Mock Draft and Free Agent Update

[Walter Mitchell]

I know this argument is getting old, but it just seems like the Cardinals would be far better off switching to a 3-4 base defense...especially if the Cardinals snag LB Junior Seau. Wendall Bryant, Kyle Vanden Bosch, Russell Davis and Fred Wakefield are all suited to play as inside DEs in the 3-4. Marcus Bell and Barron Tanner are the NTs. Seau, Thompson and Fisher could supply plenty of heat from the edges. Add to that mix OLB Antwan Peek...the closest player in the draft to Roosevelt Colvin...and the Cardinals could be off and running in the 3-4.

1. Byron Leftwich, QB, Marshall. Even if Carson Palmer slides to number six, I want Leftwich. This young man has the best arm and the best pocket toughness and presence I have seen in quite some time. He's the QB of the future and will be groomed to start when he's ready. In tabbing Leftwich, I am going to trade Josh McCown for a fifth or sixth round pick.

2. Tyrone Calico, WR, Middle Tenn. St. Draft stock has been rising steadily for this tall, gifted athlete with 4.3 speed and soft hands.

3. Antwan Peek, OLB, Cincinnati. Edge rusher in the mold of Roosevelt Colvin. Made for the 3-4.

4. Arnaz Battle, WR, Notre Dame. Needs polish and grooming, but Battle is a homerun threat with speed and size. Could be an excellent gunner on special teams as well.

5. Colin Cole, NT, Iowa. Vastly under-rated because he's only 6-2. Rock steady player who never takes a play off.

6A. Torrie Cox, CB, Pittsburgh. Savvy player with excellent feet and a good feel for the game. Good special teamer who can return punts as well.

6B. Angel Estrada, S, West Virginia. Outstanding athlete. Aggressive run supporter and special teams dynamo.

7. Kai Ellis, OLB/DE, Washington. Edge player with pass rushing ability. Classic tweener.

 

[JeffGollin]

Walter - I used to be like you. (I never saw a sleeper pick I didn't like).

The Leftwich pick - on paper - is fine. Except some teams reportedly still have serious misgivings about the ankle.

Callico no doubt could go as high as the second round. But, at #37, our 2nd round pick is almost like a very late first round pick, and choosing him that high seems like a pretty good reach to gamble on an untested rook with loads of potential. I could see us waiting til #70 and hoping he was there.

I made it a point to watch Peek late in the season. He was invisible in that game.

I'd feel more comfortable coming out of the first three rounds with a CB who can start right away and an edge-rusher who can start right away. The 3rd guy could be a big ol' receiver, but only if the other two needs were addressed.

Final note of interest - Henderson ran a 4.66 on Pro Day (down from the 4.8 shown on most draft charts). I still rate him in my Top 5 players (based on Cardinal need)