Contents

FEATURES

Current Highlights

Rumors & Innuendo

Depth Chart

Roster

Player Evaluations

2012 DRAFT ISSUE

Draft Summary Page

OTHER TOPICS

History of the Cardinals

About the Big Red Sheet

Welcome From the Editor

About the Editor

Memory of a True Card Fan

Order Cardinal Tickets

Links to  Cardinal Related Sites

 

2012 Draft
DEFENSIVE ENDS

Quinton Coples 6056 284 North Carolina (Arm: 33¼)

Combine: Forty: 4.78 | BP: 25 | VJ: 31.5 | BJ: 109 | 3C: 7.57 | 20Sh: 4.78 | 60 Sh: DNP |

Pro Day - Coples stood on all his marks from the NFL Combine, but had a very good workout at DE and LB and probably solidified his status as a top-10 draft pick.

PFW Scout's Candid Comments - "Coples can be just like Mario Williams talent-wise. There is a lot not to like abut the way he plays, you can't take aaway what he can do. He is freakishly talented."

Pro Football Draft Guide – Elite size & athleticism. Underachieved. A man among boys in college. Capable of dominating the edge and inside.

From nfl.com - Rare combination of size, speed, athletic ability, and versatility allowed him to play numerous roles across the defensive line. Some have questioned his consistency, but Coples has produced at a high level, posting more than 17 sacks the past two years. He has, at times, seemed to play on cruise control, but his natural ability and physical presence will be hard to ignore. He can play DE in both 4-3 and 3-4 schemes, and should be selected early in the first round.

Coples has an uncommon blend of speed and power on a massive frame and the ability to trigger off the line of scrimmage and use strong hands and overall girth to rush the passer. While he lacks an array of pass-rush moves, his pure power allows him to be disruptive and productive. Plays the run very well for a tall, athletic pass rusher, and has been productive both inside and out. He is strong and maintains body control when double teamed that enables him to stay up and move to the ball. Footwork is just slightly above average for his size, but he overcomes this through a natural ability and understanding how to leverage, making him attractive to 3-4 teams as both a pass rusher and  stout run defender. Has undisputed first-round athletic ability.

 His motor has been the single question mark: While strength and quickness should beat most OL’s, he can sometimes disappear from the action. While a great interior player, Coples doesn't see much action outside the box and his lateral movement can be an Achilles heel when running down plays. There are question surrounding his hand-usage, as well as his ability to ignite his feet and hips to make quick-twitch plays. Sometimes seems to be moving in slo mo.  

ESPN (Scouts, Inc.) - Should become a three-down difference maker in the NFL. Elite initial quickness and lateral agility for size. Double teamed nearly every down but still very productive and very aware as a pass rusher. Adept at mixing up his pass rush moves to keep OL guessing. Still mastering hand usage, but his hands are quick, powerful and violent.

Still learning to play with more consistent leverage, but he has quick feet to establish initial positioning and has a powerful upper body. Uses long arms and upper body strength to keep blockers away from his pads. Great at shedding blocks / adequate-to-good awareness locating the ball..

Has the size, athleticism and makeup to play multiple roles along the DL. (LDE in a 4-3 scheme fits him well, but he could also develop into a difference-making five-technique in the 3-4).

Still developing instincts and recognition skills as a run defender but made strides in 2010. Good awareness as a pass rusher. Knows when to get his hands up when he can't get pressure on the QB. Plays hard. Impressed by his motor. Clearly passionate about the game.

Melvin Ingram    (OLB)   6014 264  South Carolina (Arm: 31½)

Combine: Forty: 4.79 | BP: 28 | VJ: 34.5 | BJ: 109 | 3C: 6.83| 20Sh: 4.18 | 60 Sh: DNP |

Pro Day  — Ingram stayed in school for one more season and is going to make a lot of money because of it. All he did at the pro day was get weighed and measured, and did position drills. If he had entered the draft last year, he would have gone in the fourth or fifth round. Now he’s a top-12 pick. In the next two weeks, he has 12 visits scheduled with teams.

PFW Scout's Candid Comments - "He could play a lot of positions. It's just what you want him to do. He's athletic enough to even stand up."

Pro Football Draft Guide – Versatile relentless pass rusher. A high motor pass rusher who lined up at end, tackle and LB. Has long arms and a crafty set of pass rush moves.

From nfl.com - One of the most athletically gifted prospects this year. He came to South Carolina as an ILB and has since played in various positions across the front seven. His motor, athleticism and technique allow him to bring dynamic playmaking ability, whether he lines up at DT or DE. And some believe he could be moved to OLB in a 3-4 scheme. Strong likelihood he’ll continue to rise  up the boards and potentially a first round selection.

Versatility is a strong suit. Ingram has an uncommon blend of speed and overall athleticism for a big man, which - parlayed with a strong motor and instincts - have enabled him to lineup in numerous positions.  Ingram is usually around the ball -  quick off the snap and technically refined working the LOS, He’s the type of lineman who can continuously defeat blocks to make plays vs. the run or pass.

