Playing Draft Cards: Put Your Chips In

[Mitch]

This will be fun to see what each of thinks about the 2014 Draft Pool.

At each position you get one Blue Chip---one Red Chip---and one White Chip:

Blue Chips are 1st Rounders (Day 1)

Red Chips are 2-3 Rounders (Day 2)

White Chips are 4-7 Rounders (your Day 3 sleepers)

Here are the players I would ante up for:

QB:

Blue: Johnny Manziel, Texas A&M. Should he be available---he, imo, is too unique and intriguing to pass up.

Red: Jimmy Garopollo, Eastern Illinois. With today's emphasis on getting the ball out quickly and accurately, I think this guy is as good at it as any QB in the draft.

White: Keith Wenning, Ball St. Reminds me a little of Kurt Warner. Hangs tough in the pocket and throws strikes.

RB:

Blue: Bishop Sankey, Washington. Made to order for BA's offense. Quick, decisive, multi-dimensional.

Red: Terrance West, Towson St. A quicker, more sudden version of Tim Hightower.

White: Dri Archer, Kent St. Gotta love his world-class speed---and BA proved last year he knows how to pick his spots with a rookie RB.

WR:

Blue: Brandin Cooks, Oregon St. When I look at what BA did with T.Y. Hilton, I drool at the prospect of what he could do with Cooks, who, imo, is a superior talent to Hilton.

Red: Paul Richardson, Colorado. To me he looks like the Mike Wallace of this draft class. Consistently takes the top off the defense and is adept at tracking and catching the deep ball.

White: Josh Huff, Oregon. He is a poor man's Marquis Lee. Very similar attributes---gains quick separation and is a RAC gobbler---very good in the red zone as well.

TE:

Blue: Eric Ebron, North Carolina. There is no mistaking the young man's talents as a receiver.

Red: Troy Niklas, Notre Dame. The proto-typical TE in a BA offense. Can block and make plays downfield.

White: Arthur Lynch, Georgia. He is going to be a very solid pro.

T:

Blue: Zach Martin, Notre Dame. I love his tenacity, his balance and competitiveness. Day 1 starter at RT.

Red: Jack Mewhort, Ohio St. Physical and fierce.

White: Matt Patchan, Boston College. Super sleeper. Physical and surprisingly quick.

G/C:

Blue: Xavier Su'a-Filo, UCLA. Mauler with a nasty streak. Good feet. Pile mover.

Red: Anthony Steen, Alabama. If he were a little taller, he'd be higher on draft boards. Technically sound, tough and persistent.

White: Chris Watt, Notre Dame. Plays with good pop and maintains leverage. reminds me some of Chris Smee.

34DE:

Blue: Aaron Donald, Pittsburgh. Physical freak. Low centered, quick and explosive---and amazingly fast.

Red: Kelcy Quarles, South Carolina. Consistent menace on the interior.

White: Caraun Reid, Princeton. Was very impressive at the Senior Bowl. Has a good combination os strength and quick feet.

34NT:

Blue: Louis Nix, Notre Dame. Classsic wide-body with a turbo engine.

Red: Daniel McCullers, Tennessee. For a player 6-7, 348, this guy is surprisingly athletic and consistently disruptive.

White: Ryan Carrethers, Arkansas St. I like Justin Ellis (La. Tech), but am a little more intrigued with Carreither's strength, athleticism and production.

34ILB:

Blue: C.J. Mosely, Alabama. Smart, rangy and super productive. Three down player. If he slides to #20, he could be very enticing.

Red: Christian Jones, Florida St. This guy is the closest player to Karlos Dansby in this draft. He could thrive in TB's system.

White: James Morris, Iowa. Tremendous leader. Never takes a play off.

34OLB:

Blue: Dee Ford, Auburn. Has the edge speed and tenacity the Cardinals want. Feisty, straw that stirs the drink type. Loves a challenge---and plays with surprising body control. Hard to trick on play-action and bootlegs, which in the NFC West is huge.

