I am banning Steve Keim from the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine. He'd laugh in my face, or punch me in the face if I told him that, but I have my reasons.
The combine is American Idol. Why do people try out for American Idol? Because they think they're a diamond in the rough, an undiscovered talent. Baby, this is America. If you've got it, we'll find it. Justin Bieber was a star by 13. Britney Spears was trying out for the Mickey Mouse when she was 8. Occasionally, someone from American Idol pops, but for every Kelly Clarkson there are ten Chris Daughtry's. The combine is no different. It's really only useful for guys who underperformed in college, and for every D.K. Metcalf, there are ten Darrius Heyward Bey's.
Which leads me to my banning of Steve Keim. He's addicted to finding the next Kelly Clarkson, even when Beyonce is staring him dead in the eyes. In 2018, he drafted Josh Rosen one pick before Minkah Fitzpatrick was taken by Miami. In 2017, he drafted Haason Reddick before Derek Barnett, Malik Hooker and Marlon Humphrey were taken with the next three consecutive picks. In 2016 he took Robert Nkemdiche at the bottom of the first, with undeniable physical gifts, and overwhelming off-field problems. A classic Kelly Clarkson pick.
I'm not interested Kelly Clarkson. The Cardinals, with Kyler Murray at the helm, should treat themselves like Universal Music Group, not some rinky dink record label looking to take a shot on a B level talent. And with the 8th pick in the draft, and at least two teams expected to take quarterbacks ahead of them, they'll have an opportunity to add a blue chip player to a roster desperately in need of alphas. I'm talking about the combination of height/weight/speed, instincts and off-field acumen only contained in the first round. A combination Steve Keim has far too often missed.
Keim's addicted to the project, the maybe, the long shot. This year, I'm recommending a remedy of white knuckling. Skip this year's combine, avoid temptation.