 As a DT, the weaknesses in Ingram’s play are all about physical limitations such as height, weight and arm length. His short arms and size make it tough for him to eliminate double teams playing inside. He'll also have to prove he has the first step to play DE and the movement skills to be moved to LB.

ESPN (Scouts, Inc.) - First-step quickness a notch below elite. A bit inconsistent with snap awareness. Above average body control and torso flexibility. Good athletic ability and COD skills for size Excellent closing burst for a 270-pound athlete. Turns speed into power. Still developing instincts as a pass rusher. Often will win with first-step quickness or knock OL back on heels with initial pop, but then fails to capitalize. Must become more decisive and confident with counter moves. "

Has more game experience on passing downs but has upside vs. run. Uses his leverage effectively and is a bit stronger than expected at the POA. Can anchor vs. the double team. Good at keeping his feet moving vs. the zone run.Average discipline / works hard to maintain outside contain. Very good range vs. the run. Can really turn on the jets when pursuing from the backside. Could improve his tackling skills. Awareness is adequate but could  improve. Some power at POA but leaves his feet and will fall off too many attempted tackles.

Began career at LB and has been in a rotation at DE the last two seasons. Will be a fulltime starter at DE in 2011. Has the potential to play DE in a four-man front, as well as OLB in some 3-4 schemes Some experience rushing the QB from inside, as well. "

Scout never saw him take a play off. Will pursue hard from backside and gives great effort when on the field. But is mainly a pass-rush specialist who is on the field approximately 15 snaps a game, senior season (first as fulltime starter) figured to provide a better indication of motor and stamina. Instincts are still a work in progress. Adept at finding the ball when he's on the move but sometimes will be late to diagnose when working in the phone booth. Snap awareness must be more consistent, especially as an edge rusher.

Chandler Jones 6053 266 Syracuse (35½)

Combine: Forty: 4.87 | BP: 22 | VJ: 35.0 | BJ: 120 | 3C: 7.07 | 20Sh: 4.38 | 60 Sh: DNP |

PFW Scout's Candid Comments - "Has long, loping movement skills. He is not a finished product by any means. He is big and good-looking. He will be OK when all is said and done. I have him in the third round."

Pro Football Draft Guide – A huge, long-armed lineman who’s still growing into his frame. Has a quick first step and nice power. Struggles with his pad-level.

From nfl.com - Underclassman with good size and speed. Suffered a knee injury that severely limited him in 2011 and will need to prove he's fully recovered. Should be selected somewhere in the third round. Though undersized, he is best served playing DE in a 4-3 scheme.

Undersized but finds numerous ways to overcome that shortcoming. Has the tools to stay on the line at the next level as a 5-technique defender (he excels working in short areas and being scrappy, & active in the box). Good wingspan / long strider, giving him great range to run down outside runs. Uses his arms well to keep linemen at bay, using good hand fighting techniques to defeat blocks. An effective tackler with a lot of range. Tends to get upright immediately at POA, but is a good pass rusher who plays to his strengths.

Undersized and could have issues against stronger offensive tackles. Long strider who takes too many steps to get to full speed /looks lost at times when diagnosing run plays. Effective when he moves decisively, but he can be out of place at times. Once in the backfield, he has trouble readjusting his body to get a clear path and burst toward the QB.

ESPN (Scouts, Inc.) - Still raw but has tremendous upside as a pass rusher. Above-average snap anticipation and first step quickness. Uses long arms well and is effective with his outside arm to swat blockers hands and gain the advantage to the outside. A flexible athlete wh can bend at the torso making it tough for offensive lineman to get into his frame and stop penetration. Generates an effective speed-to-power move when playing with proper pad level. Hands still need polish but sports a natural dip and rip move to the outside. Still developing as a counter puncher once momentum is initially stopped. Closing burst around corner is above-average. Bottom line - he has the size, athleticism and tools to develop into one of the premiere pass rushers in this years' class.

Good core strength and POA skills. Uses an explosive punch to jar and stack blockers on the edge. Must play with more consistent pad level (will play too high and allow blockers to get into pads). Also still developing hands in combat to consistently shed blocks in a timely manner. Has playmaking instincts but can do a better job of finding and redirecting when creating initial penetration. Protects feet well and plays with good overall balance. Changes directions well and can redirect to the find the ball in space. Has a wide range and above-average closing burst in pursuit.

Best fit will be as a LDE in a 4-3, but enough athleticism to transition to a 3-4 OLB (though there would be some concerns if he was consistently asked to drop and play in space). Experienced reducing inside to a three-technique in obvious passing situations.

Adequate overall instincts, but there’s room for improvement. Can be a step late finding and reacting to the ball. More instinctive as a pass rusher than vs. the run. Good awareness getting hands up in throwing lanes in time to block passes. Plays with a consistent motor and great effort in pursuit.

