Chopper's 2011 Offseason Plan V 2.0

[Chopper0080]

Assumptions:
1-CBA isn't signed until after the draft, but is signed.
2-Cardinals will spend marginally, but will bring in free agents

RESIGNED PLAYERS
Duece Lutui - OG
-I think that his worth is a bit overrated, but I believe that for his price, he is worth keeping for continuity on the offensive line. He can still improve and should not be real expensive.

Steve Breaston - WR
-Should be pretty affordable especially with knee concerns. He is one of the few vet receivers on our team, and should be kept.

Tim Hightower - RB
-I hate the fumbles, but I think that he could be very affordable and has skills. I would sign him to a short term deal.

DRAFT
1-Patrick Peterson - CB - LSU(also kick and punt returner)
-Peterson can provide an immediate impact on special teams while pushing for the top spot at CB. I was very pleased with Mike Adams play in 2011, and while he is only an average 3rd CB, he is a great 4th CB. Also, Peterson brings the physicality of Greg Toler, but is benefited by also being a special athlete like DRC.

2-Martez Wilson - ILB - Illinois
-Wilson has very good size and speed measurables that the Cardinals flat out lack at the ILB position. At 250 lbs he brings size and a physical presence behind the NT that isn't readily available in the draft class or free agent market. He has had some medical issues which are a concern, but 100+ tackles in 2010 have shown that those issues should be behind him. He has also shown the ability to makes plays behind the los with 11.5 tackles for loss in 2010 and 4 sacks.

2B-Jeremy Beal - OLB - Oklahoma (Cardinals trade their 69th and 133rd pick to the Eagles for the Eagles 54th pick)
-I am not normally a huge advocate for trading away draft picks. However, I am pretty sure that Jeremy Beal will fall to the end of the 2nd round and will be worth it. Beal is the type of player that falls in the draft because he just doesn't have overwhelming measureables. He is strong and quick, but not fantastic in any of these areas. He is a very physical player, and has a knack for making plays. He would be an ideal fit at the SOLB position in a 3-4, and could develop into a leader on the defense.

4-John Moffitt - OG - Wisonsin
-Moffitt has experience at C as well as G, and is another very physical player. He might not last until the 4th round, but he is the type of player that solid lines are built around. He could push for a starting spot very quickly as well.

6-Greg McElroy - QB - Alabama
-I haven't seen a bunch of McElroy, but what I have seen has been impressive. He seems to know the style of game that he needs to play to win, and doesn't seem rattled in big situations. He seems like a tough player physically and mentally, and should stick in the NFL.

7-Jeffrey Maehl - WR - Oregon
-Another player drafted for his toughness and his ability to play well under pressure. Meahl is a limited athlete, but appears to understand what defenses are trying to do and can exploit the weaknesses that are there. Another player that I am not sure lasts until the 7th round, but will go late and should contribute for a while.

FREE AGENCY
Kamerion Wimbley - OLB
-Has shown the ability to get to the QB, and while he may not be an elite pass rusher, he will have opportunities with our defensive line.

Olin Kreutz - C
-Is at the end of his career, but still brings a toughness that a line can rally around. Might be a great mentor for Moffitt, and will bring an attitude that will spread through the entire offensive line.

Jammal Brown - OT
-A player who hasn't played great over the past two years, but this year showed glimpses of the player he was a couple years ago. Can battle with Bridges and L Brown for a tackle spot, and might bounce back batter than any could imagine.

Marcedes Lewis - TE
-Good blocker, good red zone target, and creates size mismatches in the middle of the field. We have been terrible at TE for so long, Lewis would bring us both the blocker that we need as well as the receiving threat that we have been lacking.

Nick Eason - DE
-Yes, another old Pitt castoff, however this one would be a good fit. He specializes in playing the 3-4 DE position, and could help develop C Campbell into a more consistent player as well as spelling Campbell and Dockett. He wouldn't need to start to be a contributor.

Marcell Reece - FB
-This is a guy who would fill a position of need, but brings versatility that the Cardinals have lacked at the position since Larry Centers. He can run, catch and block well, but has speed that can create mismatches for defenses.

