Having just watched the game for a second time, here are some thoughts:
1. None of the QBs in this game looks like a potential starting NFL QB within the next three to four years. The closest is Tony Pike, because of his height, vision and pretty good touch. But, he's a string bean, and was dinged up in college, which doesn't bode well for his pro prospects.
The best and quickest release was Jarrett Brown's, but Brown did not react well under pressure and looks very raw. With great coaching and a few years polishing, he might have a chance.
The best positive energy QB in this game was Dan LeFevour. Every time I've seen this kid play, and it's been a handful of times, I have been impressed with his comeptitiveness and ability to "matriculate the ball down the field." I think of all the QBs in this game, he has the best chance of developing as a starter...but it going to take 4-5 years of grooming. I think he'd be wise to play in the CFL for a couple of years...his style is a fit in that league.
But, because none of the QBs would be in position to take the starting job in 2011...there is no need for the Cardinals to spend any of their first five picks on a QB. I can see them taking a QB sleeper type in the 6th or 7th round...but, unless, as Bucky Brooks forecasted, Sam Bradford is available at #26, don't expect to see the Cardinals draft a QB early in this draft. If the QB class were stringer, I think they would.
2. There's no question in my mind that LB Brandon Graham and DT Dan Williams solidified top 20 picks this week. Thus, there's no point talking more about them as potential Cardinals.
The player that most of you are suggesting the Cardinals' take that is a perfect fit is LB Sean Weatherspoon. What a jolt of energy and enthusiasm he would bring to the team and the home crowds at the U of P. This kid brings great attitude and athleticism to the WILB position.
In the game, Weatherspoon relished the opportunity to play special teams...which says a lot about his character, and proceeded to make virtually every tackle he was in on, including the first tackle of the game on KR Dexter McCluster. Then, in the base defense he was all over the field making plays, as he was accustomed to doing at Mizzoo. But then, when you watch him cover, one play he blanketed the quick McCluster all the way into the back of the endzone where he broke up the pass...and then, in zone coverage he made a nice interception to seal the win.
I think that regardless of what other players are there at #26, if Dansby is gone as we expect him to be, the Cardinals should take Weatherspoon. My worry is the Eagles will take him a couple of picks earlier. If so, that will make the #26 pick all the more difficult. But, I think Weatherspoon will be there.
The other WILB in this game that I think can make an immediate impact is TCU's Daryl Washington. If the Cardinals are unable to draft Weatherspoon, hopefully they can land Washington. Washington is a tall, smooth and sure-footed LB who plays with good instincts. He's not quite as physical as Weatherspoon, but he may be quicker to make the reads. And this guy can cover.
As for NTs...I too like Mount Cody, as he's got such quick feet and agility for such a huge, strong man. Imagine what John Lott could do with him. I think he will slide into the second round and if the Cardinals do pick up a second rounder, I'd be very happy to see them tab Cody.
But, to me, there's no way I take Cody over Weatherspoon at #26. Weatherspoon wn't last past the first couple picks in the second round.
I was disappointed in the edge rushers in this game, other than Graham. I was hoping to be impressed with George Selvie, but was not. The two kids from Troy (Lang and Sheffield) looked tentative and not as sudden as I thought they'd be. Sheffield made one great play, stripping tebow, but he was unblocked on the play. I think both kids can develop, but neither one of them looks like he can contribute immediately.
I did like the overall athleticism of Utah's OLB Koa Misi. He plays well in space. But, he's not the pass rushing threat we need at WOLB...at least not yet.
Last year there were a number of studs (and potential 1st-3rd rounders) on the offensive line... this year they all look like middle to late rounders, save G Mike Iupati (who needs coaching), C Matt Tennant, who looks like a 3rd and T Vladimir Ducasse, who played very well in the game after struggling some during the week. Ducasse looks smooth and natural in his drops and held his position well. He's not a real mauler in the running game yet...but it looks like he can develop as one. But, the man has good feet, agility, strength and balance on the edge...and plays with a little gitty-up.
The DBs were also a very shaky group this year. Boise St.'s Kyle Wilson is a first rounder and is versatile because he's such a good, natural athlete. But, unlike DRC, who made a number of eye-opening pays two years ago, Wilson had a quiet, uneventful game (which for a CB may be a good thing!).
Taylor Mays looked very tight as FS. He's a strong athlete, but he's probably better suited to play SS.
Patrick Robinson has the quick feet, but he got beat a few times, and doesn't look like much of a factor uin run support.
Chris Cook is an interesting prospect because of his height and speed ratio...but he looks like a S who can cover TEs in man and a deep third in zone.
The best hitter was Nebraska's Larry Asante...but his coverage at FS was poor. He looks like a SS. Perrish Cox (OK St.) looks like a hard hitter, but played too much cushion.
Love Javier Arenas (Alabama) as a return man...but his DB skills are not impressive.
At WR, I knew that Mardy Gilyard would shine. This kid is so slippery and is such a gamer. It will be interesting to see where he goes. I think he solidified a first round selection...dang, because I was hoping as I wrote in an earlier mock that he'd be available in the 2nd or 3rd round.
The two sleepers I liked were the Citadel's Ray Roberts (hey we made out well with another Citadel player: Stump Mitchell!) and Pittsburgh's Dorin Dickerson (as an H-back, TE hybrid).
WR Jacoby Ford showed better route running and hands...we could use a world-class speedster like him in our offense. And I think we could get him in Round 3 or 4.
Of the TEs I thought Alabama's Colin Peek was very good, both blocking and receiving. I like the looks of Oregon's Ed Dixon...but didn't see too much of him. And Wisconsin's Garrett Graham has very good hands.
But, the unit that I thought had the most depth and sleepers was the interior defensive line, where I was impressed with all of these players:
Geno Atkins, Georgia
Jared Odrick, Penn. St.
Tyson Alualu, Cal.
LaMarr Houston, Texas
Cam Thomas, UNC
Mike Neal, Purdue
Alex Carrington, Ark. St.
D'Anthony Smith, La. Tech.
If I had to choose just from the Senior Bowl players, here's my mock:
1. Sean Weatherspoon, LB, Missouri
2a. Terrence Cody, NT, Alabama
2b. Vladimir Ducasse, T, UMass
3. Jacoby Ford, WR, Clemson
4. Geno Atkins, DL, Georgia
5. Leigh Tiffin, K, Alabama
6. Myron Rolle, S, Florida St.
7. Ed Dixon, TE, Oregon
Love Tiffin's accuracy...plus, he's clutch.
