Mitch
Crawled Through 5 FB Fields
The Cardinals are---in one sense---in an envious position because they will draft early at the top of the draft and in every round, save the 7th, but---not in another sense---in that the draft is not deep or especially talented in their need areas (QB, OLB, T).
Anytime you don't know for sure who your starting QB is going to be and you are picking in the top 5 of the draft, it behooves you to think QB with that pick. Mike Mayock said it best this past week. He is high on Blaine Gabbert---thinks that Gabbert can be compared to Sam Bradford and Matt Ryan.
But then you go and look at the breakdown of Gabbert's play and his stats at Mizzou...and numerous concerns emerge. His stats are not anywhere near comparable to the college stats and successes of Bradford's and Ryan's---and Gabbert threw the ball much more often than they did.
There's plenty to like about Gabbert's arm and his physcial size---but then again the same could be said about Ryan Leaf, Alex Smith and David Carr.
Meanwhile---the Cardinals defense lacks the big-time edge rusher it has needed for the past four years---and there ARE some good options there---which---by closer examination also presents a conundrum of sorts.
The Cardinals drafted two undersized LBers last year in Daryl Washington and O'Brien Schofield. Do they risk drafting a third in speed freak edge maniac Von Miller?
If Ray Horton thinks that Schofield can play the strong side (seems small by the typical standards)...and that Washington will fill out perfectly for the WILB position, then adding Miller would be a boon.
The great news about Miller beyond his uncanny speed and quickness is that this kid's character and leadership are impeccable---these are two areas that the Cardinals need to improve significantly in, as the current group of defensive players seem to think they can take certain Sundays and Monday nights off.
When you think about it---how many top ten prospects like Von Miller would have abided by his commitment to play in the Senior Bowl?
The fact that he took the difficult route---just taking on a week of hard practices and constant media scrutiny when all he really had to do is conduct his own private workout for scouts and while in gym shorts blaze that superior speed and quickness of his---and he would still secure a top spot in the draft.
Von Miller added a special dignity to this year's Senior Bowl. And he did it with class---he didn't grandstand or flaunt his wares...he just showed up and kicked butt.
If there's ever a time when the Cardinals need a defensive player to come in, show up and kick butt, it is now...especially at such a position of utter and crucial need.
However, when Keith Butler outlined the Steeler criteria for OLBers he was adamant in pointing out you need guys who can bull rush and show a burst around the corner.
Von Miller is not a bull rusher---he doesn't have the upper or lower body makeup or the strength. He's a speed guy all the way.
Which leads to yet another conundrum...most of the time in passing situations the Cardinals will be in a 4-2-5 defense. Can Von Miller be effective as a RDE in a four man rush?
Note: It's imprtant for RDEs in a four man rush to keep strong in his lane...because if he gets tossed way too wide it leaves a gaping hole in the pocket that the QB can easily avoid or escape pressure through.
If you ascribe to Butler's philosophy---and there's great wisdom in it...you want a bigger, stronger, thicker player a la Woodley and Harrison...who provide the team with the ultimate luxury as edge players who you don't ever have to take off the field and will always generate pressure on the QB either at OLB or at DE.
The OLB/DE first round propects who fit that bill in this draft are Robert Quinn, Ryan Kerrigan, Aldon Smith and Justin Houston...and beyond---to a lesser extent for one reason or another---are Akeem Ayers, Sam Acho, Jeremy Beal, Jabaal Sheard, Mark Herzlich, Brooks Reed, Donte Moch, Cliff Matthews and Wayne Daniels.
I left Da'Quan Bowers out of this mix because it would be surprising if he wasn't taken in the first 4 picks (could well be the #1 or #2 pick)...and Bowers, at his size, is a 43 DE, not a 34 OLB.
That said, because Bowers could be a monster rusher in your 4 man rush (which these days teams play more often than not), if he is available, he's well worth the pick.
But let's take a look at the 4 top candidates:
Robert Quinn: Has the physcial package you want---can speed and bull rush---plays the run well---etc. But---hasn't played competitive football in well over a year because of a season-long suspension. Just because of that---is this a guy you can risk paying top 5 money to?
Ryan Kerrigan: Best bull rusher in the draft...but is not a speed threat, although his redirection quickness to the ball is superb. High character player and leader who plays his heart out every play. Recorded 33.5 sacks and 14 forced fumbles at Purdue and often had to beat double teams to do so. But, the questions are whether he can play standing up as a 34 SOLB...does he have the lateral quickness and agility? He certainly has the tenacity. And...because of the 34 OLB questions and the fact that he's not a speed rusher, no pundit will grade or project him as a top ten pick, let alone top 5. So, if you stay put and take him, the choice will be met with scrutiny...not that this should be a factor, but sometimes it is.
Aldon Smith: Young, raw and absolutlely explosive. He too will have to learn how to be a standup OLB...but can slide immediately into the role of a hand down RDE in the 4 man rush---and get this---at Mizzou, at times they even kicked him down to RDT in the 4 man rush where his quickness was at times unstoppable. In terms of the total package physcially, this kid is the best of the batch---but the questions are how fast can he learn and adapt to the NFL game and can he hold up physically and avoid the injury bug which cost him a number of games last year?