Red: Trevor Reilly, Utah. I really like this guy. He has length and speed and excellent awareness. Can be move all around a 34 defense too. He's 26 and missed post-season All-Star games because of a knee scope. So, he is going to slide some and might be on the board at #52 and perhaps even at #84. I think whatever team drafts him is going to love him.

White: Howard Jones, Shepherd. The Cardinals have shown interest and with good reason. This kid has quite a motor and was impressive at the Combine.

CB:

Blue: Jason Verrett, TCU. Of all the CBs in this draft, he would be ideal for the Cardinals. In a division where you have to defend Percy Harvin, Michael Crabtree and Tavon Austin (with possibly Sammy Watkins---Rams---and Brandin Cooks---49ers---and Marquis Lee---Seahawks on the way)---having the pesky, super-quick and fast, super-sticky Verrette to badger them would be a coup.

Red: Terrance Mitchell, Oregon. I prefer his big-game play and experience to Pierre Desir's lack there of, and like how sticky he is in man coverage.

White: Ross Cockrell, Duke. I would put him in every Cardinal mock because he's a leader and steps up big in big games. Has a nose for the ball and is adept at baiting the QB and WR.

S:

Blue: Deone Bucannon, Washington St. This week I heard Curtis Conway say something on NFL Network that I saw while watching Bucannon's tapes and comparing them to Clinton-Dix's and Pryor's---he is just as talented as both of them, and he's more versatile. It's because of his versatility that i think he is the best fit for the Cardinals. If the Cardinals trade down from #20, I could see them doing so having Bucannon in mind. Forget about hoping to take him at #52. He's not getting past pick #40.

Red: Jimmie Ward, Northern Illinois. Starred at the Senior Bowl---is not quite as long as Bucannon, but may even be a tad quicker. Ward would be a super pick at #52.

White: Terrance Brooks, Florida St. While he appears to be a little too skinny, forget about that and watch his tape. He is a super aggressive defender who makes plays all over the field. Lack of ideal size will cause him to slide, but he could be a huge surprise in the 4th round.

K:

White: Chris Boswell, Rice. Big leg. 54 touchbacks in 70 kickoffs. 23 FGs in 2012. 6/9 40-50 yards last year. 2/6 50+ yards.

What would your blue, red and white chips be at each position????

Who is going to ante up the closest to Steve Keim????

 

[BullheadCardFan]

Nice breakdown, but the white is hard to see. I have to highlight each one individually to see the names.

 

[WildBB]

Very intuiging read. Especially on your 3rd day picks. Very insightful - thanks.

Verrete, Ford, Buchannon, Hageman, Tuitt, and Cooks are all in play in a 1st down tradedown, imo.

Your case for a few of them are valid. In such a deep draft gaining an extra pick or two could loom LARGE. It's the year to do it if you can.

I don't think in the end Pryor and Buchannon will be seperated by that much.

I do think there may be a few prospects that will keep them from trading down if available. Aaron Donald, Zach Martin, Kony Ealy, Dennard and Gilbert are the ones I'm thinking of if available.

Otherwise it could make excellent sense to trade down if we have a legit offer.

Get a blue chipper and two or three red chips.

 

[cardncubfan]

Nice breakdown, but the white is hard to see. I have to highlight each one individually to see the names.

I didn't even know there were white chips until you mentioned this lol.

 

[cardfaninfl]

During the offseason, I wish more people would type white font color on white background.

 

[Jetstream Green]

During the offseason, I wish more people would type white font color on white background.

Especially someone like me who thinks Jimmy Garoppolo (yup, epic fail on his name Mitch) is the best QB in the draft lol

 

[juza76]

Mitch trevor reilly i m not crazy about him,i do like more marcus smith,he is a solid player.he can do more stuff,he has nice first step ,he can bull rush and i like the way he always try to strip the ball,thats remind me our Abraham

 

[Vermont Maverick]

During the offseason, I wish more people would type white font color on white background.

Very good job, though, Mitch. A good read, and I could read the white on white.

 

[Cbus cardsfan]

Here's mine:
QB
Bridgewater,L'ville-one bad pro day doesn't trump 2 years of excellent play.
Mettenberger,LSU-most improved QB in the nation.
Aaron Murray,UGA-probably not an ideal Cards fit but good value late.

