Cards late round gems

by cdeveau on Aug 27, 2011 3:55 PM MDT

As I look over the roster, I see players in starting/solid depth that were late round or UDFA. This makes me think the person/people involved in scouting the late round talent need to get a raise. (And never ever mention their name aloud, so they can never be lured away from the organization) The most current example of this scouting ability also makes use of the small school scouting. A.J. Jefferson out of Fresno State. Hit the jump to keep reading.

#20 for the Cards is currently running 1st string LCB, across from Greg Toler. This is preseason, but Jefferson has been getting plenty of looks, and performing positively when the spotlight is on him. Here is a link to a good article by Jess Root about Jefferson's top 10 combine performance, and as the old adage says, you can't teach (enter appropriate term here "speed, athletics, etc.") At 6'1", and 190#, he matches up well with taller receivers. He plays a physical style that Horton likes. Whiz has given him a positive comment. In the Raiders game he stepped up and made a few nice defenses against the pass, being in the right position. Again, his play in the Packers game was solid.

If the Cards can continue to evaluate, pull into camp, and coach up talent from the later rounds, the future of the origination's future is bright. As for #20, I expect see Jefferson starting for game one against the Panthers.

What are your opinions?

Poll

Will Jefferson be the starter come day one of the season?

Yes

47 votes

No

3 votes

Too close to tell

6 votes

56 votes | Poll has closed

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

All I have seen from Jefferson

is solid tackling, and that is enough to sell me on him being #2 to start the season.

by Cardsfan928 on Aug 27, 2011 7:23 PM MDT reply actions

That's all you've seen?

Jefferson has made some pretty sweet pass defenses. As for the tackling, it appears to be better for the entire defense. Horton must have made it abundantly clear that if you can’t tackle you ain’t making it here.

by hadrarius on Aug 28, 2011 7:08 PM MDT up reply actions

Well yes he has been a great blanket in coverage

by Cardsfan928 on Aug 28, 2011 7:27 PM MDT up reply actions

Jefferson has the potential to be a cover CB

I know most folks only know about the guys that get a lot of INTs, but the cover CB’s are so essential. Asomugha, Revis, Tramon Williams…etc., are all cover CB’s. Jefferson reminds me so much of that style of play, he may not get a lot of INTs, but a cover CB needs to shut down his WR forcing QB’s to throw to the other side of the field.

by jdough on Aug 28, 2011 10:07 AM MDT reply actions

Looks like he will have to be a starter now

Arizona Cardinals/Chicago Bears fan
Phoenix Suns, Arizona Diamondbacks, Phoenix Coyotes, Arizona Rattlers fan
[I have always lived in Arizona, dad is from Chicago].

Leading the NFL in swagtangibles

by JoeCB1991 on Aug 29, 2011 12:33 PM MDT reply actions