NFL Draft Results 2012: Brock Osweiler To Broncos, Nick Foles To Eagles

• about 1 year ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

NFL Draft 2012: Michael Floyd Should Have An Immediate Impact, According To ESPN's Mel Kiper

The Arizona Cardinals can be proud of one thing - it seems like everyone loved their selection of Michael Floyd in the NFL Draft.

ESPN's Mel Kiper even went as far to say that Floyd, who was picked eight spots after fellow wide receiver Justin Blackmon, will make an impact on his new team faster than Blackmon will.

Here is what Kiper had to say.

"Of the two wide receivers taken in the top 15, Floyd is clearly in the better position to make an early impact. With Larry Fitzgerald on the other side of the formation, Floyd will see better corner matchups. Think of Julio Jones last year across from Roddy White. As well, Floyd simply has become a really good route-runner, and he won't have a difficult transition to NFL route concepts out of Notre Dame. Blackmon, on the other hand, has to hope Blaine Gabbert has made major strides this offseason."

The lack of pressure on Floyd to come in and be the no. 1 option will only heighten his confidence early in the season and playing next to a consummate professional like Fitzgerald will make his learning curve that much faster. The Cards can only hope the results follow.

For more on the Cardinals and their draft, check out Revenge of the Birds.

• about 1 year ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

2013 NFL Mock Draft: Arizona Cardinals Select Jarvis Jones

The Arizona Cardinals tried to fix a lot of their most pressing issues on the offensive line and in the receiving game in the 2012 NFL Draft by selecting players like Notre Dame wide receiver Michael Floyd, Ole Miss offensive tackle Bobby Massie, and Washington offensive guard Senio Kelemete. One place where they still need to shore things up is in the pass rushing game. The Cardinals have a decent front but not one that moves worlsd.

Ryan Van Bibber released his first mock for the 2013 NFL Draft, and it has the Cardinals drafting fairly high, meaning that improvement is probably not expected next season. With the fifth overall pick, they take a big-time pass rusher.

Jones looks like the top pure rushing linebacker in the draft. The Cardinals cannot pass on him.

To talk about how well Jones would fit in with the Cardinals, head on over to Revenge of the Birds. To learn more about Jones's quality from Georgia Bulldog fans, hit up Dawg Sports.

Check out more coverage of the 2012 NFL Draft by watching the videos in our SB Nation draft coverage channel below.

• about 1 year ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

2012 NFL Draft Grades: Nick Foles To Eagles, Juron Criner To Raiders Get Average Marks

The Arizona Wildcats had three players picked in the 2012 NFL Draft. Nick Foles went to the Philadelphia Eagles in the third round, Juron Criner went to the Oakland Raiders in the fifth round, and Trevin Wade went in the final round to the Cleveland Browns.

Chris Burke of Sports Illustrated files this report, and it does not go favorably for Foles. Foles ends up with the 88th pick overall in the third round of the draft.

I’m very unconvinced that QB Nick Foles will ever be an NFL starter, so using a third-rounder (88) on him stings.

Foles will probably have time to develop on the back of the depth chart for playing on the practice squad.

The Raiders also get props for picking up Criner.

The Raiders didn’t do too poorly given that challenge, landing a needed offensive lineman in Tony Bergstrom (95) and finding underrated WR Juron Criner at 168. It was a safer draft that New Orleans had in similar circumstances, but there are no stars here.

To talk about Foles and Criner with Arizona football fans, go to Arizona Desert Swarm. To learn more about Foles with Eagles fans, go to Bleeding Green Nation. To discuss Criner to Raiders fans, hit up Silver and Black Pride.

Check out SB Nation NFL Draft analysis on our YouTube channel.

• about 1 year ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

2012 NFL Draft Grades: Denver Broncos Get Low Marks For Drafting Brock Osweiler

The Denver Broncos apparently didn't have that good a draft. One of the big issues was drafting project quarterback Brock Osweiler, who was drafted with the 57th pick overall in the second round and will probably not be playing for some time.

Chris Burke of Sports Illustrated filed his report card, and the Broncos ended up with a grade of D.

Help us, Peyton Manning, you’re our only hope. This doesn’t feel like a draft that will put Denver over the top. DT Derek Wolfe fills a need, but Jerel Worthy or Devon Still would have been safer picks, and the Brock Osweiler selection at 57 makes absolutely no sense.

With Peyton Manning likely to start for some time, it might be awhile for Osweiler sees significant action.

There is no comment on the Broncos for drafting Osweiler's ASU teammate Omar Bolden, who the Broncos selected with the 101st pick in the fourth round of the 2012 NFL Draft

Talk about Osweiler, Bolden, and the draft grade for the Broncos at Mile High Report. To learn more about Osweiler and Bolden from ASU football fans, check out House of Sparky.