RB
Carlos Hyde,OSU-the best, most physical RB in the draft.
Davonte Freeman,FSU- played excellent every time I saw him.
Isaiah Crowell,Bama St.- risky, but as talented an any RB in the draft.

WR
Marquise Lee,USC- great fit for the Cards
Martavis Bryant,Clem- overshadowed by Watkins but very good in his own right.
Tevin Reese,Bay-a big play waiting to happen.

TE
Eric Ebron,UNC-best TE, hands down.
Austin Seferian-Jenkins,Was- would be a great pick up in round 2, 1st round talent.
CJ Fedorowicz,Iowa-fits what the Cards are looking for in a TE.

OT
Cyrus Kouandjio, Bama-may be the most overlooked talent in the draft.
Morgan Moses,UVA-big athletic RT
Cameron Fleming,Stan- could start at RT from day 1.

OG
Xavier Su-a Filo,UCLA-best OG in the draft.
Brandon Thomas,Clem-can play guard or RT.
Trai Turner,LSU- strong run blocker and very athletic.

DE
Stephon Tuitt,ND/ Ra'shede Hageman,Minn-like them both and either could be Cards pick at 20.
Anthony Johnson,LSU-dominating at times but need more consitent motor.
Ben Gardner,Stan-injured late in the year but could be great value.

OLB
Anthony Barr,UCLA-my favorite defensive player in the draft.
Jeremiah Attaucho,Gtech-strong,talented edge rusher with huge upside.
Chris Smith,Ark-probably my 2nd favorite defensive player in the draft.

ILB
CJ Mosley,Bama-far and away best ILB prospect.
Shayne Skov,Stan-solid, unspectacular ILB that can be counted on.
Max Bullough,MSU-just a guy who is alwasy around the ball.

CB
Kyle Fuller,Vtech-I think he's the best CB in the draft.
Bradley Roby,OSU-first round athletic ability, on field play says round 2.
Chris Davis,AUB-very raw but makes big plays.

S
Lamarcus Joyner,FSU-the best defensive player I saw last year. Height is only issue.
Deone Buchanon,WSU-probably a bit overrated on this board. More likely a 3rd rounder.
Craig Loston,LSU-not sure why he's being downgraded. I don't see a big difference between him and Eric Reid, who went in round 1.

 

[Mitch]

Here's mine:
QB
Bridgewater,L'ville-one bad pro day doesn't trump 2 years of excellent play.
Mettenberger,LSU-most improved QB in the nation.
Aaron Murray,UGA-probably not an ideal Cards fit but good value late.

RB
Carlos Hyde,OSU-the best, most physical RB in the draft.
Davonte Freeman,FSU- played excellent every time I saw him.
Isaiah Crowell,Bama St.- risky, but as talented an any RB in the draft.

WR
Marquise Lee,USC- great fit for the Cards
Martavis Bryant,Clem- overshadowed by Watkins but very good in his own right.
Tevin Reese,Bay-a big play waiting to happen.

TE
Eric Ebron,UNC-best TE, hands down.
Austin Seferian-Jenkins,Was- would be a great pick up in round 2, 1st round talent.
CJ Fedorowicz,Iowa-fits what the Cards are looking for in a TE.

OT
Cyrus Kouandjio, Bama-may be the most overlooked talent in the draft.
Morgan Moses,UVA-big athletic RT
Cameron Fleming,Stan- could start at RT from day 1.

OG
Xavier Su-a Filo,UCLA-best OG in the draft.
Brandon Thomas,Clem-can play guard or RT.
Trai Turner,LSU- strong run blocker and very athletic.

DE
Stephon Tuitt,ND/ Ra'shede Hageman,Minn-like them both and either could be Cards pick at 20.
Anthony Johnson,LSU-dominating at times but need more consitent motor.
Ben Gardner,Stan-injured late in the year but could be great value.

OLB
Anthony Barr,UCLA-my favorite defensive player in the draft.
Jeremiah Attaucho,Gtech-strong,talented edge rusher with huge upside.
Chris Smith,Ark-probably my 2nd favorite defensive player in the draft.

