The Red Barron Draft

[JerkFace]

The more and more I see mocks and who is available the more I am hoping that the Cards trade back. It seems there are a good amount of players that fit the Cards needs in the 17-22 range. Of course, like always, the key is finding a dance partner.

 

[joeshmo]

As of right now its - LB Melvin Ingram, then G David Decastro, then WR Michael Floyd or bust, at #13 pick for me.

 

[JeffGollin]

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.

Mitch - I think you've accurately tapped into our FO's thinking.

 

[WildBB]

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.

Like it a lot!

Addresses secondary issues! And they are issues!

 

[mojorizen7]

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

+1
Rams are set at DE. They also added Kendall Langford in FA.
DT is a huge gaping hole but there's no one worth taking up there. There is NO WAY that we pass on Blackmon at #6.....unless Claiborne is sitting there. If both are gone i think they'll likely trade out of the pick and look for Kendall Wright and DT help elsewhere.

 

[kerouac9]

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?

Does it matter? Neither are proven to be 10+ sack guys, and I'm less convinced that Schofield can be an 8+ sack a year guy than I am with Acho. Neither are top draft choice or contract investments.

I don't really think it's a problem if you have 3 players who can get you 10+ sacks per year. It's a passing league; the Giants showed that if you have a bunch of pass rushers, you can find a way to get them on the field.

As for the Cards' areas of need?

1) Quarterback - Nothing's going to be done about it this offseason, unfortunately

2) Offensive Tackle - We have guys to compete there, but I'd like to see one more brought in. Maybe not Demetrius Bell, but I'd like to bring in Brandon Keith and a 3-5 round draft pick.

3) Outside linebacker - I expect that we'll bring Haggans back in eventually, but I'm not comfortable that we can bring an effective, consistent pass rush that requires strategic adjustments by opposing coordinators.

4) #2 wide receiver - I probably like the Roberts/Doucet tandem more than most, especially if Rob Housler makes the second-year leap that good tight ends to. I'm not convinced that we need a top target, but I love the idea of increasing competition.

5) 3rd defensive end - I like Vonnie Holliday as a player, but we need insurance on Calais Campbell and Darnell Dockett is probably peaking right now. Finding a way to spell Dockett more frequently would increase his effectiveness in the pass rush.

6) Offensive guard. We'll be starting two free agents, both of them on their third contracts. We have to get some youth into the pipeline if we've truly given up on Deuce Lutui, the Cards' best offensive guard since Leonard Davis.

7) Kicker/Punter/Long snapper. I know the Cards re-signed Jay Feely, but I'm not as confident in our kicker's leg strength as Joe is. Also, Dave Zastudil is terrible and needs to be replaced.

 

[kerouac9]

As of right now its - LB Melvin Ingram, then G David Decastro, then WR Michael Floyd or bust, at #13 pick for me.

Hmm... I dunno. I've was watching film on him from 2010 against Alabama and he was a non-factor. I just watched some tape on him against Georgia and not only didn't he demand a double-team, Cordy Glenn absolutely erased him as a factor.

He certainly looks the part. I don't know if I'm comfortable using the 13th overall pick in the NFL draft on a guy that opposing offenses don't really seem concerned about.

 

[juza76]

Hmm... I dunno. I've was watching film on him from 2010 against Alabama and he was a non-factor. I just watched some tape on him against Georgia and not only didn't he demand a double-team, Cordy Glenn absolutely erased him as a factor.

He certainly looks the part. I don't know if I'm comfortable using the 13th overall pick in the NFL draft on a guy that opposing offenses don't really seem concerned about.

what about trading down and select glenn and in the second sanu from rutgers.round 3 bruce irvin or ronnel lewis??

 

[Crazy Canuck]

Apart from the fact that the Cards tend not to trade down, I'm hard pressed to see who could be at #13 that would entice any team to move up and offer a second round pick as an enducement.

Until it happens, I'll consider this a pipe dream.

 

[joeshmo]

Hmm... I dunno. I've was watching film on him from 2010 against Alabama and he was a non-factor. I just watched some tape on him against Georgia and not only didn't he demand a double-team, Cordy Glenn absolutely erased him as a factor.

He certainly looks the part. I don't know if I'm comfortable using the 13th overall pick in the NFL draft on a guy that opposing offenses don't really seem concerned about.

You mean the 2010 Alabama game when he had 2 sacks and 2.5 tackles for loss? I hope Schofield becomes a non factor like that, then we wont need Ingram.

