Matt York/Associated Press
Here’s a breakdown of the Cardinals’ eight 2009 NFL Draft picks and their possible impacts:
RB Chris “Beanie” Wells (Ohio State) – This big, bruising running back from Ohio State has had some injury problems through college, but if he stays healthy, he could easily eclipse 1,000 yards rushing his first year in the NFL. In fact, with his NFL-like combination of size and speed, he could end up being one of the greatest Cardinals running backs of all time (but I get ahead of myself). As for the next couple of years, next to the speedy Tim Hightower, the future for the Cardinals backfield is bright.
Strengths: size, speed, balance, strength
Vulnerabilities: injury-prone
OLB Cody Brown (Connecticut) – Brown is a solid outside pass rusher, which is exactly what the Cardinals were looking for with this pick. Though he can be less than dangerous on running plays, he can use his strength to move blockers and his closing speed to the quarterback is hardcore fast. If he works on his mobility and on getting around blocks, he could have an impact earlier than expected.
Strengths: quickness, closing speed, tackling
Vulnerabilities: downfield blocks, run defense
S Rashad Johnson (Alabama) – This Alabama safety could definitely see playing time this year if he bulks up and works on the complicated NFL strategies and schemes that come with the territory. He hits harder than maybe anyone else in this draft class and his ability is unmatched at the position. Though he can over-commit at times, his potential is unlimited. With Johnson in the secondary with Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Antrel Rolle, the Cardinals are probably not a team you will want to pass on this year.
Strengths: fearlessness, talent, eye for the ball
Vulnerabilities: over-commits, butterfingers
CB Gregory Toler (St. Paul's College) – This little-known player out of tiny St. Paul’s College was overlooked by everyone in the draft, but his story is one of overcoming obstacles. His grades kept him from a collegiate scholarship on his first go round and ended up working at JC Penney's to pay the bills - but he didn't give up - and here he is (so we have a grocer and a retailer). Toler could end up being a great cornerback alongside Cromartie, but he still needs a year or two of coaching.
Strengths: locating the ball, speed, ability
Vulnerabilities: intelligence, size, back-pedalling
OG Herman Johnson (LSU) – If Johnson keeps his weight in check (he is on record as the biggest player in LSU football history) and works on his mobility (I repeat, he is a BIG boy), he could be a very solid blocker for a sometimes-lacking Cardinals offensive line. I was a little surprised the Cardinals waited until the 5th round to grab an O-lineman, but this class was full of them and Johnson is a pretty solid pick this late. Johnson is a question-mark as far as participation goes, as he could be a starter on day one or could never start a game in his NFL career.
Strengths: size (if in check), strength, toughness
Vulnerabilities: size (if too much), downfield blocking, agility
DE Will Davis (Illinois) – Though Davis could sneak into the lineup this season, look for him to be more of a developmental project. He is smart and coachable, which can be better than talent in some cases in the NFL, so if he can learn quickly, he might be able to contribute in some situations. With Travis Laboy and Antonio Smith both gone, Davis does have a chance, but he needs some work.
Strengths: coachability, intelligence, durability
Vulnerabilities: raw skills, upper-body strength
RB LaRod Stephens-Howling (Pittsburgh) – The sleeper of the draft, the Cardinals love LaRod’s upside (and coach Wisenhunt loves his speed...oh, his glorious speed) – look for him to make an immediate impact on special teams with a possible stage-presence on screen plays or other open-field running situations. He and Hightower are very similar in style and could share time if LaRod progresses quickly.
Strengths: speed, speed, speed
Vulnerabilities: size, inside running
OG Trevor Canfield (Cincinnati) – Though the offensive line can use almost anyone at this point, Canfield was still a kind-of pick-and-pray draft pick. He is very raw and will need a lot of work to compete at the professional level.
Strengths: strategy, block recognition
Vulnerabilities: mobility, character, balance
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