3.09 QB Cardale Jones, BUF

[Preds]

I honestly expected Jones to get snagged earlier this round. He was on my short list of 4-5 players under consideration for 2.09, so to have him fall to me a round later is a bonus.

Not just a pick. This kid showed he can be a star winning the National Championship off the bench before they changed the offense on him the next year. The Bills were enamored with him for months before they took him in the 4th. Great value play by the Bills (and here by my Preds).

He has some time to develop behind Tyrod Taylor, who is playing out the last year of his deal and trying to earn a big extension. If Taylor doesn't show progression from 2015 he may not get that next contract, which could open a door for Cardale in 2017.

FWIW, while most dismissed Cardale after he was benched mid-season, they didn't look deep enough as to the reasoning behind his benching and ignored the fact that up to that point Ohio State was 8-0 and Jones was undefeated as a starter for his college career. Cardale wasn't necessarily benched for poor play, but moreso because the the new offense implemented after the National Championship season wasn't geared to his skillset and was a better match for his backup (who BTW didn't fare all that well in his place).

Jones would have been a perfect 4th round pick for the PS, however, I just didn't see him making it out of the 3rd. As I said above, I was nervous he wouldn't slide as far as he did.

The kid has legit star talent, great size, and a rocket arm (perfect for Buffalo's winter winds). We welcome him to the Preds and will make room on our TS to be sure he has the time to develop, plus he is already familiar with fellow Preds draftee Michael Thomas!

Welcome to BUFFALO Cardale!

[chasmvp19]

JT Barrett was NEVER Jones' backup...Jones never beat out Barrett or Miller at QB...Jones is a legit #3 QB on any roster with his size...too bad he will never get on the field...

[Preds]

Originally Posted by chasmvp19

JT Barrett was NEVER Jones' backup...Jones never beat out Barrett or Miller at QB...Jones is a legit #3 QB on any roster with his size...too bad he will never get on the field...

I'll trust my scouts, one of whom strongly believes in Jones talent.

[chasmvp19]

Your scout may be correct in that the new offense didn't fit him due to the OC moving on to a head coaching job, but my concern was that YOU said Barrett was Jones' backup...in open competition every year Jones was #3 each time...He should have left after the national championship game...new baby, great finish to season, all that good momentum...ah well...good luck with him...hope he pans out regardless...didn't like the landing spot but what you gonna do???

[Bounty Hunter]

After watching him in that 3 game stretch I knew I wanted a ticket to the show to see what happens. I used the 3.12 pick on him in SACD figuring I could use a A/R spot on him if needed for further development.

I stand by my comment in the draft thread. http://predsff.com/forums/showthread.php?t=26078

[Preds]

Originally Posted by Bounty Hunter

After watching him in that 3 game stretch I knew I wanted a ticket to the show to see what happens. I used the 3.12 pick on him in SACD figuring I could use a A/R spot on him if needed for further development.

I stand by my comment in the draft thread. http://predsff.com/forums/showthread.php?t=26078

[predator06]

I was hoping that he would fall to my late 3rd round pick so i could have complete the OSU homer cycle

[Preds]

Originally Posted by predator06

I was hoping that he would fall to my late 3rd round pick so i could have complete the OSU homer cycle

You're forgetting Michael Thomas. We each have 2 pieces from OSU!

[predator06]

Michael Thomas was the reason why I was trying to trade my 1st next year for the 6-10ish pick this year

[chasmvp19]

Thomas and Devin Smith (NY Jets) were the ones catching all those 50/50 balls, more Thomas, during the championship run...it became more 90/10 because our receivers were saving Jones' bacon...love the Thomas pick and am in wait-and-see mode on Shotgun...Smith in horrible situation with Marshall and Decker ruling the roost in NY...keep working hard kid...