Jonathan Cooper and the Top 5 NFL Draft Picks
Apr. 26, 2013; Tempe, AZ, USA; From left Arizona Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians , offensive guard Jonathan Cooper , general manager Steve Keim and president Michael Bidwill pose for a photo during a press conference at the Cardinals Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Now that the 2013 NFL Draft is in the books we can take a step back to discuss and review the best draft picks. Before we dive into the top five picks this year, let’s examine the Cardinals’ first pick.
Even though they never get the praise, lineman are the most important part of the football team. Often we see offensive linemen are selected early in the draft. Without the big boys up front, the pretty boys catching, throwing and running the ball, could never do what they do.
With the seventh pick in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft the Arizona Cardinals selected Jonathan Cooper, guard out of North Carolina. The Cardinals were in need of offensive linemen, safeties, linebackers and running backs. They managed to select a player to cover each position need, but NFL.com has the Dirty Birds ranked 26th in their latest post-draft power rankings.
The Cards seem to always be in need of offensive linemen and this year they took the best one available. Prior to Cooper’s selection, Eric Fisher (1), Luke Joeckel (2) and Lane Johnson (4) were all taken. Of the top ten picks in the Draft, five were offensive linemen. Cooper should get some immediate playing time in head coach Bruce Arians’ new system. Adding some youth and athleticism to the Cards’ offensive line will defiantly be an improvement.
Now without further ado, the top five draft picks. Feel free to let me know your opinions on Twitter (@LCRob19) or Facebook.
5. Ziggy Ansah DE Detroit Lions
Ansah was the fifth overall pick in the Draft. The defensive end/outside linebacker out of BYU is very athletic and has a good work ethic. He came out of no where and burst onto the football scene after attempting to play on the basketball and track teams in college. He has great potential to be both a raw defender and a force on special teams.
4. Lane Johnson OT Philadelphia Eagles
Chip Kelly is going to need some athletic and quick offensive linemen to implement his speedy offense in the NFL and he found one in Johnson. The Eagles selected Johnson fourth overall. The offensive tackle out of Oklahoma started at quarterback, then tight end, then was needed on the line at tackle. Because he converted to a linemen he has athleticism, technique and is in great shape.
3. Dion Jordan DE Miami Dolphins
The Chandler, AZ native was selected third overall in the draft. When he arrived at Oregon to play college ball the coaches wanted him to play wide receiver, but as growth and time went on he moved to tight end and finally defensive end. He has the potential to be one of the better defensive linemen in the league. He is a long, lean and an aggressive player although he needs to add some size.
2. Tavon Austin WR St. Louis Rams
The wide receiver out of West Virginia is the most explosive player in the draft. Austin was picked eighth overall by the Rams. He will be not only a weapon for quarterback Sam Bradford on the edge, but a great return-man as well on special teams. He is dangerous, speedy, and elusive, however he lacks size. Bottom line, he is a playmaker.
1. Sharrif Floyd DT Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings arguably did the best of any team in the draft, and their first pick was the 23rd, and with that pick they chose Floyd. The defensive tackle out of Florida is a solid football player. He has strength, quickness and length. He is fast when rushing the passer or shooting the gaps. He has huge potential playing in the Vikings defensive system.