Greg Newsome II is part of the Arizona Cardinals re-draft.
Steve Keim chose to ignore common football sense and went with Zaven Collins solely on the fact that he had a higher number in a ranking on his draft board. When Keim passed on Newsome II, he lost out on arguably the 3rd-best corner in the draft this year. Newsome II is a perfect fit in the Arizona Cardinals re-draft.
Newsome II would end up falling to Cleveland late in the first round. Patrick Peterson, Dre Kirkpatrick and Kevin Peterson were absolutely atrocious at times last year. Wide receivers that were 3rd or even lower on opposing team’s depth chart were burning them.
From the scouting report linked above:
"Newsome is well-versed in Cover 3, quarters coverage and press man. He’s equally adept at each, too. It’s hard to get a gauge on his overall long speed, as most of the throws his way were underneath, but it’s worth noting that he’s above average with ball tracking and body positioning to defend the deep throw. While the takeaway totals are nothing special, his length, timing and sheer competitiveness make tape study of the contested catches he’s allowed for completions a very short watch."
Newsome II could’ve been the guy to takeaway a big threat from each divisional team, especially when the Cardinals will face a murderers row of receivers this year. While Newsome II needs to improve on trusting his gut when reacting to receivers making their break, that is something that will come in time.
Why Zaven Collins shouldn’t have been picked
The team drafted Isaiah Simmons the year before, and Vance Joseph couldn’t quite find a role early on to put Simmons. Collins is just the same guy pretty much. At least Simmons played meaningful games in the College Football Playoff.
Collins has pursuit issues, aggression isn’t the greatest, and played football in the underwhelming American Athletic Conference. This is the same conference that produced Haason Reddick, who really didn’t do anything until this past season.
Maybe they will actually get Collins on the field. He is a humble guy, and this isn’t about him as a person. But he just wasn’t the right pick at 16.