Bright Prospects from Sunshine State

The Cardinals have been doing their due diligence in scouting the top prospects in the state of Florida. Here is a look and recap of each of the major Florida school’s pro days.

By then end of this article, you will be asked to compose your own 7 round Cardinals’ mock of the players listed here. Having spend the past several hours researching and writing this, I must say that I learned a lot about the prospects and uncovered a few potential pearls.

CFU Pro Day Highlights (Cardinals DB coach Marcus Robertson in attendance):

For viewing:

UCF

Notable prospects: S Richie Grant, CB Tay Gowan, CB Aaron Robinson, WR Marlon Williams, TE Jacob Harris

• The Cardinals, Jaguars, Panthers, Raiders, Dolphins and Lions had defensive backs coaches in attendance.
• Grant measured 5-foot-11 5/8 inches, 197 pounds with 9 3/8 inch hands, 32 5/8 inch arms and a 77 inch wingspan. He posted a 4.49 second 40-yard dash, 34.5 inch vertical jump, 10-feet, 9-inch broad jump, 4.27 second short shuttle, 6.78 second 3-cone drill and 12 repetitions on the bench press.
• Robinson measured 5-foot-11 4/8 inches and 186 pounds with 8 3/4 inch hands, 30 1/4 inch arms and a 72 1/2 inch wingspan. He posted a 4.39 second 40-yard dash, 37 inch vertical jump, 10-feet, 3-inch broad jump, 4.29 second short shuttle, 6.89 second 3-cone drill and 15 repetitions on the bench press.
• Williams measured 5-foot-11 2/8 inches and 209 pounds with 8 7/8 inch hands, 31 inch arms and a 73 1/2 inch wingspan. He posted a 4.63 second 40-yard dash, 33.5 inch vertical jump, 9-feet, 11-inch broad jump, 4.57 second short shuttle, and 14 repetitions on the bench press.
• Wide receiver Tre Nixon measured 6-foot 1/8 inches and 187 pounds with 9 1/8 inch hands, 31 3/4 inch arms and a 73 7/8 inch wingspan. He ran a 4.44 second 40-yard dash and posted a 35.5 inch vertical jump, 10-feet, 5-inch broad jump, 4.27 second short shuttle, 6.81 second 3-cone drill and 18 repetitions on the bench press.
• Running back Otis Anderson measured 5-foot-7 4/8 inches and 179 pounds with 9 inch hands, 31 1/8 inch arms and a 71 1/2 inch wingspan. He ran a 4.63 second 40-yard dash, 4.38 second short shuttle, 7.04 second 3-cone drill and posted a 36 inch vertical jump, 9-feet, 5-inch broad jump and 11 repetitions on the bench press.
• Running back Greg McCrae measured 5-foot-9 7/8 inches and 182 pounds with 8 7/8 inch hands, 30 7/8 inch arms and a 73 1/2 inch wingspan. He ran a 4.57 second 40-yard dash, 4.34 second short shuttle and 6.89 second 3-cone drill while posting a 37.5 inch vertical jump and 10-feet, 4-inch broad jump.
• Harris measured 6-foot-5, 219 pounds and ran 4.39 second 40-yard dash and a 6.51 second 3-cone drill with a 11-feet, 1-inch broad jump and a 40.5 inch vertical jump. It was a monstrous day for the tight end.

University of Miami Pro Day Highlights (Cardinals’ GM Steve Keim in attendance):

For viewing:

Miami (Fla.) (from CBS Sports)

Notable prospects: EDGE Gregory Rousseau, EDGE Jaelan Phillips, EDGE Quincy Roche, TE Brevin Jordan

• Rousseau measured 6-foot-6 5/8 inches and 266 pounds with 11 inch hands, 34 3/4 inch arms and an 83 1/4 inch wingspan. He posted a 30 inch vertical jump, 21 repetitions on the bench press, 9-feet, 7-inch broad jump and 4.72 second 40-yard dash.
• Phillips measured 6-foot-5 4/8 inches and 260 pounds with 9 3/4 inch hands, 33 1/4 inch arms and a 80 3/4 inch wingspan. He posted a 36 inch vertical jump, 21 repetitions on the bench press, 10-feet, 5-inch broad jump and 4.58 second 40-yard dash.
• Jordan measured 6-foot-2 5/8 inches and 247 pounds with 9 3/4 inch hands, 32 7/8 inch arms and a 79 1/4 inch wingspan. He posted a 31 inch vertical jump, 17 repetitions on the bench press, 9-feet, 8-inch broad jump and 4.69 second 40-yard dash.
• Patriots head coach Bill Belichick and Dolphins head coach Brian Flores were in attendance.
• Roche ran a 4.68 second 40-yard dash and posted a 9-feet, 11-inch broad jump, 32.5 inch vertical jump and 23 repetitions on the bench press.

