Fantasy Land: The Idea We Draft an OLB Early

[Stout]

I see a lot of people talking about the higher ranked edge rushers in this coming draft, and a lot of mock drafts up on the board have us taking one or another. Well guys, for better or worse, I doubt we draft one. In fact, I'd be willing to say that we won't take an OLB in the top two rounds. I think that's a mistake, but there you go.

Why? We have Will Davis, who has shown flashes of speed this year, and Cody Brown, who looked good in camp. Two draftees from last year's draft. Our head coach has just been quoted as liking our good young LBing talent. Well, we don't have jack for depth at ILB, so he must have been talking about Davis and Brown. Granted, Okeafor and Berry are gone, but I believe we're going to roll with Davis and Brown, and keep Haggans, while adding either a low-tier vet or maybe a late round pick to develop.

I think we really need a dynamic pass-rushing OLB to help this defense out, but if this is the direction the team wants to take, then *expelshugebreath* I guess I'm for it. We shall see.

 

[82CardsGrad]

We need depth, depth and more depth across our entire defense. I don't care if we use every draft pick we have on defensive players... Just do it!!!

 

[Cbus cardsfan]

Will Davis and Cody Brown can't be counted on alone next year.They were both injured. We need all the help we can get there. Last year at this time we were hearing how Brandon Keith was going to step in and contribute and i rarely saw him on the field. Heck Mitch had Vallejo starting at tackle and Keith at guard. They probably didn't see 25 plays total in the NFL this year.

 

[Buckybird]

Will Davis and Cody Brown can't be counted on alone next year.They were both injured. We need all the help we can get there. Last year at this time we were hearing how Brandon Keith was going to step in and contribute and i rarely saw him on the field. Heck Mitch had Vallejo starting at tackle and Keith at guard. They probably didn't see 25 plays total in the NFL this year.

I agree. As of right now we have 2 guys on the roster at OLB that have played an NFL game in Haggans & Will Davis & those 2 guys aren't going to lead you to the Super Bowl. Brown may or may not be the guy, but if Wiz is a smart man (which he is), I expect him to add 3-4 more talented outside pass rushers someway.

 

[lauraw]

After we get whizz and Lott resigned, I'd be satisfied if we took all defense and 1OL in the Draft..If we do trade Boldin, and I'm not sure we'd get enough to make that attractive to me, I'd take a second this year and a second next year for him.. Someone may go for that offer rather than two picks this year. Then I guess I'd do it..8 picks +any compensation picks and we could really shore up our defense. I don't think we will do much in FA this year..

 

[conraddobler]

We need depth, depth and more depth across our entire defense. I don't care if we use every draft pick we have on defensive players... Just do it!!!

Yes we need depth but not at the price of drafting the best player on the board.

In other words don't reach!

Reaching is death in the draft, yes you can weight choices, you can pass on a punter for instance but don't reach way down and draft a guy a round early to get the guy.

I'd possibly Trade Boldin for picks to use for what you're talking about, it balances out our team in the way you're talking about without causing too much pressure on us to reach.

 

[CardEd]

start the pre-draft smokescreen...........if there is a dynamic pass-rushing OLB on the board when we draft, my bet is we'll make that pick.

 

[Mulli]

We also need an OT.

 

[Pariah]

If we took LB (of any ilk) in the first three rounds, I'd be completely cool with that.

 

[cardsfanmd]

We already have a WR named Early, this could get confusing.

 

[Stout]

Guys, I said I don't agree with it, but I doubt the team drafts an OLB high.

Why not?
-They have two youngsters they like, on whom they spent TWO draft picks last year
-Whis stated he liked Brown and Davis, and while it may be a smokescreen, I tend to believe he does
-We have pressing needs at ILB, OT, S, CB and NT (have I left any out? lol)
-One way or another, we need to bring in a young QB to groom

Like I said, guys, I would prefer we draft a premier OLB pass-rushing demon or, as someone else suggested, trade for Osi Umenyora (I'd even give up a 2nd). I just don't think the team wants to go that route. I think they'd rather let their young talent at OLB develop, for better or worse.

 

[LoyaltyisaCurse]

This team will take a LB within the first two rounds, they almost have too IMO... Cody Brown may never get back if we all remember Kenny King (it think it is the same injury). It would be a mistake to ignore the LB position.

 

[john h]

I see a lot of people talking about the higher ranked edge rushers in this coming draft, and a lot of mock drafts up on the board have us taking one or another. Well guys, for better or worse, I doubt we draft one. In fact, I'd be willing to say that we won't take an OLB in the top two rounds. I think that's a mistake, but there you go.

Why? We have Will Davis, who has shown flashes of speed this year, and Cody Brown, who looked good in camp. Two draftees from last year's draft. Our head coach has just been quoted as liking our good young LBing talent. Well, we don't have jack for depth at ILB, so he must have been talking about Davis and Brown. Granted, Okeafor and Berry are gone, but I believe we're going to roll with Davis and Brown, and keep Haggans, while adding either a low-tier vet or maybe a late round pick to develop.