ILB
CJ Mosley,Bama-far and away best ILB prospect.
Shayne Skov,Stan-solid, unspectacular ILB that can be counted on.
Max Bullough,MSU-just a guy who is alwasy around the ball.

CB
Kyle Fuller,Vtech-I think he's the best CB in the draft.
Bradley Roby,OSU-first round athletic ability, on field play says round 2.
Chris Davis,AUB-very raw but makes big plays.

S
Lamarcus Joyner,FSU-the best defensive player I saw last year. Height is only issue.
Deone Buchanon,WSU-probably a bit overrated on this board. More likely a 3rd rounder.
Craig Loston,LSU-not sure why he's being downgraded. I don't see a big difference between him and Eric Reid, who went in round 1.

I was hoping you would post yours. Many of your choices have me especially intrigued and were ones that I pondered as well. Some quick notes:

I too like QB Aaron Murray, but like you, i question whether BA&SK see him as a fit.

RB Davonte Freeman is a spot-on choice because BA has said he wants to add another Ellington-type RB, so as to keep the flavor of the offense intact, and Freeman is about as close to Ellington as any RB in this draft---and I think he probably will be available in Rounds 4-5.

I would bet that all three of the WRs you named (Marquis Lee, Martavis Bryant and Tevin Reese) are very high on the BASK board. I would not be surprised to see BASK take Marquis Lee at #20, if he's still available, and I think Odell Beckham Jr. is way up on their board as well. If they don't go WR at #20 and Martavis Bryant is available at #52, I think he's the pick. BA was raving about speed WRs with size at the Combine.

I too feel that TE C.J. Fiedorowicz is a perfect fit...but I don't see him making it to the 4th round. I deliberated quite some time over Niklas and C.J....but felt that Niklas is a little better in the red zone.

Your three tackles are excellent choices. I would take Zach Martin over Koudjo because I think he's a steadier player---plus, as we saw with Massie and Watford, learning BA's playbook is a real challenge and I think Martin would catch on the quickest and have the most immediate impact. But, like you, Koudjo's physical talent is hard to ignore.

I didn't list Moses because I can't see him falling to #52---and if Zach Martin is gone before #20, I could see BASK trading down a few spots and taking Moses.

But---I think you may be spot-on about Cameron Fleming. I think the hope may be that he or Jack Mewhort (whom I am surprised you didn't list) will be available at #84.

Your guard choices are excellent---Brandon Thomas's versatility is a plus---just not so sure the Cardinals would take him at #52, but surely would at #84. And Trai Turner from LSU would be a great third day pick.

I know you are very high on 34DEs Hageman and Truitt---I just don't see enough consistency from either of them to warrant taking them at #20. I see the talent that you are high on, however.

Please share more of your thoughts on OLB Chris Smith. I have watched some tape of him and was fairly impressed, but not wowed. if he's your second favorite player in the draft, that's really saying something.

Have you cooled on OLB Michael Sam? I still think he is going to be better than people think, and I do not think he will be that much of a distraction, especially now that locker room decorum is being scrutinized by the NFL.

I too think Kyle Fuller may be the best all-around CB in the draft. But, for the Cardinals, I think a speed slot CB is imperative. I am not high on Jerraud Powers and, of course, we will be without Honey Badger for a while.

Now---i am fascinated with your choice of S Lamarcus Joyner. I think this is a great choice---I just wasn't sure whether he fits at safety or CB. But, he might be the Honey Badger of this draft. That was a great call on your part.

 

[Cbus cardsfan]

I liked Chris Smith's play/production at Arkansas and then really liked him after watching the Senior Bowl week. He's as quick as anyone I have seen getting off the ball. It seemed like he was 1/2 step ahead of everyone else. He has the stoutness to playthe run and showed well in change of direction drills too.

I don't know if he fits the "longer" theme Keim seems to be talking about seeing he's only listed at 6'1. I think he'll end up in Pittsburgh or Tennessee as he seems a perfect fit for their systems.

Joyner can play either position and, I agree, will thrive in a Honey Badger type role. Again, he doesn't really fit the longer theme but I would have no problem taking him. You can't have too many playmakers.

