The Red Barron Draft

[Mitch]

1. IND: Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford.

2. WAS: Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor.

3. MIN: Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU. They have fallen in love with Claiborne.

4. CLE: Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama. They opt for character when choosing between Richardson and WR Justin Blackmon.

5. KC (from Tampa Bay): Matt Kalil, T, USC. They give up the #11 pick and their 2013 1st rounder to take the premier tackle in this draft.

6. STL: Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina.

7. JAX: Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina.

8. MIA: Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma St. They can't believe he is still on the board and it changes their plans. After trading Brandon Marshall, their WR talent is thin.

9. CAR: Dontari Poe, DT, Memphis St. Rivera gets his big run stopper.

10. BUF: Luke Keuchly, LB, Boston College. They are building a top shelf defense.

11. TB: David DeCastro, G, Stanford. They thought taking him at #5 was a little high and gambled he'd be on the board at #11 and won.

12. SEA: Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame. They sense the Cardinals would take him at #13 and they need a physical WR for their passing and running game.

13. AZ: Mark Barron, S, Alabama. The Red Barron has arrived in Arizona! The Cardinals elected not to match the Dolphins' 3 year $16M (w/ $6M guaranteed) offer to Richard Marshall because they love Barron's versatility and his smash mouth hitting style.

80. AZ: Ryan Broyles, WR, Oklahoma. Knee injury caused him to slide---but this kid is made to order for the Cardinals' offense because he can do it all...beat you from the slot and get behind you from the perimeter.

111. Tom Compton, T, South Dakota. The Cardinals see him as the sleeper tackle in the draft. Had a very good combine.

142. AZ: Jayson Hosely, CB, Virginia Tech. Will start out at nickel and join the competition at RCB.

161. AZ: Tavon Wilson, S, Illinois. Hard hitting safety will excel on STs and give the Cardinals the flexibility to move Mark Barron around the defense in the years ahead.

173. AZ: Ryan Davis, OLB, Bethune Cookman. The FA visit went well.

203. AZ: Miles Burris, LB, San Diego St. Will become the Anthony Sherman of the defense by first excelling on STs.

 

[Dr. Jones]

Nice read Mitch.....

If we don't take Decastro.... Or if Keuchly isn't there..... I am really hoping we can move back about 4 picks. Barron is a stud, but I really think we could acquire more assets and still have him available to us.

 

[Cardiac]

Hey Mitch, always look forward to you mocks. Some questions and points for clarification.

Vikings O-line sucks and they a have a young QB who will need as much help as possible so I don't see them passing on Kalil.

Browns are going to stay with McCoy? I wouldn't reach for Tannenhill sp? but I also wouldn't take a RB this early in the draft. Not saying it won't or can't happen though.


Rams - don't they need a DT more than a DE. So they go BPA and I won't argue with that.

Bucs - didn't they just sign Nicks for a ton of money. That's a lot invested in the OG position.

I can't imagine the Cards drafting 3 DB's this year and especially 2 at safety. I certainly wouldn't want them to either.

 

[juza76]

kansas city is not fine with branden albert...why they should have to spend so much in terms of draft picks for kalil??they could just draft de castro and keepi their first round pick next year for a qb

 

[Lagerfilled]

If that's our draft I would vomit. Worst possible scenario IMHO. There's very little value in first year DBs in Hortons system. Take years to develop save PP. Not to mention Barron would get very few reps in 2012. This draft seemingly didn't address a veteran #2 WR or SOLB demon. I'm also assuming that we solidified some needs in FA like Bell and Gay in this example because the picks aren't stellar. Sorry Mitch Ole buddy... Just not seeing it.

 

[Mitch]

Nice read Mitch.....

If we don't take Decastro.... Or if Keuchly isn't there..... I am really hoping we can move back about 4 picks. Barron is a stud, but I really think we could acquire more assets and still have him available to us.

The problem is that the Cowboys are in love with Barron and they pick right behind us. In fact, I could see them trading up right in front of us, if KC or SEA is willing.

I agree with you about DeCastro and Keuchly---I think DeCastro is the Cardinals' #1 target at #13. And Keuchly and Barron are their top rated defensive players and great fits.

