The Draft’s Inflection Point.

Harry

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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?
 

az jam

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Good stuff Harry. This is one of the best years for centers and the Cards need one. They have two third round picks, I would think that is when they get their center. It will be a fun draft to watch especially when the Cards are on the clock with the third pick.
 

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Good stuff Harry. This is one of the best years for centers and the Cards need one. They have two third round picks, I would think that is when they get their center. It will be a fun draft to watch especially when the Cards are on the clock with the third pick.
I would rather they go for their top guy and get him in the 2nd. With so many good Cs, I don't want us to be in the "drats, none of our guys fell to the 3rd" club. I'm afraid if we wait, we lose.
 

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I would rather they go for their top guy and get him in the 2nd. With so many good Cs, I don't want us to be in the "drats, none of our guys fell to the 3rd" club. I'm afraid if we wait, we lose.
thats where I come in at also. Was originally thinking DT/CB/WR at 34... but they all helped themselves in workouts and some of the defensive guys didnt. so our best bet is 34 for a Center. Schmittz has been my choice there... not because he is the best prospect but because he is more physically mature and more experienced. as a 24 y/o fifth year senior,..dude as a rookie will basically be a third year player.
would love to get Schmittz and Avila both...a lineup of Hump, Avila, Scmittz, Hernandez, Beachum is pretty damned solid
 

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in the what do you value rankings of the centers:

Schmidt is starter savy but is athletically limited. Might be topped out.

Wypler is a tad undersized, but super athletic. A Jason Kelce comp

Tippman is the middle ground between Schmidt and Wypler

all have that mid 2nd / early 3rd ranking
 

oaken1

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in the what do you value rankings of the centers:

Schmidt is starter savy but is athletically limited. Might be topped out.

Wypler is a tad undersized, but super athletic. A Jason Kelce comp

Tippman is the middle ground between Schmidt and Wypler

all have that mid 2nd / early 3rd ranking
Agree.
The only reason i would pick Schmittz is because he definitely starts day 1
Otherwise Tippmann would be my guy
 
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Harry

Harry

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thats where I come in at also. Was originally thinking DT/CB/WR at 34... but they all helped themselves in workouts and some of the defensive guys didnt. so our best bet is 34 for a Center. Schmittz has been my choice there... not because he is the best prospect but because he is more physically mature and more experienced. as a 24 y/o fifth year senior,..dude as a rookie will basically be a third year player.
would love to get Schmittz and Avila both...a lineup of Hump, Avila, Scmittz, Hernandez, Beachum is pretty damned solid
They could maybe get Schmitz and Avila. I like Avila best at guard.
 

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If they take anything other than CB in round 1 I can't see them not going CB or Center in round 2.

We have tackles, we have to some degree DT's, we have nothing at CB outside Wilson and nothing at C.

It depends how the draft falls and I can easily see 7 CB's going in round 1.
 

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If they take anything other than CB in round 1 I can't see them not going CB or Center in round 2.

We have tackles, we have to some degree DT's, we have nothing at CB outside Wilson and nothing at C.

It depends how the draft falls and I can easily see 7 CB's going in round 1.
Imagine if the Cardinals go RB or TE in round 2...
 

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If they take anything other than CB in round 1 I can't see them not going CB or Center in round 2.

We have tackles, we have to some degree DT's, we have nothing at CB outside Wilson and nothing at C.

It depends how the draft falls and I can easily see 7 CB's going in round 1.
We really don't. We have bad talent/short term and low talent options at the position, certainly nothing for the future. I do agree that CB and C are huge needs, though. You may very well be right about 7 CBs in the 1st.
 

BritCard

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We really don't. We have bad talent/short term and low talent options at the position, certainly nothing for the future. I do agree that CB and C are huge needs, though. You may very well be right about 7 CBs in the 1st.

We literally have players though. We have two starting tackles.

At CB we have 1 starter. A borderline slot if Hamilton can play there but nothing opposite Wilson.
 

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We literally have players though. We have two starting tackles.

At CB we have 1 starter. A borderline slot if Hamilton can play there but nothing opposite Wilson.
Eh, we have players but we don't have starters. I agree it's pretty bad comparing the DT and CB rooms, though. Both are pretty bare.
 
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Harry

Harry

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If they take anything other than CB in round 1 I can't see them not going CB or Center in round 2.

We have tackles, we have to some degree DT's, we have nothing at CB outside Wilson and nothing at C.

It depends how the draft falls and I can easily see 7 CB's going in round 1.
I considered a couple of CBs, the problem is unless someone drops, they are far from the best value at this point. Devon Witherspoon CB ILL exhibits concerns about top end speed, but has everything else. Clark Phillips CB UT is decent and both these guys are ballhawks, which would help.
 

BritCard

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I considered a couple of CBs, the problem is unless someone drops, they are far from the best value at this point. Devon Witherspoon CB ILL exhibits concerns about top end speed, but has everything else. Clark Phillips CB UT is decent and both these guys are ballhawks, which would help.

Manny Forbes and Deonte Banks are guys they should be looking at later, but then both may go late round 1.

I like Julius Brents too but not at the top of round 2.
 

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What will people do if (lol this is going to be fun) if we purposely avoid this year's draft too (like we have free agency)? If we not only trade the #3, but we trade it for picks in 2024? To a team that's going to suck balls this year (meaning good 2024 draft picks)? I seriously doubt this happens btw and haven't even looked to see which teams already have multiple picks next year

What would that do to our cap? Would it mean we are looking at QBs in 2024? What would it do to our (I want it now!) fanbase?
 

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What will people do if (lol this is going to be fun) if we purposely avoid this year's draft too (like we have free agency)? If we not only trade the #3, but we trade it for picks in 2024? To a team that's going to suck balls this year (meaning good 2024 draft picks)? I seriously doubt this happens btw and haven't even looked to see which teams already have multiple picks next year

What would that do to our cap? Would it mean we are looking at QBs in 2024? What would it do to our (I want it now!) fanbase?
It would be inordinately dumb, unless the plan is well and truly not to compete until 2025. You need to give draftees time to adjust and develop.

Then again, if the idea isn't to compete until 2025, it would probably be a good idea and one to consider. I really hope the team isn't just mailing in two whole seasons. One is enough.
 

Chopper0080

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If you are looking to transition to a more traditional NFL offense, and also want to save some money, drafting a top TE in round 2 enables you to start that process. You just have to use them.
 

MadCardDisease

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If you are looking to transition to a more traditional NFL offense, and also want to save some money, drafting a top TE in round 2 enables you to start that process. You just have to use them.
Totally agree.

That's why I think a guy like Darnell Washington could be a great fit for this new offense.
 
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