Nick Perry 6026 271  USC (Arm: 33)

Combine: Forty: 4.64 | BP: 35| VJ: 38.5 | BJ: 124 | 3C: 7.25 | 20Sh: 4.66 | 60 Sh: DNP | 

Pro Day - He cemented his position as a first-round pick after working out very well in position drills. Perry can play with his hand on the ground and as well as in space. He looked very smooth and can play in either a 3-4 or 4-3 scheme.

BRS (Gollin) – If he is, in fact, similar to Harrison and Woodley, he may profile closer to what Ray Horton and Wiz are looking for in a pass rushing outside backer.

Pro Football Draft Guide –  Long, fast, unpolished edge rusher with a nice burst off the line.

From nfl.com -  Played the "elephant" position within Pete Carroll's defense as a freshman – which will encourage consider him as an OLB  in a 3-4 scheme. As a sophomore and junior he continued to develop into an elite pass rushing prospect, and has the size and athletic ability to be successful at the next level. A physically well put together athlete with a good motor and extremely uncommon balance. Has late first round value.

He has a very strong base and balance that helps him work against tackles and keep momentum towards the backfield regardless of his initial move. Similar to Harrison and Woodley - players who can set the edge with a strong, powerful base and also employ a direct bull rush. Plays with good leverage and has surprising athleticism for his size. Good burst off the ball and a natural feel for disrupting plays. Chases laterally down the line well and is a sound tackler when he reaches the ball. Can beat tackles with power or quick gap penetration, and has developed hand and spin moves over time. Fluid hips and feet in the open field and seems able to operate from a two point stance from the outside. He’ll be reliable - even as a rookie - to set the edge and defend the run with strength. \

He can get tied up on double teams often and have trouble vs. lineman in a tight area. This would make it sensible to move him to OLB, where he can rush with more space and set up his pass rush moves better. While he is projected by many to move to OLB, it remains to be seen whether he can cover and move well in space to the flat. Thick player but still a bit of a positional tweener, and lacks the strength of most defenders his size. Could have trouble against bigger, stronger offensive tackles who can neutralize his leverage and power

ESPN (Scouts, Inc.) - Good but not elite first step quickness /able to gain the edge. Very active and violent hands but can improve technique. Can dip inside shoulder when attempting to shave the edge, but torso flexibility is just average. Stays low out of stance allowing him to play with good overall leverage. Has the quick-twitched explosiveness to dial up an effective speed-to-power bull rush and can get blockers on their heels. Uses a spin-move but needs to employ a wider array of pass rushing moves. Developing an effective inside change-up move would increase his value substantially. Above-average closing burst.

Very good core strength / stout at POA. Plays with leverage with an explosive punch to shock and stack blockers. Will reset feet and anchor when caught in a phone booth. Quick hands but room to improve / doesn't always shed blocks in a timely manner. Lacks an elite anchor against double team and will turn pads on occasion instead of staying square. Above-average lateral quickness and closing burst provides him with a wide range. Can close from the backside and delivers a heavy hit as a tackler.

Has the quickness and pass rushing capability to line up at RDE in a base 4-3, but may need to add a few pounds to his frame. Also has the athleticism and fluidity in space to transition to an OLB in a base 3-4..

Can be a second late to find the ball at the snap. But he does have playmaking instincts once he locates the ball. More instinctive as a pass rusher than vs. the run. Surprising awareness for passing lanes when dropping into coverage. Motor is adequate but he could improve effort from play-to-play (i.e. show more hustle when pursuing from the backside).

Andre Branch 6042 259  Clemson (Arm: 34)

Combine: Forty: 4.70 | BP: DNP | VJ: 32.5| BJ: 120 | 3C:7.19 | 20Sh: 4.25 | 60 Sh: DNP |  

Pro Day - Stood on all of his numbers from the NFL Scouting Combine but took part in position drills Friday, according to Mayock, who expects him to be selected between picks 25 to 40. Branch did two workouts, one for all of the teams in attendance at Clemson’s pro day and another private workout for the Jets. Branch is projected as an edge rusher in the NFL, so he did both defensive end and linebacker drills.

Pro Football Draft Guide – One dimensional pass rusher with a chance to be very good in that role.

From nfl.com - A tall, physical and athletic DE who could be moved to 3-4 OLB.. As a pass rusher, he can  regularly beat NFL linemen and disrupt the passer, either standing up or with his hand on the ground. This scheme versatility and pass rush ability could elevate him to as early as the late second round..

Athletic big man with great flexibility, which he uses to dip around lineman and get in the backfield. Has an uncanny ability to defeat blocks and move around lineman (& the burst to close once there). Uses his hands well and sets the edge nicely in the run game. Pass rushing is his shining trait and primary reason for his value.

Less effective defending the run than the pass. Will play high at times and can get overpowered by two blockers - all the more reason to move him to LB.

