Arizona Cardinals NFL Draft Big Board: Position-by-Position Rankings
The 2014 Arizona Cardinals were a tale of what could have been. Losing quarterback Carson Palmer to a torn ACL changed everything, as the offense crumbled and the promising season ended abruptly. But the Cardinals have a lot to build with for 2015 and beyond.
Everything starts with the brain trust of general manager Steve Keim and head coach Bruce Arians. Each has shown the moxie and acumen to lead the Cardinals franchise to a high level of success and now must deliver on their own talent.
The 2015 NFL draft is where a champion is formed. Considering team needs for the short and long term, we’ve created a big board at five critical positions. Every position of need has a list of candidates that fit the Cardinals’ trait preferences.
Let’s dig in and check out the positional big board for the Arizona Cardinals as we near the draft.
Edge-Rusher
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One of the more glaring needs on the Cardinals roster is at outside linebacker. The Cardinals’ slated rotation features veteran linebackers LaMarr Woodley and Alex Okafor, which certainly isn’t awful, but could use help. Let’s take a look at four defensive edge-rushers who project as productive in Arizona’s 3-4 front.
Randy Gregory, Nebraska
Nebraska defensive end Randy Gregory could be available as late as the Cardinals’ No. 24 overall pick. If he’s available, it would be surprising if he falls any more. Gregory’s draft stock took a hit when he tested positive for marijuana at the NFL combine.
On the field, Gregory has the size, athleticism and talent to become an elite pass-rusher. His natural strength in his hands is impressive, and it allowed him to shed blockers quickly en route to 17.5 career sacks.
For the Cardinals, Gregory would be a third-down monster while he continues to bulk up. At just 235 pounds, he’s not ready for a full-time workload yet. But he can be a dynamic role player in 2015.
Off the field is what makes Gregory tricky. The Cardinals are possibly the most qualified team to help him succeed in the NFL, after helping safety Tyrann Mathieu overcome his demons.
Shane Ray, Missouri
Another pass-rusher who once was bandied about as a top-five pick, Missouri’s Shane Ray could drop into the second round after entering the NFL’s drug abuse program.
"Shane Ray now automatically enrolled in behavioral portion of Phase 1 of NFL's substance abuse program, sources tell ESPN's Mark Dominik.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 28, 2015"
On the field, Ray could be exactly what the Cardinals want. He brings great quickness off the edge, and finishes his tackles well. On obvious passing plays, Ray really shines.
His snap-anticipation talent puts the offensive tackle on his heels almost immediately. That opens Ray’s arsenal of moves, as he can counter inside or continue to go around the tackle.
The risk on Ray is high. His off-field issues with a potential toe injury and now being busted for marijuana possession are red flags. But if he is there at the No. 55 overall pick, the risk is greatly reduced.
Owamagbe Odighizuwa, UCLA
If the Cardinals want to avoid the character-risk edge-rushers, then UCLA’s Owamagbe Odighizuwa is a great fit. Odighizuwa is a power rusher, similar to Tennessee Titans rusher Brian Orakpo. He doesn’t win around the edge, but he will explode through tackles to create pressure.
There is some concern with Odighizuwa’s production at UCLA. He was used as a 5-technique in college, so he wasn’t in a position to go one-on-one often. Instead, his focus was eating blocks and stuffing the run.
With just 12.5 sacks on his resume, Odighizuwa could fall to the Cardinals at No. 24. He also has two hip surgeries from his time at UCLA, so his medicals must clear. But he played better than ever in 2014, so the arrow is pointing upward.
Preston Smith, Mississippi State
If you’re looking for a Justin Tuck-reincarnate, then Preston Smith is your guy. The versatile lineman is able to play 5-technique in a 3-4 front as a penetrator. At 6’6” and 270 pounds, Smith offers a unique talent for the Cardinals.
He’s not likely to stand up as the other edge-rushers in this list. Smith is used to having his hand in the dirt, then capitalizing on his speed and hand activity. He logged 15 tackles for loss and nine sacks in 2014, which was a breakout campaign.
In his first season, Smith can rotate with ends Frostee Rucker and Cory Redding on passing downs. The long-term outlook is more promising, as neither Rucker nor Redding are great starters.
Frank Clark, Michigan
The final name on the list for the Cardinals’ need at edge-rusher is Michigan’s Frank Clark. Clark is a good football player, but his character has major concerns. He was kicked off the team in November 2014 after a domestic violence arrest, and there were some issues before that.
Clark could be a draft-day steal in the third round if he can get his life together. He is NFL-ready in terms of skill, body and polish. His hand usage and awareness allow him to always be around the ball.
He isn’t flashy with his game. If this were pickup basketball, Clark would be the older guy who is efficient and sneaky-good. He doesn’t have the excellent speed, burst or rely on one trait. But his overall sum is too good for teams to ignore.
Cornerback
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Losing cornerback Antonio Cromartie in the offseason wasn’t a huge blow to the Cardinals defense, but it did open a hole that must be addressed at some point. The Cardinals like to be physical and aggressive by playing man coverage. Fortunately, there are some very talented cover corners in this class.
