The Cardinals Are Going to Rock Prime Time

[Mitch]

In the aftermath of a great deal of buzz surrounding the other NFC West teams---with the Rams making the first selection and most likely taking QB Sam Bradford---with the Seahawks and new HC Pete Carroll making two early first round picks, likely RB C.J. Spiller and T Charles Brown---and the 49ers making their two first round selections, likely T Trent Williams and OLB Sergio Kindle---the Cardinals are going to make an even bigger media splash by selecting QB Tim Tebow of Florida with the 26th pick.

While there will be the continued scrutiny over Tebow's mechanics---which he has been dligently trying to correct---the general feeling will be that Tebow has as good a chance as any to prove he can win in the NFL by having HC/OC Ken Whisenhunt grooming his game.

Ken Whisenhunt places a great deal of emphasis on character, work ethic and mental/physical toughness and Tebow is a paragon for all three of these criteria. Whiz will feel confident that he can develop the other aspects of Tebow's game.

Whiz will use Tebow in the Wildcat right away...which he will run in various spots as a change of pace. And from there he will try to increase Tebow's role in the offense....which quite possibly, depending on Tebow's progress would mean a starting role as early as next year...or certainy by 2012.

Whiz wants a tough football team and drafting the toughest QB, by far, in this draft---and getting him at a reasonable salary---could be a potential coup.

As for the rest of the draft, it would likely look something like this:

1. Tim Tebow, QB, Florida. Whiz's first QB draftee in Arizona.

2. Sean Lee, ILB, Penn. St. Here Whiz gets one of the most productive and instinctive inside linebackers in the draft. If Lee is off the board, look for Daryl Washington of TCU or Jamar Chaney of Mississippi St.

3a. Javier Arenas, CB, Alabama. Would be the dynamic punt retruner the Cardinals need and will vie for the nickel back role immediately. Tough, tough kid.

3b. Koa Misi, OLB, Utah. Would backup Cark Haggans at SOLB and be his successor there. His versatility will also allow him to play some inside if need be. If Misi isn't on the board here, look for a WR like Jordan Shipley of Texas or Andre Roberts of The Citadel.

4. Earl Mitchell, DT, Arizona. Has an attractive blend of strength and quickness and would be versatile.

6. Colin Peek, TE, Alabama. Whiz's kind of TE. Tough blocker with good size, strong legs and hands.

7. Cody Grimm, SS, Virginia Tech. Takes over Sean Morey's role, which now has added importance with Ted Ginn in SF and with C.J. Spiller likely heading for Seattle.

This is what I believe the Cardinals will do. Tomorrow I will post my final mock of what I would most like the Cardinas to do.

 

[cardsfanmd]

Believe it or not I actually kinda like this draft, except for the Tebow part. I like Tebow and think he'll be good, I just don't think we'll take a QB early this year. Whiz has promised Leinart a shot and he's going to get one IMO. They will figure out this year what they have in him. If he produces they'll re-sign him. If not he's gone, DA starts next year and we take a QB in the first round of the 11 draft.

On second thought, I dont like it. I think the entire board is wayyyy overestimating a need at OLB. I don't think we'll take one unless someone we love falls to us in the first two rounds. Drafting an OLB will mean the end of Cody Brown or Will Davis as a Cardinal and I just don't see that happening yet.

Arenas is small, slow and a poor CB at the next level. Whiz likes them big and fast and he's like a Mike Adams with some return ability. He will never be a threat to go the distance in the NFL because he was routinely caught from behind in college.

Cody Grimm has great hustle and is an awesome STer, but no father wants to coach his son (er no son wants to play for his father) and we have 4 safeties on the roster right now who aren't going anywhere.

I love the Lee and Peek picks, and Mitchell is a good value in the 4th IMO.

 

[Reddog]

This would be shocking given Wiz current sanity. R2 still unlikely but at least in the realm of possibility based on your argument and because contrary to popular opinion I think he will eventually be a good NFL QB in the mold of Favre

 

[spanky1]

Mitch,

If Tebow is there at #26 and we are not enamored with what might be available at ILB or NT, my guess is that we trade out of the position. We all have our own opinions of course.....mine is that we REALLY need to address the ILB position quickly (and perhaps) with more than one selection.

