Arizona Cardinals Mock Draft Round Up

by Hawkwind on Feb 18, 2009 4:30 PM MST in 2009 Draft Comment 14 comments

With the Combine right around the corner what better time than now to look at who the draft-niks think the Arizona Cardinals will select. The past couple of round ups have produced some interesting results (here and here) and there are some interesting selections this time as well.

NFL Draft Countdown: Knowshon Moreno (RB), Geogia - There aren't many teams with a more potent passing game than Arizona but their ground attack leaves something to be desired. Edgerrin James already has one foot out the door and while at one point it looked like Tim Hightower might be the long-term solution at running back his lackluster performance down the stretch indicates he is probably best suited for the short-yardage / goalline role. Knowshon Moreno is only a redshirt sophomore but he had two amazing seasons for the Dawgs and will most likely be one of the first two running backs selected. In some ways Moreno is similar to Cadillac Williams in that he doesn't have elite size or speed but he makes up for it with outstanding instincts and vision. Moreno could very well be long gone by this point and if that is the case Arizona could then turn their attention to LeSean McCoy. The Cardinals could also still use some help along the offensive line. Mike Gandy has been relatively solid but they could do a whole lot better at left tackle (Eben Britton? William Beatty?) and either Max Unger or Alex Mack would be a major upgrade over Lyle Sendlein at center. Don't rule out a pass rushing outside linebacker for their 3-4 defense either because even though they have a bunch of solid players like Bert Berry and Chike Okeafor they lack a genuine difference maker. Second Round Pick: Eric Wood (C), Louisville

Draft Tek:: Clint Sintim (OLB), Virginia - If you're a serious draft nerd, check out Draft Tek. They don't offer descripitions but their mocks are based on computer simulation using player rankings and team needs. They've also got a simulator that you play with to build your own seven round mock draft. Very cool stuff over there.

Round 2: Herman Johnson (OG), LSU
Round 3: James Davis (RB), Clemson
Round 4: Brandon Williams (OLB), Texas Tech
Round 5: Brandon Underwood (FS), Cincinnati
Round 6: John Phillips (TE), Virginia
Round 7: Roy Miller (DT/DE), Texas

New Era Scouting: Larry English (OLB), Northern Illinois - No description.

NFL Draft 101: Donald Brown (RB), Connecticut - Many have not heard a lot about Brown but he is a good all-around back who can run inside and out plus catch passes out of the backfield. His versatility should combine well with Hightower's sledge hammer style. Round 2: Jonathan Luigs (OC) Arkansas - Round 3: Connor Barwin (OLB), Cincinnati

NFL Draft Dog: Alphonso Smith (CB), Wake Forest - Forest This little ball hawk is an excellent cover corner and solid tackler for his size (5' 9" 195 lbs). Pac Man Jones without the baggage. Round 2: Jonathan Luigs (OC) Arkansas

Football Jabber (Lee): LeShean McCoy (RB), Pittsburgh - It's clear that Edge James is not the future at the position and although Tim Hightower had some high spots during the season, likely isn't the answer at feature back. McCoy can bring spark to the position for the future.

FFToolbox (Standig): LeSean McCoy (RB), Pittsburgh - The Cardinals ground game has been much improved in the playoffs, but Edgerrin James could be elsewhere next season and Tim Hightower is proving to be most effective as a situational option. McCoy can handle a heavy workload and has the speed to give opposing defenses something to worry about. Michael Johnson or Clint Sintim could be the pick with the Cards in need of DE/OLB in their new 3-4 scheme. Round 2: Chase Coffman (TE), Missouri

Pro Football Weekly: Knowshon Moreno (RB), Geogia - Edgerrin James' time has run out in Arizona, and Tim Hightower has shown he can handle some of the hard carries between the tackles. What the Cardinals could sorely use is a dynamic complementary back, and Moreno perfectly fits the mold of a tough Ken Whisenhunt-type back. Moreno's talent suggests he should be drafted sooner, but with few teams needing a premier runner, backs could slide this year.

NFL.com: LeSean McCoy (RB), Pittsburgh - McCoy is a tough, shifty runner who also can catch the ball. He's a perfect fit for the Cardinals' scheme.