Justin Houston: Also young and somewhat raw (not nearly as raw as Smith), but has an amazingly quick first step. Gets off the ball with a flash. Has good strength holding his edge. Doesn't get pushed too wide of the pocket---like Miller does quite frequently. Played standing up at Georgia this past year and thrived in that role. Led the SEC in sacks...in one game he had 2 sacks, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and a game sealing interception pick six. If he doesn't come out early this year, he could have positioned himself to be a top ten pick next year. Do the Cardinals realize that and take him at #5, when most mocks will have him going in the late teens at the earliest?
Here are the potential 5 OLB studs in this draft...if the Cardinals wait to take an OLB instead in the second round, as they tried to do two years ago with Cody Brown, they may be able to take a solid player...but not one who likely will ever threaten the sack leaders in the NFL.
The conundrum does not stop here obviously...because of the what ifs...
The players who might slide to #5:
QB Cam Newton
DT Nick Fairley
CB Patrick Peterson
WR A.J. Green
Newton is loaded with talent---but is he a fit for Whiz's offense? I think he is---but would Whiz? However, there are the character concerns---and everyone is leery of Vince Young's situation in Tennessee.
Fairley also is loaded with talent---but he clashed with coaches at Auburn and he had off the field issues. He may have more bust potential than any player in this draft---especially when he gets his hand on all the money that comes with being a top 10 pick.
Peterson is dynamic in press coverage and on punt returns. He's a potential game changer. But---several scouts are convinced he's an NFL safety, not a CB. The Cardinals have been there, done that and bought the t-shirt, albeit with a less talented player athletically who did not make the STs explosive---but a top 10 pick none-the-less.
And Green is the one WR in this draft that is totally electrifying. With the WR situation suddenly in flux...taking Green wouldn't have anyone scratching their heads...especially if the coaches state prior to the draft that they think John Skelton is the young QBOF and that the intention is to sign a veteran and play him until Skelton is ready.
But you take any of these potential BPAs...and you are likely looking at another inadequate pass rush...especially now that the Raiders have the option for this year on Kamerion Wimbley.
Therein lies the conundrum.
In your opinion what's the best solution?
I think that if the Cardinals go in a different direction than OLB at #5, they need to do all they can to trade up back into the first round to take one of the stud edge pass rushers. Doing that in this draft may not be very easy at all and it would cost a couple of very high picks.
Anytime you don't know for sure who your starting QB is going to be and you are picking in the top 5 of the draft, it behooves you to think QB with that pick. Mike Mayock said it best this past week. He is high on Blaine Gabbert---thinks that Gabbert can be compared to Sam Bradford and Matt Ryan.
But then you go and look at the breakdown of Gabbert's play and his stats at Mizzou...and numerous concerns emerge. His stats are not anywhere near comparable to the college stats and successes of Bradford's and Ryan's---and Gabbert threw the ball much more often than they did.
There's plenty to like about Gabbert's arm and his physcial size---but then again the same could be said about Ryan Leaf, Alex Smith and David Carr.
Meanwhile---the Cardinals defense lacks the big-time edge rusher it has needed for the past four years---and there ARE some good options there---which---by closer examination also presents a conundrum of sorts.
The Cardinals drafted two undersized LBers last year in Daryl Washington and O'Brien Schofield. Do they risk drafting a third in speed freak edge maniac Von Miller?
If Ray Horton thinks that Schofield can play the strong side (seems small by the typical standards)...and that Washington will fill out perfectly for the WILB position, then adding Miller would be a boon.
The great news about Miller beyond his uncanny speed and quickness is that this kid's character and leadership are impeccable---these are two areas that the Cardinals need to improve significantly in, as the current group of defensive players seem to think they can take certain Sundays and Monday nights off.
When you think about it---how many top ten prospects like Von Miller would have abided by his commitment to play in the Senior Bowl?
The fact that he took the difficult route---just taking on a week of hard practices and constant media scrutiny when all he really had to do is conduct his own private workout for scouts and while in gym shorts blaze that superior speed and quickness of his---and he would still secure a top spot in the draft.
Von Miller added a special dignity to this year's Senior Bowl. And he did it with class---he didn't grandstand or flaunt his wares...he just showed up and kicked butt.
If there's ever a time when the Cardinals need a defensive player to come in, show up and kick butt, it is now...especially at such a position of utter and crucial need.
However, when Keith Butler outlined the Steeler criteria for OLBers he was adamant in pointing out you need guys who can bull rush and show a burst around the corner.
Von Miller is not a bull rusher---he doesn't have the upper or lower body makeup or the strength. He's a speed guy all the way.
Which leads to yet another conundrum...most of the time in passing situations the Cardinals will be in a 4-2-5 defense. Can Von Miller be effective as a RDE in a four man rush?
