Harry
ASFN Consultant and Senior Writer
It will be very hard for the Cards to make a round 1 mistake. Whether they stay put, taking Anderson, or drop back in a can’t miss round 1, the Cards figure to make a good first pick. It’s not impossible that they might trade up again into late round 1 if they trade down. However, assuming that doesn’t happen I think success in this draft hinges on their first round 2 selection. The Cards must come away with 2 immediate starters in the first 2 rounds. During the Keim tenure the Cards frequently chose players incapable of making a significant first year contribution. That has to change.
I think it’s possible to even come out with 3-4 immediate contributors, though that’s extremely rare. There will also be some key role players available later in the draft. So, who are the likely choices. Some of these may be gone by the Cards’ selection but not all.
Bryan Bresee, DT, Clemson has bounced around early in this draft more than any top prospect. The death of his sister coupled with illness/injury cut the heart out of his season. However, his Combine performance was among the most dominant. Early on he was even considered top 10, then he dropped to late first. After the Combine people were talking mid-first, but now he’s looking early second after others had great Pro Days. What he offers is an outstanding DT with the potential to be dominant. In a pinch he can likely play anywhere along the line.
John Michael Schmitz C, Minnesota is a popular board choice. The Cards need a Center and he’s a good one. He’s solid in run blocking or pass protection. He’s outstanding at making blocking calls and is rarely fooled by stunts. He’s the type of guy who could start day one and play for 10 years. The hesitancy comes from the fact it’s often a poor strategy to use an early pick on a Center. Also this is the deepest Center pool in recent memory. The Cards could elect to wait and take a Center in round 3. They would likely get a serviceable starter.
Siaki Ika DT, Baylor is a force on the inside of a defensive line. Some have projected him at the bottom of round 1, but I think he goes round 2. This guy seems to be playing downhill while everyone else is playing on a level field. He explodes forward as the ball is snapped. He’s ferocious and plays a violent game. He’s effective in penetrating to collapse the pocket or anchor against the run. He has the potential to improve his technique and be even better. He has not yet produced sacks to any great extent.
Darnell Wright RT, Tennessee is a guy I really like. He’s mostly a RT specialist, though he was decent in the season he played LT. This guy is a mack truck when drive blocking. He makes numerous second level blocks. He plays well against both speed and power rushers, though he handles power rushers more efficiently. Wright is great at mirroring. He has been somewhat challenged by stunts. He is the only college tackle who effectively stopped Will Anderson.
Nolan Smith Edge, GA is a hot topic these days. Again injury history is a factor. He suffered the dreaded Pec injury (can be a recurring problem) that cut his sack production to only 2. He is unusually sound against an edge running play. Iff his medicals are sound, he figures to go late 1 or early 2. I don’t see them taking him if they’ve selected Anderson. He plays OLB and has better cover skills than Anderson. He’s never been the college star it was anticipated he’d become, but his ceiling is huge do to spectacular athleticism.
If you want my opinion on another option, just ask. Of course, you can simply tell us who you like and why?
I think it’s possible to even come out with 3-4 immediate contributors, though that’s extremely rare. There will also be some key role players available later in the draft. So, who are the likely choices. Some of these may be gone by the Cards’ selection but not all.
Bryan Bresee, DT, Clemson has bounced around early in this draft more than any top prospect. The death of his sister coupled with illness/injury cut the heart out of his season. However, his Combine performance was among the most dominant. Early on he was even considered top 10, then he dropped to late first. After the Combine people were talking mid-first, but now he’s looking early second after others had great Pro Days. What he offers is an outstanding DT with the potential to be dominant. In a pinch he can likely play anywhere along the line.
John Michael Schmitz C, Minnesota is a popular board choice. The Cards need a Center and he’s a good one. He’s solid in run blocking or pass protection. He’s outstanding at making blocking calls and is rarely fooled by stunts. He’s the type of guy who could start day one and play for 10 years. The hesitancy comes from the fact it’s often a poor strategy to use an early pick on a Center. Also this is the deepest Center pool in recent memory. The Cards could elect to wait and take a Center in round 3. They would likely get a serviceable starter.
Siaki Ika DT, Baylor is a force on the inside of a defensive line. Some have projected him at the bottom of round 1, but I think he goes round 2. This guy seems to be playing downhill while everyone else is playing on a level field. He explodes forward as the ball is snapped. He’s ferocious and plays a violent game. He’s effective in penetrating to collapse the pocket or anchor against the run. He has the potential to improve his technique and be even better. He has not yet produced sacks to any great extent.
Darnell Wright RT, Tennessee is a guy I really like. He’s mostly a RT specialist, though he was decent in the season he played LT. This guy is a mack truck when drive blocking. He makes numerous second level blocks. He plays well against both speed and power rushers, though he handles power rushers more efficiently. Wright is great at mirroring. He has been somewhat challenged by stunts. He is the only college tackle who effectively stopped Will Anderson.
Nolan Smith Edge, GA is a hot topic these days. Again injury history is a factor. He suffered the dreaded Pec injury (can be a recurring problem) that cut his sack production to only 2. He is unusually sound against an edge running play. Iff his medicals are sound, he figures to go late 1 or early 2. I don’t see them taking him if they’ve selected Anderson. He plays OLB and has better cover skills than Anderson. He’s never been the college star it was anticipated he’d become, but his ceiling is huge do to spectacular athleticism.
If you want my opinion on another option, just ask. Of course, you can simply tell us who you like and why?
