Mitch Mock V. 10

[Mitch]

Now that the picks are all set...it's time to get mock serious. This mock is chock-full of the players I want (not nec. whom I think the Cardinals will take). But, in order to get the players I want, the Cardinals need to make a flurry of trades at the top of the draft---and I do not think it's inconceivable that trades like the ones I am going to make could happen.

I think I am learning from March Madness to pick the teams that I really want to win, rather than the ones I think (and most people think) will win. I found myself in the dubious position of rooting against myself in games where, for instance I wanted Butler to win, yet I had picked them to lose.

So here goes...hang onto your hats...this is going to be quite a ride...and I will do my best to explain all the decisions.

#5 (traded to Dallas for the #9 and #71 picks---Dallas wants Patrick Peterson and when he is sitting there at #5, Jerry makes the call).

#9 (traded to Detroit for the #13 and #107 picks---Detroit wants Prince Amakumara and they don't want to risk losing out on him. The Cardinals are willing to pick up an extra 4th rounder---an early one at that---even though it is less than what they got from the Cowboys---that's alright because we are confident the player we want will be there at #13...in fact we are so confident that, yes, we trade down once more...).

#13 (traded to New England for the #17 and #93 picks---the Pats see that WR Julio Jones is still on the board and they know that the Rams will definitely take him at #15, and the Pats have 2 third rounders, so they feel the trade is well worth the price).

#17 : Ryan Kerrigan, 34OLB, 6-4, 263, Purdue, 94 (roster number) I had to think a long time between Kerrigan and Justin Houston...and when i went back to watch them both again and saw that relentless motor of Kerrigan's and reminded myself of the fact that here was a guy who was doubled teamed almost every play last year and STILL, despite Purdue's poor season, was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, for busting up double teams to the tune of 70 tackles, 12.5 sacks and an NCAA Div. 1 leading 26 tackles for loss...that and the leadership this young man brings---made this pick my favorite of the draft. It also helped that Kerrigan showed good athleticism in the OLB drills this off-season and he ran in the 4.6s at the combine...I feel that here is our SOLB edge s.o.b. deluxe. He becomes our LaMarr Woodley.

#38 : Brooks Reed, 34OLB, 6-3, 263, Arizona, 42. While I am very high on O'Brien Schofield, I think adding one more edge rusher---particularly one who thrives from the weak side---is the best thing we can do. I also feel that Reed will be a stronger option in the 4 man rush at RDE than Schofield. I love Jabaal Sheard as well...but realistically I don't think he'll be on the board at #38---so I am happy with Reed, who is nice weak side compliment to SOLB Kerrigan. NFL Comparison: Clay Matthews.

#69 : Mason Foster, 34SILB, 6-1, 242, Washington, 40. 162 tackles last year---plays hard and fast. Intelligent, competitive and strong. Good tackler---good finisher. When I was going back and forth on the tapes between Greg Jones, Nate Irving and Kelvin Sheppard, I thought Foster's level of play and his instincts were the highest of the four. He appears to react more suddenly...and I love the way he busts up screens and deception pays (something Cardinal ILBers have struggled with for years). Here's TSN's Bottom Line on Foster (whom they have ranked as the #1 ILB prospect): "He make a ton of plays against the run and is consistently efficient in zone coverage. Foster will likely be a 2nd or 3rd round pick by a team that plays a 3-4 defense and should challenge for a starting job as a rookie. NFL Comparison: David Harris." While the Harris comparison is a stretch...I think a more reasonable comparison is James Farrior.

#71 (from Dallas): Randall Cobb, WR, 5-11, 186, Kentucky, 17. This guy is made to order for Whiz's offense---with Anquan Boldin gone and with Steve Breaston's situation being up in the air---what the Cardinals need is that tough RAC slot WR who can consistently move the chains. Cobb's versatility as a situational Wildcat QB (this kid can throw the ball) is also a Whiz-esque attraction. NFL Comparison: Hines Ward.

#92 (from New England): Mark Herzlich, LB, 6-4, 250, Boston College, 96. Talk about character and leadership ability...and with Herzlich there's so much to like about his game. He's a Johnny-on-the-spot type player who either winds up with the key deflection or clutch interception that turns a ballgame in his team's favor. Herzlich is incredibly versatile as well---he can play inside or out. And talk about hands---last year he sealed two BC wins with late interceptions, despite the fact that he was playing with a broken hand which was wrapped in a club. And---because of those hands---Whiz will want to insert Herzlich as a red zone TE. NFL Comparison: Mike Vrabel.

