RugbyMuffin
ASFN IDOL
- Joined
- Apr 30, 2003
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Defensive Line:
Grade: A+
Big Moves: Signing Matt Shaughnessey, Frostee Rucker, and signing Alameda Ta'amu
2014 Offseason: Coming to grips with Darnell Dockett not getting any younger, and Dan Williams being a free agent after the 2014 season. Re-sign Matt Shaughnessy.
The number one run defense in the NFL. A top 10 overall defense in the NFL. It all starts up front. Who is considered a defensive lineman ? It is hard to label each players since there are hybride guys, but I considered our defensive linemen to be: Calais Campbell, Darnell Dockett, Dan Williams, Frostee Rucker, Matt Shaughnessy (who played a lot of OLBer because of injury), Alameda Ta'amu, and the mostly inactive on gamedays Ronald Talley. Campbell was dominant this season, and if we all remember it took him a while to get comfortable in this defense, but once he found his role.....WOW, just a monster year, and the best he has had, IMO. Dan Williams is another player whom I thought had his best season to date, and showed that quickness that made him a 1st round pick. Darnell Dockett has become more of that high end solid player, but his leadership for this team expanded and the results speak for themselves. But, those guys were around last year, the difference and improvement came in the depth. Matt Shaughnessy is the #1 priority for me, when it comes to re-signing players for next season, his physical strength, knowledge of the game, knowing his role, his versititly, and his close to dominant play against the run makes him a very valuable player, IMO. Not to mention he is only 27 years old, and can be signed for a fair price. One of the feathers in Keim's hat this year was picking up Alameda Ta'amu off waivers during the beginning of the season. His power, and how well he played with Dan Williams as a unit was very valuable. It was like a thunder and lightning (Dan Williams ? Lightning ? LOL) attack from the nose tackle position. The there is Frostee Rucker, who is that prototypical depth, veteran defensive lineman that can play anywhere, and get the job done.
This was just a great collection of talent that gelled as a unit, and I believe if kept in tact will be even better next year. That being said, it would be hard to replace all the Matt Shaughnessy brings to the table, but while I like Frostee Rucker he is replaceable in my opinion.
Free Agency:
- Matt Shaughnessy: See Above. A must to resign, IMHO.
- Frostee Rucker: Rucker is kind of like the generic brand at your local food store. Good, does the job, but nothing too special. I have no problem bring him back.
- Antonio Smith: Smith was always better suited for a 3-4 defense in my opinion, and would be an upgrade over Rucker. The Cardinals could bring Smith in, but not at the ridiculous salary he was getting in Houston. Just a depth, veteran fair contract. Smith would be able to play both DE positions. He would be the same situation as a Rucker, but just magnified, and better.
- Antonio Johnson: Johnson is a depth guy who is more at the talent level of a Ronald Talley, but Johnson on a one year contract may be exactly what the Cardinals need with Alameda Ta'amu hurt. Johnson has played NT in a 3-4, DE in a 3-4 and DT in a 4-3 during his career. Arians knows him from his days with the Colts. Johnson should be available on the cheap, and fill roles for a season where some gaps need to be temporarily filled.
- Sen'Derrick Marks: I remember watching this guy when we played the Jags this year, he is a powerful man, whom I believe could easily play in a 3-4 defense and thrive.....one problem. The Jags know this two and resigned him. Oh well. Good for him.
Draft:
The offensive position that is a wildcard in the upcoming draft is the TE position, and the defensive line is the wildcard position for the defense of the Cardinals. Dockett is not getting any younger, all the depth guys we had this season where on one year contracts and are free agents, and Dan Williams will be a free agent at the end of 2014. It may not seem like a glaring need, but it is something the Cardinals have to start thinking about. The way these NFL drafts goes, you have to be prepared for anything thus, I believe defensive linemen will be scattered on the draft board for the Cardinals. I have some mid-round, lower round names to throw out there, but I guarantee I am neglecting players at the top of the draft that many may not see the Cardinals looking into, but I bet there are.
- Kony Ealy, DE, Missouri (Round: 1-2): Ok. I lied. Here is a high round prospect. I like Kony Ealy, and while he is more of a 4-3 guy, he has the size to play in a 3-4. He has the size of a Matt Shaughnessy/Vonnie Holliday. Not to mention while he is good against the run, he has pass rushing ability. Thus he has the mix of skill we have come to be expect from our defensive linemen. Shown the knack to make the big splay with strip sacks. I am very interested in seeing this kid at the combine and the possibility of him putting on some weight. If he could play at 285lbs in the NFL that would be perfect.
- Will Sutton, DT/DE, Arizona State (Round: 2-3): Do I really need to do a breakdown of Will Sutton for a Arizona Football message board? He may be a hometown hero, but you cannot deny his skill, and athletic ability. He had a "off" year this year, and people said it was because he put on weight. He is listed at 305, but if drafted by the Cardinals he would be a DE and could play at 295lbs. If he drops weight and gets back to his play two seasons ago, Sutton would be an absolute steal. With Dockett getting older, here is his replacement. His game, very much like Dockett's game. Sutton is very quick for his size, can rush the passer (13.5 sacks two seasons ago), and has a knack for making plays. I doubt it, but if Sutton is still there in round 2? He is the pick.
- Kelcy Quarles, DT/DE, South Carolina (Round: 3-4): Quarles is a project, and projected a little high for where his skills currently stand. He is a good all-around player, that seems to have a little bit better skill in pass rushing, and needs some work against the run. 6'4" and 298lbs is the frams and size you look for at the position. He is not going to be a starting in the NFL, but he can definately be valuable as a depth guy. Has the size to play NT if needed as well, and obviously can be used as a DT in 4-3 formations. He would be a project for the Cardinals but one with a high ceiling.
- Brent Urban, DT/DE, Virginia (Round: 3-4): Big, Tall, and has good quickness off the ball. He is definately a project for the NFL. He can step in and be a low rung depth guy right away in the NFL, but will have the challenges Calais Campbell had because of his height. He will have to learn good technique before he would be able to produce in the NFL. Kind of a boom or bust pick, but That is the point. You draft him in the 4th round and hope he reaches the potential he has which is to be an all-around good player in both the pass and rushing game.
- DeAndre Coleman, NT, California (Round: 3-4): Coleman would be a NT in a 3-4 defense at his size, but he is a bit of a dancing bear with very quick feet for his size. He played some DE in colledge, but in the pros he would be an athletic NT. Coleman is a poor man's Dan Williams, and with Alameda Ta'amu hurt, and Williams going into the last year of his contract, Coleman may be a good choice if available in the later rounds to provide some insurance at the NT position.