Florida St. Pro Day:

For viewing:

Florida State (from CBS Sports):

Notable prospects: EDGE Joshua Kaindoh, S Hamsah Nasirildeen, DT Marvin Wilson, CB Asante Samuel Jr.

• Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert and head coach Mike Tomlin, Bills general manager Brandon Beane and Packers general manager Brian Gutekuenst were all present at the Florida State Pro Day. Defensive line coaches from the Steelers, Cowboys and Bengals, as well as linebackers coaches from the Patriots, Cardinals and Dolphins were represented.
• Nasirildeen measured 6-foot-3 2/8 inches, 215 pounds. with 9 3/4 inch hands, 34 1/2 inch arms and a 81 7/8 inch wingspan. He posted a 32 inch vertical jump, 4.31 second short shuttle, 7.05 second 3-cone drill and 17 repetitions on the bench press. He did not run the 40-yard dash or broad jump due to a lingering hamstring injury.
• Edge rusher Janarius Robinson measured 6-foot-5 3/8 inches, 263 pounds. with 10 7/8 inch hands, 35 1/4 inch arms and a 86 1/4 inch wingspan. He ran a 4.72 second 40-yard dash and posted a 34 inch vertical jump, 10 feet, 1 inch broad jump, 4.40 second short shuttle, 7.31 second 3-cone drill and 25 repetitions on the bench press.
• Wilson measured 6-foot-3 7/8 inches, 303 pounds with 9 3/4 inch hands, 33 3/8 inch arms and a 33 3/8 inch wingspan. He also ran the 40-yard dash in 5.12 seconds and posted a 25.5 inch vertical jump, 8 feet, 11 inch broad jump, 4.91 second short shuttle, 7.64 second 3-cone drill and 23 repetitions on the bench press.
• Samuel measured 5-foot-10 1/8 inches, 180 pounds with 8 7/8 inch hands, 30 1/8 inch arms and a 72 1/4 inch wingspan. He posted a 4.45 second 40-yard dash, 35 inch vertical jump, 10 feet, 4 inch broad jump, 4.13 second short shuttle, 6.95 second 3-cone drill and 12 repetitions on the bench press.
• Kaindoh measured 6-foot-5 6/8 inches, 260 pounds with 9 1/2 inch hands, 34 1/2 inch arms and a 81 7/8 inch wingspan. He posted a 4.70 second 40-yard dash, 36.5 inch vertical jump, 10 feet, 5 inch broad jump, 4.38 second short shuttle, 7.21 second 3-cone drill and 21 repetitions on the bench press.
• Wide receiver Tamorrion Terry measured 6-foot-2 6/8 inches, 207 pounds with 9 1/2 inch hands, 33 3/8 inch arms and a 78 1/8 inch wingspan. He ran a 4.44 second 40-yard dash, 32.5 inch vertical jump, 10 feet, 6 inch broad jump, 4.53 second short shuttle, 7.00 second 3-cone drill and 15 repetitions on the bench press.

University of Florida Pro Day:

For viewing:

Florida

Notable prospects: TE Kyle Pitts, QB Kyle Trask, WR Kadarius Toney, OT Stone Forsythe, CB Marco Wilson, WR Trevon Grimes