 

[CtCardinals78]

If the Cards draft Tebow at 26 with Cody, Hughes, or Weatherspoon still on the board I'm going to throw something at my tv especially since Tebow will likely still be on the board when the Cards pick in the second round. Why on Earth would the Cardinals draft a QB that wouldn't even be able to contribute until at least two more years when there are such big holes on the D? Tebow at any round before the third would be a mistake.

 

[Mitch]

Mitch,

If Tebow is there at #26 and we are not enamored with what might be available at ILB or NT, my guess is that we trade out of the position. We all have our own opinions of course.....mine is that we REALLY need to address the ILB position quickly (and perhaps) with more than one selection.

I'd like to see us add picks too, Spanky, because I feel like we have more areas to address than what our current picks allow. And this is a deep draft.

But, I think this year because of the Primetime format, it's going to be hard for teams to trade out of the first round and miss out on all the bright lights and fanfare.

This is one of the reasons why I think the Cardinals will want to make a splash. The perception is that the other NFC West teams are climbing the ladder, while the Cardinals are descending it, and I think the Cardinals would like to create a new buzz and new excitement for the future.

Drafting Tim Tebow would almost be akin to signing up for Hard Knocks, because the media exposure on the Cardinals would be at an all time high. Everyone is extremely curious as to how Tebow is going to do...and I think most people are hoping he will shine.

And let's not forget about this...even with Kurt Warner back on the team last year following a Super Bowl berth, the Cardinals were barely able to sell out their games.

Selecting Tim Tebow---whether anyone agrees with it or not---would sell tickets. Even the pre-season games would be sellouts.

 

[Mitch]

If the Cards draft Tebow at 26 with Cody, Hughes, or Weatherspoon still on the board I'm going to throw something at my tv especially since Tebow will likely still be on the board when the Cards pick in the second round. Why on Earth would the Cardinals draft a QB that wouldn't even be able to contribute until at least two more years when there are such big holes on the D? Tebow at any round before the third would be a mistake.

I completely understand what you are feeling, CT. The thing is, though, Tim Tebow---I guarantee you---will be a top 50 pick. If the Cardinals truly want him, they would have to trade down only a few spots and gamble or stay put and take him at #26.

It's also possible he will be off the board at #26.

And I will also guarantee this: Tebow will play this year in the Wildcat for whatever team takes him. He won't be strictly holding a clipboard for two years.

 

[Cardiac]

Chances of the Cards picking a QB before rd3 are zero. Never say never but I just did. Not sure why you think the Cards would draft Tebow.

The only reason to talk about a QB in the first 2 rds is how it helps the Cards pick up a player who "slid" or in a trade down scenario.

Misi seems to be moving up draft boards so I doubt he will be there in rd3.

IIRC Mitchell isn't a candidate for the NT position. We have to come out of this draft with a NT.

I do hope we get Lee and I'm okay with Peek.

 

[Mitch]

This would be shocking given Wiz current sanity. R2 still unlikely but at least in the realm of possibility based on your argument and because contrary to popular opinion I think he will eventually be a good NFL QB in the mold of Favre

Funny you mentioned Favre, Reddog, because assuming Favre comes back, the 3 QBs the media will be focussing on all summer will be Favre, McNabb and Tebow. Tebow will be an instant PR slam for whatever team takes him. The buzz around him will be enormous. Such buzz can really energize a football team and its fan base.

 

[Stout]

I'd like to see us add picks too, Spanky, because I feel like we have more areas to address than what our current picks allow. And this is a deep draft.

But, I think this year because of the Primetime format, it's going to be hard for teams to trade out of the first round and miss out on all the bright lights and fanfare.

This is one of the reasons why I think the Cardinals will want to make a splash. The perception is that the other NFC West teams are climbing the ladder, while the Cardinals are descending it, and I think the Cardinals would like to create a new buzz and new excitement for the future.