#103 : James Carpenter, T, 6-5, 313, Alabama, 77. To me Carpenter is the closest player to Rodger Saffold in this draft. He has the feet and balance to seal of the edge.

#107 (from Detroit) : Greg McElroy, QB, 6-2, 222, Alabama, 12. As you know, I I like McElroy as the best QB fit for the Cardinals in this draft. He possesses the toughness, hunger and sheer competitiveness that we were spoiled with when we had Kurt Warner. Not this biggest arm in the world...but neither was Warner's...and we already have a big arm in John Skelton's. Whiz said he wants "gym rat leaders" as QBs. This kid is the ultimate gym rat leader and winner.

#136 : Ian Williams, NT, 6-2, 305, Notre Dame, 95. How about a pair of Williams brothers at NT. I really liked the way he stepped up at the Senior Bowl after an impressive Sun Bowl (3.5 TFL and 1.5 sacks). He is basically a more atheltic, quicker version of Gabe Watson.

#171 : Shiloh Keo, S, 5-11, 218, Idaho, 10. The closest SS I've seen to Pat Tillman in quite some time. Ray Horton wants little guys who can hit---well this kid lays the wood on every tackle and is all over the field making them. Like Tillman he will have to improve in coverage---which was able to do Tillman eventually. But leave that to Ray Horton because he knows how to coach smaller big hitting safeties up.

#184 : Julius Thomas, TE, 6-5, 251, Portland St, 84. A basketball convert who is a major project, but caught a nice TD in the East-West Shrine Game at the back left end of the endzone---and then caught the two point conversion on a nice little curl and slide.

#248 : Keith Williams, G, 6-5, 313, Nebraska, 64. A big mauler-type o-lineman, who needs plenty of coaching.

 

[Matt L]

I do like your picks. Do you think that Daryl Washington will not be an effective player?

I would prefer Titus Young over Randall Cobb.

 

[Mitch]

I do like your picks. Do you think that Daryl Washington will not be an effective player?

I would prefer Titus Young over Randall Cobb.

Matty, I think Daryl Washington will be an excellent WILB next to Mason Foster at SILB. Washington is going to be a stud.

I too like Titus Young, but I think Cobb is a better clutch player.

 

[Matt L]

So if we take Kerrigan, Reed, Herzlich and Foster, who plays where at linebacker? Who ends up sitting?

 

[Cbus cardsfan]

I like Foster as well. Also I prefer Titus Young because he seems to have more big play ability. I think Keith Williams is an excellent choice too. He could be a road grader and if he can get in pass protection will be a starter down the road.

 

[Cards Czar]

I am also wondering if Horton is high on DRC. DRC is not the tackling type that he wants. Maybe just maybe if the draft goes PP before us and Dallas takes Prince that there might be a trade lets say our 2nd rounder and DRC to DET for the #13?? Its a thought.

 

[Monty]

#171 : Shiloh Keo, S, 5-11, 218, Idaho, 10. The closest SS I've seen to Pat Tillman in quite some time. Ray Horton wants little guys who can hit---well this kid lays the wood on every tackle and is all over the field making them. Like Tillman he will have to improve in coverage---which was able to do Tillman eventually. But leave that to Ray Horton because he knows how to coach smaller big hitting safeties up.

I really like this pick cause im a big of fan of Keo. His performance in the drills at the Scouting Combine was one of the most impressive and the at the same time underrated that I have seen in a while. I knew he was very good tackling but his feet and slight of feet is what really came to the fore at the combine. If there is one SS id take in this draft it'd be Shiloh.

 

[Stout]

How many first round trades is that? Nessie doesn't believe we can manage so many

 

[Duckjake]

If we can get Randall "TEX" Cobb I'm all for it.

 

[Garthshort]

Mitch, your trades make sense, but three of them. I'm not sure our FO can even count to three. And with all those picks, I'd be hoping that we pick a TE, higher. Much higher, as I'm thinking second or third round. JMO.