While he may not have been able to make an impact going one on one with Glenn, he found other ways to make an impact. Scoring two touchdowns in that game.

 

[Cbus cardsfan]

Ingram was playing hurt for about 1/2 of this past season. He got dinged about game 3 or 4. NOt sure when they played UGA.

 

[Lomax to Green 84]

As of right now its - LB Melvin Ingram, then G David Decastro, then WR Michael Floyd or bust, at #13 pick for me.

I love that list (Ingram, DeCastro, and Floyd)! I would add Donte Hightower into that mix as well. The word on Hightower is that teams view him as a dual threat linebacker who obviously fits the thumper role inside, but who also can bump outside and rush the passer.

 

[Duckjake]

Does it matter? Neither are proven to be 10+ sack guys, and I'm less convinced that Schofield can be an 8+ sack a year guy than I am with Acho. Neither are top draft choice or contract investments.

But Acho is a serious talent investment. Hopefully Sackin' Sam is going to move to Haggans spot and be a fixture there for several years. He shouldn't even be mentioned in discussions about a Blind Side Pass Rusher.

 

[Jetstream Green]

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.

I agree, but maybe this happens often on other teams as well who do not have a name like the Patriots to entice them to stay for a possible ring?

 

[Jetstream Green]

Does it matter? Neither are proven to be 10+ sack guys, and I'm less convinced that Schofield can be an 8+ sack a year guy than I am with Acho. Neither are top draft choice or contract investments.

I don't really think it's a problem if you have 3 players who can get you 10+ sacks per year. It's a passing league; the Giants showed that if you have a bunch of pass rushers, you can find a way to get them on the field.

As for the Cards' areas of need?

1) Quarterback - Nothing's going to be done about it this offseason, unfortunately

2) Offensive Tackle - We have guys to compete there, but I'd like to see one more brought in. Maybe not Demetrius Bell, but I'd like to bring in Brandon Keith and a 3-5 round draft pick.

3) Outside linebacker - I expect that we'll bring Haggans back in eventually, but I'm not comfortable that we can bring an effective, consistent pass rush that requires strategic adjustments by opposing coordinators.

4) #2 wide receiver - I probably like the Roberts/Doucet tandem more than most, especially if Rob Housler makes the second-year leap that good tight ends to. I'm not convinced that we need a top target, but I love the idea of increasing competition.

5) 3rd defensive end - I like Vonnie Holliday as a player, but we need insurance on Calais Campbell and Darnell Dockett is probably peaking right now. Finding a way to spell Dockett more frequently would increase his effectiveness in the pass rush.

6) Offensive guard. We'll be starting two free agents, both of them on their third contracts. We have to get some youth into the pipeline if we've truly given up on Deuce Lutui, the Cards' best offensive guard since Leonard Davis.

7) Kicker/Punter/Long snapper. I know the Cards re-signed Jay Feely, but I'm not as confident in our kicker's leg strength as Joe is. Also, Dave Zastudil is terrible and needs to be replaced.

I'm not convinced about Scho but Acho to me seems to be a legit quality LB for us as a pass rusher and will only get better

 

[MoeIsBetter]

Would absolutely love the pick of Barron. Rest of draft I'm not do sure but Barron is a stud.

 

[Cardiac]

Does it matter? Neither are proven to be 10+ sack guys, and I'm less convinced that Schofield can be an 8+ sack a year guy than I am with Acho. Neither are top draft choice or contract investments.

I think/hope both will be 10+ sack guys but not sure it will be because they are that talented or just be schemed into those numbers by Horton.


I don't really think it's a problem if you have 3 players who can get you 10+ sacks per year. It's a passing league; the Giants showed that if you have a bunch of pass rushers, you can find a way to get them on the field.

So we agree.


As for the Cards' areas of need?

1) Quarterback - Nothing's going to be done about it this offseason, unfortunately

Agree

2) Offensive Tackle - We have guys to compete there, but I'd like to see one more brought in. Maybe not Demetrius Bell, but I'd like to bring in Brandon Keith and a 3-5 round draft pick.

If you have these listed in order of need that it appears you are rather bullish on the Cards this year. Or maybe it's just that you don't like how the available talent lines up in rd1 for us.

3) Outside linebacker - I expect that we'll bring Haggans back in eventually, but I'm not comfortable that we can bring an effective, consistent pass rush that requires strategic adjustments by opposing coordinators.