- Ed Stinson, DE/DT, Alabama (Round: 4-5): The typical Alabama defensive player whom has experience playng the position of a 3-4 DE, and has shown the ability to make a play. He is strictly a defender for playing against the run, but he does it extremely well. He is the type of player to draft in the later round to replace a Frostee Rucker, and play the role of run stopper for a team. He would be a good pick up for the Cardinals to fill out the depth on the defensive line, and with a 4 year rookie contract sure up that depth on the line for a time.
- Beau Allen, NT, Wisconsin (Round: 4-6): Coleman is who the Cardinals would draft to have a Dan Williams type NT that while he has power, can also do it with quickness. Allen is more of a player like Alameda Ta'amu, who is good at the point of attack and uses his power to disrupt the running game. Allen is a tought player and plays well against the run. Another option in the later rounds, and would have the opportunity to play right away for the Cardinals, and compete for Alameda Ta'amu's roster spot.
Outside Linebacker:
Grade: A
Big Moves: Signing John Abraham, and Matt Shaughnessey
2014 Offseason: Finding a pass rusher to replace the aging (but effective) John Abraham. Re-sign Matt Shaughnessy. Sorting out the log jam of players at the position. What to do with Sam Acho.
It seems so long ago but this position was decimated with injuries at the beginning of the year, in a two week span, Sam Acho, Lorenzo Alexander, and Alex Okafor were all lost for the season. We easily forget because John Abraham and Matt Shaughnessy came into the starting positions and played extremely well. John Abraham (aka The Doom Bringer) was a madman in the opponents backfield for the Cardinals, to say he is thriving in Bowles system is an understatement. Matt Shaughnessy plays like he is 400lbs of muscle, and he is so good against the run, and while the stats don't show what he does, the team defense does. He is such a big reason the run defense was #1 in the leage this year. That being said, Sam Acho, Lorenzo Alexander, Alex Okafor, Marcus Bernard, Dan Giordano, Dontay Moch, Vic So'oto, and Kenny Rowe are all currently under contract with the Caridnals. It creates a bit of a log jam, starting with Sam Acho whom is in his last year, and is not a draft pick of the current regime. Lorenzo Alexander is in a position where he can be cut and it would free up a small amount of the salary cap, one would imagine Okafor is going to be on the roster next season, Marcus Bernard played well enough in my opinion to be the 4th OLBer on the roster, and I still like Dan Giordano who was hurt all last season, and Dontay Moch has such great speed that he can play special teams and be in the mix in the pass rush.
Yet, all that being said, there is no doubt the Cardinals have to continue to look for that young pass rusher to replace John Abraham in the future, and unless Alex Okafor really surprises, that is not currently on the roster. Thus if the Cardinals draft a pass rusher, he is going to be just that, a pass rusher. He has to be. Why draft a OLBer who is good against the run, and is an OK pass rusher when you have four of them on the roster already, and none will be better than Matt Shaughnessy against the run.
Free Agency:
- Matt Shaughnessy: See Above. A must to resign, IMHO.
- Shaun Phillips: Phillips has shown that he still has something left in the tank. Why do I have him on the free ageny list? Because you never know, teams left John Abraham out there to be picked up late in the offseason, and Phillips could be in the same position this year. I cannot see what it would hurt to bring in another veteran pass rusher that has proven he can still get to the QB on a 1 year deal.
[Possible Cap Casualties:
- Chris Clemons: If I am going to put Shaun Phillips out there, then I should put Chris Clemons out there whom I believe will be cut for cap reasons this offseason. With Clemons I may be suffering shell shock and think he is better than he currently is. Too many games watching him own our OT's in the passing game makes him look better than he is ? Or is he still got it. Again, 1 year deal
- Dwight Freeney: The only reason I put him on this list is his connection with Arians and the fact I have Clemons and Phillips on the list. Same situation, same deal.
Draft:
* Vic Beasley going back to school was a killer when it comes to prospects for the Cardinals. Why? Because I am going to list a bunch of pass rushing prospects that are all projects, or risks, or boom/bust guys that really don't show too much more than some of the prospects we already have on the roster. Unless Trent Murphy is going to develop NFL type pass rushing skills there is not much that he even is better at than lets say a Sam Acho, or Alex Okafor. Thus while there are guys to draft, none are such good pass rushers that they would be better than what we already have coming into camp next year. In my humble opinion the Cardinals are left with finding a diamond in rough, or deciding on whether Murphy is NFL quality. Past that, there is no much there for them in the draft.
- Trent Murphy, OLB, Stanford (Round 1-2): From what I have seen, read, and heard, this is the outside linebacker version of Kyle Vanden Bosch. High effort, good motor type player that plays the OLBer well. Can pass rush, can play versus the run, and can go into coverage. That all being said, he did have 15 sacks in college last year, so while he may not have that burst off the line that most great pass rushers do, he can get to the quarterback. Pass rushers can be like quarterbacks when it comes to drafting them, they can be good in college and it doesn't translate to the NFL, and that is the question with Murphy. Is he worth a 1st round pick ? Will his pass rushing skill translate to the NFL ? If it does/can/will then he just may be the best pick for the Cardinals.
- Kareem Martin, OLB, North Carolina (Round 2-3): I have him on the list because he seems to have the best potential to become a pass rushing threat, but with that being said, I see a lot of what Alex Okafor showed before last year's draft. Martin is a physical player who get a lot of pressure through using strength. Yet, he does have some good quickness off the line, thus it seems he just doesn't know how to use the speed he has. Can he learn how to use more of his quickness ? Can the Cardinals coach that, and polish his skills ? If so, they could have a pretty good pass rusher in a year or two. It would be a risk for the team to spend a 2nd or 3rd rounder on a player who will have to transition to playing a 3-4 and has a question mark whether or not he can become a pass rushing threat. Such is the case when you are looking for a pass rusher.
- Trevor Reilly, DE/OLB, Utah (Round 3): Reilly reminds me of O'Brien Schofield. A little light to play the OLBer position but if some weight can be put on without him losing his quickness, then he could be something of a threat in the pass rushing game. Good in college, but nothing that I don't see the Cardinals getting from a player like Dontay Moch, and Moch has better straight line speed and plays some special teams.
- Michael Sam, DE/OLB, Missouri (Round 3-4): Meet my diamond in the rough pick. Sam is a pass rusher. Good first step, good quickness, and plays stronger than his size. He give very little to zero run support but for a mid-round pick he can be a pass rush specialist and pressure the quarterback. Needless to say he would have to put on some wieght for the NFL, and then the question is does he keep his quickness with the add weight? It is odd to say this but the Cardinals are in a postion where they can send John Abraham out there for another year and develop a player. Sam is a player that is worth the mid-round pick risk because of this pass rushing ability and natural ability, the question is can he learn the OLBer position, and the nuiances of playing coverage, and if he every wants to play more than 3rd down, REALLY work on playing against the run.