TRADE
Kyle Orton - QB
Cardinals trade a 2012 2nd round pick to the Denver Broncos for Kyle Orton.
-More than I would like to give up for Orton, but in the end if he brings us wins, he is worth it. 3,000 + yards, and better than a 2:1 TD to INT ratio, and he has proven that he can get the ball in the right position for his receivers to make a play on it. His ability to get the jump balls up to Lloyd in Denver this year sold me on his ability to contribute for the Cardinals.

 

[Arizona's Finest]

Absolute fantasy but I am 100% on board. Would love for this offseason to take place.

 

[Chopper0080]

The idea behind this offseason plan was to improve the physicality of the team on both sides of the ball as well as the mental toughness.

Almost all players taken in the draft have contributed on winning programs and have been leaders on these teams. They all bring a physical style of play and seem very good at doing their job. Not as much athleticism as you may like, but these are guys who beat up their opponents.

As far as free agency, I wanted to bring in a mix of play makers and veterans. Wimbley, M Lewis, and M Reece all can create mismatches that teams will have to plan for, while Eason and Kruetz bring much needed professionalism and experience in groups that need it. J Brown is the wild card, and is a total gamble. I figure if he busts then he busts, but if he can contribute, he shouldn't have a hard time beating out L Brown or Bridges.

This plan still leaves some holes, but I feel it does a good job revamping the offensive line, and adding talent and depth to a line-backing core that is lacking both.

 

[Chopper0080]

Absolute fantasy but I am 100% on board. Would love for this offseason to take place.

I don't think it will happen, but I do believe that it is a feasible plan. As a whole the free agent class isn't very pricey, and could be had. TE's, old C's, 3-4 DE's and FB's don't normally break the bank.

 

[juza76]

is an amazing off-season plan but i think is just a dream..then i dont think the eagles could trade the 54 pick for the 69 and 133. we saw it the last year with the trade to pick daryl washington in second round.just for few spots we gave the second and a third round pick

 

[Crazy Canuck]

Don't know many of these players, but in the re-sign suggestions, I would make new offers to Sendlein; one of Branch or Watson and Graham, And would attempt to reach an agreement with Hayes at a lower cap number.

Can't say that I have much interest in another QB late in the draft, and would rather either bite the bullet in the first round (Gabbert, Newton) or top of the second (locker?).

Do agree on your trade scenario for Orton, but if that failed would consider attempting to re-cycle Alex Smith. I'm not as down on him as some.

As you point out, with things likely to be "ass backwards" this year, it is awfully difficult to manage the roster. As such, it would be nice, if feasible, for the team to deal with a few of these in-house issues before the expiry of the present CBA.

 

[Krangodnzr]

Assumptions:
1-CBA isn't signed until after the draft, but is signed.
2-Cardinals will spend marginally, but will bring in free agents

RESIGNED PLAYERS
Duece Lutui - OG
-I think that his worth is a bit overrated, but I believe that for his price, he is worth keeping for continuity on the offensive line. He can still improve and should not be real expensive.

Steve Breaston - WR
-Should be pretty affordable especially with knee concerns. He is one of the few vet receivers on our team, and should be kept.

Tim Hightower - RB
-I hate the fumbles, but I think that he could be very affordable and has skills. I would sign him to a short term deal.

DRAFT
1-Patrick Peterson - CB (also kick and punt returner)
-Peterson can provide an immediate impact on special teams while pushing for the top spot at CB. I was very pleased with Mike Adams play in 2011, and while he is only an average 3rd CB, he is a great 4th CB. Also, Peterson brings the physicality of Greg Toler, but is benefited by also being a special athlete like DRC.

2-Martez Wilson - ILB
-Wilson has very good size and speed measurables that the Cardinals flat out lack at the ILB position. At 250 lbs he brings size and a physical presence behind the NT that isn't readily available in the draft class or free agent market. He has had some medical issues which are a concern, but 100+ tackles in 2010 have shown that those issues should be behind him. He has also shown the ability to makes plays behind the los with 11.5 tackles for loss in 2010 and 4 sacks.

2B-Jeremy Beal - OLB (Cardinals trade their 69th and 133rd pick to the Eagles for the Eagles 54th pick)
-I am not normally a huge advocate for trading away draft picks. However, I am pretty sure that Jeremy Beal will fall to the end of the 2nd round and will be worth it. Beal is the type of player that falls in the draft because he just doesn't have overwhelming measureables. He is strong and quick, but not fantastic in any of these areas. He is a very physical player, and has a knack for making plays. He would be an ideal fit at the SOLB position in a 3-4, and could develop into a leader on the defense.