 

[cardpa]

Mitch, I think this is the best draft I have seen so far. Not sure the front office will make all of these trades but it sure makes sense to me. The thing I like most about it is how it addresses the biggest need on this team.

A strong linebacking corp will do wonders for this defense. If they can sign a good veteran QB this this may really go places.

 

[john h]

Now that the picks are all set...it's time to get mock serious. This mock is chock-full of the players I want (not nec. whom I think the Cardinals will take). But, in order to get the players I want, the Cardinals need to make a flurry of trades at the top of the draft---and I do not think it's inconceivable that trades like the ones I am going to make could happen.

I think I am learning from March Madness to pick the teams that I really want to win, rather than the ones I think (and most people think) will win. I found myself in the dubious position of rooting against myself in games where, for instance I wanted Butler to win, yet I had picked them to lose.

So here goes...hang onto your hats...this is going to be quite a ride...and I will do my best to explain all the decisions.

#5 (traded to Dallas for the #9 and #71 picks---Dallas wants Patrick Peterson and when he is sitting there at #5, Jerry makes the call).

#9 (traded to Detroit for the #13 and #107 picks---Detroit wants Prince Amakumara and they don't want to risk losing out on him. The Cardinals are willing to pick up an extra 4th rounder---an early one at that---even though it is less than what they got from the Cowboys---that's alright because we are confident the player we want will be there at #13...in fact we are so confident that, yes, we trade down once more...).

#13 (traded to New England for the #17 and #93 picks---the Pats see that WR Julio Jones is still on the board and they know that the Rams will definitely take him at #15, and the Pats have 2 third rounders, so they feel the trade is well worth the price).

#17 : Ryan Kerrigan, 34OLB, 6-4, 263, Purdue, 94 (roster number) I had to think a long time between Kerrigan and Justin Houston...and when i went back to watch them both again and saw that relentless motor of Kerrigan's and reminded myself of the fact that here was a guy who was doubled teamed almost every play last year and STILL, despite Purdue's poor season, was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, for busting up double teams to the tune of 70 tackles, 12.5 sacks and an NCAA Div. 1 leading 26 tackles for loss...that and the leadership this young man brings---made this pick my favorite of the draft. It also helped that Kerrigan showed good athleticism in the OLB drills this off-season and he ran in the 4.6s at the combine...I feel that here is our SOLB edge s.o.b. deluxe. He becomes our LaMarr Woodley.

#38 : Brooks Reed, 34OLB, 6-3, 263, Arizona, 42. While I am very high on O'Brien Schofield, I think adding one more edge rusher---particularly one who thrives from the weak side---is the best thing we can do. I also feel that Reed will be a stronger option in the 4 man rush at RDE than Schofield. I love Jabaal Sheard as well...but realistically I don't think he'll be on the board at #38---so I am happy with Reed, who is nice weak side compliment to SOLB Kerrigan. NFL Comparison: Clay Matthews.

#69 : Mason Foster, 34SILB, 6-1, 242, Washington, 40. 162 tackles last year---plays hard and fast. Intelligent, competitive and strong. Good tackler---good finisher. When I was going back and forth on the tapes between Greg Jones, Nate Irving and Kelvin Sheppard, I thought Foster's level of play and his instincts were the highest of the four. He appears to react more suddenly...and I love the way he busts up screens and deception pays (something Cardinal ILBers have struggled with for years). Here's TSN's Bottom Line on Foster (whom they have ranked as the #1 ILB prospect): "He make a ton of plays against the run and is consistently efficient in zone coverage. Foster will likely be a 2nd or 3rd round pick by a team that plays a 3-4 defense and should challenge for a starting job as a rookie. NFL Comparison: David Harris." While the Harris comparison is a stretch...I think a more reasonable comparison is James Farrior.

#71 (from Dallas): Randall Cobb, WR, 5-11, 186, Kentucky, 17. This guy is made to order for Whiz's offense---with Anquan Boldin gone and with Steve Breaston's situation being up in the air---what the Cardinals need is that tough RAC slot WR who can consistently move the chains. Cobb's versatility as a situational Wildcat QB (this kid can throw the ball) is also a Whiz-esque attraction. NFL Comparison: Hines Ward.

