Will Poole moving up again - our 2nd rounder?

[BACH]

USC D-BACK PULLS UP HIS DRAFT STOCK

A league source tells us that USC cornerback Will Poole significantly resurrected his draft stock on Friday, with a strong performance in a do-over workout.

Poole notched a median time of 4.55 in the 40 (we're trying to get more info as to the surface), and his best time in the short shuttle was 4.0 seconds. He ran the three-cone drill in 6.60 seconds, notched a vertical of 33.5 inches and a broad jump of 10 feet.

Roughly a dozen teams attended Poole's effort to improve on his prior workout, which was subpar due to a recent illness that had caused Poole to drop more than ten pounds. This time around, his weight was back up to 193, and his all-around performance was stronger.

His 40 is still a bit slow, but his improved shuttle and three-cone drill is among the best. He was expected to go around #20, but his poor first work-out dropped him the mid 2nd round. He's now moving up the board again. Should we take him at #33?

 

[Harry]

He just another nickel back candidate. With Hill returning the need has diminished. I'd be surprised to see him as the selection.

 

[Crimson Warrior]

He just another nickel back candidate. With Hill returning the need has diminished. I'd be surprised to see him as the selection.

Harry, have you posted your take on Strait?

 

[Harry]

I see Strait as much the same, though a bit more savvy. Pundits keep saying the Cards will take a corner, but I am not certain of that. I like Strait, but I think the Cards would take Washington (DT-Clemson) over him if both were there at 33. Either of those corners would be a great pick if they fell to round 3. Don't rule it out. I talked to a guy at a scouting service with pretty good connections and he told me that he got a solid idea of the top 50 from two different boards and after the top 15 they were dramatically different.

 

[SMAC]

I think Poole would be a beautiful selection at #33. He has tremendous awareness and would push to be a starter in year 1. He might fall in the Boldin category a little marginal speed but gameday performer. Poole is probably the best zone, cover 2, and press technique CB in the draft. The Colts would probably have an interest in him late in round 1. A rotation of Starks, Macklin, Hill, and Poole would make for one of the better corner units the Cards have had in several years.

 

[JeffGollin]

Whether or not Poole would make sense for us if fell to #33 would depend on how Rod and Denny feels about what the right fit would be.

If they plan to employ a lot of Cover 2 and if they are looking for a bigger CB who can cover the bigger wideouts who are now in vogue, they'll probably give more weight to guys like Poole, Strait and Ware.

But if they feel we need faster corners who can cover speedier wideouts, they may look guys like Batman Carroll or Coclaugh.

And if it's nickel depth, someone like Vasher or Ratliff would be good fits (although so would guys we already have on our roster - like Hill or Rhinehart).

It also wouldn't surprise me if more than one team took a flyer at a couple of safeties they might project to corner - for example, Bob Sanders or Stuart Schweigert both run under 4.5.

 

[Duckjake]

His 40 is still a bit slow, but his improved shuttle and three-cone drill is among the best. He was expected to go around #20, but his poor first work-out dropped him the mid 2nd round. He's now moving up the board again. Should we take him at #33?

Are a lot of the kids doing workouts specifically designed to improve their measuring drills like the cone and shuttle? If so it could make it more difficult to use those as a yard stick in talent measurement because the workouts may have made them more proficient 3 cone or shuttle runners and not any better as a football player.

You sure earn your money as a scout/player personell guy these days.

 

[BACH]

Are a lot of the kids doing workouts specifically designed to improve their measuring drills like the cone and shuttle? If so it could make it more difficult to use those as a yard stick in talent measurement because the workouts may have made them more proficient 3 cone or shuttle runners and not any better as a football player.

You sure earn your money as a scout/player personell guy these days.

True, but it goes both ways....

Did Poole's slow times in his first work-out make him worse as a football player??

 

[ajcardfan]

True, but it goes both ways....

Did Poole's slow times in his first work-out make him worse as a football player??

No, and that is more important. I saw some of a replay of last season's USC-Ore. St. game on ESPN classic yesterday. Poole was all over the field, including a spectaclur INT return for a TD where he looked plenty fast enough.

 

[football karma]

One other factor to keep in mind.

Poole got kicked out of Boston College for a burgulary charge. He may fail many's boy scout test.

 

[WildBB]

A rotation of Starks, Macklin, Hill, and Poole would make for one of the better corner units the Cards have had in several years.

Lets not forget Starks' tendency to break down. Not durable by any means! We are going to have to address this on the first day!

That is why I'd want to see them get two seconds, someway.

 

[Duckjake]

True, but it goes both ways....

Did Poole's slow times in his first work-out make him worse as a football player??

No, but for some reason a lot of "experts" seem to think it does.

Anyone know anything about the Thomas kid from Montana State? 6'1 190 CB with decent speed. Might be nice to have a taller guy at CB.

 

[earthsci]

Anyone know anything about the Thomas kid from Montana State? 6'1 190 CB with decent speed. Might be nice to have a taller guy at CB.

I was just thinking that.

Harry?

What are your thoughts on Joey Thomas?