4-John Moffitt - OG
-Moffitt has experience at C as well as G, and is another very physical player. He might not last until the 4th round, but he is the type of player that solid lines are built around. He could push for a starting spot very quickly as well.

6-Greg McElroy - QB
-I haven't seen a bunch of McElroy, but what I have seen has been impressive. He seems to know the style of game that he needs to play to win, and doesn't seem rattled in big situations. He seems like a tough player physically and mentally, and should stick in the NFL.

7-Jeffrey Maehl - WR
-Another player drafted for his toughness and his ability to play well under pressure. Meahl is a limited athlete, but appears to understand what defenses are trying to do and can exploit the weaknesses that are there. Another player that I am not sure lasts until the 7th round, but will go late and should contribute for a while.

FREE AGENCY
Kamerion Wimbley - OLB
-Has shown the ability to get to the QB, and while he may not be an elite pass rusher, he will have opportunities with our defensive line.

Olin Kreutz - C
-Is at the end of his career, but still brings a toughness that a line can rally around. Might be a great mentor for Moffitt, and will bring an attitude that will spread through the entire offensive line.

Jammal Brown - OT
-A player who hasn't played great over the past two years, but this year showed glimpses of the player he was a couple years ago. Can battle with Bridges and L Brown for a tackle spot, and might bounce back batter than any could imagine.

Marcedes Lewis - TE
-Good blocker, good red zone target, and creates size mismatches in the middle of the field. We have been terrible at TE for so long, Lewis would bring us both the blocker that we need as well as the receiving threat that we have been lacking.

Nick Eason - DE
-Yes, another old Pitt castoff, however this one would be a good fit. He specializes in playing the 3-4 DE position, and could help develop C Campbell into a more consistent player as well as spelling Campbell and Dockett. He wouldn't need to start to be a contributor.

Marcell Reece - FB
-This is a guy who would fill a position of need, but brings versatility that the Cardinals have lacked at the position since Larry Centers. He can run, catch and block well, but has speed that can create mismatches for defenses.

TRADE
Kyle Orton - QB
Cardinals trade a 2012 2nd round pick to the Denver Broncos for Kyle Orton.
-More than I would like to give up for Orton, but in the end if he brings us wins, he is worth it. 3,000 + yards, and better than a 2:1 TD to INT ratio, and he has proven that he can get the ball in the right position for his receivers to make a play on it. His ability to get the jump balls up to Lloyd in Denver this year sold me on his ability to contribute for the Cardinals.

I like some of what you did, but I doubt that Kreutz would come here nor would he be all that valuable. Pretty much another Alan Faneca pickup IMO.

Lewis would be a nice add or get Zach Miller since he has lots of Arizona ties (and Miller has been more productive).

Jammal Brown would nice and he would easily make Levi Brown a backup, but the Redskins will probably pay to keep him since they traded a pick to get him in the first place. More likely LT candidates that legitimately could hit the market would be Gaither and Light. Light is 32 ( 3 years older than Brown) and NE is likely ready to move on.

I don't think we'll need a back up DE since we're ok with our starters and backups. Branch is a good back up and if we resign him, there's no need for Eason.

Lewis would be a nice add or get Zach Miller since he has lots of Arizona ties (and Miller has been more productive).

On to the draft:

Personally I think we don't need Peterson. Sure he might be a fantastic player, but we have good corners, we need pass rushers. And while adding Wimbley is a good move (I added him in my offseason plan as well) I don't think this is enough to improve our OLBs. Adding Quinn or trading down in the 1st and getting Houston would be a better move. Beal is a good prospect, but not even close to as good as Quinn or Houston.

I'd love to add Martez Wilson, that's a great pick. But I don't know if I would make it with any decent LT prospect left on the board. Tyron Smith might be there, and once he puts on more bulk, he should be a pretty good LT.

 

[Krangodnzr]

Don't know many of these players, but in the re-sign suggestions, I would make new offers to Sendlein; one of Branch or Watson and Graham, And would attempt to reach an agreement with Hayes at a lower cap number.

Can't say that I have much interest in another QB late in the draft, and would rather either bite the bullet in the first round (Gabbert, Newton) or top of the second (locker?).

