When was Pace projected to go last year again?

[cardsunsfan]

I think it was something like mid third round right? Our first four players might have been projected to go by mid second round this year? We know how wrong "experts" can be though...

 

[Pariah]

We know how wrong "experts" can be though...

Yeah, if by "experts" you mean the 2003 AZ Cardinals scouts...

 

[azdad1978]

I think it was something like mid third round right? Our first four players might have been projected to go by mid second round this year? We know how wrong "experts" can be though...

Rumors was the Chiefs were targeting Pace with their 1st round pick after the run on D-Line

 

[cardsunsfan]

Where was he projected to go before the draft though? I think from what I've read and seen Dockett has more potential than Pace...

 

[azdad1978]

The thing is everybody knew it was a panic move by Graves when the run on D-line and he has to take Pace.

 

[Savage58]

If I remember correctly, Pace was rated as a top 2nd rounder. We looked like fools taking him that early. I'm bankin that this draft will erase the memory of that in most peoples minds, well not us Card fans, but them OTHER guys.

 

[cardfanforever]

If I remember right, he was the next ranked DE in last years draft and was slotted to go early in round 2. I could be wrong however since it was a year ago.

 

[BACH]

He had about the same rating as Dockett and was ranked as the 7th best DE by the War Room. He was however moving up the board fast, so mos expected him to go around #40.

 

[Harry]

At the end of the college season he was thought to likely be a first day pick, but even that wasn't certain. After he worked out a buzz started based on his athleticism that had nothing to do with his play on the field. He had moved into the late second round at that point according to some services. As the draft neared it became apparent that several teams were targeting defensive linemen and that edge rushers wouldn't last long. There are really two issues at work here. What the evaluators thought he was worth and where people saw him going in mock drafts.

I think the people highest on him put him in the early second round. Most had him middle to late. You always here rumors about this team or that liking someone, but those picks rarely materialize on draft day.

Simply put the Cards were desperate and panicked with Pace's selection being the result. I don't know anyone who saw him as a first year starter. He was clearly an athlete with potential, but not technique or proven skills.
Passing on Suggs and ending here is the type of decision that made the Cards the failures they were in 2003.

 

[Crazy Canuck]

re: PACE - I don't know anyone who saw him as a first year starter. He was clearly an athlete with potential, but not technique or proven skills. Passing on Suggs and ending here is the type of decision that made the Cards the failures they were in 2003.

No one saw PACE as a first year 16 game starter... INCLUDING the Cards. It was circumstance that brought this about (KVB's injury) and - as a result - the kid was educated in the ultimate school of hard knocks: 16 games as a rookie against the oppositions' best pass protectors.

If anything, this should bring dividends to the CARDS.

I don't doubt that given SUGGS forte (pass rushing) he would have had more sacks than PACE produced, but, somewhat facetiously, I wonder why any team would bother to pass if SUGGS had been at RDE... they could run over him all day!

That's why he's a linebacker and designated rusher in a 3-4 scheme, and is simply not what the CARDS needed or wanted; an every down DE who could play against both pass and rush.

Will PACE develop all of the skills necessary? ... Who knows? but I, for one - will give the Coach time to make that evaluation.

 

[RedStorm]

Rumors was the Chiefs were targeting Pace with their 1st round pick after the run on D-Line

If his draft value is raised by his play then that is good reason for movign up the chart. However, if the reason he moved up is because of a run on DE's then it is not based on talent, just market economics of the draft. He was, prior to the draft considered a 3rd round pick, maybe, a very high second. But, most, if I can recall, had him as 3rd rd talent.

This is why this year is so refreshing. You take the BPA regardless. That way you are always drafting based on talent not because of economics.

Last year we paniced. Live and learn. This year, we are doing great.

Now, I am hoping Pace works out well. He was just drafted too high and has to carry some expectations with that paycheck. I am confident that Green will get the most out of Pace. I think Pace has the heart and will respond. He just may not be the pass rusher that everyone hoped for.

On the other hand, Green has his work cut out for him with Bryant. He may not make it out of training camp with a job.

 

[RedStorm]

The thing is everybody knew it was a panic move by Graves when the run on D-line and he has to take Pace.

Graves said so himself.

Thank goodness we have Green to coach Bryant and Pace. They may work out yet. That is my hope and I am confident that will happen.

 

[MastersofCombat]

MOST teams didnt even have him on their first day drafdt boards.

 

[jw7]

OK, I am a total football geek but I still have my 2003 draft Guide.

Pace was projected as a 3rd rounder at the 99 pick and the 12th best DE in the draft.

Rated above:
Terell Suggs,
Jerome McDougal,
Michael Haynes,
Chris Kelsay,
Tyler Brayton,
Cory Redding,
Dewayne White,
Clint Mitchell,
Alonzo Jackson,
Kindal Moorehead,
Tully Banta-Cain.

Interestingly the #13 was Kenny King.