As for Kouandjio, the only real reason he seems to be getting overlooked was the injury report at the combine. However, I don't think that has ever been confirmed and have heard conflicting reports on it.

Keep an eye on Attaochu. Jax had him at the Senior Bowl and he received rave reviews. He's my choice for the Cards in round 2, that's if he lasts that long. One site, Draftek maybe, had the Cards taking him in round 1.

 

[WildBB]

Keep an eye on Attaochu. Jax had him at the Senior Bowl and he received rave reviews. He's my choice for the Cards in round 2, that's if he lasts that long. One site, Draftek maybe, had the Cards taking him in round 1.

I think we'd have a difficult time taking him over a TE or RT in Rd. 2.

I like his motor though. He'd be a solid pick there.

 

[Cbus cardsfan]

I think we'd have a difficult time taking him over a TE or RT in Rd. 2.

I like his motor though. He'd be a solid pick there.

Pass rusher is a big area to address too. With TE's, I'd be fine with ASJ but Ebron will be long gone and I'm not a Niklas fan. It may be too early for any other TE.

As for RT, I'd rather wait until round 4 and get a guy there. Fleming, Hurst, and a few others are guys that can come in and have as much a chance to be good as a guy like Mewhort. Now if a Moses or Kouandjio is sitting there at 52, then they definitely have to be in the running.

 

[ajcardfan]

Pass rusher is a big area to address too. With TE's, I'd be fine with ASJ but Ebron will be long gone and I'm not a Niklas fan. It may be too early for any other TE.

As for RT, I'd rather wait until round 4 and get a guy there. Fleming, Hurst, and a few others are guys that can come in and have as much a chance to be good as a guy like Mewhort. Now if a Moses or Kouandjio is sitting there at 52, then they definitely have to be in the running.

Personally, I don't think the Cards are going to make a pick thinking, "We have to take (insert position here)" in ANY rounds of the draft. The way Keim attacked free agency, and the way Arians worked the roster last season, they just aren't going to be thinking "Okay, no matter what we HAVE to draft a TE, a SS, an OLB and a .....etc.

I love how we set ourselves up for this draft in free agency. We can draft BPA in all rounds, regardless of position.

 

[oaken1]

Personally, I don't think the Cards are going to make a pick thinking, "We have to take (insert position here)" in ANY rounds of the draft. The way Keim attacked free agency, and the way Arians worked the roster last season, they just aren't going to be thinking "Okay, no matter what we HAVE to draft a TE, a SS, an OLB and a .....etc.

I love how we set ourselves up for this draft in free agency. We can draft BPA in all rounds, regardless of position.

in the long run that is how to build a contending team.....and if we wind up stacked with talent at a particular position,...use them as leverage against each other in contract negotiations,...then trade them for more draft picks later......and do it all again.

 

[WildBB]

Personally, I don't think the Cards are going to make a pick thinking, "We have to take (insert position here)" in ANY rounds of the draft. The way Keim attacked free agency, and the way Arians worked the roster last season, they just aren't going to be thinking "Okay, no matter what we HAVE to draft a TE, a SS, an OLB and a .....etc.

I love how we set ourselves up for this draft in free agency. We can draft BPA in all rounds, regardless of position.

But the thing is, unless something changes drastically those 'positions' will be BPA in certain (mtl early) rounds. Draft boards are weighted towards the prospect AND position. How that draft pick will impact the team early in their career. This happens predominantly for almost all the teams in the draft.

Sometimes further on in the draft process you do pick someone who's head and shoulders above anyone else that you could call more of a need because of the separation of talent. Not so much in the early rounds. There tends to be more balance of talent at multiple positions.

 

[Chopper0080]

I liked Chris Smith's play/production at Arkansas and then really liked him after watching the Senior Bowl week. He's as quick as anyone I have seen getting off the ball. It seemed like he was 1/2 step ahead of everyone else. He has the stoutness to playthe run and showed well in change of direction drills too.

I don't know if he fits the "longer" theme Keim seems to be talking about seeing he's only listed at 6'1. I think he'll end up in Pittsburgh or Tennessee as he seems a perfect fit for their systems.