Do agree on your trade scenario for Orton, but if that failed would consider attempting to re-cycle Alex Smith. I'm not as down on him as some.

As you point out, with things likely to be "ass backwards" this year, it is awfully difficult to manage the roster. As such, it would be nice, if feasible, for the team to deal with a few of these in-house issues before the expiry of the present CBA.

Alex Smith is my fall back option too. I think he's been underrated.

 

[Buckybird]

Absolute fantasy but I am 100% on board. Would love for this offseason to take place.

I agree on the fantasy part & Mr. B would die from heart failure after coughing up all that cash to sign those players. No Fitz?

 

[Cards Czar]

I agree on the fantasy part & Mr. B would die from heart failure after coughing up all that cash to sign those players. No Fitz?

He wouldn't really be coughing up any money. Each team just received 31.25 M when ESPN re-did there contract this year. In reality he could spend that cash and have some left and still not touch any money he had in his pocket.

 

[Buckybird]

He wouldn't really be coughing up any money. Each team just received 31.25 M when ESPN re-did there contract this year. In reality he could spend that cash and have some left and still not touch any money he had in his pocket.

If you think Mr. B looks at that it way you haven't been following Big Red football too long. As long as bowtie is on this earth we will always be hampered by $$$ in some sort of capacity.

 

[kerouac9]

Wimlbey is being massively overrated, IMO. He's a solid player, but definitely not a guy that opposing offenses pay special attention to.

It would be helpful to me if people could add the schools for these draft prospects.

 

[WarnerHOF]

The team already has a token white WR on the roster. (Komar)

 

[Krangodnzr]

Wimlbey is being massively overrated, IMO. He's a solid player, but definitely not a guy that opposing offenses pay special attention to.

It would be helpful to me if people could add the schools for these draft prospects.

See I look at him as Clark Haggans in his prime, not Clark at the end of his career. This is why I think we ALSO have to add a top rusher as well.

If we added Wimbley, Quinn/Houston/Smith, to a corps of Schofield, Haggans (?), and Davis, I think it would be a solid group with the chance to have 2 very good starters and depth.

The rookie would be the guy that teams have to account for down the road, but in the interim we would have multiple solid rushers. In the future, this team needs to draft a OLB prospect every other year, which is how the Steelers have been successful.

 

[Chopper0080]

Wimlbey is being massively overrated, IMO. He's a solid player, but definitely not a guy that opposing offenses pay special attention to.

It would be helpful to me if people could add the schools for these draft prospects.

The above has been edited just for you ya big baby.

 

[Chopper0080]

Wimlbey is being massively overrated, IMO. He's a solid player, but definitely not a guy that opposing offenses pay special attention to.

You are correct in the fact that Wimbley by himself is not a great pass rusher. But, in a limited market and on a defense that has players like Washington, Campbell and Dockett he doesn't have to be. Wimbley has proven that he can beat a single blocker outside which is all we need, because if teams were to extend help outside then they would have less help for players like Dockett and Campbell inside.

There is not one proven pass rusher on the market this year with experience in a 3-4 defense that is any better than Wimbley other than Woodley who I believe will not be available.

 

[ARodg]

If you can snatch up Moffit in the 4th you go for it. He was excellent for the Badgers and I think will be the 2nd best guard in this draft (Assuming Pouncey goes back to guard)

 

[kerouac9]

You are correct in the fact that Wimbley by himself is not a great pass rusher. But, in a limited market and on a defense that has players like Washington, Campbell and Dockett he doesn't have to be. Wimbley has proven that he can beat a single blocker outside which is all we need, because if teams were to extend help outside then they would have less help for players like Dockett and Campbell inside.

There is not one proven pass rusher on the market this year with experience in a 3-4 defense that is any better than Wimbley other than Woodley who I believe will not be available.

That's really what worries me about Wimbley and makes me think that he's probably not going to be on the market for long. He won't get Julius Peppers money, but he'll get more than Calvin Pace got, IMO.

What was most frustrating to me about Joey Porter is that he was forever unable to beat one-on-one blocking. When I was at the Raider game and I saw Mario Henderson just erase him from play after play, I knew that his signing was going to be a disaster.

I really believe that O'Brien Schofield is going to be an impact player in the next two years. That's one of the reasons that I'm not hot and bothered to spend a $20 million signing bonus on a free agent pass rusher this offseason.