New NFL Draft: Chris Wells (RB), Ohio State - The Edge has looked pretty good in the post season but he isn't getting any younger. I think Beanie Wells is pretty evenly balanced and the 2nd best running back in this 2009 NFL Mock Draft. He will help them run the game and pair up well with Hightower.

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That's a lot of names to remember but seven of the ten mocks have the Cardinals taking a running back in the first round while two of them are predicting an OLB as the top priority. Agree/Disagree?

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Comments

Lotsa good names for RB, but only one name sticks out for TE's

We need a headliner TE in the tail end of the draft.

Spach – The man made an amazing impact we he started being worked into the running and passing game, so now we need to him backup and someone who can be relied on.. like a Heath Miller.

by CardsFan08 on Feb 18, 2009 5:00 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Man, I can't type.

Spach – The man made an amazing impact we he started being worked into the running and passing game, so now we need to him backup and someone who can be relied on.. like a Heath Miller.

Should read:
Spach – The man made an amazing impact we he started being worked into the running and passing game, so now we need to pick up a backup and someone who can be relied on.. like a Heath Miller.

by CardsFan08 on Feb 18, 2009 5:05 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

TE in Free Agency

I really think Bo Scaife TE from Tenn. would be a perfect pick-up for the Cards. I don’t see alot of hype following him around the league so he could be relatively soft hit to the cap and fit Graves philosophy of “bargain” price vs on-feild production. Anyone else?

by AkVermynking on Feb 18, 2009 5:58 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Draft picks

I do not think the Cardinals will draft a RB with the 31 pick. It could be better spent on a S, CB, NT or OLB to help out the defense. The running game has to be found in ARI but they can get a value pick on a back in a later round. They had James, Arrington and Hightower but the holes were not open to let them run through and get yards. Until they get a bit better on defense and secure the O Line to get holes open, it is a wast of a pick and money to take on an unproven rookie RB. TE is important but I would have to see if Spach can make a comeback after his injury or if Patrick can improve his play and then at least get James Casey or Shawn Nelson later in the draft. I know people will disagree but it is just what I think at this point before the draft get closer. Thanks.

by kj197728 on Feb 18, 2009 5:12 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

+1. good points. Y would we disagree.

by hevchv on Feb 18, 2009 5:38 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Trust

Rod Graves has my trust, he’s earned it year in and year out. 1st round……I’ll agree with the pros if Larry English or Knowshon are available at 31 they would be very tough to pass on. If you haven’t done it yet browse youtube for Larry English’s highlights PLAYMAKER, he’ll fit right in regardless of 3-4 or 4-3. McCoy looks alot like JJ Arrington (i’m looking for YAContact), given the choice I resign JJ. Stick to the proven formula and draft the best talent in round 1. I also favor a defensive pick, the pass rush will need to continue improve and English has a nice burst to the ball carrier, and seems to understand how to cause fumbles.

by AkVermynking on Feb 18, 2009 5:52 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

English looks like a stud

I don’t know if he’ll be ready to start from day one b/c he won’t be able to grasp all the coverages, but he can flat out rush the passer. He reminds me of LaMarr Woodley when I see highlights of him. I’d love to see him in a Cardinals jersey next fall.

by Bezekira on Feb 19, 2009 9:52 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Get Brandon Williams

As a die-hard Tech fan I know from watching this guy that he is special

by Thundarr on Feb 18, 2009 5:58 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Williams

He could be a steal. Seen other mocks where other teams want him too and I think he would be good to help fill in. As there is a lack at or going to be a lack ot OLB and will need starters and reserve. That OLB position is calling for some youth. Or even some guys like him on special teams because we gave up too much on punts and kicks.

by kj197728 on Feb 18, 2009 6:41 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I have a bad feeling about McCoy

I can hardly say Ive studied him in detail, but any of the big runs Ive seen him make seem to involve him running through a giant, giant, hole untouched. He also goes down like a bitch when defenders get their hands on him. While he is undoubtedly talented, I think, like Darren Mc Fadden, he’ll struggle on a team that cant open proper holes for him.

by Irishcardinal on Feb 19, 2009 3:31 PM MST reply actions 0 recs