Off to the Off-Season (Linebackers)

March 15, 2008 by Harry Greene

Look for the Cards to show a great deal more of their 3-4 defense, as they figure to add a few more pieces this off-season who fit that mold.

Linebackers

Overview
The Cards tried to play a 3-4 last year, but simply lacked enough personnel who were well suited to that system. This hurt the blitzing schemes. It left too many holes underneath in pass coverage. Few holes in the line were plugged quickly enough. The system needs quick OLBs and versatile guys in the middle.

IMO
The linebacker group is a tale of two opposites. Assuming a 3-4, the two insider linebackers are both major contributors.

Gerald Hayes is solid in all aspects of his game, though I’d like to see him get a deeper drop in zone.

Karlos Dansby could well be the premier inside linebacker in the NFC. He is not as strong as some and needs to shed blockers better, but he is a marvelous athlete whose speed and power enable him to make game changing plays. If he stays healthy, he should start seeing the Pro Bowl accolades he deserves. He is a great pass rusher and truly can play sideline to sideline.

Monty Beisel looked decent as a backup. On the outside things are more frightening.

I think the Cards realized Calvin Pace was too big a gamble to sign. He played better in his contract year, but for my money he phoned it in the second half of the season. He always played well enough to avoid being cut in pre-season, so he secured his salary. I think there would be a huge performance drop if he secured a big money deal, especially if the bonus were to be large.

Bertrand Berry has lost a step and though he plays hard, he just can’t close the deal when rushing the passer. He is, however, a team leader and should at least be kept as a backup. He’s solid, but no longer an impact player.

If Chike Okeafor is healthy he could help either as an OLB or a DE. The Cards hope he can be the former, but even in the latter role he would go nicely with Dockett if Okeafor’s the player he was two years ago.

Potential Help
Look for the Cards to take a pass rushing OLB in the first 3 rounds, perhaps in round 1. If they can secure such a player, they would be very solid at this position.

After the combine, some teams are talking Quentin Groves ahead of Keith Rivers. Rivers would be an awesome impact player. He might be there at 10, and a player like that is worth moving up to get. If he’s still on the board when the 9th or 10th pick rolls around, I’d consider moving up. It would cost the second round pick to switch position, but the Cards should get a 4 round pick back as well.

Keep in mind also the Cards should be inline for a compensation pick having lost Leonard Davis and essentially signing only 2 lesser players. Some nice o-line depth may be there in round 4, as well as Mr. Blake.

If a trade doesn’t materialize, the Cards could take Cliff Avril in round 2. He’s one of those freakish athletes who’s big and fast. He could play most on passing downs and be an exceptional rusher from either stance. Jeremy Geathers is viewed as a defensive end by most. He looks like an OLB to me and I’d take a shot at him in round 3 or 4 if the Cards are still looking.

Overall

This unit has the potential to be the best unit on the club. If Okeafor returns to form and the Cards draft a premier pass rushing OLB, this unit could be a fun unit to watch for years to come.

They need to get the Dansby contract resolved then lock up Hayes long-term and keep Berry and Beisel in reserve. An upgraded pass rush will move this team significantly upward.

Posted in nfl draft, nfl free agency, karlos dansby, free agency, football, nfl, arizona cardinals