Agree

4) #2 wide receiver - I probably like the Roberts/Doucet tandem more than most, especially if Rob Housler makes the second-year leap that good tight ends to. I'm not convinced that we need a top target, but I love the idea of increasing competition.

Agree

5) 3rd defensive end - I like Vonnie Holliday as a player, but we need insurance on Calais Campbell and Darnell Dockett is probably peaking right now. Finding a way to spell Dockett more frequently would increase his effectiveness in the pass rush.

Agree

6) Offensive guard. We'll be starting two free agents, both of them on their third contracts. We have to get some youth into the pipeline if we've truly given up on Deuce Lutui, the Cards' best offensive guard since Leonard Davis.

Don't want to quibble about how good Deuce is or isn't but I agree we need some youth to develop.

7) Kicker/Punter/Long snapper. I know the Cards re-signed Jay Feely, but I'm not as confident in our kicker's leg strength as Joe is. Also, Dave Zastudil is terrible and needs to be replaced.

I'm okay with Feely but share your concern. Zastudil had one or two games where he was very good but other than that was more of a liability. Maybe this year we draft a punter in rd 6 or 7.

I notice that you don't list DB's, ILB, or NT as a need. Given our inconsistancy at stopping the run what needs to be done to shore this up? Do you think Bradley or Quan S. are the answer at ILB?

Does Dumpster Dan come back from injury and make an impact? Does Carter continue to improve and does he have the ability to become a run stuffing NT?

I like our starting safeties but Johnson is still more of a ? mark than sure thing. Although I like Money Mike at some point it would be nice to upgrade enough that he is not on the roster or the 5th CB.

 

[kerouac9]

I'm okay with Feely but share your concern. Zastudil had one or two games where he was very good but other than that was more of a liability. Maybe this year we draft a punter in rd 6 or 7.

I notice that you don't list DB's, ILB, or NT as a need. Given our inconsistancy at stopping the run what needs to be done to shore this up? Do you think Bradley or Quan S. are the answer at ILB?

Does Dumpster Dan come back from injury and make an impact? Does Carter continue to improve and does he have the ability to become a run stuffing NT?

I like our starting safeties but Johnson is still more of a ? mark than sure thing. Although I like Money Mike at some point it would be nice to upgrade enough that he is not on the roster or the 5th CB.

I actually am fairly bullish that the Cards can compete well this offseason. I thought the Cards would/should be 8-8 last year; I expect a one- or two-game improvement this year. That 7-2 record down the stretch wasn't an accident; it's hard to put together a winning streak like that in the NFL.

I don't feel good about our OT options in Round 1. I'd be happy picking up Cordy Glenn at #13, but I'm guessing based on our lack of interest in pass rushers that we're keeping our options open there. I'm fine with Levi Brown as a starting tackle, and am fully expecting Adam Snyder to be our starting right tackle come opening day. There's just not that much to get excited about in the draft, especially if we don't like Martin or Reiff (and I don't really think we do).

I was a huge fan of Dan Williams when he came out in the draft, and I think that him combined with David Carter and Nick Eason would be a good, solid rotation in the middle of the line. I also think/expect that a more potent (or at least less impotent) offense would keep teams from jumping ahead by 10 points and pounding the rock into the line.

I have concerns with ILB depth, but we're stuck with Stewart Bradley for at least 2012, so I'm not investing free agent resources or draft picks (except for maybe a 6th rounder) at the position. I don't expect Quan Sturdivant to make the 53 man roster next season.

I'm not in panic mode about the DB position, either. Richard Marshall was the MVP because he kept Rashard "the Mistake" Johnson off the field once Kerry Rhodes came up lame early in the season, not because he was anything special as a defensive back. I don't think that A.J. Jefferson is even approaching starter quality, and I expect for the Cards to use a mid-round pick at the position. But if we improve the pass rush, everyone behind them looks better, as well.

 

[Cardiac]

I actually am fairly bullish that the Cards can compete well this offseason. I thought the Cards would/should be 8-8 last year; I expect a one- or two-game improvement this year. That 7-2 record down the stretch wasn't an accident; it's hard to put together a winning streak like that in the NFL.

I don't feel good about our OT options in Round 1. I'd be happy picking up Cordy Glenn at #13, but I'm guessing based on our lack of interest in pass rushers that we're keeping our options open there. I'm fine with Levi Brown as a starting tackle, and am fully expecting Adam Snyder to be our starting right tackle come opening day. There's just not that much to get excited about in the draft, especially if we don't like Martin or Reiff (and I don't really think we do).