- Jackson Jeffcoat, DE/OLB, Texas (Round 4-5): Jeffcoat is currently saying "Thanks a lot Alex". Because Jeffcoat was a big time prospect last season before he got hurt. Jeffcoat was the bookend opposite of Okafor, and was touted as the premier guy on the Texas defensive line with Okafor being second best. Jeffcoat got injured and Okafor slid down the draft board (some poster was 100% sure he was a 2nd round pick, LOL ). A year later Jeffcoat went from a 1st round pick to a 4th round pick.....projected right where Okafor was drafted last year. Jeffcoat doesn't bring too much to the table. He is very small to try and put out at the OLBer position at 245lbs, and his entire career has been at defensive end thus he would have to learn how to be a OLBer. Yet, as a late round pick ? Why not ? I have a feeling he will be available in the 5th round and after, and there is no denying he can get sacks and did so against good competition in college. The knock is that the odds are against him doing it in the pros.
Inside Linebacker:
Grade: A
Big Moves: Signing Karlos Dansby
2014 Offseason: Re-signing Karlos Dansby. Dealing with Daryl Washington's legal situation
When the Cardinals signed Karlos Dansby a majority of the board foresaw what was going to happen. We all had a feeling that Dansby and Washington together could be really special, and it was. Karlos Dansby was an absolute terror this season, and could not be stopped. He should have had 578 interceptions this year but forgot you have to: 1. watch the ball all the way into your hands and catch it, 2. then run. But, seriously, what more do you want from a player than what Dansby delivered. His situation this offseason is win/win as far as I am concerned. There are A LOT of talented veteran inside linebackers that will be in the free agent market. Thus Dansby is not going to have a lot of options, or leverage. Dansby is a business man 1st, so if he is resigned it won't be till later. Fortunately, the Cardinals have the depth that they can wait, and the opportunity will be there that even late in the offseason they may have more options than just Dansby. I want Dansby to be re-signed and retire in Arizona, and as for Dansby, this is obviously where his heart is, whether he realizes it or not, because he only plays at his ridiculously great level when a Cardinal. Makes sense for both sides, but money always makes things complex.
Daryl Washington, raised some definate concerns with the crap he pulled in the offseason. Washington is an amazing talent, and while not spotlighted as much as Dansby, he still is the man in this defense. Offenses are still keying on Washington to stop him from blowing up their backfield or shutting down their TEs and running back in the passing game. Washington needs the offense's full attention, but then they have to worry about what Dansby is doing, and then John Abraham is out there to, and once you take care of those 3, Campbell and Dockett are going to put pressure on the interior. The last 12 weeks of the season, we all saw the catalyst Washington is to this defense. Let's just hope he gets his head on straight and behaves from here on out.
As much as I like Jasper Brinkley he may not make it to camp next season. He could create some cap room for the Cardinals by cutting him, and that is a shame. I was impressed with Brinkley in the small amounts I saw him. For his size he moves really well, and plays very strong against the run. He can stand up an offensive lineman, and plug a hole. If Brinkley is cut, then that means Dansby is signed, but if Dansby plays hardball (not that there is anything wrong with that in the business side of this sport) then Brinkley will serve as insurance. I am a supporter of Kevin Minter. I think when he gets his opportunity he will take it, and run with it. Minter is a big guy, thick, and has shown time and time again he can lay the wood out there. He absolutely destroyed people on special teams this year, and it is funny how much he reminds me of Gerald Hayes, just more athletic. At some point and time Minter is going to be playing next to Washington, and I feel they will compliment each other very, very well. Remember Minter was only a rookie last year, and the reason he wasn't on the field ? He was behind Karlos Dansby whom was an All-Pro (that would be the REAL all-star team in the NFL), and a canidate for defensive MVP. A lot to ask a rookie player to beat out one of the best in the league in his first year.
Free Agency:
- Karlos Dansby: It really bothers me that the NFL does so much to "improve the game" ( :tongueincheek: ) yet they have not addressed this situation yet. Can the NFL please come up with some type of tag for a veteran player ? Not the franchise tag. No. For a player like Dansby, or Fitzgerald, or in last seasons case Adrian Wilson where a player can be designated as a fan favorite, or some type of thing ? If player has played 5+ years, or 7+ years with a club they can get a special contract that helps with the cap but allows a team to give a player a retirement contract. They sign him for a long time allowing the player to retire with the team but not strap them cap wise ? Yeah, I know, a lot of flaws with that idea, but for Pete's sake, you are telling me that Dansby doesn't deserve to get paid, and stay here in Arizona ? The only reason, and I mean ONLY REASON, Dansby didn't get signed right away last offseason was his age, and the salary he would have to receive, even the minimal vet salary would have been too much for teams. That is not right. The NFL is forcing talent out the door that may have a year or two left. That being said this is the 1st real challenge for Steve Keim. If Rod Graves is still here, I would not even be entertaining the idea of re-signing Dansby. No way. This contact is going to involve using tact, and creativity, and Graves was devoid of it, except in the area of creatively and tactfully drawing up the most damaging, and poorly done contracts for the team. LOL. Thus if Keim wants to be promoted from super-scout to super-GM then he has to get this contract done, and in a way that doesn't hurt the club. Tough job.
- DJ Williams: This guy is a bit of a head case, but has extremely good athletic ability. If his head ever caught up with his feet he would have had a career that more people would know about. But, he has had off the field issues, drug issues, you name it. He is the only player that is currently on the market with Dansby that would fill part of the role Dansby played on this team. Yet, I don't think the Cardinals go this route if they do not resign Dansby. The Cardinals and myself included, would rather put Kevin Minter out there.
[Possible Cap Casualties:
- David Harris: I think the Jets would be crazy to cut David Harris. Yet, his cap number is quite large and they have some work to do on offense, and will need money to bring in talent. Harris may cut for cap reasons, and Harris, much like Dansby, may have trouble finding a roster until late in the offseason for a severely reduced price. Harris still has good speed at 29 years old, hits like a ton of bricks, is a leader, and plays the run extremely well. You lose the coverage that Dansby provides, but not by much. If the Cardinals feel the need to bring in a veteran if they don't get Dansby, Harris would be a great player in this defense.
