Did the Cards Make the Right Picks in the 7th Round?
I know it seems like nitpicking to analyze the 240th and 254th picks but in hindsight there are some questions that are worth raising, besides there is nothing else to do this time of year. Over analyzing is what gets us through the off season.
So were there better choices than LaRod Stephens-Howling (LSH- If you have a hyphenated name you automatically become an acronym), and Canfield? Sometimes these late round choices are the difference between a consistent power house and a hot-and-cold franchise.
Pros:
In 2008 LSH (5'7" 180) had lost his starting position to LeSean McCoy and spent the second half of his career playing on the special teams. NFL.com suggested that LSH could turn into a Darren Sproles with kick return ability. He received Pitts' award as the team's most inspirational player in 2008. Even as a back up he was a leader. Not on most draft board radars, did Dave Wannstedt clue in his old friend, Whizenhunt, to a hidden diamond? With the loss of Arrington the Cards need a returner and LSH has potential to become just that so what is there not to love about the pick?
Canfield (6'5" 307) is a tough right guard with a reputation for playing nasty. He had a stellar career at Louisville and some had him being selected earlier. He has decent lateral quickness but he tends to get too high and occasionally bends at the waist which causes him to lose his balance. He has practiced some at center in college but never played the position in a game. Although the Cards have some depth at OL could Canfield be a positive addition in the future?
Questions:
For me, one key question is who the Cards did not select? That kind of sets the value for me. Here is a sampling of some of the notable players that the Cards decided to take a pass on in order to select LSH and Canfield.
Ian Johnson (RB, 5'11" 212, 4.46)
Cory Sheets (RB, 5'11" 208, 4.47)
Chris Baker (NT, 6'2" 329)
Mitch King (DE, 6'2" 280)
Ricky Jean-Francois (DE, 6'3" 295)
Philip Hunt (OLB, 6'1" 244)
Antonio Appleby (ILB, 6'4" 243)
Darry Beckwith (ILB, 6'1, 234)
Dannell Ellerbe (ILB, 6'1", 236)
I think I would have been temped to taken one of the DL and Appleby with the two 7th round picks and then picked up LSH or Garvin, or both as rookie-FA. Should they have selected Sheets or I. Johnson over LSH? For me the jury is still out if the Cards made the right call in the 7th. Is LSH destined for the practice squad? Maybe. Is Canfield? Probably. I am especially interested to see how LSH looks in training camp. (Not seeing anything in OTA due to hamstring.) Will Canfield ever make an impact? Will the Cards keep 4 RB in the final 53? Hindsight is always easier. Would you have made the same pick as the Cards in the 7th?
This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of Revenge of the Birds' (ROTB) editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of ROTB's editors.
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Comments
Ok with Canfield
I had no idea who he was when they drafted him but after some quick research, I’m ok with the pick. CBS Sports put a fourth round grade on him and listed him as the 6th best guard, so I can’t complain.
The LSH pick had me scratching my head considering the other backs on the board but we’ll see.
Seventh Round Considerations
By the time you get to the seventh round, the other teams have already picked over the bird pretty good. You’ve got to assume that the guys still on the board are there for a reason.
This makes the seventh round great for (a) rolling the dice on a “high floor/high ceiling” boom or bust prospect who may still be there due to an injury issue or the dispute with a coach, (b) filling a need or two with players – who if left undrafted – are likely to be snapped up quickly or © simply getting lucky when a guy higher up on your board somehow slips through.
Stephens-Howling is one of those boom or bust role players who fills a roster need as a returner.
Canfield has had mixed reviews – some scouting services rated him as high as #4 or #5 OG. Some felt he lacked physicality and could get pushed around or out-quicked. (During Senior Bowl practices, I first saw him look lousy and then late on look pretty darned good. Maybe some scouts saw the “bad Canfield” and others saw the “good Canfield.” For this reason, he’s a perfect 7th round pick.
Finally, I wasn’t all that impressed by the other players still listed on the board when we picked.
In short, there are no guarantees (especially at #7) but I thought we did pretty good.
CHICKEN LITTLE WAS RIGHT!
Canfield
played at Cincinnati. Not at Louisville like was said above. But anyways he should be fine and allows for depth on the line. LSH will be a special teams player. We need to have a good PR/KR after JJ left. I like him as a returner or potential situational RB.
Overall they must have seen something different with these guys for them to be taken in the draft and not wait for UDFA.
Sheets
This guy has some serious character issues so I for one am very glad he isnt on our team.
Never do card tricks for the group you play poker with.
Ian Johnson would have been a nice additon but....
I think LSH will be a better fit for the return game which is what we drafted him for.
LSH
perfect fit to fill the void of JJ. Will he be the #3 RB doubtfull, good fit for special teams, PR/KR, probably. Lets play the waiting game I’m sure well see alot of him in the preseason!
I don't really see any diference
late in the seventh round vs UFA. In fact with an UFA you at least know he wants to be in your city and on the team.
LaRod impressed me with his post-draft interview, and I believe his leadership in the face of adversity was the reason he was picked. Whether he makes the team as a specialist or on the practice squad, he will be a living example of perseverance and drive.
+1
I agree at this stage of the draft it is more about attitude than ability. The chances of making the team decreases with every round of the draft so you really need guys who will overcome their perceived physical or playing shortfalls and work their butts off to get a chance.

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