Drafting Tim Tebow would almost be akin to signing up for Hard Knocks, because the media exposure on the Cardinals would be at an all time high. Everyone is extremely curious as to how Tebow is going to do...and I think most people are hoping he will shine.

And let's not forget about this...even with Kurt Warner back on the team last year following a Super Bowl berth, the Cardinals were barely able to sell out their games.

Selecting Tim Tebow---whether anyone agrees with it or not---would sell tickets. Even the pre-season games would be sellouts.

I think you are completely and 100 percent wrong, Mitch. For one, I guarantee you that Whiz and the FO could care less about 'making a splash' in the draft, and about all the bright lights and glitz of the opening night. They'll look at the draft with cold reason and, if they decide it would be best for us to trade out of the first round, they'll do it, especially if it lands us one of the first picks in the second round. Why? Because the first few picks on a new day are gold, that's why.

Oh, and I also think you're wrong about Tebow. I don't think there's a bag of Doritos's chance in Stout's kitchen that we take Tebow

 

[Cardiac]

Funny you mentioned Favre, Reddog, because assuming Favre comes back, the 3 QBs the media will be focussing on all summer will be Favre, McNabb and Tebow. Tebow will be an instant PR slam for whatever team takes him. The buzz around him will be enormous. Such buzz can really energize a football team and its fan base.

OIC. Your thinking of us drafting Tebow is about PR. I hope & pray the Cards aren't running this team with this as a deciding factor in the draft.

 

[Mitch]

I think you are completely and 100 percent wrong, Mitch. For one, I guarantee you that Whiz and the FO could care less about 'making a splash' in the draft, and about all the bright lights and glitz of the opening night. They'll look at the draft with cold reason and, if they decide it would be best for us to trade out of the first round, they'll do it, especially if it lands us one of the first picks in the second round. Why? Because the first few picks on a new day are gold, that's why.

Oh, and I also think you're wrong about Tebow. I don't think there's a bag of Doritos's chance in Stout's kitchen that we take Tebow

It's shocking to hear that you think I am 100% wrong, Stout!

What we sometimes forget a little is that the NFL is still a business and that generating a buzz around a team is bound to sell tickets and ensure sellouts.

Has there been more buzz around one player in a draft than there is about Tebow? Not that I can remember. And there are very good reasons for it. Tebow's character is Kurt Warner-esque. When has anyone seen a tougher college QB than Tebow? How many college QB's have been more successful? How many college QB's have shown more character and more humbleness?

In a league that has become more and more tainted by the off-field character issues, Tim Tebow is a breath of fresh air and new shining hope. He's the kind of person and player that captures people's imaginations---because he's so danged determined and yet so remarkably humble at the same time.

In some ways Tebow could be compared to Seabisquit...the flawed but extraordinarily resolute racehorse that captured the nation's imagination and gave people the hope to persevere through the Depression.

America is always searching for the next Seabisquit. America loves perseverance, and it loves character. And it especially loves the underdog who overcomes insurmountable odds to achieve greatness.

 

[WildBB]

Mitch,

If Tebow is there at #26 and we are not enamored with what might be available at ILB or NT, my guess is that we trade out of the position. We all have our own opinions of course.....mine is that we REALLY need to address the ILB position quickly (and perhaps) with more than one selection.

You make good points WM. Yeah he'd be the sexy pick. Smart...maybe in 2-3 yrs....who knows with his mechanics. Whis is a great QB coach...anything is possible.

It just goes to show how up in the air this draft is more than any other in recent memory.

That being the case and as flexable as we are with targets, I look for them to trade down. It should be easy w/ a late 1st.

Then we target ILB (Washinton) , NT (Thomas) and CB (AOA, Arenas) fairly early. Then we draft a DL (very prevalent this yr.) and WR with the extra 3's. Look for Skelton in the 4th possibly as Whis' project QB.

 

[Mitch]

OIC. Your thinking of us drafting Tebow is about PR. I hope & pray the Cards aren't running this team with this as a deciding factor in the draft.