 

[juza76]

in the end they will sign bell...so i think best scenario is if they trade down and select a wr like wright hill or floyd and then pass rushers in the second..someone like perry or mercilus.or ronnel lewis...with 3th round and fourth round pick 2 offfensive lineman

1) stephen hill
2) ronnel lewis
3) potter ot boise state
4) brandon brooks og miami ohio 345 lb 4.99
5) jayson hosely cb
6) audie cole lb
6 bis) punter
7)tavon wilson safety/cb

 

[Cardiac]

If that's our draft I would vomit. Worst possible scenario IMHO. There's very little value in first year DBs in Hortons system. Take years to develop save PP. Not to mention Barron would get very few reps in 2012. This draft seemingly didn't address a veteran #2 WR or SOLB demon. I'm also assuming that we solidified some needs in FA like Bell and Gay in this example because the picks aren't stellar. Sorry Mitch Ole buddy... Just not seeing it.

I'm not excited about drafting a S in rd1 but to say Barron would get very few reps is jumping to conclussions. How many times die we have 5 and 6 DB's on the field last year? I would say a lot more than not.

Not sure what you are saying in the bolded section. Can you clarify for me.

I do get your concern about rookie DB's and Horton's complicated scheme but again Barron may have the smarts to pick it up quicker than not.

I have already posted that I don't want us to take 3 DB's in this draft but if Barron is the BPA then I would be able to control my gag reflex.

 

[kerouac9]

LOL at the Rams pick. They have Long and just drafted Robert Quinn. Why are they drafting ANOTHER top 10 defensive end?

 

[Dr. Jones]

Another issue I take with this has nothing to do with Mitch's initial point but still needs to be addressed IMO.

Why do we continue to replace inexpensive/experienced players we couldn't retain with inexpensive rookies with no experience?

To me...... This is no way to run a football team and keeps us firmly stuck in the mediocre zone.

Maybe I am still just way too pissy that we didn't retain Marshall. That stuff just drives me up a wall.

 

[Cardiac]

LOL at the Rams pick. They have Long and just drafted Robert Quinn. Why are they drafting ANOTHER top 10 defensive end?

Much more tactful ways to say this.

 

[kerouac9]

Much more tactful ways to say this.

Probably. But Mitch has me on ignore anyway and doesn't respond to my posts. He knows the pick made no sense, which is why he didn't provide an explanation for it.

 

[Mitch]

Hey Mitch, always look forward to you mocks. Some questions and points for clarification.

Vikings O-line sucks and they a have a young QB who will need as much help as possible so I don't see them passing on Kalil.

Browns are going to stay with McCoy? I wouldn't reach for Tannenhill sp? but I also wouldn't take a RB this early in the draft. Not saying it won't or can't happen though.


Rams - don't they need a DT more than a DE. So they go BPA and I won't argue with that.

Bucs - didn't they just sign Nicks for a ton of money. That's a lot invested in the OG position.

I can't imagine the Cards drafting 3 DB's this year and especially 2 at safety. I certainly wouldn't want them to either.

MIN---have read they love Claiborne and want him bad, even though they do need a LT. Not sure if the recent signing of T/G Geoff Schwartz was meant to give them a little freedom to draft Claiborne.

CLE---have read that Holmgren is very very high on Richardson---and they just gave up on Hillis. I don't think they believe Tannehill is a West Coast QB or that he's a value at #4. I could see them trading down---and they still have the #22 pick, so that gives them some flexibility.

STL---You are right, I too was thinking DT for them, but at #6 Coples seems pretty hard to pass up, unless they believe Michael Brockers, Dontari Poe or Fletcher Cox is worth of the #6 pick. I can see them trading down again with Coples going at that spot.

TB---Imagine a duo of Nicks and DeCastro at guards for them---this was a hunch---but I also think they would love Barron or CB Stephon Gilmore.

I agree that the likelihood of drafting 3 DBs is thin---for sure if they sign a FA CB like William Gay.

 

[JeffGollin]

The fact that we didn't re-sign both Marshall and Considine does lend credence, but, if we did so, it would leave me with a cold, "nothing" taste in my mouth.

From Peyton in free agency to Barron in the 1st round. Leaves you feeling kind of empty.

 

[kerouac9]

I'll add that I'll be DEEPLY disappointed if the Cards don't add help to the pass rush before the 6th round of the draft.

 

[Mitch]

If that's our draft I would vomit. Worst possible scenario IMHO. There's very little value in first year DBs in Hortons system. Take years to develop save PP. Not to mention Barron would get very few reps in 2012. This draft seemingly didn't address a veteran #2 WR or SOLB demon. I'm also assuming that we solidified some needs in FA like Bell and Gay in this example because the picks aren't stellar. Sorry Mitch Ole buddy... Just not seeing it.

