Mitch Mock V. 3.0

[Mitch]

There is a lot I agree with, actually I really can't see where I disagree with anything here.

Mitch, you and I are thinking a lot a like when it comes to the draft.

Especially McElroy, I am a big fan of McElroy, and think he could be a steal in this draft.

Picking a QB in round one would be a huge mistake for the Cardinals. The only QB's that should be picked in round 1, IMO, are players that are "ready out of the box" type players.

All the QB's projected to go in the first round, are players whom need time and to be groomed. At that point I would continue to work with Skelton if we are going to groom a QB for the future.

Funny, Muffin, I was just typing the same things to Sean as you were writing yours. Good stuff!

 

[joeshmo]

That is some weak coffee amigo.

That is how I like my coffee.

 

[joeshmo]

I'm pretty sure that Max Hall is practice squad ineligible because he was on the active roster for all 16 games this year. Which is a good thing, because he has no place on any roster, including those perhaps in the UFL.

Joe?

I am not totally sure in his case. Not sure if the rules changed in the uncapped year. If they didnt, it is how many games you are activated for, how many was Hall active for and does the 3rd emergency QB status count as active or not active for games counted towards PS eligibility.

The basics of eligibility are -

1. Players cannot have played more than nine regular season games or
2. Been on the active roster for an entire year and
3. Players cannot be allowed to spend more than two seasons on the same team's squad unless that team's active roster never dips below 53 players

 

[az jam]

Nice analysis Mitch. Mocks are not easy to make. They are fun to debate.

I do think the Cards may trade down this year to get extra picks. I also think that unlike the past, there are teams that will trade up. However it may be to get a qb. Both the Vikings and Redskins may target a qb on round one and be worried that the 49ers will grab the one that they want as they pick earlier. They will be candidates to trade with the Cards.

I do think the Cards will go defense with their first pick. It is a need and most of the BPAs are defense players. I think the Cards could go after OLB/DE Robert Quinn if they stay with the 5th pick.


Who is the veterant qb targeted??? I like Orton for our 3rd round but I'n not sure that Denver will trade him and have all their eggs in the Tebow basket.
I think it may be Bulger but who knows??

Additionally don't be surprised if Locker falls to the 2nd round and becomes the Cardinal pick. The Cards will take a qb in the draft but not on the first round.

 

[Mitch]

Nice analysis Mitch. Mocks are not easy to make. They are fun to debate.

I do think the Cards may trade down this year to get extra picks. I also think that unlike the past, there are teams that will trade up. However it may be to get a qb. Both the Vikings and Redskins may target a qb on round one and be worried that the 49ers will grab the one that they want as they pick earlier. They will be candidates to trade with the Cards.

I do think the Cards will go defense with their first pick. It is a need and most of the BPAs are defense players. I think the Cards could go after OLB/DE Robert Quinn if they stay with the 5th pick.


Who is the veterant qb targeted??? I like Orton for our 3rd round but I'n not sure that Denver will trade him and have all their eggs in the Tebow basket.
I think it may be Bulger but who knows??

Additionally don't be surprised if Locker falls to the 2nd round and becomes the Cardinal pick. The Cards will take a qb in the draft but not on the first round.

I hear you, jammer.

Quinn---if the year off didn't hurt him---is the kind of edge player the Cardinals need. I still prefer Houston. But, I can see why you like Quinn.

It would seem foolish for the Broncos and John Fox to let go of Orton. If free agency happens on time---which it looks like it won't---the Broncos could sign a FA QB and then look to trade Orton. But, to go into the draft and trade him not knowing what veteran they could sign would seem unwise.

The Redskins may find themselves in a similar boat with McNabb---but in their case they seem so loathe to pay him, that they probably will let him go.

I think you are right that the Cardinals may draft a QB at some point---but, I have a sneaking suspicion that because they intend to sign a veteran for sure and that they are actually content with Skelton and Bartel (a player they seem to like)---and I do not believe they have ruled out Max Hall either---that the Cardinals may elect to draft in other need areas instead.

That said, I think there would be a discussion about Jake Locker, should he still be available at #38...and certainly at #69. But there are so many good defensive players---such a deep draft for the front 7---it may be very difficult to switch the focus away from defense.