I don't see it as simply PR, Cardiac. It's about the remarkable character and makeup of this young man. You can't teach character...you can't teach sheer will and determination...but you can teach fundamentals. I imagine that every coach in the NFL is thoroughly intrigued by Tim Tebow. But the draft process has gotten so scientific that sometimes talent evaluators forget about the intangibles that make the difference between winners and losers.

I also think that the Cardinals liked what they did last year by taking Beanie Wells late in the draft. I think they realize that you can nitpick a player left and right, but at the end of the day, you have to trust what your heart tells you about the player.

 

[cardsfanmd]

It's shocking to hear that you think I am 100% wrong, Stout!

What we sometimes forget a little is that the NFL is still a business and that generating a buzz around a team is bound to sell tickets and ensure sellouts.

Has there been more buzz around one player in a draft than there is about Tebow? Not that I can remember. And there are very good reasons for it. Tebow's character is Kurt Warner-esque. When has anyone seen a tougher college QB than Tebow? How many college QB's have been more successful? How many college QB's have shown more character and more humbleness?

In a league that has become more and more tainted by the off-field character issues, Tim Tebow is a breath of fresh air and new shining hope. He's the kind of person and player that captures people's imaginations---because he's so danged determined and yet so remarkably humble at the same time.

In some ways Tebow could be compared to Seabisquit...the flawed but extraordinarily resolute racehorse that captured the nation's imagination and gave people the hope to persevere through the Depression.

America is always searching for the next Seabisquit. America loves perseverance, and it loves character. And it especially loves the underdog who overcomes insurmountable odds to achieve greatness.

It's SEABISCUIT dammit!!!!!

 

[slanidrac16]

Totally disagree.

There is no way in God's creation we take Tebow for many reasons.

1. Whether you have confidence in Leinart or not, it appears the organization does.
2. The Cards have already covered their collective butts by signing Anderson. Every year there is a veteran QB available. Next year will be no different. If Leinart falls on his face, the Cards will be drafting much higher than 26th and will address the QB issue at that time.
3. Not saying we won't draft a Qb. That qb will need to be smart, accurate and having a bit of escapability would be a plus. He will not have to be polished because there will be no plan to start him at all this year. Levi Brown perhaps or a guy like McCoy if he were to slip that far into the second round, which he won't.

I just cannot see Tebow on our top 26 list. I cannot see us spending a 1st round pick on a guy most consider a project. I cannot see us taking a QB in the first round and basically saying , "Okay Matt, this is your last year here." The signal it would be sending the whole team would be this is a throw away year.
If the Cards were absolutely sure Leinart cannot do the job, we would have heard rumors flying around that he was being shopped. If the Cards were that sure all they had to do was give Pat Carroll a call. Wait. There is no way we would make a trade like that in our own division. Why not? If you think a guy stinks then we should be happy to have an opportunity to play against him twice a year.

Sean Lee will be gone by the time we pick in the second and Misi will be gone by the time we pick in the third.

Unless McClain, Witherspoon, Williams or perhaps Pouncey slip to us, I see us taking:
1. DE-OLB Jared Odrick. The Cards have seem to start drafting with next year in mind. Yes we all want Dockett here but if he bolts, we will be glad we prepared for it. Remember when we drafted Calais Campbell?
2. WR-PR Andre Roberts. Here is the speedy receiver and our return specialist. Many might not put wr receiver as a priority, but injuries at this position could reduce our offense dramatically not to mention he will be the BPA at this point. We now can take Breaston off of punt return duties.
3. DT-NT Torrell Troup. A guy who can anchor the middle. He will rotate with Branch and Watson. John Lott may be able to turn this guy into a beast.
3b.TE Anthony McCoy. Can catch, block and has the ability to break tackles.The same cannot be said about any of our current TE's.
4. SS Darian Stewart. Versatile SS who will contribute on special teams.

 

[Mitch]

It's SEABISCUIT dammit!!!!!

Hey md!