- Paul Posluszny: Don't care what people have to say about this player. This guy can play football, and play inside linebacker. He is not Dansby, or Harris, but he plays well against the run, the pass, and knows the game very well. The problem is that he cannot stay healthy and never lived up to where he was drafted. He will be another player that is going to have a hard time finding a team if he is cut, and the Jags signed Paul Posluszny to a stupid contract thus it is looking very probable he gets cut and will be available late into the offseason.
Draft:
Nope. No way. They will bring in some ILBers for camp as undrafted free agents, but there is just no way the Cardinals are spending a draft pick on an inside lineback with the talent they already have in camp. For all the writing above, it really comes down to if they will re-sign Dansby or not.
Cornerback:
Grade: B
Big Moves: Cutting William Gay, and Jamel Flemming, and letting Michael Adams walk.
2014 Offseason: Extending Patrick Peterson's current contract.
One of the biggest changes that Todd Bowles made when he took over this defense was the cornerbacks played a lot of man to man coverages, and as the pass rush improved, they played it more, and more and more. In man to man coverage your secondary becomes offensive linemen in the fact, that if you don't hear their names they are doing a good job, and if you do, 9 times out of 10 it is not a good thing. Patrick Peterson overrated ? Come on, seriously, come on. You don't want to call the guy a top 5 cornerback ? Fine. Debatable but fine. But, in the effort to "win" the debate that Peterson is not a top 5 cornerback, there is no need to state things that represent him as a bad player, cause that is just pure, 100%, HOGWASH! Peterson is an elite athlete, with rare maturity and drive for his age and position. Take all the bells and whistles on offense and special teams out, and you have one of the most gifted cornerbacks in the league, and one of the few the covers the #1 receiver ALL GAME LONG. Pay the man. Don't care, just pay him. The only organization that would be DUMB enough not to resign Peterson would be the "Same Ol' Cardinals" and we are past that point in time right ? ............right ? As for his play this season ? In my very humble opinion, he was phenomenal. Yeah, he had "bad games" and those "bad games" I would dare to say are your average cornerbacks best games. Guy is top of the food chain defensive talent, and played like it all year long.
Jerraud Powers did an admirable job on the opposite side of the field from Peterson. Tough being in the position where you are the obvious side of the field to attack. It was a rocky start for Powers, but by year's end he was playing very well. Finding that #2 cornerback is always tough. The only way you improve on Powers is through the draft. The Cardinals would be hard pressed to find a player in free agency, whose price isn't through the roof, that would be better then Powers. They could draft a player to improve for less money, but it costs a draft pick ,and the pick has to hit and not be Jamel Flemming (ugh, what a bad situation that turned out to be). I am very comfortable with Powers playing across from Peterson next season.
Tyrann Mathieu is our starting nickel cornerback, but he is are starting free safety first, so I will talk about HB in the next section, but his play, as a rookie, at the nickel back position, was ...... just stupid. How a rookie can play that well right away is so impressive. The depth at cornerback was very solid. Javier Arenas was a nice trade for Arians, and played pretty well for the Cardinals. I feel he was an improvement over Michael Adams. Antoine "Game Ball" Cason, looked so lost in this defense for the first half of the season, and seemed to do nothing right when he got his chance on defense. But we was pretty good on special teams, and found his niche in the defense. Cason can play, and proved that. I would be very surprised if Cason doesn't end up staying with the Cardinals, and I would like to see him back, but the pay is going to be for a dime back type depth guy. Bryan McCann is a nice guy to have in your back pocket, he won't be back, but I would hope he earned a spot on someone's team, cause he is a pretty good special teams player........BUT, the Cardinals have Justin Bethel. Is it me, or is it crazy that this past season was only Bethel's second year in the league? The most exciting thing I saw out of Bethel this year ? For me ? He played some defensive snaps at nickel back, and dime back, and held his own. Justin Bethel's value just keeps going up and up. What more can be said about his special teams play ? All-Pro gunner, punt blocker, kick blocker, and coverage guy. The fact he is improving in the secondary, just makes him more valuable, and easier to find a roster spot for. Not to mention his speed and size is good for any defense.
Free Agency:
- Antione Cason: See above. For the right price, he is good depth. Not to mention in an emergency situation, as he did for the Cardinals last year, has experience starting.
- Javier Arenas: Good pick up from last year, but is replaceable. Not saying I have ANY issue re-signing him, but if we don't it is not the end of the world.
- Chris Cook: Cornerback is a position the Cardinals and all teams always are looking to improve, and these days that means your #1, #2, and #3 cornerbacks on the depth chart. Chris Cook is that borderline player, think Greg Toler from last season, that may command a big salary or could be had for a "fair" team friendly deal. Cook is a good cornerback. He could come in a challenge Jerraud Powers, and if Cason isn't resigned, take over that role.
- Cassius Vaughn: Arians knows Vaughn from his time with the Colts, and Vaughn would be a good candidate to replace the role of Arenas or McCann. Your standard solid depth secondary player.
- Brandon Ghee: Ghee is very underrated, and I cannot see the Bengals resigning him. Ghee was starting this year because of injury and held his own. He is along the lines of Chris Cook where he could come in and compete with Jerraud Powers, and if Cason is not resigned play that role for the Caridnals. Yet, these days not too many players sneak "under the radar" and Ghee may very well get a big contract to start on a team some where on the league, but if not, he could be a savy pick up for the organization, and make this secondary even stronger.
- Eric Wright: If you want to deal with this attitude, and off field issues, Wright can play cornerback when he is locked in. The veteran has never had an issue with ability, or skill, just his head is never in the "Wright" place. But, you never know. Has he changed his ways ? Doubtful, but I would kick the tires at least.
- Greg Toler*: He is probably going to be cut this offseason by the Colts, but I think he is done. His knee never seemed to recover from his injury a few years back.
Draft: *Its never a bad idea to draft a cornerback.....................unless its Jamel Flemming.
* I am going to be missing a few names. I had A LOT of trouble sorting through the cornerbacks because there are a lot of them, and the are projected ALL OVER THE PLACE. It is a wildcard position because they can be chosen anywhere in the draft, so I have 3 good mid-round guys I like right now.
- Kyle Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech (Round 1-3): Fuller has good size, decent speed, and shows he can play man coverage. What I also like is that he can tackle very well. Like all cornerbacks the combine will be make or break for Fuller because the only question I see out of him is his speed. His tackling ability, ball skills, and quickness are everything you want at the position. I think Fuller could be a good fit in this defense. I think he would be fine on the interior of the defense and maybe move to the outside at some point. That being said at 193 lbs, he could also put weight on, and play some safety worst case.
