With getting the QBOTF looking to be too costly, going into the draft I expected the Cards to have 2 objectives; fill the holes on defense and protect Bradford. The concept being to stop the opponents from scoring and to give Bradford a chance put just enough points to win. Instead it appears the Cards are willing to take a pass on the 2018 season (honestly it was a longshot anyway). Instead I think they are thinking 2019 or 2020. It’s not just moving up to get Rosen. That was a no brainer. Clearly the Cards have a poor WR unit. Kirk is a sound player and an excellent punt returner. He can be effective in 2018 because he’s the best route runner in the draft and can help with field position. Route running is a rare WR skill in college. It often takes 2-3 years for a pick to learn this skill. The problem is can they get him the ball? That will require time and protection for Bradford. Some will point to 3rd round pick Cole as help, but he’s a backup. It’s possible one day he may become the starting center, but that’s not assured. He can play the other spots, but wouldn’t likely hold up long term. He’s a technician, not an outstanding athlete. In the right matchup he’s okay, but in too many cases he’ll be overmatched.
Once the Cards decided they would take a WR they had to go in round 2. All the good ones were gone by pick 60. I’m just surprised they didn’t get more aggressive in free agency for WRs.
Then they could have selected Connor Williams in round 2. He should become a starter rapidly. He may not be an All Pro, but he would have been good enough to help.
I’m not disputing quickly fixing the Cards was a tough assignment. It was always a question of what year to target. However if you’re going long term why sign Bradford & Glennon and tie up all the free agent money that could have been used to fill other holes long term. Especially the Glennon money looks to have been spent too quickly. Those signings just don’t fit now. They kill flexibility. It seems to me the Cards switched horses midstream. Even Lincoln knew that was a bad idea. Sadly this is not a deep draft. I’ll put something up, but by the time the Cards pick it will be complimentary players and special teams at best.
So what’s all this mean. Well it’s true the Cards couldn’t have expected Rosen to fall into their lap. They had to take him. The question is was it good strategy to change plans after selecting Rosen? I don’t think so. First while I think Kirk is a fine receiver that’s also a position where free agents are readily available and many drafts (not this one) are deep here. Offensive linemen are getting to be a rare commodity. You’d better take one when you can. Of course the Cards now could lose enough games to get one next year, but it usually takes a year to get the ready to coordinate line play. So now we’re talking 2020. I’m getting too old to like long term solutions. If they wanted to shore up the defense D Jackson and Oliver were still on the board.
The Cards will get A’s & B’s from most graders. I think time will prove them wrong. Bradford must be concerned.
My conclusion is simple. The Cards likely finish fourth in the West. They won’t re-sign Bradford even if he plays well although he’ll likely be hurt. Since Rosen is similar in playing style he begins 2019 as the starter. They likely focus in the next draft on OL and WR candidates. The concern is how much punishment can Rosen take in 2019?
It’s weird because on the surface there’s nothing wrong with the selections. They all should be useful NFL players. My feeling is that one of the main things that separates teams is their ability to assemble a synergistic roster. The Cards have good pieces. I’m just not sure when you assemble these pieces to they make a winning picture?
