Arizona Cardinals
 |
NFL Team Column By: Column Open |
2009 NFL Draft Class
By John L. Clarke
Round 1 (pick 31) – Chris “Beanie” Wells, RB, Ohio State (6’1”, 235 lbs.) With all the talk last year about how Edgerrin James had lost a step and Tim Hightower is just a short yardage back, an upgrade was needed. Beanie has Top 10 talent, but slide due to teams looking for value in the RB position in later rounds. Still, this was an excellent pick and fit. Although he has some durability issues, he will give the Cardinals another offensive option that can close out games when trying to hold onto a lead. If he can stay healthy, this is a great pick.
Round 2 (pick 63) – Cody Brown, DE/OLB, Connecticut (6’2”, 244 lbs.) With ‘tweeners being all the rage, Brown gets a chance in the NFL that he might not have gotten as a DE. With the 3-4 defensive scheme the Cards run, Brown will get to utilize his pass rushing skills as he converts to a full time OLB. The Cards pass rush was inconsistent last year, and they are hoping Brown can use his great athleticism to make a seamless transition and provide some stability.
Round 3 (pick 95) – Rashad Johnson, DB, Alabama (5’11”, 203 lbs.)
How Johnson slide to the 3rd round is a head scratcher. He has great instincts and is a ball hawk. He also played under Nick Saban, and with that kind of coaching style, Johnson should be ready to play sooner rather than later. There are some concerns which may be the reason he slide one round later than he should have. He has some character issues, albeit small, but it is still there. He also needs to get stronger to handle the punishment from WR/TE that will come down field to block him. He has only average measurable’s, but so did new teammate Anquan Boldin and he turned out just fine.
Round 4 (pick 131) – Greg Toler, CB, St. Pauls (5’11”, 191 lbs.)
As there is in Draft’s of the past, teams will take a chance on little known student-athletes that could develop into big time Pro’s. The Cards hope Toler fits that bill. After missing out on a Division I due to poor academics, Toler got a 2nd chance at Division II St. Pauls. Under former Philadelphia Eagles safety Kevin Grisby, Toler excelled at cornerback during his tenure. He also will graduate soon, which shows how far he has come. He may prove, in time, to be a great nickel back.
Round 5 (pick 167) – Herman Johnson, OL, LSU (6’7”, 364 lbs.)
The biggest baby ever born in Louisiana (15lbs., 14 ounces) is now in Arizona. Johnson has the frame of one giant offensive tackle, but probably will fare better kicking inside to guard as he did during his college career. Johnson is never going to be a superstar guard, however if he stays mentally and physically stout and devoted, he will be a welcome asset to the stability of the Cards offensive line. He has a lot of work to do to maintain his weight and focus. Strength and speed are not a part of his game, but he is massive and understands how to play o-line which is why he wins those battles in the trenches. He may be a back-up for the next few years as he adjusts to the NFL speed of defender’s he will play.
Round 6 (pick 204) – Will Davis, DE/OLB, Illinois (6’2”, 260 lbs.)
Although Davis underachieved at Illinois, it was not due to effort. He is going to have the most trouble adjusting to standing up in a 3-4 and would probably be better suited in the nickel as a rush defensive end (DE). He has good speed, balance and strength but could not be a full time DE. If he loses weight, gets faster and learns to play in space, he could be a valuable back-up. He did start his career as a WR/TE so he does have the athletic background to switch positions, but only time will tell.
Round 7 (pick 240) – LaRod Stephens-Howling, RB, Pittsburgh (5’7”, 180 lbs.)
This small running back is very quick and shifty. LSH would be very useful in the passing game since he is much faster and shifter than Hightower and Wells. Other than being a 3rd down back and/or return man, he is going to be hard pressed to make the team. Still, Darren Sproles, Garrett Wolfe and Maurice Jones-Drew are small in stature and have succeeded in the league.
Round 7 (pick 254) – Trevor Canfield, OL, Cincinnati (6’5”, 307 lbs.)
Trevor Canfield may have been selected in the 7th round, but he has the ability to be a starter in this league in the near future. His size, attitude and athletic ability have carried him this far and he is suited for the Cardinals passing approach. Although he still needs to get more lead in is butt to better absorb bull rushing defensive tackles, he plays with a mean streak and will fight to gain position. A valuable back-up that could also play some right tackle in a few years.
Overview
The Super Bowl runner-up seems to have helped their cause by getting a star running back to accompany diamond in the rough Hightower. Picking Rashad Johnson in the 3rd round is one of a few steals in the entire draft. He should find playing time behind Antrel Rolle early and will contribute in the nickel and dime defenses instantly. Wells makes a good offense even better, but there are a lot of projects in this draft class that will label them as having great foresight or being horrible draft evaluators. We’ll check back in a few years to see if these gambles paid off.