ESPN (Scouts, Inc.) - First-step quickness is adequate but not good (can be a quarter-count late off the ball). Lacks explosive burst around the corner and is a one-gear pass rusher. Good upper body power and the ability to use his hands effectively. Effective club move but doesn't use it frequently enough and must improve his array of counter moves. Good awareness as a pass rusher. Good at getting his arms up to block passing lanes or affect QBs sightline.

Consistently executes his assignment vs. run and does a nice job with outside contain. Plays under control. Good leverage out of stance. Stronger than measurables would indicate. Can consistently lock on and anchor vs. bigger OTs. Adequate at disengaging but needs to improve hand usage. Makes some difficult tackles when disengaging from blocks. Good effort

'Bandit' at Clemson. Has experience in two-point stance and dropping into coverage. Stiff in hips but has quick feet for size, gets good depth in his drops with good awareness in underneath zone coverage. Should be able to contribute as a 3-4 OLB in some capacity."

Plays with discipline. Seals off the edge and rarely gets sucked inside too early. Above average ball awareness for a DE. Snap awareness is a bit inconsistent. Tough and physical (mean streak).

Vinny Curry 6031 266  Marshall (32¼ (Arm: 32¾)

Combine: Forty: 4.98 | BP: DNP | VJ: 32.0 | BJ: 110| 3C: 6.90 | 20Sh: 4.40| 60 Sh: DNP |

Pro Day - Curry got off to a bad start in his first attempt at the 40-yard dash, weaving slightly, and it cost him; he finished in 4.77 seconds. In his second try, he clocked in at 4.69 seconds. He probably should have run a third time. Curry registered a 35-inch vertical and a 9-foot-3 broad jump, and did 28 strength lifts. Curry, who finished last season with 11 sacks, has visits scheduled with 16 NFL teams.

BRS (Gollin) - Cards attended his Pro Day workout.

Pro Football Draft Guide – A high motor guy with decent flexibility and overall athleticism. A bit one-dimensional get-up-&-go pass rusher who struggles to locate the ball.

From nfl.com - Good value as a pass rushing specialist at the next level (posted 23 sacks in the past two years). An explosive athlete who could be moved around depending on defensive scheme. Could play OLB in a 3-4 where he can focus on purely rushing the quarterback. Also effective in the run game and can set the edge nicely against an OT, but has a difficult time getting to the ball when tied up early. Has second-round value based on his athletic ability and sack production.

Quick off the ball when he is focused on rushing the passer/ can set up tackles nicely by leaning them one way and dipping the opposite. Knows how to set up and work his moves throughout a game to continue to get into the backfield and rush a quarterback. Once he gets a lane, he has an amazing burst to finish the play. Reliable once he reaches the ball and can be explosive when meeting a QB or ball carrier. Polished technique for the position / uses his hand well to keep blockers at bay. Although he gives up size, he is able to hold his ground vs. bigger linemen and set the edge to allow his linebackers to make plays. Natural athletic ability is evident and the key to every play that he makes.

Will struggle and look out of place at times in the run game. Understands his role in the defense, but once engaged he has a difficult time getting in on any action or locating the ball.  Has yet to show that he has the instincts to react and be involved late in the play once it is already away from him.

ESPN (Scouts, Inc.) - Physical pass rusher who can throw tackles to the ground. Effective inside rip move. Violent hands / can chop blocker's hands down coming out of stance. Can drive offensive tackle back on heels and then swim back inside. Locates and exploiting seam when asked to stunt inside. Initial quickness is slightly above average but lower body flexibility is just average and he can lose his balance when trying to bend back inside. Closing speed is just average.

Above average upper body strength. Can stack and shed. Effective wrap-up tackler who takes away cutback lanes. Can shoot seam and make play against zone stretch play. Can hold ground one-on-one and stack up double team when keeping pads down but plays too high at times and gives ground when technique isn't sound.

Lines up at 3-technique / initial quickness gives interior offensive linemen problems. Limited in space and doesn't appear to project to OLB in a base 3-4.

No information Instinct/Motor available at time of write-up.

Whitney Mercilius 6035 261 Illinois (Arm: 33¾)

Combine: Forty: 4.68 | BP: 27 | VJ: 32.0 | BJ: 118 | 3C: 7.17 | 20Sh: 4.53 | 60 Sh: DNP |

Pro Football Draft Guide – FBS sack king; less than ideal athlete. A relentless power rusher who gets off the snap quickly and wins with brute strength.

From nfl.com - Early entry junior who played the weakside DE and would be best served there in a 4-3. Third-round value but could ascend if he times well at the Combine.

A fast, athletic DE who is quick off the snap and has a good burst to close on the QB. A situational rusher who excels against the run and – despite his size - can get to the flat. Quickly gets off the snap and engages into his man's frame. Excels in pursuit down the LOs and is a high motor player. Attacks the LOS with a vengeance and employs a number of pass-rush moves. Can win at the next level with his speed rush.

Shaky instincts slow his feet - often gets caught looking into the backfield and hesitates when diagnosing the run. Can get occupied by bigger, stronger blockers and tends to shut it down completely when engaged. More quick than explosive. A drag-down tackler who relies on his body weight and is inconsistent in his wrap-up form.