I was a huge fan of Dan Williams when he came out in the draft, and I think that him combined with David Carter and Nick Eason would be a good, solid rotation in the middle of the line. I also think/expect that a more potent (or at least less impotent) offense would keep teams from jumping ahead by 10 points and pounding the rock into the line.

I have concerns with ILB depth, but we're stuck with Stewart Bradley for at least 2012, so I'm not investing free agent resources or draft picks (except for maybe a 6th rounder) at the position. I don't expect Quan Sturdivant to make the 53 man roster next season.

I'm not in panic mode about the DB position, either. Richard Marshall was the MVP because he kept Rashard "the Mistake" Johnson off the field once Kerry Rhodes came up lame early in the season, not because he was anything special as a defensive back. I don't think that A.J. Jefferson is even approaching starter quality, and I expect for the Cards to use a mid-round pick at the position. But if we improve the pass rush, everyone behind them looks better, as well.

Good stuff.

Great thoughts and observation about our NT situation and run defense.

I don't think Bradley precludes us from drafting an ILB early but I agree that we won't spend money in FA on one.

Interesting thought on Glenn at 13, I expect many a fan to be up in arms if that happens.

 

[Chopper0080]

As of right now its - LB Melvin Ingram, then G David Decastro, then WR Michael Floyd or bust, at #13 pick for me.

I am pretty much in agreement with this.

 

[RugbyMuffin]

I know this is faultly logic, but I would pick Barron at 17 or 21 but not #13.

Don't know why.

 

[Chopper0080]

Soms thoughts...

I really like Mark Barron and think he would be a great addition to the Cardinals, but I can't see taking him at #13. There are actually 13 players I value more than him, so the only way I think we take Barron is if we traded back and I'm not sure he would even be there.

Compton would be a soldi pick as a developmental draft pick, he does look good.

For those who are looking to identify some later round guys to watch for...

Bobbie Massie OT Ole Miss: He is a workout warrior who seems be better in shorts then pads. HOWEVER, he would bring rare athleticism to our offensive line, and in the 3rd or 4th rounds, he is worth a gamble.

My offensive guard rankings for AZ go..

1-David DeCastro, Stanford (Top 15 pick)
2-Amini Silatolu, Midwestern St (Some say now a first rounder)
3-Senio Kelemente, Washington (Mid to late round pick)

All are smaller, more atheltic linemen, who excell at blocking in space. All take very good pull angles and can bend and explode through contact. All are solid in pass blocking. Most sites will have other players rated higher, but for the run blocking scheme we have, these guys are probably the best fit. Remember, this is the best OG class is recent memory, really good players can be found after round 4.

 

[WildBB]

Soms thoughts...

I really like Mark Barron and think he would be a great addition to the Cardinals, but I can't see taking him at #13. There are actually 13 players I value more than him, so the only way I think we take Barron is if we traded back and I'm not sure he would even be there.

Compton would be a soldi pick as a developmental draft pick, he does look good.

For those who are looking to identify some later round guys to watch for...

Bobbie Massie OT Ole Miss: He is a workout warrior who seems be better in shorts then pads. HOWEVER, he would bring rare athleticism to our offensive line, and in the 3rd or 4th rounds, he is worth a gamble.

My offensive guard rankings for AZ go..

1-David DeCastro, Stanford (Top 15 pick)
2-Amini Silatolu, Midwestern St (Some say now a first rounder)
3-Senio Kelemente, Washington (Mid to late round pick)

All are smaller, more atheltic linemen, who excell at blocking in space. All take very good pull angles and can bend and explode through contact. All are solid in pass blocking. Most sites will have other players rated higher, but for the run blocking scheme we have, these guys are probably the best fit. Remember, this is the best OG class is recent memory, really good players can be found after round 4.

What about the guard from SD, whom Whis supposedly joked around with?

Sounds like they may go with a later round project. Maybe Lutui is making some progress. Is he inked yet?

 

[Chopper0080]

What about the guard from SD, whom Whis supposedly joked around with?

Sounds like they may go with a later round project. Maybe Lutui is making some progress. Is he inked yet?

Tom Compton is the guy you are referencing I believe and he is an OT not an OG.

other OGs worth looking at...(who fit AZ's scheme)

Jeff Allen - Illinois
Derek Dennis - Temple
Kelvin Beachum - SMU
Rishaw Johnson - California(PA) *keep in mind, he is a bit of a knuckelhead)