I know that everyone has other more high-profile players in mind at #13---but Mark Barron is the perfect fit for Horton's system---at a position where the Cardinals are getting old and vulnerable. In year one, Lager, Barron would fill Marshall's hybrid nickel/safety role---he would be on the field the vast majority of snaps---and he is the most NFL ready DB in this draft.

While Upshaw, Hightower and Kirkpatrick were great players in that Alabama defense, Mark Barron was the MVP. he will go higher than all the other three, I guarantee it. Top 14 guaranteed, and possible top 10.

 

[Cardiac]

MIN---have read they love Claiborne and want him bad, even though they do need a LT. Not sure if the recent signing of T/G Geoff Schwartz was meant to give them a little freedom to draft Claiborne.

Well smoke screens do happen a lot this time of the year but I don't see the advantage to creating this one so maybe they do love Claiborne. If you were the Vikings GM who do you draft? I know I'm taking a generational LT over a CB, what say you?

CLE---have read that Holmgren is very very high on Richardson---and they just gave up on Hillis. I don't think they believe Tannehill is a West Coast QB or that he's a value at #4. I could see them trading down---and they still have the #22 pick, so that gives them some flexibility.

Once again if I'm the Browns GM I don't take any RB at 4. I already have an extra one so I'm looking at QB, WR, CB, Pass rusher at 4.

STL---You are right, I too was thinking DT for them, but at #6 Coples seems pretty hard to pass up, unless they believe Michael Brockers, Dontari Poe or Fletcher Cox is worth of the #6 pick. I can see them trading down again with Coples going at that spot.

K9 reminded me the Rams drafted Quinn last year and have Long so WR or trade down.

TB---Imagine a duo of Nicks and DeCastro at guards for them---this was a hunch---but I also think they would love Barron or CB Stephon Gilmore.

Gotcha. Still a lot of resources at OG.

I agree that the likelihood of drafting 3 DBs is thin---for sure if they sign a FA CB like William Gay.

Even if the Cards don't pick up a FA CB if they draft Barron then I think we're done with DB's in the draft.

As many of us have stated the current draft isn't (and shouldn't be) solely about this years needs. The Great FO's consider upcoming needs in the next couple of years. It's kinda like playing chess on a boat being tossed around in the ocean. Even the best laid plans get blown up due to injuries and other random events.

How much of this have you taken into account with this draft? I ask because it appears that you are planning for Adub's and Rhodes departures in the upcoming years.

 

[Crazy Canuck]

Think that the Bell, Gay signings (if they occur) will impact what the Cards do at #13. They are looking for a plug-in on day one choice, I suggest, and DeCastro fits the profile. Hoping that any trade down scenario, which I consider unlikely, will not take them past either Hightower oe Glenn.

 

[Cardiac]

I'll add that I'll be DEEPLY disappointed if the Cards don't add help to the pass rush before the 6th round of the draft.

I tend to agree with you on this but I have a couple of questions.

Is Acho a 10 + sack guy going forward?

What can we expect from Scho?

If both of them are 10+ sack guys and with CC and DD do we truly need another pass rusher?

I still say yes since we don't know for sure about Scho and Acho plus there is always injury insurance and rotating pass rushers to keep them fresh is a necessity in todays NFL.

I'm sure you have posted this but could you give me the ranking on the Cards areas of need?

 

[Mitch]

Even if the Cards don't pick up a FA CB if they draft Barron then I think we're done with DB's in the draft.

You might be right, especially if they sign nickel CB William Gay.

As many of us have stated the current draft isn't (and shouldn't be) solely about this years needs. The Great FO's consider upcoming needs in the next couple of years. It's kinda like playing chess on a boat being tossed around in the ocean. Even the best laid plans get blown up due to injuries and other random events.

What people may not realize is how dependent Dick LeBeau's defense is on the two safeties. At this point, neither Wilson nor Rhodes has the skill set to be effective safeties in the system. Wilson isn't versatile enough to invert and play in space, while Rhodes isn't physical enough to invert and play inside or be the enforcer over the middle.

How much of this have you taken into account with this draft? I ask because it appears that you are planning for Adub's and Rhodes departures in the upcoming years.

Cardiac, thanks for your excellent thoughts---my direct comments are in red bold under yours above.

