FanPost

The Cardinals may draft the #1 OT in the draft!!!

Laurent-duvernay-tardif_medium

via l.yimg.com

Yes it's true the Cardinal have a great shot of getting the number one tackle in the nation. The only thing is that nation is Canada. McGill University offensive tackle Laurent Duvernay-Tardif is the #1 prospect in the up coming CFL draft. The Cardinals reportedly have conducted interviews with him on 2 separate occasions at the practice for the East and West Shrine game. This tell me that Duvernay-Tardif is at least on the Cards RADAR and maybe a player that the team considers come this draft (Likely not on the first day). Last year Earl Watford made a name for himself at the Shrine game and was snatched up by the Cards in the 4th round. Watford was evaluated as a possible second years starter by scouts because of his good physical tools. That fact that he was coming from such a small school it was evident that he was going to need time to adjust to the pro game. We will see in the months to come if Keim and Co. knew what they were doing when they drafted him.
So what about Laurent Duvernay-Tardif (or "LDT" for short). What is special "aboot" LDT? Here is his scouting report.

Laurent Duvernay-Tardif #66 Laurent Duvernay-Tardif

Position: Offensive Tackle
Height: 6-5
Weight: 315
Class: Fourth Year
Hometown: St. Hilaire, QC
High School: Collège Andre-Grasset 2010
Academic Major: Medicine

- pronounced: loh-RON DOOVER-nay-TAR-dif

- nickname: Larry

- BORN: Feb. 11, 1991

- FRESHMAN YEAR (2010): reported to training camp at 253 lbs. and played on defensive line (#92)... dressed for six of nine games with three starts.

- SOPHOMORE YEAR (2011): reported to training camp at 280 lbs. and was moved over to offensive line (#66)... dressed for all nine games with nine starts at OT... often played two-ways.

- JUNIOR YEAR (2012): reported to training camp at 305 lbs... dressed for all nine games with nine starts at OT... often played two-ways.

- SENIOR YEAR (2013): reported to training camp at 315 lbs... dressed for all eight games with eight starts at OT.

COMMENT FROM POSITION COACH (2011):
"I matched Laurent up against the opposition’s best defensive end every game and he did not give up a sack all year. He played on both sides – left and right tackle – and dominated. He always locked up with his defender until the whistle blew. He was incredible at blocking at the second level – the best and always got to the linebacker." — Paul Lambert, offensive line coach, McGill Redmen

COMMENT FROM HEAD COACH & POSITION COACH (2013):
"Laurent has a tremendous work ethic and a quiet confidence that makes him a natural leader. Size and strength is a big factor in success on the o-line but when you find someone that possesses the combination of brains, brawn and nastiness that Laurent has on the field, then you've got a real keeper and he has all those tools. He's the kind of guy other players hate. He's mean out there. He looks to break their spirit and touch their soul. I believe that he will have a good pro career, whether it be in the CFL or NFL."
— Clint Uttley, head coach & OL coach, McGill Redmen

NATIONCOMMENT FROM CFL.COM (May, 2013):

"Physically he is very impressive and had a very good showing at CIS East-West Game. He looks like a CFL offensive linemen right now. He plays tackle in the CIS, I don’t know if he can in the CFL, but he at least has a background playing the tackle position. He is a big tackle, good feet, athletic, got better as the week progressed. He stood out amongst all of the offensive linemen. He definitely has all the intangibles. He’d definitely have to play inside in the CFL, but you could see him when he was working through the drills that he has the ability to do that. We’ll see how he develops during the year. He’s going to be in the conversation for the number one overall selection, I think he’s a first round pick for sure. He resembles a high offensive line pick.He’s really polished and technically he’s very sound. He has very good knee bend and is an athletic kid. He has good posture in his stance and when he’s actually playing. He’s got that straight back to him. Sits really well in his stance, punches and recovers well if he gets off balance. He has very, very good balance. He’s physical and finishes guys. I think he’s a guard in the CFL."

– Justin Dunk, CFL.COM

AL AWARDS / ACHIEVEMENTS:

- 2014: one of only two players selected to represent the CIS at the East-West Shrine Game (Jan. 18; St. Petersburg, Fla.)
- 2013: CFL Scouting Bureau’s top-rated prospect for 2014 CFL Draft (Fall, 2013)
- 2013: CIS Most Outstanding Lineman (J.P. Metras Trophy)
- 2013: College Football America CIS Preseason All-Canada
- 2013: CIS East-West Bowl (May 11; London, Ont.)
- 2012 & 2013: (two-time) CIS All-Canadian

Oh yeah did I forget to mention that LDT is studying to be a Doctor.

The kid is smart, big and is pretty darn strong!

Gym Beloeil (via activeperformance)

I counted 31 reps and that would have put him ranked 14th in last years combine for bench press. Only 6 OL would have ranked higher. He would have tied with T. Armstead of NO. (J. Cooper tied for 2nd among all OL last years with 35 reps)

I for one am glad that the Cardinal are doing their homework on every possible candidate that could help upgrade this Offensive Line that is ranked worst in the league. The line played better but I think that it is very clear that this is the teams weakest link and it has to be addressed often this off season. Will the Cards draft LDT? I don't know. Is he a LT or RT or would they move him inside? I don't know, but the CFL scout clearly though he needed to move to guard. He does appear to be built more in the mold of a Justin Pugh for NY, so he is probably not going to be a LT, but could still play RT. (Pugh was PFWA All-Rookie Team RT, shorter arms isn't the end of the world)

I do know that I look forward to seeing change up front next season. I think that we have a FO that is going to work hard to make sure that we have a much improved line next season. Darren Urban for AZ Cardinals.com said he could foresee as many as 4 new starters next year on the line. (Cooper would be one of the new starters) 2 new starters at the very least and 3 would be the very likely amount. (New LT, Cooper at LG and a New RT) New doesn't mean that he is a rookie just a different starter than what we saw last season.

I am kinda intrigued but LDT. I think he could be a pick very similar to Watford. (I guess it would help my case if Watford had done something last year) I think he could be a quality developmental guy. He at least sound more technically sound than Watford so he could possible challenge for a spot at RG or RT. I know the draft is months away and this is yet another name in the long list of possible candidates but its all in fun "EH"!

"He looks to break their spirit and touch their soul." — Clint Uttley (LOL!!! That is funny stuff!)

<em>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.</em>