Random Thoughts Less Than 2 Weeks Out

[JustInTime]

Starting to hear talk about several teams trying to move up. 

Charles Davis’ latest mock has the Cardinals taking Simpson at 3. You know someone is going to do something totally unexpected in the top 10, and this would be classic Cardinals. They’ll follow it up next year with Arch or Sayin.

Early look at 27 is heavy with top end guys. Might be as many as 4 RBs with first round grades. 

Latest word out of Minnesota is they’ll view production over traits in the draft. Depending on the position, I’m not sure I agree with that approach. 

I don’t think Downs is going as high as he’s consistently mocked. He’s just not special as far as traits go. 

I cannot wait to see what Frank Smith does with the run game. Could have a big impact on the C we acquire. I think they’ll place a premium on movement over anchor. 

I think I like Faulk and Woods as our best options at iDL. Both were somewhat miscast in 25. Woods in particular. I really like him in 24 more than 25. 

Grabbing Demond Claiborne to be our Achane would be my best outcome at 97 or if we acquire a 4th in a modest trade down. Delp at the same range would also be an excellent outcome. J-Rod would be great insurance for the annual Cashman injury.

[MaroonBells]

I agree about traits over production. You're not looking for great college players. You're looking for players who project to be great pros. And production can be misleading due to scheme, opponent, surround. 

The Cards made that mistake with Rosen/Murray. Will they do it again? I think they should trade down and try to get more picks to build their roster. Ideally, another 1st rounder in next year's supposed Festival de las QB. They're in a total rebuild and they need to give their new QB some surround before bringing him on board. 

It's interesting that DJ says "some teams" have Thieneman and EMW over Downs. Curious to see how that plays out.

[Kentis]

Woods played at a heavier weight in 25, he played much better in 24….

[Montana Tom]

I agree about traits over production. You're not looking for great college players. You're looking for players who project to be great pros. And production can be misleading due to scheme, opponent, surround. 

The Cards made that mistake with Rosen/Murray. Will they do it again? I think they should trade down and try to get more picks to build their roster. Ideally, another 1st rounder in next year's supposed Festival de las QB. They're in a total rebuild and they need to give their new QB some surround before bringing him on board. 

It's interesting that DJ says "some teams" have Thieneman and EMW over Downs. Curious to see how that plays out.

A poster child for traits over production was Danielle Hunter when we drafted him out of LSU.
Outside of those seasons when he was dealing with neck injuries, he's been pretty damn good in the NFL. 
73 sacks, avg 12.16 sacks/season?

Yup agreed. Traits.

[JustInTime]