ESPN (Scouts, Inc.) - Good snap anticipation and first step quickness / quick feet and some torso flexibility but he obvious tightness in his hips and limited athleticism for the position. Has shown vast improvement in hand-to-hand combat but can still improve. Some quick, violent and compact rip and swim moves. Can effectively transfer speed-to-power as a pass rusher. N atural closing burst to the QB taking advantage of his long arms. Gets long arms up to mess up quarterbacks' passing windows  and occasionally bats down a few passes.

 Quick feet for his size. Consistently gets into good initial positioning on slants and stunts. Fires out of stance with good leverage and is good at anchoring and setting the edge (when he gets his feet/shoulders square and stays low). But if he's not in good position upon initial contact his pads tend to get high and that's when he gets rag-dolled. Works hard to set the edge and plays with good overall discipline. Does not make enough plays front-side because he struggles to disengage quickly. But he does pursue hard from the backside. Good tackler for the position. Power at POA/ good at wrapping up and finishing."

Has played  LDE and RDE. Also played some five-technique in a 34 and some three-technique (as an inside rusher) on obvious passing downs. Not strong enough to line up inside very often in the NFL but has proven to be an effective inside rusher. Stiff in hips and lacks upside as a 34 OLB.

Only one full season of starting experience. Occasionally late finding the ball (especially vs. the run). But his motor ran on red the entire 2011 season - takes pride in finishing. Has a nose for the ball and has developed into a fumble-forcing machine.

Cam Johnson 6034 268  Virginia  (Arm: 33½)

Combine: Forty: 4.81 | BP: DNP | VJ: 35.0 | BJ: 105| 3C: 7.20 | 20Sh: 4.38 | 60 Sh: DNP |

Pro Day: Johnson stood on his times from the NFL Scouting Combine. He had a 34-1/2-inch vertical and a 9-7 broad jump. He also did 18 strength lifts. He worked out with his hand on the ground and as a player who would drop into space. He’s probably best suited to play linebacker in a 3-4 scheme at the pro level.

Pro Football Draft Guide – Former LB finding his way with his hand in the dirt. Good against the run but sometimes lost as a pass rusher.

From nfl.com - First two years were at OLB before moving to end. Has solidified himself as an end in a 4-3 scheme since he excels at many things that coaches utilizing 9-technique coaches desire at the position.

A good athlete who moves well for his size. Has the foot quickness and explosive first step to keep offensive tackles off balance, and the body control not be thrown off track by linemen. A classic 4-3 DE who excels at rushing the passer thru the 9 gap. Can also sit, engage and shed OT’s block when pursuing run plays. A face-up tackler who can fill his lane in run support and maintain gap integrity, despite the temptation to rush the passer on every down. Uses his hands actively when rushing the passer and vs. the run, and gives good effort in pursuit on the backside. strong enough to hold the edge to enable his LB’s to flow to their gaps.

Scouting reports recommend getting an extra hand or body on him to completely neutralize him. Struggles against double teams. (Problem usually stemmed from his lack of sustained effort).. He will give up at times if he notices an extra blocker near him. He must learn how to bring it on every down.

ESPN (Scouts, Inc.) - Greatest strength as a pass rusher is his ability to generate explosive burst and power in his first few steps. Good snap awareness / first-step quickness is a notch below elite. Consistently knocks OT back on heels with initial contact. Can turn speed into power as a pass rusher. Powerful hands /continues to improve his swim, rip and club moves. Keeps OT's guessing with combination of initial burst, smooth double moves and power. Good body lean / shaves the edge relatively tightly. But needs to become a better finisher. Lacks great torso flexibility and will struggle at times to track down the QB when he steps up into the pocket. Closing burst is adequate but not great. When he can't get to the QB he’s at getting his arms up and disrupting the QB's timing/vision as a passer.

Vs. the run, he Fires out of stance quickly and generally gets in very good position. Playx a bit high at times off  a narrow base, but is stronger than his frame indicates. Uses long arms to keep blockers away from body while he locates the ball. Locates the ball quickly and has good natural instincts vs. the run. Light on his feet. Smooth athlete for size. Deceptive speed because of long strides but lacks great suddenness and struggles to change directions quickly in space. Lacks ideal closing burst and is a bit inconsistent as a tackler. But he does have power at the POA and can jar the ball loose. Also a good tackler in tight quarters when fending off blocks. "

Versatile. Played OLB in Al Groh's 3-4 scheme before moving to DE in new 4-3 scheme in 2010. Potential to play both at the next level. Pl;ayed TE and was a three-year starter at WR and DB in high school.

Does not always pursue from backside as hard as he could. But was on the field more than most DE prospects & needed to save himself at times. Plays with a chip on his shoulder and is physical and tough. Good focus and snap awareness. Must show more discipline, especially with gap assignments vs. run. Tends to take the bait and leave his defense vulnerable at times.