 

[juza76]

Aldon Smith is explosive...no question...but, when you watch him on tape, he's a read and react guy...he has a hitch in his first step...which might be corrected. I rarely saw him explode off the ball...he did his exploding to the ball after he had stood up to see where the play was going. In the NFL he won't have as much time or leverege to do that.

When I watched Houston...his first step is amazing. Plus, he's been a stand up OLB...whereas Smith has been a hand down DE and DT. Again, Smith may adjust to the switch very well. Plus, having played with his hand down, he'd be ready to play as the RDE in the 4 man nickel rush.

You have to be impressed with Quinn as well.

If we come away with Houston, Smith or Quinn, I will be very happy.

mitch ok but i dont see r.quinn being selected so high.a lot of people love this kid but i think the fact he didnt play this season will hurt him a lot..i read somewhere he is around 300 lb..i m curious to see him at combine

 

[Catfish]

Let it snow-----let it snow-----let it snow.

Mitch, I love it when you get stuck in the house. A computer, and a warm fire in the fireplace do wondrous things to get your creative juices flowing, and this is a creative masterpiece !!!

With all the holes we have on both sides of the ball this year, I like the trade-down scenario. The extra picks would help return us to a depth and talent level that we need to have in order to return to playoff football. I really hope that we can find the trade partner to make this happen. Your plan is feasible and well considered.

On the other hand, if we are forced to play it close to the vest, (considering all the unknowns with the CBA etc.) we would do well to go BPA much as K-9 has proposed in his latest mock.

I hate this time of year, because we are running out of football. Watching you guys work at creating viable plans to address these various scenarios makes it easy for me to get excited about all the possibilities that exist for the Cardinals to hopefully regain some of the ground we have lost in the NFC West. Keep up the good work, ----- all of you.

 

[Diamondback Jay]

1. CAR: Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn
2. DEN: Marcell Dareus, DE, Alabama
3. BUF: Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson
4. CIN: Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri
5. MIN (from AZ---for the #12, #105, #135 and #173 picks): A.J. Green, WR Georgia
6. CLE: Julio Jones, WR, Alabama
7. SF: Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas
8. TEN: Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina
9. DAL: Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU
10. WAS: Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa
11. HOU: Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska [/B]

Some extremely interesting picks here.

Respect to you for the time and effort that you gave to put this up and think it through.

I wanted to question a few things though.

A) Champ Bailey is a free agent and I think the chances of him returning to Denver at this point are extremely low. Even WITH Bailey, the Broncos finished 25th in the NFL in passing yards allowed.

Patterson to Denver seems natural to me in this case, if Fairley isn't there. Granted, Denver's rush defense is god awful and in desperate need of a fix, but I sooner see them going after Patterson, who is an elite level talent and clogs the secondary for the next decade, then getting Drake Nevis or Jurrell Casey with one of their two second rounders to fix their DT vacancy than I do them going with Dareus at #2.

I'll argue all day against "take the best player available, position be damned" debate, but in Denver's case, when they have two gaping holes like this and one of them could be filled by the BPA... I think you get where I'm going with this.

Granted, part of me is saying this because I cannot under any circumstance see Patterson falling past 5, and part of me is saying this because Denver could use some help in their secondary. But I'm really not feeling Dareus at #2.

B) By all accounts and purposes, Carson Palmer is coming back to Cincinnati in 2011, while the Primadonna WR Duo will be sent packing. I'll jock for Jordan Shipley, but if AJ Green is available at #4, Cincy grabs him.. Or at worst, they grab one of the DE, because Antwan Odom can't stay healthy.

C) If Minnesota makes that big of a move, it'll be for a QB. I can't see them trading that big of a package for another WR, no matter how good Green is.

D) Ryan Mallett is the anti-Jim Harbaugh style QB.

E) Every person in the city of Houston is ready to give you a gigantic hug and if Akuwmara falls to them, it's a monumental steal.

Nothing personal in my disagreements. All in all, a good write up!

 

[Mitch]

Some extremely interesting picks here.

Respect to you for the time and effort that you gave to put this up and think it through.

I wanted to question a few things though.