Marcus Peters, Washington
By far the best cornerback in the class is Washington’s Marcus Peters. Peters has the size (6’0”, 190 lbs) and physicality to match up with any receiver. He’s fearless and confident, which is necessary to become a great cornerback in the NFL.
On the field, Peters is perfect for the Cardinals. He can win on an island across from Patrick Peterson, allowing the safeties to roam free. He’s excellent at press coverage but can also play off the ball in zone if need be.
The hang-up on Peters comes off the field. He was dismissed from Washington when he struggled to get along with their new coaching staff. This will take digging, but Peters didn’t have issues with coaching prior to the new regime.
Getting another playmaker at cornerback with the 24th overall pick would be excellent value for the Cardinals. It’s difficult to find great cornerbacks, so Peters is well worth the risk.
Byron Jones, UConn
The star of the NFL combine was UConn cornerback Byron Jones. Jones flaunted insane athleticism, including a broad jump that broke a world record. He is a high-upside prospect because of his natural speed and explosion.
Jones has a history of shoulder injuries, and it came to head this past fall when he had surgery on his left shoulder. On tape, it’s clear Jones is a great athlete, but he doesn’t know how to unlock it yet. There are too many instances where Jones appears stiff and out of position, so he’ll need coaching up.
With his size (6’1”, 199 lbs), Jones has versatility to play free safety or cornerback. He will take some time to get ready for a starting job, but the Cardinals can offer a good situation while he learns to harness his talents.
Trae Waynes, Michigan State
The speedy Michigan State product is looking to be the second Spartans cornerback taken in the first round in the last two years. Trae Waynes enters the NFL after spending two seasons in a complex Spartans defense. Mentally, he should be well-prepared to digest an NFL playbook.
Waynes is a great straight-line athlete. He won’t lose many foot races. But he needs linebacker and safety help inside, as his hips are stiff and feet somewhat slow breaking inside.
These limitations could cause Waynes to fall to Arizona at No. 24. He’s a good player who can provide solid coverage. His ball skills need improvement so that he can become a playmaker, but he consistently is in position to at least play the ball.
Ronald Darby, Florida State
Another track athlete playing cornerback is Florida State’s Ronald Darby. Darby was a standout player for a talented Seminoles defense, earning Day 2 consideration as a man cornerback.
Darby checks all of the boxes for a Cardinals cornerback. He’s 5’11” with 31-inch arms, so length isn’t an issue. He ran a 4.38 40-yard dash, so speed is there. His experience in big games from a Power Five team is a major plus as well.
Center
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After overhauling their offensive line the last three years, the Cardinals line is nearly complete. One more spot can be upgraded for 2015, as center remains a need. Luckily for the Cardinals, there are three standout centers in the class that can fit their power-blocking approach in the run game.
Cameron Erving, Florida State
The top center in the class is easily Florida State’s Cameron Erving. He has elite athleticism, length and intelligence for the position. He moved from left tackle to center midway through his senior season for the Seminoles, but he helped jump-start their offense.
Erving’s versatility is overplayed. To be versatile, you must be a competent player at other positions. Erving was bad at tackle, and there’s no film of him at guard, so he is strictly a center at this time. But a great center is highly valuable, especially when he’s the cherry on top of a talented surrounding group.
Max Garcia, Florida
If Arizona doesn’t want to invest an early-round pick on a center, Florida’s Max Garcia could be a great Day 3 option. Garcia played guard, center and even tackle at times for Florida. He has the most versatility of all interior linemen in the draft.
Garcia is a true power blocker. He plays low and moves defensive players well for his 309-pound frame. He may bulk up a little bit to improve his body type, but he is able to player right away.
B.J. Finney, Kansas State
The super-saver center the Cardinals could select is B.J. Finney from Kansas State. Finney has an NFL-ready body right now, and although the upside doesn’t match Erving or Garcia, he is still an upgrade over incumbent center Ted Larsen.
Finney started 52 consecutive games over four seasons, earning team captain status three times. He was also first-team All-Big 12 twice. His accolades and character are major draws for Finney’s fit in Arizona.
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Running Back
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Along with center, the other position the Cardinals can significantly upgrade is running back. Incumbent starter Andre Ellington is a nice piece, but he hasn’t been able to carry the full workload to this point in his career. A star or at least complementary back would be a major addition.
Todd Gurley, Georgia
The star of the running back class is undoubtedly Georgia’s Todd Gurley. He has the style to punish defenses and the athleticism to keep them chasing from behind. His best comparisons include Seattle’s Marshawn Lynch and former Rams back Steven Jackson.
Gurley could possibly play all of 2015, as his doctor told ESPN.com (h/t Sporting News) that he’s well ahead schedule from his torn ACL. Even if he’s back around Week 7, he’d be able to greatly reduce the pressure on Carson Palmer and the rest of the offense.
Besides his excellent size and physicality, Gurley can contribute in the passing game. Every rookie back cannot say the same. He isn’t a good pass-blocker yet, but he had 615 yards receiving and six touchdowns out of the backfield.