Joyner can play either position and, I agree, will thrive in a Honey Badger type role. Again, he doesn't really fit the longer theme but I would have no problem taking him. You can't have too many playmakers.

As for Kouandjio, the only real reason he seems to be getting overlooked was the injury report at the combine. However, I don't think that has ever been confirmed and have heard conflicting reports on it.

Keep an eye on Attaochu. Jax had him at the Senior Bowl and he received rave reviews. He's my choice for the Cards in round 2, that's if he lasts that long. One site, Draftek maybe, had the Cards taking him in round 1.

I have him penciled in as the Cards 2nd round pick in the mock draft I am building. He fits for a number of reasons.

 

[Chopper0080]

QB
Blake Bortles, Central Florida - Only QB I know deserves a 1st round grade.

Zach Mettenberger, LSU - Physical skills and progression among best in class.

Tom Savage, Pittsburgh - Has taken a weird path, but at least has the physical skills to play in the Pros.

RB
None in round 1.

Dri Archer, Kent St. - 3rd round guy IMO. I would pay for speed/versatility.

Terrence West, Towson - Small school, natural runner. My only doubts are with speed.

WR
Sammy Watkins Jr, Clemson - Obviously

Brandin Cooks, Oregon St. - Kid is going to be really good.

Robert Herron, Wyoming - Big play Bob would fit the slot for Arians perfectly and I believe plays physical enough to develop into a #2.

TE
For the Cardinals I wouldn't take one in round 1.

CJ Fiedorowicz, Iowa - Perfect scheme fit for Cardinals and worth a 3rd.

Crockett Gilmore, Colorado St. - Not an impact guy, but a player who could stick and do what the Cardinals say they want their TEs to do.

OT
Brandon Thomas, Clemson - If I am taking a OT in round 1 where the Cardinals pick, I am taking Thomas.

Jake Mewhort, Ohio St. - Nothing sexy, but I know he can play RT.

James Hurst, North Carolina - Coming off injury and has some talent. Decent combo when talking about a pick after round 4.

OG
Xavier Su'a Filo, UCLA - Only OG worth a 1st.

Gabe Jackson, Mississippi St. - Prototype RG who is strong enough to play right away.

Trai Turner, LSU - Physical talent who is very young (rSo) coming from a solid college program. A project, but worth investing in if he can be gotten late.

DE
None Round 1.

Will Clarke, West Virginia - Motor, strength and quickness. A little light, but could be a 2nd round guy IMO.

Brent Urban, Virginia Tech - Looks the part and flashes moments of dominance, but has never put it together. Could be Justin Smith or could be cut in a year or two. A big gamble.

OLB
Anthony Barr, UCLA - Would love him to drop to #20.

Jeremiah Attaochu, Georgia Tech - Raw and surprisingly productive pass rusher in college. Might be worth a 1st rounder.

Chris Smith, Arkansas - Copying CBUS here. Over 34 inch arms which make up for a lack of height. I think he sticks in the league and could be a plus pass rusher.

ILB
I wouldn't draft one in first round.

Chris Borland, Wisconsin - He is a 10 year player though I can't say for sure if it is on defense or teams only.

Tyler Starr, South Dakota - Has size and playing style that will at least keep him on an NFL roster.

CB
Justin Gilbert, Oklahoma St. - If I am drafting a CB in round 1, he needs to be able to do it all.

Jaylen Watkins, Florida - Sammy's brother was overshadowed at Florida but is a very solid athlete who has been consistent throughout his career. I believe he has #1CB potential.

Walt Aikens, Liberty - Small school but physically fits the profile. If I can get a Justin Bethel in the later rounds of the draft, I will. Similar type prospect.

S
Calvin Pryor, Louisville - PLays fast, is versatile and can tackle. Works for me.

Deone Bucannon, Washington State - Probably gets drafted higher than he should, but he reminds me of Adrian Wilson coming out of college. Big, physical and has amde big plays throughout his career. Not all SSs can say that.

Ed Reynolds, Stanford - Smart and a decent athlete. S is a position where smarts can make you look faster than you are, and Reynolds has football smarts.