, he’s likely the best potential corner to come out of the draft since his namesake. He’s no sure thing, but while good corners can be found after the mid-first round; potential number one corners typically go earlier. Corner is one of the toughest positions to evaluate. This kid wasn’t even a great college corner. If he had been and gone early in the draft he might have rested on his laurels. As it is, he likely will make enough money to whet his appetite for the really big contract and I do not expect motivation to be a problem. He figures to challenge Green for a starting slot and don’t be surprised if he gets it. He’ll get burned, but he’ll also burn a few teams in the process.
Campbell is a steal. Don’t let the workouts fool you as they did so many scouts. This kid was a top 10 pick until the Hurricanes fell apart. These types of teams often take their best players down with them. Ask Boldin. Campbell is a warrior and will respond to good coaching. He’s a defensive end, but he does okay dropping back into coverage, partially because he has the wingspan of a 757. Forget also what they tell you about timed speed; he has game speed and enough to get to QBs and run down plays from behind. He has a surprisingly sophisticated set of moves already and a little polishing will go a long with this guy. He may never be an elite player, but he will be a very good player who will add needed depth and strengthen the defensive line rotation. Like Wadsworth, he can move inside if necessary, as he anchors well for his height.
This is one draft which will likely take a couple of years to judge. Yes, I would have liked Kevin Smith, but he’s still on the board! The Cards did well and if the football gods smile upon them, things should turn out fine.
Campbell is a steal. Don’t let the workouts fool you as they did so many scouts. This kid was a top 10 pick until the Hurricanes fell apart. These types of teams often take their best players down with them. Ask Boldin. Campbell is a warrior and will respond to good coaching. He’s a defensive end, but he does okay dropping back into coverage, partially because he has the wingspan of a 757. Forget also what they tell you about timed speed; he has game speed and enough to get to QBs and run down plays from behind. He has a surprisingly sophisticated set of moves already and a little polishing will go a long with this guy. He may never be an elite player, but he will be a very good player who will add needed depth and strengthen the defensive line rotation. Like Wadsworth, he can move inside if necessary, as he anchors well for his height.
This is one draft which will likely take a couple of years to judge. Yes, I would have liked Kevin Smith, but he’s still on the board! The Cards did well and if the football gods smile upon them, things should turn out fine.