Melvin Gordon, Wisconsin
The other first-round talent at running back this year is Wisconsin’s Melvin Gordon. Some may be higher on Gordon than Gurley, considering injuries and workload history, but Gurley does fit the Cardinals a little better due to his vision.
Gordon was ultra productive in college, logging nearly 5,000 rushing yards in four years. His ability to create in the open field is rare, as he explodes past defenders to get more yards. At 6’1”, 215 pounds, he’s also well-equipped to take hits.
The knock on Gordon is his vision. He doesn’t always trust his eyes or blockers and will try to bounce runs outside of the tackles. The NFL usually sniffs that out because NFL athletes are much better than collegiate players.
He’s also a non-factor on passing plays. He doesn’t block well, and he is unproven as a receiver. A two-down back with Ellington on passing plays can work, though.
T.J. Yeldon, Alabama
If the Cardinals want to target a running back on Day 2, then Alabama’s T.J. Yeldon could be their guy. He’s not as good as Gurley or Gordon, but for the price, he’s a good option. Yeldon offers similar size to Gurley, and fits well into a vertical offense.
Coming from Alabama, there are some concerns on whether Yeldon is maxed out as is. The Crimson Tide have developed a reputation for wearing their athletes out, and many have busted in the NFL (ex. Trent Richardson). But that shouldn’t preclude any team of ruling Yeldon out as a good player.
Yeldon narrowly missed posting a third consecutive 1,000-yard season in 2014 due to increased competition and some slight nicks throughout the year. He has great feet for his size and can contribute on third downs.
David Cobb, Minnesota
The ultimate value pick at running back this year could be Minnesota’s David Cobb. He had two massively productive years with the Gophers, averaging 5.1 yards a carry. Cobb was the focal point of the Gophers’ attack, with little help from his surrounding cast, but still had 1,626 rushing yards as a senior.
Cobb is the best pass protector of the class. His Senior Bowl practices routinely showed a disciplined, yet strong, athlete willing to take on contact. His mindset and technique are both notable since many rookie backs want nothing to do with blocking.
The combination of Cobb and Ellington should be highly tempting for the Cardinals. Even more so when factoring in the potential cost for Cobb is a mere third-round pick, as opposed to the 24th or 55th overall selection.
Inside Linebacker
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The most minor need on this list is inside linebacker. The Cardinals don’t need an instant starter at inside linebacker, as they added veteran Sean Weatherspoon this offseason. But long term, if Kevin Minter doesn’t work out, Arizona could need two linebackers.
The strategy here for the Cardinals is to point out two early-round options and two late-round players with upside to contribute. Depending on how the board plays out, and if the Cardinals trade down for an extra pick, maybe the top two talents become more realistic as selections.
Benardrick McKinney, Mississippi State
At 6’5”, 249 pounds, Benardrick McKinney has an NFL-ready frame. He’s tantalizing because of his measurements, and coaches will love him for the upside.
McKinney would look best in a 3-4 defense. He’s able to drop back into coverage, but it’s not his best strength. He’s most comfortable roaming from sideline to sideline, then attacking downhill through gaps. That’s the job description for strong-side linebackers.
The downside to McKinney is his instincts aren’t quite consistent. He isn’t speedy, so he has to read the play quickly. And when he fails to do so, he’s out of position too often. But coaches will try to limit his platter by assigning specific gaps and hope his instincts improve.
Stephone Anthony, Clemson
Similar to McKinney, Clemson’s Stephone Anthony has all the size needed for the linebacker position. He’s 6’3”, 245 pounds, has excellent downhill speed and the fluidity to drop into coverage. Again, coaches will love Anthony’s mold-ability.
Anthony sees and attacks well. If he hesitates, he struggles to be effective. Learning to trust his eyes and then hitting the hole is going to be huge for his development.
The major positive is Anthony is a tremendous athlete with some good tape. He played well against top competition, including Ohio State and Florida State.
Martrell Spaight, Arkansas
A one-year starter for Arkansas, Martrell Spaight is an intriguing Day 3 option for a 3-4 defense. He’s just 6’0” and 236 pounds, so he’s somewhat limited with size, but he can certainly play.
Spaight was a standout for Arkansas, totaling 128 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss and two forced fumbles in his first full season. He was a two-time junior college All-American at Coffeyville Community College before Arkansas. Coffeyville is one of the top JUCO transfer spots in the nation.
Jeff Luc, Cincinnati
Once a top high school recruit who attended the University of Florida, linebacker Jeff Luc finished his career at Cincinnati. Luc had a tremendous Senior Bowl week and has been trending upward since.
Luc is stoutly built at 6’0” and 251 pounds. He hammers guards like a drill when he attacks the line of scrimmage. His punishing style of play epitomizes what trench play should be.
As a strong-side linebacker in a 3-4, Luc can thrive as a two-down player. He’s not comfortable in coverage, as he’s slow and stiff in his hips. But his skill set as a run-stopper is well worth a late-round pick.
All stats used are from Sports-Reference.com.
Ian Wharton is an NFL Draft Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report.
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