- Loucheiz Purifoy, CB, Florida (Round 2-3): Out of respect to the NFL draft gurus I will keep his projection in round 2, but no way. There is a lot to like about the potential of Purifoy, and the Cardinals are in a position where they could draft and develop a player in their secondary, but Purifoy needs a lot of work. Good speed but doesn't know how to use it, needs to improve his tackling as well. Natural talent, and the ability to play man to man ? Sure, he has that, and has shown the ability to inconsistently play very well. His consistency, technique, and tackling need work, but the ability is there. Not to mention at 6'1" and 190lbs he can play safety, and special teams.......yet, again, tackling needs to be improved.
- Bradley Roby, CB, Ohio State (Round 2-3*): Ridiculous. He is NOT getting drafted before the 4th round if at all. Roby is all world talent with a ten cent brain. Fast as all heck, and all the ability you want in a secondary player. But, his mind is tapioca pudding. Again, with the depth and talent the Cardinals have on defense, I could see him picked up in the very late rounds or as a UDFA. Complete risk, but with great reward if they can get his head screwed on right.
Safety:
Grade: C+
Big Moves: Drafting Tyrann Mathieu, Signing Tony Jefferson
2014 Offseason: Finding a strong safety.
Yeremiah Bell playing strong safety for the Cardinals was the right move for the organization. I am not sure Adrian Wilson does that much better than Bell, when you consider the differences in salary. Wilson being cut is another example of what I was talking about with Dansby. Ridiculous that for cap reasons Wilson found himself looking for work and was borderline luck to be put on IR last season, and "have a job". Wilson could have at least done the job Bell did. Yet, going forward, Bell is currently a free agent and Wilson is going to be a free agent, but neither are here on this roster. The strong safety position is a bit like the full back position, meaning that the bigger sized safety (whom are really hard to find) is a role that is needed but not as much as in the past. Yet, it is a role the Cardinals need, and there is nothing on the current roster that is going to fill the role. That being said, all other roles I feel have been filled. Tyrann Mathieu is just want the Cardinals needed in their secondary, and the fact he can play all over the field ? Even better. His injury? Best thing for him , in my opinion. When Mathieu gets his mind up to speed, it will make his faster than his feet could ever make him. What needs to be said about the Honey Badger ? Best tackler on the team, plays very well in clutch situations, is accountable, learns from his mistakes, and while small plays bigger than he is. When Peterson and Mathieu are on the field together, it is unfair. They are going to be even better next season, and more dangerous. Rashad Johnson was a smart signing by the Cardinals, and will be back next season because of Mathieu's injury. Johnson can play both safety positions well, not great, but well, and affords some flexibility to the safety position, and insurance. Johnson is what he is at this point in his career. Tony Jefferson. I really like this kid. Jefferson has a knack for making plays, he is a solid tackler, and he looked to be steadily improving as the year went on. All the things I said about Rashad Johnson can be said about Jefferson, except I am wary of putting Jefferson at the free safety position. I would say Johnson is better in coverage, and Jefferson the better tackler. But, needless to say they both fill their depth roles very well, and I don't see either not being on the final roster next year.
Free Agency:
- Yeremiah Bell: He did his job, and did a solid job. But, the position needs to be improved upon. His coverage is so bad that Daryl Washington and Karlos Dansby where put on players before he was. Yeah, he was used like a linebacker at some points, but then why not put a linebacker out there.
- Chris Clemons: Clemons is the only free agent I see the Cardinals making an effort to go out and get. He is a bit undersized, but has played strong safety for Todd Bowles in the past. That is what got Yeremiah Bell a job last year, so I cannot see why it would not get Clemons whom is WAY faster, and better in coverage job in Arizona his offseason. His tackling is not what you want in a strong safety but Bell wasn't exactly the best tackler either and it work. Clemons is better than Rashad Johnson at tackling tho. I think Clemons can be brought in and signed to a team friendly 3 year deal, and improve this secondary even more.
- Michael Huff: I would bring in Huff on a one year deal, this season because of Mathieu's injury. He will be a free agent once the Bronco's season ends, and while he never lived up to the 1st round pick where he was selected he is not a bad safety. Solid player with good speed, and athletic ability. Not a very good tackler tho, and would be hard pressed to thrive in the strong safety role, but insurance for one year, he would be a solid pickup.
- Adrian Wilson: Yeah, I am putting his name up here. If we are signing 36 year old strong safeties to 1 year contracts in 2013, then why not a 35 year old in 2014 ? Not gonna happen but I would love to see it happen. The Cardinals resign Dansby, and bring back A-Dub. The resurrection of the Bird Gang.
Draft:
- Dion Bailey, S, USC (Round 2-3): I really like Dion Bailey and hope he runs a bad forty time and his stock drops so the Cardinals can draft him in the 3rd or 4th round. When Monte Kiffin was running the defense and his Tampa-2 in USC they had Bailey as the MLB, but once Kiffin went to the Cowboys this season, Bailey was moved back to safety. At 6 ft, and 210 lbs he has the size to play strong safety in this league, and he can obviously tackle well. His coverage would be considered better than what Bell provided but like most strong safeties there is a limit to who and what he can cover. But, when looking for a big hitting, good tackling, physical force in the secondary, Bailey fits that exact role.
- Deone Bucannon, S, Washington State (Round 2-4): The biggest concern with Bucannon is he is from Washington State. There are probably a few posters that could tell us how good this kid really is. Everything is screaming that Bucannon is exactly what you want in a strong safety, and to be honest may be better than Bailey, whom has the big name school advantage in the draft over Bucannon. Good ball skills, hits like a ton of bricks, good speed for the position, and 6'1" and 215 lbs. It is all about his combine numbers and how he would translate to the NFL. Definitely should be on the Cardinals radar this offseason.
- Calvin Pryor, S, Louisville (Round 2-4): Another big safety, with good speed for the position, and stands 6'2" tall. Not the best in coverage, but can tackle, and lay the big hit. He has some penalties for hitting a little too hard, but I don't really hold that against safeties, it is tough to control the situation on hitting a receiver catching the ball at the right spot. A good solid prospect but the competition in Louisville would make one question how he will translate to the NFL. As you will see I have a few big bodied safeties, that can hit all jumbled in the middle of the draft. The combine is going to sort them out.
- Tre Boston, S/CB, North Carolina (Round 2-5): Boston is a raw prospect that will leave coaches at a risk for drafting him to play safety. While he has good size, his asset is his coverage ability, and while he may be the best in coverage out of all the players on this list, he needs to work on his tackling. Yet, the versatility he shows playing safety and cornerback would work for him, and make him more valuable to a team.
