The Thomas Jones pick

[Ryanwb]

What were the Cardinals saying when nobody could figure out if they were going to take Urlacher or Jones? Didn't they hint they did not want to take a RB? Coming out a few days before the draft saying "we WILL NOT take a QB in the first round" sounds like some major smoke blowing.

I am in the Leftwich camp but I would still be happy with Suggs.

 

[JeffGollin]

What were the Cardinals saying when nobody could figure out if they were going to take Urlacher or Jones?
They were pretty secretive that year. Kiper, however, projected in his blue book for the Cards to draft Jones. (He also had the Bears projected to draft Urlacher).

The Cards' primary need - at least the way we fans saw it - was one of the top 4 RB's (i.e. Lewis, Jones, Dayne and Alexander) because of Pittman's injury history. The talent-dropoff after those 4 was substantial.

We thought there might be a way to finagle a second 1st round pick by trading down a couple of times. I seem to remember that the Bears were rumored to want to trade up to grab Plaxico Burress.

Things seemed to boil down to 2 options: (1) take a RB with our own pick or (2) trade down a few picks with Chicago and somehow pick up a second 1st round pick. Draft Urlacher with the first 1st rounder and grab the last remaining good RB (probably Alexander) with the other one further down.

 

[EndZone]

Originally posted by JeffGollin

Things seemed to boil down to 2 options: (1) take a RB with our own pick or (2) trade down a few picks with Chicago and somehow pick up a second 1st round pick. Draft Urlacher with the first 1st rounder and grab the last remaining good RB (probably Alexander) with the other one further down.
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Too bad that didn't happen!

 

[Redrage]

I'll go on record by admitting that I liked the Jones pick. My favorite back in the drat was Jamal Lewis followed by Alexander then Jones. I was surprised when Baltimore took Lewis as I thought Jones would be the first back drafted. Jones seemed to fit into the Faulk mold and I was sure someone would take him early because of that fact.

Never-the-less, I strongly believe that the Cards have used Jones incorrectly. He seems to do very well out of one back sets, running a draw or delay and seems to flourish in zone blocking situations. Seems that KC would be a very good fit for him. Funny enough, Ron Dayne was effective at the collegiate level running those very same plays. It would be hillarious if St. Louis tabbed Dayne as a backup (once he's released.)

Regarding Urlacher. He would've looked good in Cardinals red. BUT, he would have not been nearly as impressive here as the Cards didn't have those gargantuan water buffaloe DTs that were so good at keeping guards from flattening Urlacher.

That being said, I think the Cards chose the right position just the wrong player. I for one still believe that Jones has a shot in the league, but he has wrecked any chance of competing here.