I'll admit it.
It took me a while to soften up to this pick.
Because I still think Ben Patrick has something in him, given the chance.
And because Arizona doesn't use the tight end too much.
But with Leinart taking over, that may change.
As well, should something happen to Leinart, or he not play up to expectations, Derek Anderson used his tight end frequently in Cleveland, when he had a good one, that is (i.e. Kellen Winslow).
First, let me say the positives about a pick like this. Then we'll get to why I still don't like this for the Cardinals (I'm putting it up here because many mock drafts have Arizona drafting him).
First of all, he's an absolute athletic beast. 6'5". 261 pounds.
Enough said there right?
I'll come back to that later.
But Gresham had tremendous hands for such a big guy. Anyone who watched him in the BCS Championship game a year ago knows that.
He's very similar in that way to another Big 12 tight end who came out last year: Brandon Pettigrew.
Pettigrew may be a better overall blocker, however. Gresham is certainly an adequate blocker though, and would fit right in to the 2 tight end scheme the Cardinals use constantly.
Another big positive is he would be the best tight end the Cardinals would have had in years maybe. I'm thinking since like, Jay freakin' Novacek.
Still can't believe he got away. But enough on that.
Unfortunately that's about all I have on the positives...
Switching to the negative side... first of all, why would the Cards use a first round draft pick on a tight end, when they barely use them?
Oh, and not to mention using a first rounder on a guy who didn't play a snap last season.
That would be a waste in my opinion.
Plus, the tight end crop is really deep this year. If the Cards want to make a "reach" for a tight end, they could go with Rob Gronkowski if he's still around in round 2.
Now I'll come back to that size thing. Remember the last time the Cardinals took a tight end fairly early?
Leonard Pope.
Yep. Guess what his size is? 6'8", 264 lbs. Similar to Gresham huh?
But this decision is up to the Cardinals. Rod Graves knows what is best for the team, and what may be best is a TE that takes some pressure off of Matt Leinart.
We'll see.
What are some of your thoughts on Gresham? Yay? Nay?
Stay tuned...more draft prospects and draft coverage on your Cardinals to come.
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