#92 (from New England): Mark Herzlich, LB, 6-4, 250, Boston College, 96. Talk about character and leadership ability...and with Herzlich there's so much to like about his game. He's a Johnny-on-the-spot type player who either winds up with the key deflection or clutch interception that turns a ballgame in his team's favor. Herzlich is incredibly versatile as well---he can play inside or out. And talk about hands---last year he sealed two BC wins with late interceptions, despite the fact that he was playing with a broken hand which was wrapped in a club. And---because of those hands---Whiz will want to insert Herzlich as a red zone TE. NFL Comparison: Mike Vrabel.

#103 : James Carpenter, T, 6-5, 313, Alabama, 77. To me Carpenter is the closest player to Rodger Saffold in this draft. He has the feet and balance to seal of the edge.

#107 (from Detroit) : Greg McElroy, QB, 6-2, 222, Alabama, 12. As you know, I I like McElroy as the best QB fit for the Cardinals in this draft. He possesses the toughness, hunger and sheer competitiveness that we were spoiled with when we had Kurt Warner. Not this biggest arm in the world...but neither was Warner's...and we already have a big arm in John Skelton's. Whiz said he wants "gym rat leaders" as QBs. This kid is the ultimate gym rat leader and winner.

#136 : Ian Williams, NT, 6-2, 305, Notre Dame, 95. How about a pair of Williams brothers at NT. I really liked the way he stepped up at the Senior Bowl after an impressive Sun Bowl (3.5 TFL and 1.5 sacks). He is basically a more atheltic, quicker version of Gabe Watson.

#171 : Shiloh Keo, S, 5-11, 218, Idaho, 10. The closest SS I've seen to Pat Tillman in quite some time. Ray Horton wants little guys who can hit---well this kid lays the wood on every tackle and is all over the field making them. Like Tillman he will have to improve in coverage---which was able to do Tillman eventually. But leave that to Ray Horton because he knows how to coach smaller big hitting safeties up.

#184 : Julius Thomas, TE, 6-5, 251, Portland St, 84. A basketball convert who is a major project, but caught a nice TD in the East-West Shrine Game at the back left end of the endzone---and then caught the two point conversion on a nice little curl and slide.

#248 : Keith Williams, G, 6-5, 313, Nebraska, 64. A big mauler-type o-lineman, who needs plenty of coaching.

With all those trade predictions and if they come true you will be declared the Draft Master for all time Mitch. I put the odds at 1000:1 or off the board on your trade predictions. You must have been working late with a bottle of scotch last night. We all have these sort of epileptic fits on occasion. When you feel one coming on just get away from your computer man. Your writings will still always attract my attention. Hurry and put out 11.0 so I can forget this one and mark it off as some sort of dream I had. This should never got past my Virus Barrier 6.0.

 

[football karma]

Cards arent drafting 4 linebackers in the first three rounds

while "flooding" an area of need feels like the way to go -- it also ensures that roster spot wise -- by definition the team will have to rely on those rookies, even if they are ready or not.

 

[john h]

Cards arent drafting 4 linebackers in the first three rounds

while "flooding" an area of need feels like the way to go -- it also ensures that roster spot wise -- by definition the team will have to rely on those rookies, even if they are ready or not.

I certainly hope not but after all these years I never put anything past our beloved Cards owners.

 

[Buckybird]

Cards arent drafting 4 linebackers in the first three rounds

while "flooding" an area of need feels like the way to go -- it also ensures that roster spot wise -- by definition the team will have to rely on those rookies, even if they are ready or not.

they should with the likely exits of Hayes, Porter, Haggans & possibly Lenon at the latest by 2012.

 

[ARZCardinals]

If PP7 is on the board YOU TAKE HIM!

 

[SuperSpck]

I like the idea of having a lot of picks and using those picks on players.

 

[Cardiac]

Fun read and some very intriguing ideas.

I don't have the depth of knowledge on college players to make a mock draft that is credible. I don't have the depth of knowledge on every team in the NFL to know all of their player needs and tendencies.

I do know that the Lions have got to get a LT to keep Stafford from getting killed again. It would be my guess that they sit at their spot and pick a LT who very well might be the 1st one off the board and at a good value for that spot. I think they address CB in rd2 where there will still be some talent available.

I seriously can't remember a time when the Billichick Patriots have traded up in rd1. Never say never but it doesn't seem likely.

