Feb 25, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Utah Utes defensive back Keith McGill participates in pass catching drills during the 2014 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
The Arizona Cardinals will most likely be in the market to help out their defensive backs core. Whether that happens through free agency or draft, that we don’t know yet, although my money is the draft. Therefore, let’s take a look at some of the top prospects and how they fared this week at the NFL Scouting Combine.
As usual, one of the top areas scouts and fans alike want to look at first is the 40-yard dash. This years top performer is Justin Gilbert from Oklahoma State at 4.37. He was graded an overall 6.3, which says he is an instant starter in the NFL. I wouldn’t look for him to be around when the Cards are ready to grab a defensive back. Jason Verrett from TCU is a guy who did well and might be around in the first couple of rounds. He had a good 40-yard dash at 4.38 and vertical jump at 39 inches. The Cards know a thing or two about defensive players from TCU.
Keith McGill from Utah is a guy that jumps out at me as a possible late third round or early fourth round pick. He had a decent combine. He had a 4.51 dash and and 39 inch vertical. Stanley Jean-Baptiste from Nebraska had similar numbers. He had the best vertical at 41.5 inches.
Defensive backs aren’t the biggest need for the Cards but diversity is a good thing when drafting players who can help you. I can’t honestly say I know if the Cards are even interested in any of these guys I mentioned but they all sure appear to have the skills necessary to help.