I think we really need a dynamic pass-rushing OLB to help this defense out, but if this is the direction the team wants to take, then *expelshugebreath* I guess I'm for it. We shall see.

I really do not know who we should draft but the same old question will arise. Do we draft by best player available or by position. I can say without a doubt we need help at DB. Adams is to short to cover NFL 6'5" receivers.

 

[Shane]

They will absolutely take a LBer of some sort in the first 2 rounds IMO.

 

[Mulli]

They will absolutely take a LBer of some sort in the first 2 rounds IMO.

I wish vbookie worked.

Vbookies: 1) LB in first or second? 2)Boldin a Cardinal next year?

 

[football karma]

man -- I dont know how Whis could really know if he likes Cody Brown or not.

What was his action time-- five weeks of camp?

Doug / Wolf said it best this morning on the draft: assuming Warner is back, any position other than Qb, RB and WR is a need. If Warner isnt back, then every position except RB and Wr is a need. Draft best player available and it almost certainly will fill a need.

 

[Arizona's Finest]

The most likely reason for this is because Whisenhunt comes from Pittsburgh and the almost always draft their OLB's after Round 2. Personally I want impact players so unless McClain or Spikes fall to us I go either

1st TE Gresham
2nd Best Available OT

OR

1st Best available OT
2nd TE Gronkowski

Both of those guys are going to be studs and especially if we trade Q, I want another weapon in the passing game to go with Beanie, Fitz, Breaston, and Early.

 

[Duckjake]

In Whisenhunt's 3 years in Arizona:

Needed an Offensive Tackle to replace Leonard Davis. Drafted Levi Brown.

Needed a Cornerback so they could move Rolle to FS. Drafted DRC.

Needed a RB to replace Edge. Drafted Beanie Wells.

Now we need an ILB to replace Dansby so...........

 

[Pariah]

1st TE Gresham
2nd TE Gronkowski

I don't think it's Q's departure that will necessitate a stud TE. It's Warner. Even if we still have Q, I think it would be good to get a TE that can be Leinart's security blanket.

 

[Duckjake]

man -- I dont know how Whis could really know if he likes Cody Brown or not.

What was his action time-- five weeks of camp?

Doug / Wolf said it best this morning on the draft: assuming Warner is back, any position other than Qb, RB and WR is a need. If Warner isnt back, then every position except RB and Wr is a need. Draft best player available and it almost certainly will fill a need.

That says a lot about how strong our team is. That we have 3 positions that are so deep that it would be difficult to even get a better second team player in the draft at QB,RB and WR.

We don't need starters at any position except ILB to replace Dansby. That's really solid. We had no rookie starters in our 22 on Sept 13th 2009!

Of course what we do want in the draft is to find better players than what we have now especially at NT,LB,and CB.

 

[Cbus cardsfan]

The most likely reason for this is because Whisenhunt comes from Pittsburgh and the almost always draft their OLB's after Round 2. Personally I want impact players so unless McClain or Spikes fall to us I go either

1st TE Gresham
2nd Best Available OT

OR

1st Best available OT
2nd TE Gronkowski

Both of those guys are going to be studs and especially if we trade Q, I want another weapon in the passing game to go with Beanie, Fitz, Breaston, and Early.

the draft is so deep at rush LB i could see passing on one in round 1. In fact, i think they will. Gresham will be hard to pass up if he's there. But him and Gronk have injury issues so it'll depend on how they check out. my fav 5 for round 1(of who may be there):
1-McClain
2-Bulaga
3-Gresham
4-Cody
5-Mayes

 

[Stout]

They will absolutely take a LBer of some sort in the first 2 rounds IMO.

I agree wholeheartedly...an ILB. I am tellin' ya, they aren't drafting an OLB that high. That's what my (ample) gut is telling me.

 

[MoeIsBetter]

In Whisenhunt's 3 years in Arizona:

Needed an Offensive Tackle to replace Leonard Davis. Drafted Levi Brown.

Needed a Cornerback so they could move Rolle to FS. Drafted DRC.

Needed a RB to replace Edge. Drafted Beanie Wells.

Now we need an ILB to replace Dansby so...........

You're post just made my stomach go from being in knots about this off-season to feeling a lot better. IN WHIZ WE TRUST!!

 

[Duckjake]

You're post just made my stomach go from being in knots about this off-season to feeling a lot better. IN WHIZ WE TRUST!!

Well that's what I was thinking too.

This will make you feel better as well. Wells,Sendlein,Latui and Brown have started 38 straight games together. How amazing is that for a Cardinal team?

 

[187]

The most likely reason for this is because Whisenhunt comes from Pittsburgh and the almost always draft their OLB's after Round 2. Personally I want impact players so unless McClain or Spikes fall to us I go either

1st TE Gresham
2nd Best Available OT

OR

1st Best available OT
2nd TE Gronkowski

Both of those guys are going to be studs and especially if we trade Q, I want another weapon in the passing game to go with Beanie, Fitz, Breaston, and Early.

If we draft TE in the first or second round I will not be pleased at all, unless Gresham is far and away BPA when we pick.