Thanks, John. That Jeremy Lin injury is going to be interesting to see what happens now with the Knicks, and if the team looks to try to trade away what was once the biggest story in the league. But, let's get back to the draft.
We are up to the Arizona Cardinals with the 13th pick. Here's a recap of the previous 12 selections:
|
Pick |
Team |
Player |
|
1 |
Indianapolis Colt |
Andrew Luck, QB |
|
2 |
Robert Giriffin III, QB |
|
|
3 |
Matt Kalil, OT |
|
|
4 |
Trent Richardson, RB |
|
|
5 |
Morris Claiborne, CB |
|
|
6 |
Justin Blackmon, WR |
|
|
7 |
Quinton Coples, DE |
|
|
8 |
Ryan Tannehill, QB |
|
|
9 |
Fletcher Cox, DT |
|
|
10 |
Riley Reiff, OT |
|
|
11 |
Dontari Poe, DT |
|
|
12 |
And, the Commissioner is heading toward the podium, so let's send it over to him for the Cardinals' selection:
Team: Arizona Cardinals
GM: Mr_Solo_Dolo
With the 13th overall selection in the Phinsider Community Mock Draft, the Arizona Cardinals select:
Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina Gamecocks
Height: 6' 1", Weight: 264
From Mr_Solo_Dolo:
As the GM of the Arizona Cardinals, we have several needs to address (WILB, OL, CB, WR, DE/OLB). The Cardinals are tempted to trade back in the draft in order to fill these holes. However, with the stipulations on our community draft, I turned to the fans at "Revenge of the Birds" and polled them to see who they would like the Cardinals to select if they stay at #13. Originally, David DeCastro was their #1 vote getter. However, since DeCastro is now off the board, I'll turn to the #2 vote getter. Without further ado, the Arizona Cardinals select Melvin Ingram with the 13th overall selection in the 2012 NFL draft.
Ingram gives Cardinals fans a pass rusher that they want. Ingram's motor, superior athleticism and technique will certainly allow Ingram to be a fine playmaker for any defense. Ingram is kind of a jack of all trades defensive player. Ingram came to South Carolina as a MLB and racked up playing time at OLB, DE, and DT which allows him to continuously be around the ball. He is quick off the snap and technically refined working the line of scrimmage, the type of lineman who can continuously defeat blocks to play the run or pass and make plays.
Ingram is another prospect for the Cardinals who doesn't come with many holes outside of physical limitations. I have been a proud opponent of the physical limitations debate. However, analysts have concerns about Ingram's height, weight, and arm length to shed double teams at the next level. However, I believe you cannot measure a high motor player and Ingram will give the Cardinals the pass rusher they desire.
From Walter Football:
Projected Round (2012): Top 15 Pick.
3/14/12: Ingram had an excellent Combine to continue his climb up draft boards. He ran extremely fast, and was phenomenal in the field work. Ingram was extremely fluid and effortless moving around the field. He proved that he is capable of playing 3-4 OLB at the next level.
At the Senior Bowl, Ingram was dominant in pass rushing one-on-ones. He has fabulous speed to go along real power. Ingram bull rushed linemen while also blazing by them around the corner. He has a good rip move and spin move to beat offensive linemen. The redshirt senior is a special athlete.
Ingram is very quick for his size, and beats offensive linemen with a combination of speed and physicality. South Carolina used him as a defensive tackle at times, and he rushes very well against guards. Even with Ingram's short arms, he is a dynamite pass rusher.
Ingram started his this season extremely strongly. He was slowed down with injuries in the middle portion of the year, but finished well. In 2011, he had 48 tackles, 15 tackles for a loss, 10 sacks, two interceptions and two passes batted away.
In the first game of the season, Ingram recorded an interception versus East Carolina. Against Georgia, he ran a fake punt 68 yards for a touchdown and returned a fumble five yards for another touchdown. Ingram also recovered a fumble for a touchdown against Vanderbilt. He ended his South Carolina career well with a big game against Nebraska.
8/21/11: Melvin Ingram has excellent size and is strong at the point of attack. Last year, he led South Carolina in sacks with nine, more than teammate Devin Taylor, even though Ingram did not log as much playing time. He also had 11 tackles for a loss, 28 tackles and one forced fumble. Ingram was third in the SEC in sacks, yet he doesn't get much national attention. On passing downs, Ingram can move inside and rush from the defensive tackle position. Entering this season, he is the starter opposite Taylor. On passing downs when Taylor moves inside that will allow South Carolina to get No. 1 recruit Jadeveon Clowney on the field. If Ingram's production stays consistent, he should at the very least be a second-round pick.
The Dallas Cowboys are on the clock.