I think that the Cardinals' main targets at #13 are as follows:

1. David DeCastro, G, Stanford. He is the main reason why Whisenhunt and a cadre of Cardinals went to Stanford's Pro Day. Whisenhunt fell in love with him at the Combine and I believe it was Whisenhunt who provoked DeCastro by asking him if he only benched pressed the 225 19 times, which caused DeCastro to nearly flip the table over to get at Whisenhunt.

T Jonathan Martin does not seem to fit the Cardinals' profile at tackle.

2. Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame. As tempted as the Cardinals might be to pick 4.3 blazer Stephen Hill of Georgia Tech, Floyd would be much more productive in the Cardinals' offense because he is more physical and versatile. Although, seeing as Whisenhunt is a Georgia Tech grad, if he has assurances from the Tech coaches that Hill is every bit as physcial and versatile, with his amazing speed and 28.3 ypc average last year, I could see the Cardinals taking him, especially if DeCastro and Floyd are off the board.

3. Mark Barron, S, Alabama. This is exactly the kind of physical, aggressive and athletic run and pass defender the Cardinals want. With Patrick Peterson in the fold the Cardinals could be on their way to building one of the most elite secondaries the game has known. Barron next to Peterson would be unreal.

4. Luke Keuchly, LB, Boston College. I think that they expect him to be off the board at #13---but if he isn't, they will think very hard about him. Paris Lenon is in his mid 30s, Steven Bradley may be better suited to play SOLB in this system and with Keuchly you never have to take him off the field. His instincts and ability to make plays on the ball are off the charts.

5. Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama. if he should slide, perhaps because of his injury or the other talent in the top 12, the Cardinals would think very hard about taking him because he fits the offensive system much better than Beanie Wells...and Wells will be a FA.

6. Cordy Glenn, T/G, Georgia. Fits the profile---and then some. Awesome mix of size, power and surprising agility.

7. Stephen Gilmore, CB, South Carolina. Richard Marshall part deux, only better.

OLB Melvin Ingram would be on this list---but he is likely going to be a top 10 pick---and I think OLB Nick Perry and OLB Andre Branch are high up there.

 

[Cards Czar]

1. IND: Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford.

2. WAS: Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor.

3. MIN: Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU. They have fallen in love with Claiborne.

4. CLE: Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama. They opt for character when choosing between Richardson and WR Justin Blackmon.

5. KC (from Tampa Bay): Matt Kalil, T, USC. They give up the #11 pick and their 2013 1st rounder to take the premier tackle in this draft.

6. STL: Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina.

7. JAX: Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina.

8. MIA: Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma St. They can't believe he is still on the board and it changes their plans. After trading Brandon Marshall, their WR talent is thin.

9. CAR: Dontari Poe, DT, Memphis St. Rivera gets his big run stopper.

10. BUF: Luke Keuchly, LB, Boston College. They are building a top shelf defense.

11. TB: David DeCastro, G, Stanford. They thought taking him at #5 was a little high and gambled he'd be on the board at #11 and won.

12. SEA: Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame. They sense the Cardinals would take him at #13 and they need a physical WR for their passing and running game.

13. AZ: Mark Barron, S, Alabama. The Red Barron has arrived in Arizona! The Cardinals elected not to match the Dolphins' 3 year $16M (w/ $6M guaranteed) offer to Richard Marshall because they love Barron's versatility and his smash mouth hitting style.

80. AZ: Ryan Broyles, WR, Oklahoma. Knee injury caused him to slide---but this kid is made to order for the Cardinals' offense because he can do it all...beat you from the slot and get behind you from the perimeter.

111. Tom Compton, T, South Dakota. The Cardinals see him as the sleeper tackle in the draft. Had a very good combine.

142. AZ: Jayson Hosely, CB, Virginia Tech. Will start out at nickel and join the competition at RCB.

161. AZ: Tavon Wilson, S, Illinois. Hard hitting safety will excel on STs and give the Cardinals the flexibility to move Mark Barron around the defense in the years ahead.

173. AZ: Ryan Davis, OLB, Bethune Cookman. The FA visit went well.

203. AZ: Miles Burris, LB, San Diego St. Will become the Anthony Sherman of the defense by first excelling on STs.

My question is why would KC move up to # 5?? B.Albert is their starting LT and is a good one. It was on the right side that KC had major problems with. That is now taken care of when KC signed RT Eric Winston. Dont see KC moving up for Kalil!

 

[Mitch]

My question is why would KC move up to # 5?? B.Albert is their starting LT and is a good one. It was on the right side that KC had major problems with. That is now taken care of when KC signed RT Eric Winston. Dont see KC moving up for Kalil!