Note: It's imprtant for RDEs in a four man rush to keep strong in his lane...because if he gets tossed way too wide it leaves a gaping hole in the pocket that the QB can easily avoid or escape pressure through.
If you ascribe to Butler's philosophy---and there's great wisdom in it...you want a bigger, stronger, thicker player a la Woodley and Harrison...who provide the team with the ultimate luxury as edge players who you don't ever have to take off the field and will always generate pressure on the QB either at OLB or at DE.
The OLB/DE first round propects who fit that bill in this draft are Robert Quinn, Ryan Kerrigan, Aldon Smith and Justin Houston...and beyond---to a lesser extent for one reason or another---are Akeem Ayers, Sam Acho, Jeremy Beal, Jabaal Sheard, Mark Herzlich, Brooks Reed, Donte Moch, Cliff Matthews and Wayne Daniels.
I left Da'Quan Bowers out of this mix because it would be surprising if he wasn't taken in the first 4 picks (could well be the #1 or #2 pick)...and Bowers, at his size, is a 43 DE, not a 34 OLB.
That said, because Bowers could be a monster rusher in your 4 man rush (which these days teams play more often than not), if he is available, he's well worth the pick.
But let's take a look at the 4 top candidates:
Robert Quinn: Has the physcial package you want---can speed and bull rush---plays the run well---etc. But---hasn't played competitive football in well over a year because of a season-long suspension. Just because of that---is this a guy you can risk paying top 5 money to?
Ryan Kerrigan: Best bull rusher in the draft...but is not a speed threat, although his redirection quickness to the ball is superb. High character player and leader who plays his heart out every play. Recorded 33.5 sacks and 14 forced fumbles at Purdue and often had to beat double teams to do so. But, the questions are whether he can play standing up as a 34 SOLB...does he have the lateral quickness and agility? He certainly has the tenacity. And...because of the 34 OLB questions and the fact that he's not a speed rusher, no pundit will grade or project him as a top ten pick, let alone top 5. So, if you stay put and take him, the choice will be met with scrutiny...not that this should be a factor, but sometimes it is.
Aldon Smith: Young, raw and absolutlely explosive. He too will have to learn how to be a standup OLB...but can slide immediately into the role of a hand down RDE in the 4 man rush---and get this---at Mizzou, at times they even kicked him down to RDT in the 4 man rush where his quickness was at times unstoppable. In terms of the total package physcially, this kid is the best of the batch---but the questions are how fast can he learn and adapt to the NFL game and can he hold up physically and avoid the injury bug which cost him a number of games last year?
Justin Houston: Also young and somewhat raw (not nearly as raw as Smith), but has an amazingly quick first step. Gets off the ball with a flash. Has good strength holding his edge. Doesn't get pushed too wide of the pocket---like Miller does quite frequently. Played standing up at Georgia this past year and thrived in that role. Led the SEC in sacks...in one game he had 2 sacks, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and a game sealing interception pick six. If he doesn't come out early this year, he could have positioned himself to be a top ten pick next year. Do the Cardinals realize that and take him at #5, when most mocks will have him going in the late teens at the earliest?
Here are the potential 5 OLB studs in this draft...if the Cardinals wait to take an OLB instead in the second round, as they tried to do two years ago with Cody Brown, they may be able to take a solid player...but not one who likely will ever threaten the sack leaders in the NFL.
The conundrum does not stop here obviously...because of the what ifs...
The players who might slide to #5:
QB Cam Newton
DT Nick Fairley
CB Patrick Peterson
WR A.J. Green
Newton is loaded with talent---but is he a fit for Whiz's offense? I think he is---but would Whiz? However, there are the character concerns---and everyone is leery of Vince Young's situation in Tennessee.
Fairley also is loaded with talent---but he clashed with coaches at Auburn and he had off the field issues. He may have more bust potential than any player in this draft---especially when he gets his hand on all the money that comes with being a top 10 pick.
Peterson is dynamic in press coverage and on punt returns. He's a potential game changer. But---several scouts are convinced he's an NFL safety, not a CB. The Cardinals have been there, done that and bought the t-shirt, albeit with a less talented player athletically who did not make the STs explosive---but a top 10 pick none-the-less.
And Green is the one WR in this draft that is totally electrifying. With the WR situation suddenly in flux...taking Green wouldn't have anyone scratching their heads...especially if the coaches state prior to the draft that they think John Skelton is the young QBOF and that the intention is to sign a veteran and play him until Skelton is ready.
But you take any of these potential BPAs...and you are likely looking at another inadequate pass rush...especially now that the Raiders have the option for this year on Kamerion Wimbley.
Therein lies the conundrum.
In your opinion what's the best solution?
I think that if the Cardinals go in a different direction than OLB at #5, they need to do all they can to trade up back into the first round to take one of the stud edge pass rushers. Doing that in this draft may not be very easy at all and it would cost a couple of very high picks.
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but where did our clowns end up? I'd take Capers over Horton anyday too, they will only get better after 3 years.