A) Champ Bailey is a free agent and I think the chances of him returning to Denver at this point are extremely low. Even WITH Bailey, the Broncos finished 25th in the NFL in passing yards allowed.

Patterson to Denver seems natural to me in this case, if Fairley isn't there. Granted, Denver's rush defense is god awful and in desperate need of a fix, but I sooner see them going after Patterson, who is an elite level talent and clogs the secondary for the next decade, then getting Drake Nevis or Jurrell Casey with one of their two second rounders to fix their DT vacancy than I do them going with Dareus at #2.

I'll argue all day against "take the best player available, position be damned" debate, but in Denver's case, when they have two gaping holes like this and one of them could be filled by the BPA... I think you get where I'm going with this.

Granted, part of me is saying this because I cannot under any circumstance see Patterson falling past 5, and part of me is saying this because Denver could use some help in their secondary. But I'm really not feeling Dareus at #2.

B) By all accounts and purposes, Carson Palmer is coming back to Cincinnati in 2011, while the Primadonna WR Duo will be sent packing. I'll jock for Jordan Shipley, but if AJ Green is available at #4, Cincy grabs him.. Or at worst, they grab one of the DE, because Antwan Odom can't stay healthy.

C) If Minnesota makes that big of a move, it'll be for a QB. I can't see them trading that big of a package for another WR, no matter how good Green is.

D) Ryan Mallett is the anti-Jim Harbaugh style QB.

E) Every person in the city of Houston is ready to give you a gigantic hug and if Akuwmara falls to them, it's a monumental steal.

Nothing personal in my disagreements. All in all, a good write up!

You make outstanding points in each case, Jay. And I am inclined to agree with you...but for the sake of rebuttal, I will explain my thoughts:

A) When all is said and done, I think the Broncos will make every effort to keep Champ Bailey...and thus, I believe that John Fox will try to provide him and his secondary with a stronger pass rush. Dareus or Bowers makes sense here, for that reason. I gave Dareus the nod over Bowers, but it could well be the other way around.

I agree that DT may be a greater need...but other than Fairley, there are no DTs worthy of the #2 pick.

B) Caron Palmer's days as the Bengals' QB are numbered. Not too sure how much they like his brother Jordan. Guessing they don't see him as the heir. I also think the Bengals really like the young WRs they've recently acquired...but will add another later in the draft,

C) If there was a QB that would be worth trading up for, I think you are spot-on. But---seeing as there are only 2 first-caliber WRs in this draft in Green and Jones...and Green is the only #1 type WR, my instinct tells me that they would hop up to get him. They know he will be long gone by #12...as may be Julio Jones (more of an NFL #2 type WR anyway). With Rice's situation unclear and a need to stretch the field so that Harvin and Shiancoe can dominate the middle...Green would be the right fit.

The catch is...they will not want to give up their 2nd rounder, the #43 pick, because this is where they pounce on a QB like Christain Ponder or Jake Locker. Thus, they offer the Cardinals three picks, a 4th, a 5th and a 6th...which then gives the Cardinals the room to select the QB, FB and TE they want.

D) I am not so sure Mallett is the anti-Harbaugh type QB. Harbaugh may think Mallett will be their Joe Flacco---tall in the saddle and strong armed. I do not think that Cam Newton is a Harbaugh type, and what other options does he have? Perhaps try to wait for a 2nd rounder---but that may be too risky.

E) I agree...Houston would be doing back flips if Amukamara slides to them. Every year someone seems to slide...could be him, although he is the best cover CB in the draft.

But, as I say, your points are very persuasive and much appreciated.

 

[kerouac9]

I am not totally sure in his case. Not sure if the rules changed in the uncapped year. If they didnt, it is how many games you are activated for, how many was Hall active for and does the 3rd emergency QB status count as active or not active for games counted towards PS eligibility.

The basics of eligibility are -

1. Players cannot have played more than nine regular season games or
2. Been on the active roster for an entire year and
3. Players cannot be allowed to spend more than two seasons on the same team's squad unless that team's active roster never dips below 53 players

Hall was the #2 QB, so he was on the roster for all but the last three weeks, when he went on IR. Do you have to be on the ACTIVE ROSTER (45 on game day) for the nine games, or play in nine regular season games (go on the field)?