With the 26th pick in the 2010 NFL Draft the Arizona Cardinals select: Seabisquit!

With the 58th pick in the 2010 NFL Draft the Arizona Cardinals select: Red Pollard. So what if he's blind in the right eye!

Like John Madden always says, "Don't worry about the horse being blind, just load the wagon!"

 

[Mitch]

You make good points WM. Yeah he'd be the sexy pick. Smart...maybe in 2-3 yrs....who knows with his mechanics. Whis is a great QB coach...anything is possible.

It just goes to show how up in the air this draft is more than any other in recent memory.

That being the case and as flexable as we are with targets, I look for them to trade down. It should be easy w/ a late 1st.

Then we target ILB (Washinton) , NT (Thomas) and CB (AOA, Arenas) fairly early. Then we draft a DL (very prevalent this yr.) and WR with the extra 3's. Look for Skelton in the 4th possibly as Whis' project QB.

You know, WildBB, it's a hunch on my part, but I am sensing that Whiz sees the 1st round pick as an opportunity to draft for potential greatness as he did by drafting Beanie Wells last year and not reaching out of need for another player.

This is why I do think, as you suggest about this draft being so wide open, that the #26 could be anyone that Whiz feels is the type of player that he wants.

I also think that Whiz is not as concerned about some positions as we are. He has been maintaining all along that he likes the team's depth.

Your draft plan is wise, IMO (and I have been thinking the same way...but this thread is not about what we are thinking it is about what Whiz may be thinking)...although the one player you mention that gives me pause is John Skelton. Great arm yes. Intangibles to go with it? Iffy.

 

[Cardiac]

I don't see it as simply PR, Cardiac. It's about the remarkable character and makeup of this young man. You can't teach character...you can't teach sheer will and determination...but you can teach fundamentals. I imagine that every coach in the NFL is thoroughly intrigued by Tim Tebow. But the draft process has gotten so scientific that sometimes talent evaluators forget about the intangibles that make the difference between winners and losers.

I also think that the Cardinals liked what they did last year by taking Beanie Wells late in the draft. I think they realize that you can nitpick a player left and right, but at the end of the day, you have to trust what your heart tells you about the player.

Tebow is the poster child for character etc but there are plenty of players that have character in this draft that are at a position of need. Wells was at a position of need. This year ILB and NT are screaming positions of need. Help/Depth is needed at CB, WR and TE. DE and OLB could be upgraded if a BPA situation occurs. Slanidrac covers why taking Tebow would be a huge mistake this year.

I just cannot see Tebow on our top 26 list. I cannot see us spending a 1st round pick on a guy most consider a project. I cannot see us taking a QB in the first round and basically saying , "Okay Matt, this is your last year here." The signal it would be sending the whole team would be this is a throw away year.
If the Cards were absolutely sure Leinart cannot do the job, we would have heard rumors flying around that he was being shopped. If the Cards were that sure all they had to do was give Pat Carroll a call. Wait. There is no way we would make a trade like that in our own division. Why not? If you think a guy stinks then we should be happy to have an opportunity to play against him twice a year.

 

[Mitch]

Totally disagree.

There is no way in God's creation we take Tebow for many reasons.

1. Whether you have confidence in Leinart or not, it appears the organization does.
2. The Cards have already covered their collective butts by signing Anderson. Every year there is a veteran QB available. Next year will be no different. If Leinart falls on his face, the Cards will be drafting much higher than 26th and will address the QB issue at that time.
3. Not saying we won't draft a Qb. That qb will need to be smart, accurate and having a bit of escapability would be a plus. He will not have to be polished because there will be no plan to start him at all this year. Levi Brown perhaps or a guy like McCoy if he were to slip that far into the second round, which he won't.

I just cannot see Tebow on our top 26 list. I cannot see us spending a 1st round pick on a guy most consider a project. I cannot see us taking a QB in the first round and basically saying , "Okay Matt, this is your last year here." The signal it would be sending the whole team would be this is a throw away year.
If the Cards were absolutely sure Leinart cannot do the job, we would have heard rumors flying around that he was being shopped. If the Cards were that sure all they had to do was give Pat Carroll a call. Wait. There is no way we would make a trade like that in our own division. Why not? If you think a guy stinks then we should be happy to have an opportunity to play against him twice a year.

