Draft Analysis: Arizona Cardinals
Posted: Sunday June 07, 1998 07:09 PM
The War Room takes a
look at the Cardinals' 1998 draft picks. Andre
Wadsworth 1st round, 3rd overall
Defensive end,
Florida State
Comments: Excellent addition to an already
solid defensive line. Some have compared to Bruce Smith. Will
start at left end ... more of a pass rush guy, but despite size, is better
than most think vs. the run...impact player. Corey
Chavous 2nd round, 33rd overall
Cornerback,
Vanderbilt
Comments: Was a cornerback in college, but will
likely be opening day starter at strong safety ... has decent cover skills
on island and has played alot of man-to-man bump & run. Physical vs. run,
and can cover receivers in the slot. Anthony
Clement 2nd round, 36th overall
Tackle, Southwestern
Louisiana
Comments: Mammoth offensive lineman will get shot
at backup left tackle but could compete with James Dexter for
starting right tackle spot. Has deceptive feet for big man. Better run
blocker than pass pro right now. May need some time. Michael
Pittman 4th round, 95th pick
Running back, Fresno
State
Comments: A steal at this spot in the draft. Off-field
problems may have lowered his draft status. Will compete for backup spot
behind starter Adrian Murrell.
Catches ball well -- may be nickel running back in rookie season ... ”best
athlete” type of pick. Terry
Hardy 5th round, 125th overall
Tight end, Southern
Mississippi
Comments: Drafted primarily for his blocking
skills, not in a pass offense in college and won’t be used a lot in the
passing game ... both other tight ends (Gedney and McWilliams) are
receiving types, should stick as 3rd tight end. Zack
Walz 6th round, 158th overall
Linebacker,
Dartmouth
Comments: Athletic type outside linebacker that
should contribute on special teams while learning position...not very big
and physical, will have to add strength and bulk...a good space guy. Phil
Savoy 7th round, 193rd overall
Wide receiver,
Colorado
Comments: Has a lot of potential and the skills
to be No. 3 receiver as rookie. Coming off poor senior season. Has good
size and speed ratio, but needs to do a better job of holding on to the
football. George
Cousins 7th round, 209th overall
Defensive end,
Florida A&M
Comments: Dropped some in the draft due to
medical concerns. Not likely to see a lot of action behind Rice, Wadsworth,
and Ottis, but a guy who could develop into solid NFL player...great
athletic ability and upside -- excellent late pick. Pat
Tillman 7th round, 226th overall
Linebacker,
Arizona State
Comments: Arizona favorite who played at ASU.
Was a linebacker in college, but will compete at strong safety. Needs to
work on cover skills. Most of his contributions will come on special teams
units early in career. Ron Jones 7th round, 233rd overall
Fullback, Missouri
Comments: Looks more like
guard than a fullback...weighs almost 280 pounds and is out of shape ... if
he is ready he could be big blocking fullback that they are looking for ...
developmental project.
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