Arizona Cardinals: Mel Kiper Believes First Pick is in the Carr-ds
By Scott Allen
Dec 7, 2013; Fresno, CA, USA; Fresno State Bulldogs quarterback Derek Carr (4) prepares to throw a pass against the Utah State Aggies in the third quarter at Bulldog Stadium. The Bulldogs defeated the Aggies 24-17. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
I’ve been pretty adamant over time that the Arizona Cardinals should not draft a quarterback in the first round. There is no sure thing and at number 20 I don’t think they should be wasting it on a non-sure thing. That doesn’t mean others out there think the same. In fact many will disagree with me, including ESPN NFL Draft “guru” Mel Kiper Jr. He believes the Cards should draft Fresno State’s Derek Carr in the first round.
Now, I like Derek Carr. I just wouldn’t stretch for him in the first round. Will be be gone by the time the Cards want a quarterback in the second round? Probably. I just think right now the better pick is made somewhere else. I said this the other day and I repeat it. I do find it interesting though that Kiper thinks the Cards go Carr.
This is all Kiper does 24/7. He does mock drafts and ranks the players. I think sometimes a guy like Kiper forgets to look at the big picture. So many people think the Cards have to pick a quarterback early. They don’t. Not right now with Carson Palmer in the fold. This isn’t the dire situation they were in two years ago. Now, do the Cards need to find a franchise quarterback? Of course. Palmer has probably two more years in Arizona at most. You want to be able to groom someone else to be ready when he leaves. I just believe with all the other pressing needs and the talent that will be available at those positions at 20, the Cards should pass on a quarterback in the first round, even if Carr is still available.
Yes, many teams, including the Cards, have drafted the best available player in the draft at the time. Many teams don’t draft for need early unless the guy is a home run. Now, if a guy like Johnny Manziel or Blake Bortels was still on the board at 20, I think the Cards would seriously have to consider it. Carr isn’t a guy that makes me think you need him at 20. We all know those two guys will be gone though.
The Cards drafted the best available player in the draft in 2006 at number 10. He happened to be the best available player left on the board. Even though they didn’t “need” him necessarily, they drafted him. Matt Leinart was the pick. You might remember him. How did that work out? I’m just saying sometimes best available doesn’t mean best for you. Kiper must know something the rest of us don’t. I’ll say once again as I have in past though, nothing Kiper says surprises me.