2011年2月17日星期四

NFL Network's Mike Mayock analyzes Cardinals draft prospects


The Cardinals have multiple needs they'd love to shore up in next month's draft, including three particular positions.
They could use a shut-down cornerback to not only limit opposing teams' passing attacks, but to help improve a pass rush by providing time and opportunity for disruption.
They could use a playmaking outside linebacker who is capable of applying pressure, containing tight ends, and basically, being a dominating presence. And, of course, they really could use a quarterback.But what should the Cardinals do if the top-rated player at each of those three positions is available when they make the No. 5 overall pick?
Should they take LSU cornerback Patrick Peterson, Texas A&M outside linebacker Von Miller or Missouri quarterback Blaine Gabbert?
That question was posed by The Republic to NFL Network draft analyst Mike Mayock during a  on Thursday.But what should the Cardinals do if the top-rated player at each of those three positions is available when they make the No. 5 overall pick?
Should they take LSU cornerback Patrick Peterson, Texas A&M outside linebacker Von Miller or Missouri quarterback Blaine Gabbert?
That question was posed by The Republic to NFL Network draft analyst Mike Mayock during a  on Thursday.
In its second Mock Draft edition released earlier this week, The Republic has the Cardinals drafting Miller.
Mayock's response?
"I go back to what I always say," Mayock said. "If you believe there is a franchise quarterback, that trumps every other need. And since Kurt Warner retired, that underscores that point better than anything I can say.
"So if you believe Gabbert is the guy, you've got to take him right there. I think they have to be evaluating him right now. But they also have to be evaluating Von Miller, who is the prototype rush linebacker and a guy who immediately becomes a headache and a guy you've got to game-plan for every week coming off the edge.
"And Patrick Peterson is definitely the third guy I think you have to be looking at because of his ability to play the corner position and possibly kick inside a little bit down the road like Antrel Rolle did a few years back.
"But if they believe like I believe that Gabbert is a top 10 pick, that would be my guy at No. 5."
Gabbert passed for 3,593 yards and 24 touchdowns as a sophomore at Missouri, and for 3,186 yards and 16 touchdowns last season as a junior. Mayock has him rated as the best quarterback available in this year's class.
The Cardinals, though, are thought to be more interested in finding a quarterback through free agency (Baltimore's Marc Bulger) or a trade (Philadelphia's Kevin Kolb). But with free agency and trades not being available until a new collective bargaining agreement can be reached between owners and players, could that make the Cardinals take a closer look at drafting a quarterback with their first-round pick?
Mayock said teams should draft like they always do, searching for the best players that fit their scheme. But he sounds completely sold on Gabbert, who is listed at 6 feet, 5 inches and 235 pounds.
Gabbert recently spent several days in the Valley working out at the Athletes center in preparation for next week's NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis.
"I like Gabbert a lot," Mayock said. "He can make every throw, he's a big kid and he's more athletic than people think.
"I've probably seen at least seven of his games and purely on tape, he reminds me of the guys who have done well in the last couple years. He reminds me of (the Rams' Sam) Bradford. He reminds me of (the Falcons') Matt Ryan.
"If you look at the last three years, NFL teams have done a really good job with their first-round quarterbacks. There's been like six hits in a row with no busts, which probably means we're due for a couple of bust.