Cardinals Add Oklahoma’s CB Fleming in the Third Round

The Arizona Cardinals last evening selected cornerback Jamell Fleming from Oklahoma with their third round pick.  As far as I’m concerned, it is a decent pick.  One thing the Cards lacked in the defensive backfield last season was depth.  With injuries and uncertainties, Fleming will add to the depth but at the same time keeps it young back there.  That may not pay immediate dividends, but should provide security for the future.

Fleming a good zone defender, was projected as a late second rounder, so he fell a little bit below projections, but in this business the difference between a late second rounder and third rounder is minimal.  Sure, the money might be slightly different, but as far as talent in my eyes, it’s not a big deal.

Being able to play in a zone should be a great fit for Fleming as the Cards play more zone defense and are better at it, although they do get caught off guard when one thinks the other is doing his job.  The Cards just don’t have the skill players to be a good man to man team.

The one knock Fleming has is he tries to be flashy and sometimes takes unnecessary risks.  In other words, he seems to be a lot like Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie in my eyes.  I’m ok with that.  However he will learn how fast he will get into coach Ken Whisenhunt’s doghouse if he tries to be too flashy.