Cardinals Draft, Part 2: Sizing Up Levi Brown

The Cardinals made a big splash in Saturday's draft by selecting behemoth offensive tackle Levi Brown.  Here, Jeff Gollin from The Big Red Sheet Cardinals blog breaks down the draft for the Bleacher Report.

In part two of his analysis, Gollin dissects Levi Brown's skills and shortcomings, in addition to evaluating the Cardinals' four other picks in the 2007 NFL draft.

LEVI BROWN, OT, PENN STATE

Buzz out of Cardinal Country was that offensive line coach Russ Grimm (who worked Levi out individually during his Pro Day) liked him better than Joe Thomas (whom many observers rated higher).

 

I'd prefer to rate one tackle 1a and the other 1b. Thomas was considered the better pass blocker and the "safer" prospect. Brown was considered the more physical run blocker with more athleticism and a greater upside, but with a slightly less consistent motor. 

 

For many years, the Cardinals have had problems running the football (until the arrival of Edgerrin James, the last Arizona RB to run for more than 1,000 yards in a season was Adrian Murrell). While the Cardinal rushing attack approached respectability in the latter half of last season, there is room for considerable improvement. Add to this the departure of Leonard Davis to the Cowboys and it became growingly evident that Levi Brown fit the job description to a tee.

ALAN BRANCH, DT, MICHIGAN

You can't watch his highlight reel without getting excited. Alan takes up considerable space; I've seen him completely dominate the line of scrimmage. He can defeat the double team and frequently occupies two blockers. (One reason LB David Harris performed so well for the Wolverines was that Branch was keeping blockers from getting to the second level.)

Branch's draft stock was hurt by the fact that his production fell off at the end of in his final college season—he  would disappear on occasion or wear down in games, and was recovering from stress fractures in both legs. Originally a Top 10 (and even possibly a Top 5) value on many draft boards, it was inevitable that he'd slip a little on Saturday—but I don't think anyone felt he'd fall all the way to the second round.

Was Branch's "underachiever" rap deserved?

Not if you pay attention to SIRIUS Radio's Pat Kirwin (who spent roughly 15 minutes railing at 25-year-old kids who never coached a game— basing their opinions more on hearsay than on miles of game tape). Kirwin pointed out that nose tackles are particularly susceptible to defensive schemes and responsibilities (i.e. stay at home; protect against backside cutbacks) which causes them to "disappear" on highlight tapes unless you know what to look for.

Pat asked USC Coach Pete Carroll and his center Ryan Kalil about their impressions of Branch. They said Branch was the toughest inside force they ever had to face and felt his consistency was just fine. Kirwin then went one step farther and interviewed Alan on the air.

He asked Branch, "How much of the time were you asked to play backside contain against cutbacks?"

Alan's solemn answer: "A whole lot."

If the Cardinal coaches can get Branch to bring his "A" game on every snap, opposing teams will think twice between even thinking about running between the tackles. Given his potential to totally transform the dynamic of a defense, the question wasn't whether the Cardinals should risk a second round pick on Branch (and even trade up to get him); it was "how could you pass him up?"

BUSTER DAVIS, ILB, FLORIDA STATE

Think of Buster as Fred Willis—only an inch shorter and 0.06 seconds slower. He is a tackling machine who flies around the field hitting people and making plays. He's smart, with a quick first step, and is great at stuffing the run.  He can cover too.

As one guy said on the teevee: "What Davis is is a football player". His value in the draft undoubtedly suffered because 5'9" is not the prototypical height for a middle linebacker. (Tell that to London Fletcher, Sam Mills, or Zach Thomas!)

Equally important, in my opinion, will be the intensity and leadership Davis brings to the Cardinal locker room. Every successful football team needs at least a few players like Buster. In this respect, Cardinals fans are already referring to Buster as "the Defensive Anquan Boldin."

STEVE BREASTON, WR/KR/PR MICHIGAN

Breaston caught our eye earlier in his college career—and as we entered this past season, I had him rated much higher. But his production as a receiver and returner tailed off, and an unusually deep and talented pool of draft-eligible receivers caused his stock to fall.

Breaston did, however, rebound to make a good impression during East-West Shrine week. If for no other reason than what Devin Hester did to them last season, the Cards were in the market for a returner who could strike fear into the hearts of enemy coverage teams. At the number 141 spot in the fifth round,  Breaston fit the bill.

When you look at Steve's game footage, his explosion and separation speed leaps out at you. He was a solid value in the fifth round.

 

 

BEN PATRICK, TE, DELAWARE

The Cardinals entered the draft on the prowl for a blocking tight end. Unfortunately, this year's pool of tight ends was extremely thin on blockers. Patrick is better known for his pass-catching ability, but has the size and strength to become a good NFL blocker. Let's not forget that Whisenhunt is a former tight end himself and should know what he's doing when evaluating the position. Patrick will push 6'8" Leonard Pope for starting time while providing necessary depth at the tight end spot.

To sum up, the Cardinals helped themselves significantly in this draft. Their offensive line will be tougher and more physical. Ditto for the defensive line and linebacking corps. They've got someone who can take kickoffs and punts to the house. And they added depth at tight end.

 

Not a bad two-day's work.