Nobody can accuse the Arizona Cardinals or San Diego Chargers of not hustling for intel on prospects in the final week before the 2016 NFL Draft. Both teams will travel to Ohio to meet with Ohio State quarterback Cardale Jones, as well his mentor and former high school coach, Ted Ginn Sr.
The clubs will meet in Cleveland with Ginn Sr., the father of Carolina Panthers wide receiver Ted Ginn Jr., told ESPN.
Both clubs have accomplished, veteran starters in Carson Palmer and Philip Rivers, but with both in their mid-30s, the time could be right for either club to acquire a young quarterback to develop in an apprentice role. With just 10 career starts at OSU, and after losing his starting role with the Buckeyes midseason last year, Jones is considered more of a developmental NFL prospect than an immediate answer for a team in need of a starter. As such, he could be a strong fit with either team.
The Cardinals have also had a private workout with Jones, as have the Buffalo Bills. With Bills quarterback Tyrod Taylor having just one more season left on his contract, Buffalo could be yet another destination where Jones could spend his rookie year learning from the bench, and preparing for what could potentially be a better opportunity to play in Year 2.
For a developmental prospect, however, the price could be steep. At 6-foot-5 and 250 pounds, and with highly impressive arm strength, Jones could be chosen as high as the second round, according to NFL Media analyst Daniel Jeremiah.
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