- Ed Reynolds, S, Stanford (Round 2-5): Another big sized safety. Yet, he reminds me of Tony Jefferson, and we already have Tony Jefferson. With Reynolds it will be all about his 40 time at the combine because he doesn't look like he has 4.6 speed to me. A good tackler, good in coverage, and what I would consider just a solid prospect, and a player that will probably drop to the later rounds
- Nickoe Whitley, S, Mississippi State (Round 3-5): If the opportunity to draft a safety doesn't come up until the back end of the draft, Whitley could still be on the board. Very raw, but has shown improvement throughout his college career, and was coming off an injury last season. Good size, good speed, and the combine will really tell where he is. His tackling is not his strong point, but it would be going a little far to say it is a concern. He held up well last season against good competition, and has the potential to be a player in the NFL. The Cardinals have the advantage to ease a player into a role in its secondary, making Whitley a good late round prospect.
Special Teams:
Grade: C+
Big Moves: None
2014 Offseason: Is Feely our kicker next season, Re-sign Dave Zastudil.
Mike Leach. Who? Yep, good job. The Cardinals will have to make an effort to bring back Dave Zastudil, whom seems to have come back from his injuries of the past and is punting in top form. Zastudil had another strong season working with his excellent gunners in pinning teams deep, and being a weapon when mixed with the Cardinals defense. The coverage units, and return units had some issues this year, but were solid. Peterson returning punts is a debatable situation, but it is hard to warrant taking a talent like that off the field. Yet, the big issue is Jay Feely. In my opinion, all signs point to him not being back next season. There will be a few veteran kickers available, but at what price, and are they any better than Feely? I don't know to be honest.
Free Agency: **- I am NOT breaking down kickers. Look up the stats on NFL.com, that is as much of a breakdown as anyone needs, IMO. We are certainly not drafting a kicker.
- Jay Feely
- Robbie Gould
- Adam Vinatieri
- Phil Dawson
- Ryan Lindell/U]
- Lawrence Tynes
- Nick Folk
That is it.
What a fun season to be a Cardinals fan. The team exceeded expectations, and in my opinion this is the most consistently competitive team that Arizona has had in years. The optimism for next year has never seamed more stable, and as sure as it has ever been. The challenge of course is to allow for the annual change of the roster to improve the team. The ultimate would be to come out of the season with at least a QBOF, or left tackle. The rest if kept at status quo will make this team a contender next season. I look forward to putting out some free agency breakdowns and mock drafts but for now, this will do.
Season Review/Offseason Preview - Offense: http://www.arizonasportsfans.com/vb/f4/2013-review-2014-preview-offense-203912.html
Grade: A+
Big Moves: Signing Matt Shaughnessey, Frostee Rucker, and signing Alameda Ta'amu
2014 Offseason: Coming to grips with Darnell Dockett not getting any younger, and Dan Williams being a free agent after the 2014 season. Re-sign Matt Shaughnessy.
The number one run defense in the NFL. A top 10 overall defense in the NFL. It all starts up front. Who is considered a defensive lineman ? It is hard to label each players since there are hybride guys, but I considered our defensive linemen to be: Calais Campbell, Darnell Dockett, Dan Williams, Frostee Rucker, Matt Shaughnessy (who played a lot of OLBer because of injury), Alameda Ta'amu, and the mostly inactive on gamedays Ronald Talley. Campbell was dominant this season, and if we all remember it took him a while to get comfortable in this defense, but once he found his role.....WOW, just a monster year, and the best he has had, IMO. Dan Williams is another player whom I thought had his best season to date, and showed that quickness that made him a 1st round pick. Darnell Dockett has become more of that high end solid player, but his leadership for this team expanded and the results speak for themselves. But, those guys were around last year, the difference and improvement came in the depth. Matt Shaughnessy is the #1 priority for me, when it comes to re-signing players for next season, his physical strength, knowledge of the game, knowing his role, his versititly, and his close to dominant play against the run makes him a very valuable player, IMO. Not to mention he is only 27 years old, and can be signed for a fair price. One of the feathers in Keim's hat this year was picking up Alameda Ta'amu off waivers during the beginning of the season. His power, and how well he played with Dan Williams as a unit was very valuable. It was like a thunder and lightning (Dan Williams ? Lightning ? LOL) attack from the nose tackle position. The there is Frostee Rucker, who is that prototypical depth, veteran defensive lineman that can play anywhere, and get the job done.
This was just a great collection of talent that gelled as a unit, and I believe if kept in tact will be even better next year. That being said, it would be hard to replace all the Matt Shaughnessy brings to the table, but while I like Frostee Rucker he is replaceable in my opinion.
Free Agency:
- Matt Shaughnessy: See Above. A must to resign, IMHO.
- Frostee Rucker: Rucker is kind of like the generic brand at your local food store. Good, does the job, but nothing too special. I have no problem bring him back.
- Antonio Smith: Smith was always better suited for a 3-4 defense in my opinion, and would be an upgrade over Rucker. The Cardinals could bring Smith in, but not at the ridiculous salary he was getting in Houston. Just a depth, veteran fair contract. Smith would be able to play both DE positions. He would be the same situation as a Rucker, but just magnified, and better.
- Antonio Johnson: Johnson is a depth guy who is more at the talent level of a Ronald Talley, but Johnson on a one year contract may be exactly what the Cardinals need with Alameda Ta'amu hurt. Johnson has played NT in a 3-4, DE in a 3-4 and DT in a 4-3 during his career. Arians knows him from his days with the Colts. Johnson should be available on the cheap, and fill roles for a season where some gaps need to be temporarily filled.
- Sen'Derrick Marks: I remember watching this guy when we played the Jags this year, he is a powerful man, whom I believe could easily play in a 3-4 defense and thrive.....one problem. The Jags know this two and resigned him. Oh well. Good for him.
Draft:
The offensive position that is a wildcard in the upcoming draft is the TE position, and the defensive line is the wildcard position for the defense of the Cardinals. Dockett is not getting any younger, all the depth guys we had this season where on one year contracts and are free agents, and Dan Williams will be a free agent at the end of 2014. It may not seem like a glaring need, but it is something the Cardinals have to start thinking about. The way these NFL drafts goes, you have to be prepared for anything thus, I believe defensive linemen will be scattered on the draft board for the Cardinals. I have some mid-round, lower round names to throw out there, but I guarantee I am neglecting players at the top of the draft that many may not see the Cardinals looking into, but I bet there are.
- Kony Ealy, DE, Missouri (Round: 1-2): Ok. I lied. Here is a high round prospect. I like Kony Ealy, and while he is more of a 4-3 guy, he has the size to play in a 3-4. He has the size of a Matt Shaughnessy/Vonnie Holliday. Not to mention while he is good against the run, he has pass rushing ability. Thus he has the mix of skill we have come to be expect from our defensive linemen. Shown the knack to make the big splay with strip sacks. I am very interested in seeing this kid at the combine and the possibility of him putting on some weight. If he could play at 285lbs in the NFL that would be perfect.
