Submitted by Long Ball
To grade a team’s NFL Draft immediately after its conclusion is utter folly – I am no more clairvoyant than Mel Kiper, Todd McShay, Mike Mayock or Rick Gosselin. Three years of a player’s results should be the absolute minimum to even attempt the process. However, there are two areas that can be analyzed: 1) team needs fulfillment and 2) value of the pick.
The Arizona Cardinals followed up their surprising run through the playoffs that ended one game shy of completion with an excellent draft. Ken Whisenhunt continues to add pieces to the puzzle that should allow the Cardinals to compete at a high level in the NFC West. For the grades, please click below . . .
1st Round
A+ #31 – Chris Wells (RB): Running back was a definite position of need for the Cardinals after losing J.J. Arrington in free agency and the uncertainty surrounding Edgerrin James. Ken Whisenhunt wants to establish a toughness to the Cardinals’ attitude and a back that can get the tough yardage for another first down is essential. The value was good, as Wells was ranked #16 on our Big Board.
2nd Round
B- #63 – Cody Brown (OLB): Another position that was high on the priority list, as Arizona is converting to a 3-4 defensive alignment in 2009. Cody Brown is a fine player – the only question I have is from a value perspective. The Big Board had Brown ranked at #85, which is a bit of a reach – there were questions about Michael Johnson’s intensity (#39) but no such questions about Lawrence Sidbury, Jr. (#72), both still available at the time of Arizona’s selection.
3rd Round
A+ #95 – Rashad Johnson (FS): Another position of need, as center-field free safeties that can quarterback a defense are worth their weight in gold. Johnson’s intangibles are off the charts and his preparation and anticipation more than make up for any lack of athleticism. Excellent value, as he was ranked #66 on the Big Board.
4th Round
C+ #131 – Greg Toler (CB): Although not a position of particular need for the Cardinals, in today’s NFL cornerbacks are just like closets in a house – you just can’t have too many of them! Toler has the measurables to succeed in the NFL, but will have to be “coached up” to contribute, based on his level of competition in college. He was ranked #179 on the Big Board and there were 7 cornerbacks ranked above him available at the time of the selection.
5th Round
A #167 – Herman Johnson (OG): Arizona got the biggest of the “Big Uglies” in Herman Johnson – offensive line was a definite need for the Cardinals, although tackle and center may have been a higher priority. This was a value pick, as Johnson ranked #74 on our Big Board – you think Beanie will enjoy running behind Herm?
6th Round
B #204 – Will Davis (OLB): Once again, a priority since Arizona will deploy the 3-4 defensive alignment this year – from day one on our simulations, I had the multiple choice option for OLB. Although Davis was a bit of a reach (#291 on our Big Board), there was quite a run on pass-rushing hybrids and only one OLB was on the board with a higher grade than Davis when Arizona made the selection.
7th Round
B+ #240 – La Rod Stephens-Howling (RB): “Who?” This pick sent me scrambling, as I graded 450 players on our Big Board and did not have him on the list. After viewing some clips, I may have made an omission – this young man could be the second coming of Darren Sproles. He should definitely be a contributor on special teams, a nice pick-up this late in the draft.
A- #254 – Trevor Canfield (OG): And another “Big Ugly” that fell in the draft – once again, the need at center and tackle was not filled, but exceptional value as Canfield ranked #115 on the Big Board.
Summary
To arrive at a cumulative score, the 1st Round was 7 points, the 2nd Round was 6 points, etc. to come up with a percentage rating to multiply by the average grade for each round. The Cardinals’ cumulative grade for the 2009 NFL Draft was A-. Arizona continues its successful turn-around!