Check out the SB Nation NFL Draft YouTube channel below to get more coverage and analysis of the event.

• about 1 year ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

Former Sun Devils Signing As Undrafted Free Agents

The NFL Draft saw only two Arizona State Sun Devils get drafted. Both quarterback Brock Osweiler and cornerback Omar Bolden were selected by the Denver Broncos. But since the draft was over and the rookie free agent signings started coming quickly, we now have a bunch of Sun Devils who will get a shot at playing in the NFL.

House of Sparky has a Sun Devil tracker you can follow to get more up to date info.

So far we know this:

Linebacker Vontaze Burfict is a Cincinnati Bengal.

Linebacker Colin Parker is an Arizona Cardinal.

Receiver Gerell Robinson join Osweiler and Bolden on the Broncos.

Receiver Aaron Pflugrad is headed to the Philadelphia Eagles.

Lineman Dan Knapp is headed to the Oakland Raiders.

Linebacker Shelly Lyons heads to South Beach to join the Dolphins.

Center Garth Gerhardt is going to be with the Cleveland Browns.

Lineman Aderious Simmons goes to his hometown to join the New Orleans Saints.

Defensive end Jamaar Jarrett, despite his failed drug test, will join the St. Louis Rams.

Receiver Mike Willie is going to the San Diego Chargers.

Safety Eddie Elder will join the Arizona Cardinals in their mini-camp in hopes of getting a contract and an invite to training camp.

For the latest AZ sports, follow us on Twitter @SBNArizona and "Like" us on Facebook.

• about 1 year ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

Vontaze Burfict Signs With Cincinnati Bengals As Undrafted Free Agent

Former Arizona State linebacker Vontaze Burfict signed with the Cincinnati Bengals as an undrafted free agent on Saturday.

Just a year ago, Burfict was considered a potential first round pick, but the 2010 All-American returned to play his junior season with the Sun Devils in 2011. Off the field problems combined with a lack of production on the field plummeted Burfict's draft stock. Burfict reportedly failed his drug test at the NFL combine. The NFL Network's Mike Mayock labeled Burfict as "an non-draftable kid" on Wednesday. If Burfict can fix his off-the-field behavior, the Bengals may end up with one of the best undrafted free agent steals of the off season.

Burfict played in all 13 of ASU's games, starting in 12 of them. He finished the season tied for second in tackles with 69 total. He will fight for a chance to remain on the Bengals roster this coming fall during training camp.

Vontaze Burfict Career Highlights (via minesone808)

To talk about Burfict's time as a Sun Devil head over to House of Sparky. For more on the Bengals, check out Cincy Jungle.

• about 1 year ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

2012 NFL Draft: Wildcats CB Trevin Wade Drafted By Cleveland Browns

With the 245th overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Cleveland Browns selected Arizona Wildcats red shirt senior Trevin Wade. Wade first came to the attention of scouts after a very strong sophomore year, but a lackluster junior year raised plenty of doubts. In his senior year he collected 40 solo tackles and two interceptions, which ultimately proved to be enough that the Browns were willing to take a chance on him late in the seventh round.

Wade is 5'10" and 192lbs, and he possesses many of the keys to the cornerback position. He has a fluid backpedal, bumps well at the line of scrimmage, and has good mobility. His junior year saw him fail to make the most of those tools, frequently getting beat on plays and showing questionable effort at times. That was enough to send him down most draft boards, as he was initially expected to go somewhere around the third round.

For all your Arizona Wildcats news and information, check out Arizona Desert Swarm. For more on the 2012 NFL Draft, visit SB Nation Arizona's storystream. For a complete list of 2012 NFL Draft results as they happen, visit SBNation.com. For even more comprehensive coverage of the NFL Draft, visit Mocking The Draft.

• about 1 year ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

2012 NFL Draft 5th Round: Juron Criner Drafted By Raiders

With the 33rd pick (168th overall) in the 5th round of the 2012 NFL Draft, the Oakland Raiders have drafted Arizona wide reciever Juron Criner. Criner has a history of injury, and his late fifth round selection matches predictions made for him. His effort can lag if he is not targeted frequently enough, both in route running and in blocking. Still, the Raiders must have seen something in the Wildcat senior, perhaps valuing his size (6'3", 224 lbs) and his ability to use that size to box out defenders and make a play for the ball. Criner's other strengths include crisp route running when motivated, as well as a strong confidence in his own abilities.

Criner joins fellow Wildcat Nick Foles, who was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the third round. Trevin Wade, the junior cornerback, is still waiting for a team to call his name.

For more on the Arizona Wildcats, head to Arizona Desert Swarm. If it's Oakland Raiders news and analysis you're after, check out Silver and Black Pride. For more on the 2012 NFL Draft, visit this storystream. For a complete list of 2012 NFL Draft results as they happen, visit SBNation.com. For even more comprehensive coverage of the NFL Draft, visit Mocking The Draft.

