Arizona Cardinals 2014 NFL Draft: The Players, The Picks, The Fit
By Ben Natan
Aug 31, 2013; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers running back Cameron Artis-Payne (44) is chased by Washington State Cougars safety Deone Bucannon (20) during the second half at Jordan Hare Stadium. The Tigers beat the Cougars 31-24. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports
Deone Bucannon
6’1″, 211
The Player
Bucannon is a tone setter. He uses his great frame to hit players and they will likely stay hit. Not to mention, he is a hell of a coverage safety. He has great athletic ability coming over the top and working in the slot and despite being profiled due to his size, he is actually a more effective player in deeper coverage than he is in the box. As a run defender, Bucannon can be an intimidator, but he is inconsistent as a tackler and can often take himself out of the play. These are fixable issues and if he cleans them up he can play all over the field and be effective.
The Pick
The Cardinals traded back for this pick and therefor picked up some more value but I still feel this a reach. Bucannon is a talented player, but they have needs along the offensive line, at pass rusher and at quarterback that all could have been addressed.
The Fit
Bucannon could start day one at free or strong safety and I think a lot of that will depend on Tryann Mathieu’s health. Regardless of where he starts, I do believe he will start and gives the Cardinals a very talented and very young secondary in a majorly competitive division.
Troy Niklas, TE, Notre Dame
6’6″, 270 lbs.
The Player
Niklas is a huge target with immense physical talent as both a blocker and a receiver. He is a strong receiver after the catch and can dominate at the catch point. He is raw all around, but his upside is tremendous.
The Pick
This was decent value for him considering the value the league holds for players like him. He is a bit raw, but he comes into an ideal situation.
The Fit
In a vertical offense, the Cardinals could use Niklas as a seam threat. His size and vertical speed is ideal for cutting through the middle of a defense. With no tight end that really compares to Niklas’ gifts on the roster, Niklas could start day one.
Kareem Martin, DE, UNC
Nov 23, 2013; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Old Dominion Monarchs quarterback Taylor Heinicke (14) drops back to pass as North Carolina Tar Heels defensive end Kareem Martin (95) pressures during the first half at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports
6’6″, 272 lbs.
The Player
Kareem Martin is a freak. Size, speed, and strength are all in his repertoire, it is just a matter of putting it together. He needs to use his hands better, improve his motor and adjust his pad level, but he is an absolute freak.
The Pick
At some point, a team just needs to take the freak defensive linemen. This is a good spot for him.
The Fit
Martin’s best fit is as a 5 tech in that defense, but if the team wanted him to cut weight and play the edge, they have a need there and his athletic ability could fit there. However, I think his size and natural power is best suited in the trenches and he could be in the rotation with Calais Campbell and Darnell Dockett.
John Brown, WR, Pittsburg State
5’10”, 179 lbs.
The Player
Brown is a small player who has issues with physicality but he can burn down the field and has very good hands. If a team can ensure a free release at the line, he can be a good deep threat.
The Pick
I think this what a bit of a reach for a need, but Arizona was obviously looking for a scheme fit right here and they got one.
The Fit
Bruce Arians’ offense stretches the field and needs players who can threaten vertically. As good as Larry Fitzgerald and Michael Floyd are, the team lacks a true deep threat. Brown is a similar player to TY Hilton, who had a very good rookie season stretching the field for Arians in Indy.
Logan Thomas, QB, VATech
The Player
If someone were to build a video game quarter back, it would be Thomas. He has great size, incredible arm strength and very good mobility. He is also fearless in the pocket. Thomas needs to establish mental consistency because there are times where he is throwing accurately and making good decisions and other times where he doesn’t look like someone who should be drafted.
The Pick
Thomas was one of this class’ most underrated players and has immense physical potential. This pick could be viewed as a steal down the road.
The Fit
Thomas is almost tailor made for this offense. He has the ability to stand tall in the pocket and put the ball down the field. A couple years behind Carson Palmer and working his kinks out in practice could put him in position to be a starter down the road.
Dec 31, 2013; El Paso, TX, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies quarterback Logan Thomas (3) before the game against the UCLA Bruins in the 2013 Sun Bowl at Sun Bowl Stadium. UCLA defeated Virginia Tech 42-12. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Ed Stinson, DE, Alabama
6’3″, 287 lbs.
The Player
Stinson is a solid but unspectacular player. Pretty balanced all around game but possesses very little upside.
The Pick
This is a safe pick up to compliment a host of upside based picks. Decent pick, but it may be a bit of a reach.
The Fit
Stinson is a solid player who should contribute as a run stopper as a 5 Tech and maybe kick inside on passing downs. Adds good depth to the defensive line rotation.
Walt Powell, WR, Murray St.
5’11”, 189 lbs.
The Player
Powell is an undersized underneath receiver. He has issues with physicality, but he is a smart player who can work underneath and create after the catch.
The Pick
There are some intriguing parts to Powell game that make him worth a late round flier.
The Fit
Though he won’t compete for any starting roles, he adds depth to a good receiving group and could maybe push for the fourth or fifth spot.