- Will Sutton, DT/DE, Arizona State (Round: 2-3): Do I really need to do a breakdown of Will Sutton for a Arizona Football message board? He may be a hometown hero, but you cannot deny his skill, and athletic ability. He had a "off" year this year, and people said it was because he put on weight. He is listed at 305, but if drafted by the Cardinals he would be a DE and could play at 295lbs. If he drops weight and gets back to his play two seasons ago, Sutton would be an absolute steal. With Dockett getting older, here is his replacement. His game, very much like Dockett's game. Sutton is very quick for his size, can rush the passer (13.5 sacks two seasons ago), and has a knack for making plays. I doubt it, but if Sutton is still there in round 2? He is the pick.
- Kelcy Quarles, DT/DE, South Carolina (Round: 3-4): Quarles is a project, and projected a little high for where his skills currently stand. He is a good all-around player, that seems to have a little bit better skill in pass rushing, and needs some work against the run. 6'4" and 298lbs is the frams and size you look for at the position. He is not going to be a starting in the NFL, but he can definately be valuable as a depth guy. Has the size to play NT if needed as well, and obviously can be used as a DT in 4-3 formations. He would be a project for the Cardinals but one with a high ceiling.
- Brent Urban, DT/DE, Virginia (Round: 3-4): Big, Tall, and has good quickness off the ball. He is definately a project for the NFL. He can step in and be a low rung depth guy right away in the NFL, but will have the challenges Calais Campbell had because of his height. He will have to learn good technique before he would be able to produce in the NFL. Kind of a boom or bust pick, but That is the point. You draft him in the 4th round and hope he reaches the potential he has which is to be an all-around good player in both the pass and rushing game.
- DeAndre Coleman, NT, California (Round: 3-4): Coleman would be a NT in a 3-4 defense at his size, but he is a bit of a dancing bear with very quick feet for his size. He played some DE in colledge, but in the pros he would be an athletic NT. Coleman is a poor man's Dan Williams, and with Alameda Ta'amu hurt, and Williams going into the last year of his contract, Coleman may be a good choice if available in the later rounds to provide some insurance at the NT position.
- Ed Stinson, DE/DT, Alabama (Round: 4-5): The typical Alabama defensive player whom has experience playng the position of a 3-4 DE, and has shown the ability to make a play. He is strictly a defender for playing against the run, but he does it extremely well. He is the type of player to draft in the later round to replace a Frostee Rucker, and play the role of run stopper for a team. He would be a good pick up for the Cardinals to fill out the depth on the defensive line, and with a 4 year rookie contract sure up that depth on the line for a time.
- Beau Allen, NT, Wisconsin (Round: 4-6): Coleman is who the Cardinals would draft to have a Dan Williams type NT that while he has power, can also do it with quickness. Allen is more of a player like Alameda Ta'amu, who is good at the point of attack and uses his power to disrupt the running game. Allen is a tought player and plays well against the run. Another option in the later rounds, and would have the opportunity to play right away for the Cardinals, and compete for Alameda Ta'amu's roster spot.
Outside Linebacker:
Grade: A
Big Moves: Signing John Abraham, and Matt Shaughnessey
2014 Offseason: Finding a pass rusher to replace the aging (but effective) John Abraham. Re-sign Matt Shaughnessy. Sorting out the log jam of players at the position. What to do with Sam Acho.
It seems so long ago but this position was decimated with injuries at the beginning of the year, in a two week span, Sam Acho, Lorenzo Alexander, and Alex Okafor were all lost for the season. We easily forget because John Abraham and Matt Shaughnessy came into the starting positions and played extremely well. John Abraham (aka The Doom Bringer) was a madman in the opponents backfield for the Cardinals, to say he is thriving in Bowles system is an understatement. Matt Shaughnessy plays like he is 400lbs of muscle, and he is so good against the run, and while the stats don't show what he does, the team defense does. He is such a big reason the run defense was #1 in the leage this year. That being said, Sam Acho, Lorenzo Alexander, Alex Okafor, Marcus Bernard, Dan Giordano, Dontay Moch, Vic So'oto, and Kenny Rowe are all currently under contract with the Caridnals. It creates a bit of a log jam, starting with Sam Acho whom is in his last year, and is not a draft pick of the current regime. Lorenzo Alexander is in a position where he can be cut and it would free up a small amount of the salary cap, one would imagine Okafor is going to be on the roster next season, Marcus Bernard played well enough in my opinion to be the 4th OLBer on the roster, and I still like Dan Giordano who was hurt all last season, and Dontay Moch has such great speed that he can play special teams and be in the mix in the pass rush.
Yet, all that being said, there is no doubt the Cardinals have to continue to look for that young pass rusher to replace John Abraham in the future, and unless Alex Okafor really surprises, that is not currently on the roster. Thus if the Cardinals draft a pass rusher, he is going to be just that, a pass rusher. He has to be. Why draft a OLBer who is good against the run, and is an OK pass rusher when you have four of them on the roster already, and none will be better than Matt Shaughnessy against the run.
Free Agency:
- Matt Shaughnessy: See Above. A must to resign, IMHO.
- Shaun Phillips: Phillips has shown that he still has something left in the tank. Why do I have him on the free ageny list? Because you never know, teams left John Abraham out there to be picked up late in the offseason, and Phillips could be in the same position this year. I cannot see what it would hurt to bring in another veteran pass rusher that has proven he can still get to the QB on a 1 year deal.
[Possible Cap Casualties:
- Chris Clemons: If I am going to put Shaun Phillips out there, then I should put Chris Clemons out there whom I believe will be cut for cap reasons this offseason. With Clemons I may be suffering shell shock and think he is better than he currently is. Too many games watching him own our OT's in the passing game makes him look better than he is ? Or is he still got it. Again, 1 year deal
- Dwight Freeney: The only reason I put him on this list is his connection with Arians and the fact I have Clemons and Phillips on the list. Same situation, same deal.
Draft:
* Vic Beasley going back to school was a killer when it comes to prospects for the Cardinals. Why? Because I am going to list a bunch of pass rushing prospects that are all projects, or risks, or boom/bust guys that really don't show too much more than some of the prospects we already have on the roster. Unless Trent Murphy is going to develop NFL type pass rushing skills there is not much that he even is better at than lets say a Sam Acho, or Alex Okafor. Thus while there are guys to draft, none are such good pass rushers that they would be better than what we already have coming into camp next year. In my humble opinion the Cardinals are left with finding a diamond in rough, or deciding on whether Murphy is NFL quality. Past that, there is no much there for them in the draft.