• about 1 year ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

NFL Draft Results 2012: Omar Bolden Selected By Denver Broncos In 4th Round

Talented cornerback Omar Bolden from the Arizona St. Sun Devils was drafted early on Saturday, heading to the Denver Broncos in the 4th round of the 2012 NFL Draft. The pick was No. 101 overall and was the sixth selection of the fourth round. Bolden joins quarterback Brock Osweiler in Denver who was drafted in the second round by the club.

Bolden was a defensive standout in Tempe this last season and was ranked among the second-tier of available cornerbacks on most draft boards. Injuries have always been an issue with Bolden; he tore his ACL midway through the 2009 season and then tore it once again before the 2011 campaign began. He has some size for a DB at 5'10 and 202lbs.

What most scouts love about Bolden is his high football IQ and personality off the field. A leader both in the huddle and in the locker room, you can bet his coaching staff will turn to him to be a leader from the early going of his career.

Bolden is the second Sun Devil drafted this weekend.

• about 1 year ago
• Commentary
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

Brock Osweiler's Rise To 2nd Round Stark Contrast To Vontaze Burfict's Fall

• about 1 year ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

NFL Draft 2012 Best Available: Arizona State's Omar Bolden, Gerell Robinson, Vontaze Burfict And Others Hope For Saturday Draft Call

With four rounds remaining in the 2012 NFL Draft, several Arizona State Sun Devils are hoping to hear their name called on Saturday. Quarterback Brock Osweiler was the first of the Sun Devils to leave the board, being picked in the second round by the Denver Broncos.

Four other players believe that they will be drafted late.

Linebacker Vontaze Burfict, while he has seen his stick plummet, still is optimistic. According to Arizona Republic writer Doug Haller, Burfict's agent believes that he will get drafted in the middle rounds.

Cornerback Omar Bolden, who missed the entire 2011 season because of a knee injury, will probably be the first of the rest of the ASU group to get drafted. He was projected to be as high as a third rounder. He worked out for the Jets, visited four other teams and met with one. Were it not for his knee injury, he had the potential have been a first rounder.

Receiver Gerell Robinson has an NFL body but only one year of decent production. However, his ability to get separation and his physical build are likely enough to land him on a team through the draft. He will likely go in the fourth or fifth rounds.

Offensive lineman Dan Knapp is a quiet mystery. The former tight end only has two years of offensive line experience. However, he has yet to show his full potential. He is athletic and has gained necessary size to play in the NFL. He worked out for the Falcons, visited the Cardinals and heard from three other teams. If he gets drafted, it will likely be in the final two rounds.

For the latest AZ sports, follow us on Twitter @SBNArizona and "Like" us on Facebook.

• about 1 year ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

NFL Draft 2012 Best Available: Juron Criner, Trevin Wade Looking At Final Day

The Arizona Wildcats saw just one prospect get drafted on Friday at the 2012 NFL Draft when Nick Foles was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the third round. With just four rounds remaining, wide receiver Juron Criner and cornerback Trevin Wade are still looking for a new team to play for.

Criner has the size and hands to become a solid receiving option down the road, but he lacks breakaway speed and has a history of injury. Most mock drafts had him going in the fourth or fifth round, so his wait could be a short one on Saturday.

Trevin Wade had a fine career with the Wildcats but was inconsistent at times with his coverage in the pass-happy Pac-12. He lacks the speed to be a return man at the next level and is a bit undersized, so there is a chance he goes undrafted. Given his experience in a BCS conference and high football IQ, you would have to think a team would pick him up in the six or seventh round somewhere.

The fourth round of the 2012 NFL Draft is set to begin at 9 a.m. PT on Saturday morning.

For more on the Wildcats, check out AZ Desert Swarm. Check out SB Nation's StoryStream for all things related to the draft.

• about 1 year ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

NFL Draft Results 2012: Nick Foles Selected By Eagles In Third Round

Nick Foles had been projected for the third round by most experts for weeks leading up to the 2012 NFL Draft. With the 88th overall pick, the Philadelphia Eagles selected Foles to potentially be their quarterback of the future. He has the size and arm strength to be a quality QB in the NFL, but scouts have questioned his mobility and decision making under pressure.

Foles threw for 4,334 yards and 28 touchdowns last season, also throwing 14 interceptions. He started the last two and a half seasons with the Wildcats, reaching two bowl games before a disastrous 2011 campaign. Foles will likely sit a few years behind Michael Vick as he learns the offense, although an injury to Vick would likely make him the starter on a team projected to make the playoffs.

Best of luck to Nick and his family in the coming months.

For more on the 2012 NFL Draft, check out the SB Nation Arizona StoryStream. For more on Foles and the Wildcats, head over to AZ Desert Swarm.