Tyrone Crawford 6042 275  Boise St.  (Arm: 33¾)

Combine: Forty: 4.85 | BP: 28 | VJ: 33 | BJ: 113 | 3C: 7.09 | 20Sh: 4.44 | 60 Sh: DNP | 

Pro Day — Crawford ran a 4.77 40-yard dash and worked out very well. He showed he can move both on the line and in space. He likely will be a third-round pick.

BRS (Gollin) - Write-ups suggest he'd be an intriguing Day 2 development option for the Cardinals.

Pro Football Draft Guide – Understandably raw, but he has the toughness and motor plus the size/athleticism combo to be molded

From nfl.com - Originally from Canada. Has a ton of upside and prototypical NFL athletic ability and speed on a perfect frame. Can play in various spots across a DL and plugged in to a number of schemes. A late riser with second- or third-round value as a developmental prospect who could become a starter.

Quick to get out of his stance off the snap with the instincts to slant and hit a gap without being touched. Consistently disrupts plays in the backfield and is a solid tackler. A strong player with an explosive arm jolt keeping blockers at bay. Good COD when stopping to pursue a play laterally. As a rusher, his motor is the key to his success. Never gives up and uses a strong burst to get to the QB. Has a ton of upside for a team willing to be patient and work with him. Despite his size, his nasty demeanor  could allow him to play special teams early on in his career.

Raw – will be a project early on and could have a tough time adapting right away. Has had trouble getting off double teams (probably a technique issue). Will need extra coaching and attention to adjust to the NFL.

ESPN (Scouts, Inc.) - Adequate initial quickness but snap anticipation is inconsistent. Lacks ideal torso flexibility to bend the edge tightly, but he has quick feet, good power and closing burst, and he's relentless in pursuit. Good at transferring quickness to power as a bull rusher. Good initial pop to stand OTs up but must develop a more effective repertoire of second moves. Has a strong upper body but must become more violent and compact with his hands. Relentless effort. Never stops fighting. "

Big and strong. Plays with good balance. Powerful enough to keep separation and steer the OL. Inconsistent with hand usage. Powerful upper body /can disengage but occasionally gets stuck because he's not using his hands effectively. Not a great athlete but usually can change directions in the backfield quickly enough get back into the play. Will make some plays outside of tackle box. Great effort in pursuit. Strong tackler. Breaks down and wraps up on a consistent basis.

Very good first-step quickness for size. Consistently gains initial penetration and is very disruptive. Can improve his hand usage but has the quick, violent hands to do so. "

Awareness is still improving. Can be a quarter-count late diagnosing at times, but plays through the whistle with good discipline and a great motor. Works hard to get into play from backside.

Jared Crick 6042 279   Nebraska (Arm: 32)

Combine: Forty: 4.99 | BP: DNP | VJ: 31.0 | BJ: 104 | 3C: 7.47| 20Sh: 4.40 | 60 Sh: DNP |   

Pro Day - Ran a 4.09-second short shuttle and did 26 strength lifts. Crick didn’t lift at the combine because of a torn pectoral muscle, but 26 lifts is a pretty good number coming off that kind of injury. Crick’s a very competitive but somewhat undersized guy who gets by with quickness. This is a hard guy to say where he’s going to be picked because for two years he put up great numbers and then saw his production slip in a final injury-shortened season.

PFW Scout's Candid Comments - "Not a dominant player, but he will be a coach's dream with how hard he plays. Even with the injury, I don't think he'll slide far."

Pro Football Draft Guide – High motor, run stuffing DE. Playing mostly inside, Crick explodes off the snap …sometimes plays too high.

From nfl.com - Missed most of his senior season due to a torn pectoral muscle. Considered the lucky beneficiary of playing next to Ndamdakung Suh earlier. But he still could emerge as one of the premier defensive lineman in the draft. A DT in college, he also projects as a possible 4-3 DE., Has displayed enough football acumen to still hear his name called early in the draft.

Has the size and athletic ability to play in various schemes. Can defeat blocks and get to the ball-carrier in the backfield. Active in the run game with great instincts that allow him to be an active player. Once in the backfield, he can run down quarterbacks with pure hustle. Off the snap, he uses his size and hands to get off blocks and show up.

There were worries that he’d struggle against double teams after Suh departed. Those concerns proved to be true. He is tough to hold off one-on-one, but often shuts it down when blocked by more than one lineman. A knee injury he suffered last spring jeopardizes his overall mobility (not necessarily a strong suit prior to this season)..

ESPN (Scouts, Inc.) - Above average hand fighter. Uses powerful punch to create separation and follows with effective rip/swim moves. Lacks the burst necessary to run around offensive tackles but employed adequate bend when rusheing the passer from the DE spot or looping around other DT. Improved at getting under interior offensive linemen and driving them back into the quarterback's lap. Above average closing speed for a DT and average closing speed for a 5-technique. Still developing in terms of countering when blockers lock on.

