Ryan

Swope

College concussions -- reportedly four according to NFL Network’s Mike Mayock -- killed Swope’s draft stock despite a 4.34 forty time and comparisons to Eric Decker. Assuming Swope can avoid further brain injuries, he should win a roster spot behind Larry Fitzgerald, Andre Roberts, and Michael Floyd.

Swope might have been a Day 2 draft pick if he hadn’t sustained “at least” four concussions while at Texas A&M. His inability to even suit up for these non-padded, non-contact practices is disconcerting. The Cardinals may have to stash Swope on injured reserve this season, giving him time to get full clearance from the medical staff. The college football season ended six months ago.

Anytime we hear the word “concussion” associated with Swope, it’s going to raise a red flag. He reportedly had four of them at Texas A&M, causing his draft stock to fall. It’s a major concern that Swope is having lingering issues five months after the college season ended.

We might believe Arians if Swope was on the practice field for Monday’s OTA; he wasn’t. A sixth-round pick, Swope is a candidate to be redshirted as a rookie, further removing him from the concussions. NFL Network’s Mike Mayock reported before the draft that Swope suffered “at least” four concussions at Texas A&M.

Swope didn’t take a single practice rep in the spring. “We were very, very, very surprised about it,” Arians said. “I’m not sure what he can do, I’m not sure what the doctors are going to do at this point. I hope ... because the kid is a great talent, and it would be a shame. But having Austin Collie last year, go through this same thing, it’s scary.” Arians acknowledged that he is genuinely “worried” about Swope’s medical situation. Swope may have to redshirt his first year.

“We were extremely excited that (Swope) started to slide,” Keim said. “He is a guy that not only can stretch the field vertically, but has some underneath quickness. He kind of reminds me of Brandon Stokely a little bit.” Swope has top-end athleticism, but is comfortable in both the slot and outside. He has a strong chance at earning the Cardinals’ final receiver spot.

Swope (6-0, 205) secured 89 balls for 1,207 yards (13.6 YPR) and 11 touchdowns as a junior with Ryan Tannehill before his production took a slight step back with freshman Johnny Manziel at the controls. Although he doesn’t play quite as fast, Swope’s 4.34 forty and 1.47 ten-yard split earned him a ton of Combine buzz. Swope’s negatives are mostly of the medical variety, as he suffered multiple concussions at A&M. But he’s drawn some Eric Decker comparisons as a slot/Z receiver with versatility and terrific all-around athleticism. He could contribute down the line for a Cardinals offense that’s rebuilding itself from the ground up.

Swope suffered four concussions at Texas A&M. Symptoms lingered from the fifth, and Swope hung up his cleats just as camp opened. Swope is leaving the door open for an eventual return, pursuing his college degree in 2013. In 2014, Swope plans to “evaluate his options.” The Cards will keep his rights.

Swope, the No. 174 overall pick, was a pleasant surprise at the Combine in February, running a 4.34 forty. But he suffered multiple concussions at Texas A&M and has never gotten over them. Swope is making the smart long-term health move, but it’s a shame he never got to put on pads in the NFL.

Swope missed the entire spring while battling lingering concussion symptoms from college. The Cardinals have seemed very concerned about his health. They could wind up stashing Swope on I.R. and “redshirting” him for all of 2013.