• Dolphins head coach Brian Flores, Panthers head coach Matt Rhule, Bengals head coach Zac Taylor, Jaguars head coach Urban Meyer and Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels were all in attendance.
• Forsythe measured 6-foot-8, 307 pounds with 10 inch hands, 34 3/8 inch arms and an 83 1/4 inch wingspan. He ran a 5.14 second 40-yard dash and posted a 27.5 inch vertical jump, 8-feet, 7-inch broad jump, 4.65 second short shuttle, 7.47 second 3-cone drill and 25 repetitions on the bench press.
• Toney measured 5-foot-11 5/8 inches and 193 pounds with 9 1/4 inch hands, 31 1/4 inch arms and a 74 3/4 inch wingspan. He posted a 4.39 second 40-yard dash, 39.5 inch vertical jump, 11-feet, 4-inch broad jump, 4.25 second short shuttle, 6.88 second 3-cone drill and 9 repetitions on the bench press.
• Grimes measured 6-foot-4, 220 pounds with 9 3/8 inch hands, 31 3/8 inch arms and a 76 5/8 inch wingspan. He ran a 4.49 second 40-yard dash with a 35 inch vertical jump, 9-feet, 10-inch broad jump, 4.28 second short shuttle, 6.98 second 3-cone drill and 15 repetitions on the bench press.
• Defensive tackle Tedarrell Slaton measured 6-foot-4, 330 pounds with 9 1/8 inch hands, 32 5/8 inch arms and a 80 1/8 inch wingspan. He ran a 5.09 second 40-yard dash with a 29 inch vertical jump, 9-feet, 1-inch broad jump, 4.81 second short shuttle, 7.91 second 3-cone drill and 27 repetitions on the bench press.
• Defensive tackle Kyree Campbell measured 6-foot-2 7/8 inches and 287 pounds with 9 3/4 inch hands, 33 1/4 inch arms and a 82 5/8 inch wingspan. He ran a 5.46 second 40-yard dash and posted a 25 inch vertical jump, 8-feet, 2-inch broad jump, 5.02 second short shuttle and a 7.96 second 3-cone drill.
• Safety Brad Stewart measured 6-foot 1/8 inches and 195 poundswith 9 inch hands, 31 1/2 inch arms and a 77 inch wingspan. He ran a 4.68 second 40-yard dash with a 33.5 inch vertical jump, 10-feet, 6-inch broad jump, 4.44 second short shuttle and 11 repetitions on the bench press.
• Safety Donovan Stiner measured 6-foot-1 4/8 inches and 205 pounds with 8 7/8 inch hands, 31 3/8 inch arms and a 76 3/8 inch wingspan. He ran a 4.56 second 40-yard dash with a 34.5 inch vertical jump, 10-feet, 7-inch broad jump, 4.30 second short shuttle, 7.08 second 3-cone drill and 15 repetitions on the bench press.
• Pitts measured 6-foot-5 5/8 inches and 245 pounds with 10 5/8 inch hands, 33 4/8 inch arms and an 83 3/8 inch wingspan. He posted a 10-feet, 9-inch broad jump and a 4.44 second 40-yard dash.
• Cornerback Marco Wilson measured 5-foot-11 5/8 inches and 191 pounds with 30 3/4 inch arms. He ran a 4.37 second 40-yard dash and posted a 43.5 inch vertical jump.

Florida Atlantic Notable prospects: RB B.J. Emmons:

Scouts’ Inc. (ESPN Insider) Rankings (PFF Ranking):

• 4. Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida (#5 PFF)
• 20. Gregory Rousseau, DE, Miami (#36 PFF)
• 21. Ladarius Toney, WR, Florida (#38 PFF)
• 24. Jaelan Phillips, DE, Miami (#30 PFF)
• 45. Asante Samuel, Jr., CB, Florida St. (#31 PFF)
• 64. Aaron Robinson, CB, UCF (#55 PFF)
• 77. Marco Wilson, CB, Florida (#189 PFF)
• 91. Brevin Jordan, TE, Miami (#97 PFF)
• 94. Richie Grant, S, UCF (#51 PFF)
• 101. Hamsah Nasirildeen, S, Florida St. (#129 PFF)
• 106. Kyle Trask, QB, Florida (#64 PFF)
• 111. Marvin Wilson, DT, Florida St. (#62 PFF)
• 143. Shawn Davis, S, Florida (NR PFF)
• 157. Tamorrion Terry, WR, Florida St.(#185 PFF)
• 167. Joshua Kaindoh, DE, Florida St. (#144 PFF)
• 198. Janarius Robinson, DE, Florida St. (#174 PFF)
• 199. Jose Borregales, K, Miami (NR PFF)
• 201. Trevon Grimes, WR, Florida (#213 PFF)
• 303. Evan McPherson, K, Florida (NR PFF)

PFF Rankings for Players not Ranked by Scouts’ Inc.:

• 69. Tay Gowan, CB, UCF
• 162. Quincy Roche, OLB/DE, Miami
• 240. Tedarell Slaton, DT, Florida
• 249. Amari Gainer, LB, Florida St.
• 254. Trey Dean III, S, Florida
• 292 Marlon Williams, WR, UCF

Ok, so let’s conduct an exercise. If GM Steve Keim were to choose strictly from the Florida schools, and let’s say that he is able to make a trade with the Steelers for their #24 and #87 picks, which players (using the rankings above, as long as one of the rankings, Scouts’ Inc. or PFF, makes the player available when and where the Cardinals are picking in the draft) do you believe Steve Keim would take.? Plus, you may choose from the Florida college prospects not ranked, any of those who were mentioned in the Pro Day recaps. Then, take it step further, by telling us which players you would pick.