 

[john h]

Greetings once again from snowy Wrentham, MA. Another snow day means another updated mock---one that I actually have been preparing for over a week, as last weekend I spent most of the time viewing tapes of the top prospects, particularly at OLB and QB.

1. CAR: Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn
2. DEN: Marcell Dareus, DE, Alabama
3. BUF: Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson
4. CIN: Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri
5. MIN (from AZ---for the #12, #105, #135 and #173 picks): A.J. Green, WR Georgia
6. CLE: Julio Jones, WR, Alabama
7. SF: Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas
8. TEN: Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina
9. DAL: Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU
10. WAS: Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa
11. HOU: Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska
12. ARZ: Justin Houston, OLB/DE, 6-3, 260, Georgia. This is the player I want more than any other in this draft. When you watch him what jumps out at you is his explosive first step off the edge. It's like he is shot out of a cannon. No other edge rusher in this draft is as explosive off the edge---the only one who comes close is Von Miller---but, here's the catch---Houston has the strength to turn the corner, whereas Miller does not---Miller has to hope that he clears the OT, otherwise he gets steered far too wide of the pocket. If you watch the video of the Georgia/Georgia Tech game---what you see is not only Houston's great explosion on pass rushes (from both sides), but he takes over the game by scooping up a fumble and returning it for a TD and then sealing the deal with a game ending interception where he did a perfect job of reading the QB.

38. Muhammed Wilkerson, DT, 6-5, 300, Temple. Bye bye Alan Branch---we hardly knew ya. This kid plays big and has bounce to his game. He can rotate in at NT and DE and nickel DT (4 man rush). Combo player deluxe.

69. Jabaal Sheard, OLB/DE, 6-4, 260, Pittsburgh. The perfect compliment to Houston. Bullish rusher who is extremely strong in the upperbody and legs. Reminds me a little of LaMarr Woodley. Plays the left side. I envision O'Brien Schofield starting at LOLB, but Sheard rotating in as the LDE in the 4 man rush opposite Houston at RDE...and Dockett/Campbell/Wilkerson as rush DTs.

102. John Moffitt, G, 6-5, 323, Wisconsin. The young mauling guard---in the Alan Faneca mold---we all covet. Could contend for a starting job right away.

105. Charlie Gantt, TE, 6-5, 255, Michigan St. All-purpose TE who is strong at the point of attack and slippery up the seams---good hands.

133. Greg McElroy, QB, 6-2, 225, Alabama. This is the QB I want. I watched hours of tape on all the top prospects and I kept reverting back to McElroy because of his smarts, accuracy and grit.

135. Josh Bynes, SILB, 6-2, 240, Auburn. Under-rated middle man. Auburn's leading tackler for the last two years. Reminds me a little of another one-time Auburn Tiger, Takeo Spikes.

147. (Trade with Tampa Bay for WR Early Doucet) Vincent Brown, WR, 6-0, 182, San Diego St. A real sleeper who will become a camp favorite.

166. Owen Marecic, FB, 6-1, 243, Stanford. We need to start getting consistent production from the FB and this kid is the total package.

173. Tejay Johnson, FS, 6-1, 212, TCU. One of the most unheralded players on that undefeated TCU squad. This Horned Frog plays solid in all aspects of the position. The TCU 4-2-5 defense is essentially the Pro Nickel the Cardinals play on passing downs, thus Johnson will fit right in.

179. Lawrence Wilson, SS, 6-1, 222, Connecticut. Led CT in tackles at WOLB...is a tackling machine, who will need to convert to SS, where another Wilson can teach him the ropes.

2011 Roster:

QB (3): McNabb*, Skelton, McElroy

RB (4): Hightower, Wells, Tolbert*, Stephens-Howling

FB (1): Marecic

WR (5): Fitzgerald, Breaston, Roberts, Williams, Brown, V.

TE (3): Miller*, Dray, Gantt

OL (9): Trueblood*, Brown, Hadnot, Sendlein, Lutui, Keith, Bridges, Moffitt, Claxton.

