Arizona Cardinals Draft Profile: Ryan Shazier

Nov 23, 2013; Columbus, OH, USA; Indiana Hoosiers wide receiver Shane Wynn (1) runs with the ball after a catch and tries to avoid Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Ryan Shazier (2) in the first quarter of the game at Ohio Stadium. Ohio State Buckeyes beat Indiana Hoosiers 42-14. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowksi-USA TODAY Sports

Looking ahead to the NFL draft next week, one of the names that comes up from time to time for the Arizona Cardinals is Ohio State linebacker Ryan Shazier.  The linebacker position is a need for the Cardinals.  Will he be available for the Cards at number 20?  We will find out on Thursday evening.  Draft time is 5pm Arizona time

Shazier is a very quick and versatile linebacker.  One of the things I love about him is he is smart and has great character.  I’m a huge character guy and when you can mix that with talent and speed like he has, I am all for that.  He tackles well and hits hard.  He is a guy that blitzes well and plays well against the run.  He would fit in very well with the Cards.

The biggest knock on Shazier is his size and weight.  His weight actually has been a concern for some coming into the draft next week.  Is that enough right now to pass up a player of his talent at a position that needs more depth and saw a lot of injury in 2013 for the Cards?  I say he is worth the chance.  Of course there are a lot of guys who would fit the Cards at 20 but I for one would not be disappointed to see him in a Cards uniform.

Probability the Cards take Shazier from one to ten with ten the highest, I’d give Shazier an 8 on chances he ends up in a Cards uniform.