Sound hand placement /can controls blockers one-on-one. Can shed blocks in time to make the play but is somewhat inconsistent in this area. Hands are quick but not nearly as strong or explosive as Suh’s. Strong for size / can draw to stalemate when taking on double team but only when he keeps pads down / plays a bit upright at times. Above average gap discipline. Forces back to cut back or bounce outside. Makes linebackers' jobs easier. Above average range / can make plays outside the tackle box.

DE in three man fronts is arguably his best fit. Also strong enough to line up at DT where he has the most experience /can also line up at LDE in a four-man front. Doesn't appear agile or explosive enough to move to OLB in a base three-man front.

Above average and consistent (though not elite effort). Can get to quarterbacks and backs with second effort. Above average instincts for a defensive lineman. Keeps head up and quickly locates ball. Gets hands up in passing lanes in a timely fashion.

Jonathan Massaquoi 6021 264  Troy (Arm:34)
Combine: Forty: 4.89 | BP: 20 | VJ: 33.5 | BJ: 120 | 3C: 7.38 | 20Sh: 4.53 | 60 Sh: DNP |

 upside fringe starter . Undersized end who could fit as a 3-4 OLB.Highly productive. Good natural strength and athleticism.  He’ll have trouble getting around the edge and winning vs. the run.

From nfl.com - Put in an "above average" season on film and is a middle- or late-round prospect. Hurt by the fact that he is a tweener, playing DE at 250 pounds without showing enough athletic ability that would translate to OLB in a 3-4. His stock will depend on pre-draft workout numbers -- could be selected nearly anywhere.

Has very long arms - a major source of intrigue to NFL talent evaluators. He’d benefit from remaining at DE where he can use his arms in tight quarters to maintain an advantage over OT’s and keep his chest clean of blocks. Massaquoi has shown the ability to cover in short areas and fly out to cover the flats and running backs out of the backfield (i.e. LB traits). If he’s selected prior to the fourth round, it will be because teams fell in love with his ability to extend his long arms, set the edge and play off that space that he creates for himself.

He’s a very stiff, elongated defender who struggles to move fluidly in space. Off the snap, he doesn’t have the innate burst or speed to use a speed rush to get outside OT’s.. Although his bull rush was effective in college, he lacks the natural strength to win at the next level. Looks unnatural (i.e. “stiff”) in a three-point stance. A stiff edge setter who will no longer be able to bull rush his way to sacks and could face an extended developmental period at the next level.

Shea McClellan (DE/OLB)    6-3    248    Boise State
BRS (Gollin) - Off the radar screen of many of us, but has suddenly jumped up the draft charts from obscurity (10th & 12th-ranked DE by PFDG and Lindy's respectively and not even mentioned by PFW) to #3 DE by Mayock and a 1st round pick on Kiper's 4/4 mock.

Pro Football Draft Guide – Has an absolutely non-stop motor, a good first step and the ability to battle through blocks as a pass rusher. A bit limited athletically and not especially flexible, but he has a knack for getting into the backfield. Could be a 4-3 DE or a 3-4 OLB.

Lindy's - A never-satisfied grinder and the unsung hero of a very good Boise St. defense. Doesn't stand out athletically/lacks the natural burst to be a consistent or dominant pass rusher. Versatile/most effective when moved around by a creative DC. Borderline Top 100 pick who isn't flashy and won't have great workout numbers but simply makes plays on the football field.
 Broderick Binns   Iowa    6001    258
Combine - No Info

Pro Day - Forty: 4.69  |  Ten: 1.64  |  Twenty: 2.68  | BP: 17  |  VJ: 36  |  BJ: 10-1  |  Sh Sh: 4.66  | 3C: 7.28

BRS (Gollin) - May be the pass rusher we didn't get in the draft. SI projects him as a three-technique DT, but he seems to profile more of apass rushing role player (i.e. a "poor man's Ingram) who's short, explosive (check his forty, VJ and BJ). DUI arrest in 2010 may have cost him a draft-spot.

Walter Mitchell (posting on ASFN) -
2nd Team All Big 10. 2011 stats: 59 t, 12 tfl, 5 sacks, 8 pass breakups, 6 qb pressures. Runs a 4.62---if he was a little taller he could have been a 3-4th rounder.

SI.com - Positives:
Undersized yet explosive college lineman who gets the most from his ability. Remains disciplined with assignments, plays within himself and makes a lot of smart plays on the field. Fires off the snap with a quick first step, immediately locates the ball and shows the ability to alter his angle of attack and chase the action laterally. Keeps his knees bent, plays with terrific pad level and naturally gets leverage on opponents. Keeps his feet driving up the field, slides off blocks and gets his hands up to knock away the pass if he cannot get to the quarterback. Adequate speed off the edge and chases the action hard.

Negatives: First-move lineman who struggles getting off blocks or will be engulfed at the point of attack. Possesses just an average closing burst of speed. Consistently overmatched by opponents.

