Arizona Cardinals 2010 Draft Grade

ARIZONA

1.26 Dan Williams, NT, Tennessee
The Cardinals got off to a great start by filling a need with a falling player who was tops at his position and was falling unexpectedly. He’ll be a perfect fit, and is great value. GRADE:A

2.47 Daryl Washington, ILB, TCU
Washington is one of the most underrated players in this draft, and his active nature gives the Cardinals a better shot at not missing Karlos Dansby. GRADE:A

3.88 Andre Roberts, WR, Citadel
I think Roberts is good, but is he good enough to force other Cards receivers off the field? I’m not sure he was the best option. Aaron Hernandez could’ve been very Anquan Boldin-esque… GRADE: B

3ROUND GRADE: B+

4.130 O’Brien Schofield, OLB, Wisconsin
Schofield was injured just as the offseason was getting into gear, but he built up a lot of steam before that as a pass rusher. That’s what Arizona needs. GRADE: B+

5.155 John Skelton, QB, Fordham
Skelton is a big passer with big upside, but I’m not sure grabbing competition for Matt Leinart was as smart as getting him some protection. GRADE: B-

6.201 Jorrick Calvin, CB, Troy
I don’t like this pick. Calvin is athletic, and has the upside the Cards seem to like in the secondary, but there were much better options. GRADE: D

7.233 Jim Dray, TE, Stanford
Dray is decent in the seventh because he’s pretty okay overall, but I like upside in the late rounds, not marginal talent at a need. GRADE: C

Best Pick: Dan Williams
Worst Pick: Jorrick Calvin
Sleeper Pick: John Skelton

Final Analysis
The Cardinals did a great job of scooping up Dan Williams at the bottom of the first. He should have never fallen that far, but needs let him slip, and he fills a huge need for this defense. I had Daryl Washington as a top 32 prospect in the entire draft, and he can really move at the ILB spot in this 3-4. He can be a blitzer in the mold of Dansby. Schofield was great value in the fifth if he can fully recover from his ACL tear. The need at rush linebacker was enough to take the risk. And Andre Roberts is a speedy option that will have to fight to get on the field, but could beat out Early Doucet.

On the other hand, John Skelton is very, very raw, and might not ever be anything more than the reason the Cards don’t have more O line depth. Calvin is the same type of player — green — and was not the best option on the board, at all. Dray is decent, but again he won’t ever be anything special and he wasn’t the top option left. If they wanted a tight end, they should have jumped earlier or in a different direction.

The Cards filled some holes, but I really question the decision to pass on Jimmy Clausen and Colt McCoy. They needed offensive line help and more talent in the secondary. While they got great value, the lack of pegs acquired to plug their numerous holes is a little alarming. Not a bad effort overall.

FINAL GRADE: B

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