Cardinals Picks: (with hypothetical trade)

• 24. (R1)
• 49. (R2)
• 87. (R3)
• 160. (R5)
• 223. (R6 comp.)
• 243. (R7)
• 245. (R7)

My guess for Steve Keim (with Lindy’s player comps):

• 24. (R1): Gregory Rousseau, DE, Miami (Jevon Kearse) or Jaelan Phillips, DE, Miami (Ryan Kerrigan)
• 49. (R2) Asante Samuel Jr., CB, FSU (Jaire Alexander)
• 87. (R3) Brevin Jordan, TE, Miami (Evan Engram)
• 160. (R5) Tamorrion Terry, WR, FSU (not listed)
• 223. (R6 comp.) Tedarrell Slaton, DT, Florida (Derrick Nnadi)
• 243. (R7) Marlon Williams, WR, UCF (not listed)
• 245. (R7) Shawn Davis, S, Florida (Quintin Demps)

Note: I think these are excellent picks. I would be very happy with this draft, wouldn’t you?

Gregory Rousseau and Jaelan Phillips are studs edge players who could be the right choices to take over fo Chandler Jones at 34 BANDIT and Haason Reddick at 34 SAM OLB, respectively. Rousseau opted out of 2020 season and, with Phillips, there are some concerns about his history of concussions. But, both of these edge pass rushers have special traits, which is why Steve Keim went to see those traits for himself at their pro day.

Mitch Mock:

• 24. (R1) Gregory Rousseau, DE, Miami (Jevon Kearse) —- the last time the Cardinals drafted a tall, aggressive DE from Miami that kind of worked out, didn't it? (Calais Campbell)
• 49. (R2) Aaron Robinson, CB, UCF (Cameron Sutton) —- loved Robinson’s work at the Senior Bowl and is a little taller (5-11), faster (4.39) , quicker (6.89 3C) and stronger (15 reps) than Asante Samuel. But either Robinson or Samuel here would be fine with me.
• 87. (R3) Richie Grant, S, UCF (Justin Reid) —- I believe this baller with 4.49 speed is a top 40 talent and would be an absolute steal here. Plus, I am convinced that Vance is going to feature 3 safeties in his own version of the 4-2-5.
• 160. (R5) Quincy Roche, OLB/DE, Miami (Jeremiah Attaochu)—- oh the irony of drafting a former Temple Owl (who had a 13 sacks for them in 2019) to play the 34 SAM position. Roche (4.5 sacks, 14.5 TFL) and Phillips were a strong, very productive duo on the edge for the Canes in 2020.
• 223. (R6 comp.) Jacob Harris, TE/WR, UCF (not listed) —-6-5, 219, 4.29 speed, 6.51 3-cone and 40.5” vertical, WOW! Career stats: 49 / 987 yds./ 20.1 ave. / 9 TDs.
• 243. (R7) Stone Forsythe, T, Florida (listed in “Worth Watching” section, but not given comp)—- one of the sleeper tackles in this draft at 6-8, 307, 34 3/8” arm length and a 5.12 40. Graded well in pass pro at LT in 2020.
• 245. (R7) Greg McCrae, RB, UCF (not listed) —- 5-10, 182 pounds, 4.57 40, 4.34 short shuttle, 6.89 s3-cone, 37.5” vertical and 10 ft., 4” broad jump. Career stats: 406 / 2,620 yds. / 6.5 ave. / 29 TDs rushing, 30 / 291 yds./ 8.8 ave. / 1 TD receiving.

Doing scouting exercises like this is great when it comes to expanding one’s knowledge of the draft pool and what kinds of assets/qualities can separate the players at the top of each round. That, and for understanding and appreciating the kind of tough choices the Cardinals and every team are going to have to make with each and every selection.