Sean Lee will be gone by the time we pick in the second and Misi will be gone by the time we pick in the third.

Unless McClain, Witherspoon, Williams or perhaps Pouncey slip to us, I see us taking:
1. DE-OLB Jared Odrick. The Cards have seem to start drafting with next year in mind. Yes we all want Dockett here but if he bolts, we will be glad we prepared for it. Remember when we drafted Calais Campbell?
2. WR-PR Andre Roberts. Here is the speedy receiver and our return specialist. Many might not put wr receiver as a priority, but injuries at this position could reduce our offense dramatically not to mention he will be the BPA at this point. We now can take Breaston off of punt return duties.
3. DT-NT Torrell Troup. A guy who can anchor the middle. He will rotate with Branch and Watson. John Lott may be able to turn this guy into a beast.
3b.TE Anthony McCoy. Can catch, block and has the ability to break tackles.The same cannot be said about any of our current TE's.
4. SS Darian Stewart. Versatile SS who will contribute on special teams.

Good points as always, Slan.

I don't want the thread to become another Leinart debate...but, if Leinart was signed to a reasonable contract for the next few years the situation would be a lot less imminent. As I tried to point out in a previous thread, by Matt's own choosing this could be his last year in Arizona. Let's face it, even though Whiz has been saying the right things about him this off-season, Leinart cannot feel especially confident about his relationship with Whiz in light of what his situation has been since Whiz arrived. Matt can force his way out of town the way Rolle did. Thus, I do think we all need to be mindful of the possibility that this could well be Leinart's last year in Arizona, regardless of how he plays. If he struggles, that will remove all doubt. If he's so-so, the Cardinals won't elect to pay him the $14M to stick around another year and at that point a change of scenery would be in Leinart's best interest anyway.

Thus, in light of this situation, I think Whiz sees drafting a QB this year as a very high priority. He knows he has Derek Anderson signed for another year, but beyond that there is no one.

It wouldn't surprise me if Whiz takes Colt McCoy at #26...but I believe that Whiz would prefer Tebow.

Yes, Whiz has had John Skelton in for a visit. But, he's in many ways drastically opposite of Tebow: small school player, was not highy recruited out of high school despite being touted as one of the better QBs in Texas (how come?), has had issues with his college coaches, does not hang in the pocket well, doesn't play tough, panics on blitzes, etc.

I think DT Odrick would be a great pick and I love WR Roberts (I think he'll be available at #88), so add in an ILB at #58 and I'd be verry happy with your choices. Good stuff.

 

[LoyaltyisaCurse]

If cards waste a first round pick on tebow; I'm gonna' be sick...

 

[Mulli]

If cards waste a first round pick on tebow; I'm gonna' be sick...

I will quit the team forever.


Mark it down:

If the Cards draft Tebow in the first round, I will throw away all my Cards gear, and I will become a Bears fan that gets frequent warning from moderators on this board for being so annoying.

 

[RugbyMuffin]

I will quit the team forever.


Mark it down:

If the Cards draft Tebow in the first round, I will throw away all my Cards gear, and I will become a Bears fan that gets frequent warning from moderators on this board for being so annoying.

Can I have your Cards stuff?

I think if you became a Bears fan it would effect your post count.

 

[Cardiac]

I will quit the team forever.


Mark it down:

If the Cards draft Tebow in the first round, I will throw away all my Cards gear, and I will become a Bears fan that gets frequent warning from moderators on this board for being so annoying.

So only one thing will change? j/k

 

[Buckybird]

I will quit the team forever.

I'm with ya Mulli I might have a bonfire of Cards jerseys in the backyard but I dont see Wiz being stupid enough to draft Tebow in Rd 1!!!

But, I have seen this team draft some crazy QB's in the past...Steve Pisarkiwiez & Kelly Stouffer