NT (2): Williams, Alford*

DE (4): Dockett, Campbell, Wilkerson, Iwebema

ILB (4): Washington, Lenon, Walker, Bynes

OLB (5): Haggans/Porter (one goes, one stays, TBD), Schofield, Houston, Davis, Sheard

CB (5): Rodgers-Cromartie, Toler, Jefferson, Adams, McBride

S (5): Wilson, A., Rhodes, Johnson, R., Johnson, T., Wilson, L.

ST (3): Feely, Graham, Leach

PS (8): QB Max Hall, RB Smith, T/G Tom Pestock, TE Coby Fleener (UCFA-Stanford), WR Max Komar, DE Ronald Talley, LB Alex Wujciak (UCFA-Maryland), CB Marshay Green.

I got to watch McElroy several times on TV. He is impressive and I wonder why he has got so little press. He played on a tough team in the SEC and was a consistent winner. I could live with him but still hope we get Gabbert, Newton, or whoever is rated highest by the gurus and the Cards. The reason this may not happen is a high pick QB will require a lot more money than some other pick and the Cards have a history of saving money.

How much of the CAP money available to the Cards do any of you think will be spent? That will be some indication of just how serious we are about winning vs making money.

 

[john h]

I don't believe it---remember, Somers and Urban had no inside scoop on the Leinart situation. Team officials do not typically give them any inside info. Purposely so.

Players can get wind of inside information and many of those guys have no problem talking to Somers and Urban. The players may have their own agenda. Money is one of the driving forces on this team and plays a big part both in the draft and singing free agents. Money can get in the way of a good draft selection or signing a good FA.

 

[RugbyMuffin]

A) When all is said and done, I think the Broncos will make every effort to keep Champ Bailey...and thus, I believe that John Fox will try to provide him and his secondary with a stronger pass rush. Dareus or Bowers makes sense here, for that reason. I gave Dareus the nod over Bowers, but it could well be the other way around.

Agreed.

Bailey is still a very good CB. Mental savy makes up for declining skills, and also Champ Bailey is one of those rare atheletes that may have lost a step but had one to give in the first place. The Broncos are nuts to let him walk, if they do.

Ty Law played a very long career, first thru his abilities, and then thru his knowledge. Charles Woodson, and Ronde Barber are another two good examples of this.

If the Broncos let Bailey walk I would love to see the Cardinals pick him up. Personally, I can see Bailey playing CB for us, or even pull a Rod Woodson with Bailey (tho Woodson had 10 lbs on Bailey and better tackling ability) and put Bailey at FS/SS/3rd S. Bailey has the health, work ethic, and intellegence to play for another 3 or 4 years, and well.

And while on the subject of CB, while I like Mitch's mock at first glance, and still like it on second glance, it would be very very hard for me to watch the Cardinals pass up Patrick Peterson. I think Peterson is BPA in the draft for the Cardinals.

 

[DoTheDew]

I love this mock. Trading down is looking like a better option for us every day. Finding a partner is the issue. I love the McElroy pick. The kid may not be a blue chip prospect, but he is just one of those players whose teams seem to win.

Only reservations I have are:
I don't see Tampa giving us a pick for Doucet. I don't see anyone trading for a guy who is injured more than he is healthy and hasn't really produced an exceptional amount when he has been healthy. It's time for us to admit he was a wasted pick rather then keep acting like he was a mini-Boldin.

And, McNabb is not going to be our QB. I think he's still good, but this team has made it perfectly clear they have no interest in the guy. I'd bet my life savings that he won't be our QB.

 

[Divide Et Impera]

Shoot, pick Bailey up as a starting S and slide Wilson into the box as an edge-rushing LB....

 

[RugbyMuffin]

It's time for us to admit he was a wasted pick rather then keep acting like he was a mini-Boldin.

Agreed.

I highlly doubt Doucet will ever be better than what we are now seeing out of him.

The time is now to finally pick up:

1. A true positional TE. I.E. - A guy that can block first, and at time go out and catch a pass.

2. A pass catching TE. Which is all honesty was what Boldin was used as most of the time in the slot. His ability to play as a split end (out on the edges) is better than most, but that is not what we lost when we traded Boldin. We need a 3rd down converting, zone busting, over the middle, physical presence in our receiving game.

Our tight end situation for the Cardinals is so dire, that I believe we really only have one TE on the team, and he should be the 3rd stringer at best right now.

