Cbus---while this may not ease your frustration---I liken Reddick's swift ascension up the draft boards to Luke Keuckly's. When the draft process started Keuchly was thought of as a Day 3 pick. I remember the debates on this board---many thought he was too small, that his numbers were inflated, that he couldn't cover in the NFL.
Yet---Reddick did exactly what Keuckly did---he did everything that was asked of him and more. When the scouts saw the work ethic, the passion and the sheer athleticism it left little doubt about the quality of the player.
I get your frustration---I had FS Malik Hooker rated in my top 3 of the entire draft. But, we are not privy to the medical reports or how the interviews went. I would think that for any defensive player a torn labrum and hernia surgeries are a concern.
However, as tempting as it may have been to take Hooker or Jonathan Allen (which would have meant drafting DT in the 1st round 2 years in a row), Steve Keim has mentioned on a couple of occasions how impressed he is with the depth at safety in this draft. There's a very good chance that the Cardinals will take a FS at #45 (Budda Baker, Marcus Maye, Josh Jones, Marcus Williams).
What Reddick brings is something no other pass rusher on the roster has: speed and quick bend. He's the fastest edge rusher in the draft. Pair him with one of the top FSs and it could very well be the best 1-2 combo scenario.
Very good post Mitch. I agree