Analysis: Binns was a productive college lineman who lacks great measurables for the next level. His quickness, change-of-direction ability and intensity will make him an attractive backup as a three-technique tackle at the next level.


PFW -
Was a two-time all-state selection as a Minnesota prep. Redshirted in 2007. Appeared in all 13 games in ’08, totaling 22 tackles, 2 1/2 tackles for loss and two sacks with two batted passes. Made all 13 starts at left defensive end in ’09 and tallied 63-10 1/2-6 1/2 with a team-leading nine batted passes, one forced fumble and a blocked kick (potential game-winner vs. Northern Iowa). In ’10, played in 12 games (five starts at DLE spot) and recorded 36-1-0 with two batted passes, one interception (20-yard touchdown vs. Arizona) and a forced fumble. Was suspended for the season opener against Eastern Illinois after being arrested for drunk driving in July 2010. Started all 13 games at LDE in '11 and totaled 60-12-5 with eight batted passes, one interception and one forced fumble.

Draft Scout Snapshot:
2010: Arrested for drunken driving in June 2010, suspended for the first game of the year...saw action in 12 games, starting five . . . recorded 17 solo tackles and 19 assists, along with two pass break-ups, an interception return for a touchdown at Arizona, one forced fumble and a tackle for loss. 2009: Honorable mention all-Big Ten by league media . . . Coaches Appreciation Award, Defense . . .started all 13 games at defensive end . . . Recorded 27 solo tackles and 36 assists in 13 games . . . Led team with nine pass brreak-ups and had 10 tackles for loss and six QB sacks . . . Collected four solo tackles and one assist in Orange Bowl, along with one tackle for loss. 2008: Played in 13 games as a reserve … credited with 22 tackles, 2.5 for loss, and two sacks … also broke up two passes and recovered a fumble during the year … named Big Ten Conference All-Freshman defensive end by Rivals.com. 2007: Redshirted.
   |
 Zach Nash    6023   252    Sacramento State 
BRS (Gollin) - May fit a pass-rushing specialist mold if Horton plans to go that way. Another shortish, DE/OLB sackmaster. Same deal as Binns (good first step, relentless pass rusher, but lacks strength at POA).

Walter Mitchell (posting on ASFN) -  FCS 1st team All-American. 1st Team All-Big Sky. 2011: 15 tfl, 10.5 sacks, 3 ff, blocked a kick, finishes career at Sac. St. with 40.4 tfl and school record 29.5 sacks. This kid is quick and slippery---has a real nose for the ball. The question is, can he make the transition to OLB and the NFL. Having not taken an edge rusher in the draft, if Nash turns out to be a steal, wow, what a 4 days for the Cardinals! I like Binns too---they both have a good chance---

SI.Com - Positives: Productive college defensive end who projects to outside linebacker in the NFL. Plays with good pad level, quick off the snap and works his hands throughout the action. Competitive and fights hard until whistle blows. Fluid if asked to twist or stunt, makes plays in every direction of the field and stays on his feet. Slides off blocks to get to the action and displays an array of moves.

Negatives: Lacks strength at the point and easily pushed from his angle of attack by a single blocker. Lacks great pursuit speed.

Analysis: Nash has been a menacing defender the past two seasons yet lacks top size/speed numbers for the next level. He possesses strong side linebacker size and offers the football skill to get consideration on a practice squad.
Richetti Jones   Oklahoma State 6032   275
Combine - No Info

Pro Day - Forty: 4.86  |  Ten: 1.75  |  Twenty: 2.78  | BP: 30  |  VJ: 34  |  BJ: 9-5  |  Sh Sh: 4.68  | 3C: 8.15  |

BRS (Gollin) -
Physically fits more a LDE anchor profile than he does a blindside edge rusher (but Scouts.com likes his pass rushing skills). Would need to add more bulk to be a traditional 3-4 DE. Not on first list of 17 UDFA's despite being mentioned by other sites as signing with us.

Walter Mitchell (posting on ASFN) -
Watching this kid on tape I am surprised he wasn't drafted. He's got some explosion and a good physical presence. Plus he's strong---30 reps at 225 at his Pro Day. 2011 stats: 33 t 6.5 tfl, 4 sacks, 8 qbps, 3 ff.

Scout.com - Jones is a dominating pass rusher, who fires off the ball quickly. He shows great backside pursuit and does a great job of blowing off blocks. For a defensive end he is a tad undersized, but it's nothing a college workout program won't take care of.
 
 

 

The Big Red Sheet web site is not the official web site nor do we represent the official views of the Arizona Cardinals Football Club or National Football League. We are a forum for various input and opinions from a broad variety of sources, and our content will most likely will be a combination of fact, opinion and hearsay. While we will take reasonable precautions to avoid inaccuracies or misstatements and will issue corrections or retractions if warranted, we will not assume responsibility for the type of minor unintentional inaccuracies that are a natural part of web site publishing.

Click here with questions or comments about the Cardinals or this web site.

Copyright © 1996 Gollin & Associates. Last modified: 05/01/2012