I hate looking at FA since the labor dispute will screw us all out of the fun of it but anyway here is what will be out there:

Zach Miller (Oak) <-- Oak is nuts to let him walk. He could be our every down TE, both blocking and recieving
Marcedes Lewis (Jac) <--- Don't know how well he block, but he can catch without a doubt.
Owen Daniels (Hou) <--- Pass catching TE who seems to be "still recovering" from his injury two years ago
Kevin Boss (NYG) <--- I think after Miller, Kevin Boss is the best fit for our system. Especially blocking where he is extremely good.
Ben Patrick (ARZ) <--- Buh-Bye. One of the biggest dissapointments of the last two years.
Dante Rosario (CAR) <--- Meh, rather have the other Carolina TE
Jeff King (CAR) <--- For two offseasons straight I have talked about pick this guy up. He is the blocking TE that can from time to time catch a pass. Awesome block. Top of my list.
Desmond Clark (CHI) <--- Old, and not sure of his blocking ability.
Reggie Kelly (CIN) <--- Seems a long time ago he was a big part of our plans. An injury and a couple years later, I'd rather have Desmond Clark
Alex Smith (CLE) <--- I'd keep Ben Patrick instead of Smith
Leonard Pope (KC) <--- LOL
Joey Haynos (MIA) <--- ??? No nothing about him
David Thomas (NO) <---- Seems to be a Steven Spack type player
Matt Spaeth (PIT) <--- Great blocker, but has personal issues
Kris Wilson (SD) <---- N/A
Randy McMichael (SD) <---- Best days are way, way behind him.
Daniel Fells (STL) <--- N/A
John Gilmore (TB) <---- N/A
Bo Scaife (TEN) <---- Over-rated. This guy has been playing off one good season for years. I'd stick with Patrick before buying into Scaife.

*** Alge Crumpler (NE) <--- He is still under contract with the Pats for one more year, but with the amazing talents that the Pats have at TE, he might be release. He is old and cannot be the pass catching TE of years past, but he can dominate in the blocking game.

 

[Mitch]

Agreed.

I highlly doubt Doucet will ever be better than what we are now seeing out of him.

The time is now to finally pick up:

1. A true positional TE. I.E. - A guy that can block first, and at time go out and catch a pass.

2. A pass catching TE. Which is all honesty was what Boldin was used as most of the time in the slot. His ability to play as a split end (out on the edges) is better than most, but that is not what we lost when we traded Boldin. We need a 3rd down converting, zone busting, over the middle, physical presence in our receiving game.

Our tight end situation for the Cardinals is so dire, that I believe we really only have one TE on the team, and he should be the 3rd stringer at best right now.

Rugby (and everyone):

What do you think of TE Kyle Rudolph of Notre Dame?

Did any of you see the 95 yard TD he had against Michigan late in the game? That was impressive. He run straight up the seam, snagged the ball cleanly and outran the secondary. He doesn't look exceptionally fast..but on that play he was motoring.

I like him a lot...but I am pretty sure we would have to take him at #38 because it would be surprising if he made it to #69.

I feel like there are so many real good defensive players at #38, that taking a defensive player there is the priority. But, if we could pick up another pick or two...maybe we would could take Rudolph early.

I also like TE D.J. Williams of Arkansas...I wish he was little taller is all. But for hands and RAC...he's a real good one. Would not be my choice at #38 and sveral of the mocks I've seen have him going late 2nd early 3rd before the Cardinals pick at #69.

 

[WildBB]

I had a very mixed reaction to the Warner interview...he wasn't exactly raving about Bulger. In fact, he said he wondered where Bulger's "head is right now." He did say that when Bulger's head is on straight that he was a real force...but that was over 5 years ago.

I just don't understand the interest in this guy.

In a post last week, I concluded that to be fit for Whiz the QB had to be (1) tough; (2) a Type A...which is why Leinart never had a legit shot with Whiz, because he's neither.

Bulger is neither. One of his own Rams' teammates last year said, he "has no presence at all on the field."

Watching him play the last few years, the teammate was absolutely right.