Great points, Czar. I have never sensed that the Chiefs were completely comfortable with Albert at LT, plus he is in a contract year. Kalil would enable them to slide Albert down to LG where he played and dominated in college. Kalil really is the only top level LT prospect in this draft---and knowing Scott Pioli this is the kind of move he would make.

And as for the Rams taking Quinton Coples at #6---it may not be as far-fetched as some of you might think. The NFL is a copy cat league---and the organization everyone is envious of right now is the New York Giants who have won 2 Super Bowls in the last 5 years.

The Giants believe in hoarding pass rushers---even though they already had Osi Umanyioura, Justin Tuck, Mathias Kiwenuka and Dave Tollefson, they drafted Jason Pierre-Paul---and look at what that did for them.

Everyone knows that the biggest advantage you can give a defense in the game today is having a formidable 4 man rush in passing situations...which they do better than anyone---and they can keep the rushers fresh.

The newest trend is to take DEs and rush them from the inside on 4 man rushes---which the Rams would be able to do by sliding Long down to the inside on passing situations and rushing the edges with Quinn and Coples.

That said I will be very happy if the Rams reach for one of the DTs and take a pass on Coples.

 

[Duckjake]

Cardiac, thanks for your excellent thoughts---my direct comments are in red bold under yours above.

I think that the Cardinals' main targets at #13 are as follows:

1. David DeCastro, G, Stanford. He is the main reason why Whisenhunt and a cadre of Cardinals went to Stanford's Pro Day. Whisenhunt fell in love with him at the Combine and I believe it was Whisenhunt who provoked DeCastro by asking him if he only benched pressed the 225 19 times, which caused DeCastro to nearly flip the table over to get at Whisenhunt.

T Jonathan Martin does not seem to fit the Cardinals' profile at tackle.

2. Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame. As tempted as the Cardinals might be to pick 4.3 blazer Stephen Hill of Georgia Tech, Floyd would be much more productive in the Cardinals' offense because he is more physical and versatile. Although, seeing as Whisenhunt is a Georgia Tech grad, if he has assurances from the Tech coaches that Hill is every bit as physcial and versatile, with his amazing speed and 28.3 ypc average last year, I could see the Cardinals taking him, especially if DeCastro and Floyd are off the board.

3. Mark Barron, S, Alabama. This is exactly the kind of physical, aggressive and athletic run and pass defender the Cardinals want. With Patrick Peterson in the fold the Cardinals could be on their way to building one of the most elite secondaries the game has known. Barron next to Peterson would be unreal.

4. Luke Keuchly, LB, Boston College. I think that they expect him to be off the board at #13---but if he isn't, they will think very hard about him. Paris Lenon is in his mid 30s, Steven Bradley may be better suited to play SOLB in this system and with Keuchly you never have to take him off the field. His instincts and ability to make plays on the ball are off the charts.

5. Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama. if he should slide, perhaps because of his injury or the other talent in the top 12, the Cardinals would think very hard about taking him because he fits the offensive system much better than Beanie Wells...and Wells will be a FA.

6. Cordy Glenn, T/G, Georgia. Fits the profile---and then some. Awesome mix of size, power and surprising agility.

7. Stephen Gilmore, CB, South Carolina. Richard Marshall part deux, only better.

OLB Melvin Ingram would be on this list---but he is likely going to be a top 10 pick---and I think OLB Nick Perry and OLB Andre Branch are high up there.

DeCastro, Floyd, Barron, Kirkpatrick, Glenn, Gilmore, Ingram, Upshaw, Mercilus,

Nice list to pick from this April.

 

[football karma]

I dunno

THe safety thing in the top 15 has been really hit or miss -- much more it seems than any other position other than QB

a review of safeties taken in round 1 in the last 10 drafts sure seems like none of them have been worth the spot --- Palomalu ten years ago and maybe Earl Thomas of the Seahawks the exceptions.

 

[kerouac9]

My question is why would KC move up to # 5?? B.Albert is their starting LT and is a good one. It was on the right side that KC had major problems with. That is now taken care of when KC signed RT Eric Winston. Dont see KC moving up for Kalil!

Branden Albert is not a good starting LT. Had 10 penalties to go along with 5 sacks last year, and in the year the Chiefs won the AFC West he had 7.75 sacks and 7 penalties.

They do have an investment in Albert and he's at a good number right now. I don't think they give up on him. Yet.