I do think the Cowboys trade could happen and would love to see it if Gabbert isn't there for us.

I agree with football karma (usually do) that we shouldn't flood the LBer position that early and often.

The big questions are does Horton want Porter and or Haggans on the roster to help teach his (Lebeau's) defense and what does he think of the current LBers on the roster?

Mitch has sold me on Kerrigan and or Houston.

I do think we take a CB at some point in this draft, a Horton kinda guy.

 

[Duckjake]

Here is how the Cards instantly get better.

#1 Peterson
#2 Acho
#3 Shepard or Irving or Sturdivant any one of the top ILBs

Doesn't matter who else they draft after that. All the other pieces are in place.

Dockett,Williams,Campbell

Acho,Shepard,Washington,Schofield

DRC,Wilson,Rhodes,Peterson Tolar at the nickel.

Would be the best defense the Cards have fielded since 1994.

Skelton could lead that team to a Division title.

 

[bg7brd]

Here is how the Cards instantly get better.

#1 Peterson
#2 Acho
#3 Shepard or Irving or Sturdivant any one of the top ILBs

Doesn't matter who else they draft after that. All the other pieces are in place.

Dockett,Williams,Campbell

Acho,Shepard,Washington,Schofield

DRC,Wilson,Rhodes,Peterson Tolar at the nickel.

Would be the best defense the Cards have fielded since 1994.

Skelton could lead that team to a Division title.

I'm with you here. I would be fine with Acho, Sheard or Acho

 

[Buckybird]

Skelton could lead that team to a Division title.

Duck, I doubt it.

Skelton really hasn't shown me much to believe he's more than any other journeyman QB the Cards have had since the Cards have been in Az. I don't even think he will be as good as the Snake. I'm praying like hell we get lucky enough to draft Luck sometime in the future because the lack of FA is really screwing team for taking a step away from what we were last year, regardless of the improvements this defense makes this year (still skeptical until we add some edge rushers).

Believing you can win is a big part of winning & until this team gets that big time passer, I dont see it's mindset changing.

 

[Duckjake]

Duck, I doubt it.

Skelton really hasn't shown me much to believe he's more than any other journeyman QB the Cards have had since the Cards have been in Az. I don't even think he will be as good as the Snake. I'm praying like hell we get lucky enough to draft Luck sometime in the future because the lack of FA is really screwing team for taking a step away from what we were last year, regardless of the improvements this defense makes this year (still skeptical until we add some edge rushers).

Believing you can win is a big part of winning & until this team gets that big time passer, I dont see it's mindset changing.

Buddy Ryan went 8-8 with a top 5 defense and QB play that wasn't much better than what we had last season. I think that with the improvement that normally comes in a players 2nd season Skelator could get the Cards to 9-7 with a top notch defense like the one I proposed.

 

[Cbus cardsfan]

Here is how the Cards instantly get better.

#1 Peterson
#2 Acho
#3 Shepard or Irving or Sturdivant any one of the top ILBs

Doesn't matter who else they draft after that. All the other pieces are in place.

Dockett,Williams,Campbell

Acho,Shepard,Washington,Schofield

DRC,Wilson,Rhodes,Peterson Tolar at the nickel.

Would be the best defense the Cards have fielded since 1994.

Skelton could lead that team to a Division title.

It's only one guys opinion, but Charlie Casserly has a 4th round grade on Acho.

 

[juza76]

It's only one guys opinion, but Charlie Casserly has a 4th round grade on Acho.

i think a great analyst like casserly can be wrong sometimes..i dont see acho fall in in round 3..he is a great guy solid player without any concerns

 

[Duckjake]

i think a great analyst like casserly can be wrong sometimes..i dont see acho fall in in round 3..he is a great guy solid player without any concerns

Acho is also very smart. The Campbell Award winner for 2010. Just what we need at the SOLB position. A guy with smarts and size and athletic ability. Pretty good football player too.

His contemporaries on defense from UT, Brian Orakpo and Lamarr Houston have both done very well in the NFL.

I'll bet UT hater Cbus (he's still mad because we stole Jordan Hicks from oSU) didn't know that every single Texas player taken in the first round of the NFL draft since 1999 was still in the NFL last season.