I would rather go into this season with Skelton as the starter---for two reasons:

1. If he succeeds and builds on his 2-2 record, we have our QBOP&F.

2. If he struggles, there's a kid named Andrew Luck to turn to.

The reason why I want McNabb is that I think it would send a clear message to the team and to the NFC West that the Cardinals aim to be back as the NFC West Champions.

If you were the Rams, Seahawks or 49ers, who would you worry about more, McNabb or Bulger?

Sure, McNabb is finding himself at a crossroads, having lost the job in Philly and now heading on his way out of DC. And yes, there are aspects of his game that he needs to improve---but, more than any other QB on the FA market, he's been to more Pro Bowls, won more divisions and NFC Championships---by far.

Signing McNabb would, imo, re-energize this team.

And I strongly believe that being with the Cardinals would re-energize McNabb.

The one player I would like to ask is Larry Fitzgerald. I cannot possibly imagine Fitz wanting Bulger over McNabb---not in a million years.

Spot on.

Bulger's day is DONE.

McNabb has at least been to the dance. Maybe he has one last run to try and win it.

I don't understand what the talk is, "he doesn't fit the system"? Hell Warner made up his own system here. And succeeded. He's the one who insisted on empty backfields. He's the one who read and adjusted on the go. There's not alot who can do that effectively. McNabb has a chance to. It's his last legit chance, mtl.

 

[Aikdog]

Being a UGA fan, I've watched every game Houston has played in. For the last 1.5 years he has been the best defensive player on the team by far. Stepping into a 3-4 OLB this year was more suited to his skills than a 4-3 DE. I haven't watched enough of the other OLBs coming out this year to give an assessment, but I believe Houston will shoot up the draft board once the combine comes around.

 

[Mitch]

Being a UGA fan, I've watched every game Houston has played in. For the last 1.5 years he has been the best defensive player on the team by far. Stepping into a 3-4 OLB this year was more suited to his skills than a 4-3 DE. I haven't watched enough of the other OLBs coming out this year to give an assessment, but I believe Houston will shoot up the draft board once the combine comes around.

I honesty believe he will crack the top 10 on most draft boards, Aik. This kid brings it...and brings it with a passion.

I am worried about trading down now because I think other teams will see what we see. In fact, I am certain of it. Take this kid, Cardinals!

 

[joeshmo]

Marcedes Lewis (Jac) <--- Don't know how well he block, but he can catch without a doubt.

Lewis is actually a very good blocker. In fact at this point in his career he might be a better blocker then a reciever. Even though he came into the league as more of a pass catcher at 6-6 260, turned himself into a 6-6 275 pound blocker who can catch today. My number TE to look at in Free Agency, even more then Miller.

 

[Seandonic]

1. QB at #5...this year's QB pool looks weak, doesn't it? In what other year would Blaine Gabbert be considered the #1 prospect?

This inflates his draft position...and the others'.

I am intrigued by Gabbert---but I am also very intrigued with the guy we alreast have in John Skelton.

We know the Cardinals are going to sign a veteran---who---in all likelihood, will be the starter for the next two years.

So...I would agree with you, Sean, about taking a QB at #5 if there was a player there you could take and start right away like the Rams did with Bradford.

2. I used a 5th round pick on McElroy because I think he fits the Whiz mold: tough and Type A. He doesn't have the strongest arm, but neither did Kurt Warner. McElroy won a National Championship---yes, surrounded by a stellar cast---but, really the Tide had been down when he arrived and they started winning when he and Saban took the reins. There was a time when McElroy had never lost a game, in high school and at Bama. Sometimes you bank on a winner and with just a 5th round pick, that's not too bad a risk, is it?

Your line of thinking here is very Cardinalesque and highly flawed IMHO. Pick up a veteran QB on the cheap i.e. Bulger and back him up with a couple of "intriguing" 5th round bench-warmers. Sounds real good.

Here's what I mean by "intriguing" 5th round draft choices: From the year 2000 through 2009 there have been 67 QB's chosen in the 5th through 7th rounds. Four have had varying levels of success (T. Brady, M. Bulger, T. Romo, and M. Cassel). SIXTY-THREE have bombed to varying degrees...but hey...maybe the Cards will get lucky and land a real gem like the Steelers did when they drafted Brian St. Pierre in the 5th round of the 03 draft. Or they could really hit the nail on the head and draft a real sleeper like the Ravens did in the 6th round of the 05 draft like Derek Anderson.

