Grading the Arizona Cardinals 2014 Draft

By Matt Johnson on Tuesday, May 13th 2014
Grading the Arizona Cardinals 2014 Draft

The NFC West is the best division in football—it has the Super Bowl Champions, NFC runner up, a tough St. Louis Rams team and of course the Arizona Cardinals.

Arizona had a breakout season in 2013, finishing the year 10-6 in large part thanks to their elite defense and improved passing game. They did all of this without their first-round pick Jonathan Cooper who will make his debut this season. After a strong offseason where they brought in Antonio Cromartie and Jared Veldheer, they had momentum heading into the 2014 NFL Draft.

 

First Round, 27th Pick (via NO): Deone Bucannon, Strong Safety, Washington State

Arizona entered the draft with the 20th Overall pick—after not seeing anyone they liked at that spot, they picked up an extra third round pick by trading down to 27 with the New Orleans Saints. It already was an excellent move before their selection and Bucannon just made it better. 

Of course, Bucannon is well known for his bone-crushing hits and being a missile on defense. His quickness and ability to close ground quickly helps him break faster on the ball and force the ball loose. He excels playing in the box as a force against a run, but don't sleep on his skills in coverage. Bucannon showed off his athleticism at the combine and when you pair that with his size at 6'1", he has the tools to match up with tight ends. The Cardinals already had a great defense coming in, Bucannon makes it even better as they upgrade at strong safety.

 

Second Round, 52nd Pick: Troy Niklas, Tight End, Notre Dame

If the Cardinals wanted to take the next step and contend for the NFC West crown, their offense was going to need more help at tight end. Rob Housler has been a disappointment and while John Carlson is a welcome addition, he is nothing more than a number two tight end. 

Bruce Arians made sure to improve the position early in the draft and he found a match made in heaven with the 52nd pick. Niklas emerged at Notre Dame this past season after former Fighting Irish tight end Tyler Eifert joined the NFL. The first thing you notice about Niklas is his size — 6'6" and 270 pounds is the definition of a monster. While he isn't the type of receiving threat that Eifert was, he has shown the potential to be an excellent blocker and someone who can move the chains/ He is still raw as a prospect, but his blocking ability will get him on the field very quickly.

 

Third Round, 84th Pick: Kareem Martin, Defensive End, North Carolina

Arizona went right back to improving its defense in round three — the focus turned toward the defensive line and finding a future replacement for Darnell Dockett

They found their man in Martin, a 6'6" defensive end from North Carolina who wins with his length and explosiveness. While Clowney drew attention at the combine, it was Martin who really jumped out of the building. Martin loves to beat the tackle with his athleticism, but the ability is there to also use power. Arizona may try to make him an outside linebacker but with Dockett turning 33 this month, it's time to find his replacement.

 

Third Round, 91st Pick (via NO): Josh Brown, Wide Receiver, Pittsburg State (KS)

The Cardinals delivered one of the bigger surprises in the draft when they selected Brown in the third round. While wide receiver is a need with Larry Fitzgerald's contract eating up cap room and play starting to slow down, it was an odd pick.

Brown's game relies on speed—his 4.34 40-time jumps out and you see that explosiveness when watching him return kicks or sprint down the sideline. He is just 5'10" and 179 pounds and will have to make a big jump from Division II ball to the much more physical and quicker NFL defensive backs. He fits Arians' love for the vertical passing game, but for now will likely function as a return man.

 

Fourth Round, 120th Pick: Logan Thomas, Quarterback, Virginia Tech

There are few coaches as old school as Arians when it comes to evaluating quarterback prospects. He was blunt when asked about this year's class, stating the only franchise quarterback he had is Blake Bortles. Big frame, big arm and can take hits with the best of them.

While Arians' didn't land Bortles, he found a quarterback who he hopes to mold into a franchise quarterback. Thomas always teased scouts with his rocket arm, athleticism and size — he was even projected as a future top pick as a sophomore, but just couldn't throw the football on target. That will be Arians' goal when working with Thomas — he is as raw as they come but has the prototypical traits to be a great one. Now the challenge is on this coaching staff to turn him into that.

 

Fifth Round, 160th Pick: Ed Stinson, Defensive End, Alabama

The Cardinals addressed the defensive line once again, but went for a player who brings a different skillset. While Martin has great size and athleticism to be a great pass rusher, Stinson is better suited to play against the run.

Stinson stands shorter for his position at 6'2" and 287 pounds but what he lacks in size he makes up for in pure power. Stinson uses his strength to knock over the tackle in front of him and force his way into the backfield. He doesn't have the athleticism to get after the quarterback quickly, but his ability to power through blocks will help him stop the run.

 

Sixth Round, 196th Pick: Walt Powell, Wide Receiver, Murray State

With their last pick in the draft, Arizona again addressed its depth at wide receiver. Powell isn't as explosive as Brown, but impresses with his work ethic and ability to adjust to the football.

Powell can play on special teams including in the return game, giving Arizona more depth at multiple positions and giving Powell a greater chance of making the roster. Powell's hands have improved and that paired with his agility, should help him develop into a slot receiver.

 

Grade: B+

In a division where their rivals had a strong draft, the Cardinals had to come out of this with a strong group of players who can produce immediately. They did just that finding an upgrade at strong safety, tight end and adding more depth on the defensive line. Bucannon should start right away and pair with Patrick Peterson, Cromartie and Tyrann Mathieu perfectly. Niklas should push himself up the depth chart and become one of Arians' favorite players, with significant snaps coming along with it.

Arizona also drafted for its long-term needs, something the best general managers always find a way to balance with immediate plans. If the coaching staff can maximize on Thomas' talent, they will have their franchise quarterback. Martin should see some snaps early in his career and it won't be too long before he replaces Dockett. The Cardinals also added in more speed at wide receiver to stretch the field and help on special teams.

Everything is in place for the Cardinals to take another step forward this season and become a playoff team. AN improved offensive line, an even better defensive and average play by Carson Palmer will keep the race in the NFC West very close. This is going to be a fun team to watch and Cardinals fans should start checking their schedules in January.

Stay In Touch

Scores

No NFL games.
NFLFantasy
NFLFantasy
NFLFantasy
NFLFantasy
NFLFantasy
NFLFantasy