Just because you whiff the first time, a la Leinart, doesn't mean you go gun shy from there on out. If your picking in the top ten of a draft and there is a QB who is even close to that level...YOU TAKE HIM!

 

[desertdawg]

Here's what I mean by "intriguing" 5th round draft choices: From the year 2000 through 2009 there have been 67 QB's chosen in the 5th through 7th rounds. Four have had varying levels of success (T. Brady, M. Bulger, T. Romo, and M. Cassel). SIXTY-THREE have bombed to varying degrees...but hey...maybe the Cards will get lucky and land a real gem like the Steelers did when they drafted Brian St. Pierre in the 5th round of the 03 draft. Or they could really hit the nail on the head and draft a real sleeper like the Ravens did in the 6th round of the 05 draft like Derek Anderson.

Just because you whiff the first time, a la Leinart, doesn't mean you go gun shy from there on out. If your picking in the top ten of a draft and there is a QB who is even close to that level...YOU TAKE HIM!

I am down but Skelton might be down as well, don't care where he was drafted. He looked good as a rookie in Whiz's offense. I would love to take Newton and bring in Orton, but it aint my money.

 

[Cbus cardsfan]

I have to re-assess my thinking as Mitch and I like the same players . J/K I like the draft but I would like Martez Wilson ILB in round 2.

 

[Mitch]

Your line of thinking here is very Cardinalesque and highly flawed IMHO. Pick up a veteran QB on the cheap i.e. Bulger and back him up with a couple of "intriguing" 5th round bench-warmers. Sounds real good.

Here's what I mean by "intriguing" 5th round draft choices: From the year 2000 through 2009 there have been 67 QB's chosen in the 5th through 7th rounds. Four have had varying levels of success (T. Brady, M. Bulger, T. Romo, and M. Cassel). SIXTY-THREE have bombed to varying degrees...but hey...maybe the Cards will get lucky and land a real gem like the Steelers did when they drafted Brian St. Pierre in the 5th round of the 03 draft. Or they could really hit the nail on the head and draft a real sleeper like the Ravens did in the 6th round of the 05 draft like Derek Anderson.

Just because you whiff the first time, a la Leinart, doesn't mean you go gun shy from there on out. If your picking in the top ten of a draft and there is a QB who is even close to that level...YOU TAKE HIM!

Sure...if there is a QB at #5 that you are convinced is your franchise QB, YOU TAKE HIM!

Who is your pick?

Gabbert?

Mallett?

Newton?

One of them might be selected by the Bills at #3...it would seem Gabbert fits their style the best of the three.

Can you state definitively that Mallett or Newton is clearly head and shoulders better than John Skelton?

If you can and are certain of it then YOU TAKE HIM!

I am not convinced of it---

At the same time, when are we ever going to get an edge rusher who makes our 34 defense legit?

Here lies the conundrum.

At #5...if you take a QB...you are passing on the likes of Robert Quinn, Justin Houston, Aldon Smith and Von Miller. All top end speed rushers, the kind of which the Cardinals do not have on the roster and haven't had the past 4 years.

Problem is NONE of them will be available at #38...they will be snatched up and long gone.

The best you could hope for at #38 is a rusher like Jabaal Sheard...who is a bull rusher, not a speed guy. Good player for the strong side (and he'd be great to have opposite a true speed guy)...but he also has to convert from 43 DE to 34 SOLB...which will take time.

You could say well we could sign Kamerion Wimbley...but...with no free agency in sight before the draft, you have no idea whether you have a shot at signing him or not.

I want McNabb as the veteran signee, not Bulger. I think McNabb would be re-energized in Arizona. Just the same, I am high on John Skelton. And I believe that Greg McElroy is a winner---not the flashiest young QB on the block---but unlike Gabbert, Mallett and Newton, McElroy played in a pro style offense, which makes him more pro ready tha the others. So the combination of McNabb, Skelton and McElroy would suit me just fine---and at the same time we can finally start to fix this defense---make it a true 34---one that can start to win games, not lose them.