- Trent Murphy, OLB, Stanford (Round 1-2): From what I have seen, read, and heard, this is the outside linebacker version of Kyle Vanden Bosch. High effort, good motor type player that plays the OLBer well. Can pass rush, can play versus the run, and can go into coverage. That all being said, he did have 15 sacks in college last year, so while he may not have that burst off the line that most great pass rushers do, he can get to the quarterback. Pass rushers can be like quarterbacks when it comes to drafting them, they can be good in college and it doesn't translate to the NFL, and that is the question with Murphy. Is he worth a 1st round pick ? Will his pass rushing skill translate to the NFL ? If it does/can/will then he just may be the best pick for the Cardinals.
- Kareem Martin, OLB, North Carolina (Round 2-3): I have him on the list because he seems to have the best potential to become a pass rushing threat, but with that being said, I see a lot of what Alex Okafor showed before last year's draft. Martin is a physical player who get a lot of pressure through using strength. Yet, he does have some good quickness off the line, thus it seems he just doesn't know how to use the speed he has. Can he learn how to use more of his quickness ? Can the Cardinals coach that, and polish his skills ? If so, they could have a pretty good pass rusher in a year or two. It would be a risk for the team to spend a 2nd or 3rd rounder on a player who will have to transition to playing a 3-4 and has a question mark whether or not he can become a pass rushing threat. Such is the case when you are looking for a pass rusher.
- Trevor Reilly, DE/OLB, Utah (Round 3): Reilly reminds me of O'Brien Schofield. A little light to play the OLBer position but if some weight can be put on without him losing his quickness, then he could be something of a threat in the pass rushing game. Good in college, but nothing that I don't see the Cardinals getting from a player like Dontay Moch, and Moch has better straight line speed and plays some special teams.
- Michael Sam, DE/OLB, Missouri (Round 3-4): Meet my diamond in the rough pick. Sam is a pass rusher. Good first step, good quickness, and plays stronger than his size. He give very little to zero run support but for a mid-round pick he can be a pass rush specialist and pressure the quarterback. Needless to say he would have to put on some wieght for the NFL, and then the question is does he keep his quickness with the add weight? It is odd to say this but the Cardinals are in a postion where they can send John Abraham out there for another year and develop a player. Sam is a player that is worth the mid-round pick risk because of this pass rushing ability and natural ability, the question is can he learn the OLBer position, and the nuiances of playing coverage, and if he every wants to play more than 3rd down, REALLY work on playing against the run.
- Jackson Jeffcoat, DE/OLB, Texas (Round 4-5): Jeffcoat is currently saying "Thanks a lot Alex". Because Jeffcoat was a big time prospect last season before he got hurt. Jeffcoat was the bookend opposite of Okafor, and was touted as the premier guy on the Texas defensive line with Okafor being second best. Jeffcoat got injured and Okafor slid down the draft board (some poster was 100% sure he was a 2nd round pick, LOL ). A year later Jeffcoat went from a 1st round pick to a 4th round pick.....projected right where Okafor was drafted last year. Jeffcoat doesn't bring too much to the table. He is very small to try and put out at the OLBer position at 245lbs, and his entire career has been at defensive end thus he would have to learn how to be a OLBer. Yet, as a late round pick ? Why not ? I have a feeling he will be available in the 5th round and after, and there is no denying he can get sacks and did so against good competition in college. The knock is that the odds are against him doing it in the pros.
Inside Linebacker:
Grade: A
Big Moves: Signing Karlos Dansby
2014 Offseason: Re-signing Karlos Dansby. Dealing with Daryl Washington's legal situation
When the Cardinals signed Karlos Dansby a majority of the board foresaw what was going to happen. We all had a feeling that Dansby and Washington together could be really special, and it was. Karlos Dansby was an absolute terror this season, and could not be stopped. He should have had 578 interceptions this year but forgot you have to: 1. watch the ball all the way into your hands and catch it, 2. then run. But, seriously, what more do you want from a player than what Dansby delivered. His situation this offseason is win/win as far as I am concerned. There are A LOT of talented veteran inside linebackers that will be in the free agent market. Thus Dansby is not going to have a lot of options, or leverage. Dansby is a business man 1st, so if he is resigned it won't be till later. Fortunately, the Cardinals have the depth that they can wait, and the opportunity will be there that even late in the offseason they may have more options than just Dansby. I want Dansby to be re-signed and retire in Arizona, and as for Dansby, this is obviously where his heart is, whether he realizes it or not, because he only plays at his ridiculously great level when a Cardinal. Makes sense for both sides, but money always makes things complex.
Daryl Washington, raised some definate concerns with the crap he pulled in the offseason. Washington is an amazing talent, and while not spotlighted as much as Dansby, he still is the man in this defense. Offenses are still keying on Washington to stop him from blowing up their backfield or shutting down their TEs and running back in the passing game. Washington needs the offense's full attention, but then they have to worry about what Dansby is doing, and then John Abraham is out there to, and once you take care of those 3, Campbell and Dockett are going to put pressure on the interior. The last 12 weeks of the season, we all saw the catalyst Washington is to this defense. Let's just hope he gets his head on straight and behaves from here on out.
As much as I like Jasper Brinkley he may not make it to camp next season. He could create some cap room for the Cardinals by cutting him, and that is a shame. I was impressed with Brinkley in the small amounts I saw him. For his size he moves really well, and plays very strong against the run. He can stand up an offensive lineman, and plug a hole. If Brinkley is cut, then that means Dansby is signed, but if Dansby plays hardball (not that there is anything wrong with that in the business side of this sport) then Brinkley will serve as insurance. I am a supporter of Kevin Minter. I think when he gets his opportunity he will take it, and run with it. Minter is a big guy, thick, and has shown time and time again he can lay the wood out there. He absolutely destroyed people on special teams this year, and it is funny how much he reminds me of Gerald Hayes, just more athletic. At some point and time Minter is going to be playing next to Washington, and I feel they will compliment each other very, very well. Remember Minter was only a rookie last year, and the reason he wasn't on the field ? He was behind Karlos Dansby whom was an All-Pro (that would be the REAL all-star team in the NFL), and a canidate for defensive MVP. A lot to ask a rookie player to beat out one of the best in the league in his first year.
Free Agency:
- Karlos Dansby: It really bothers me that the NFL does so much to "improve the game" ( :tongueincheek: ) yet they have not addressed this situation yet. Can the NFL please come up with some type of tag for a veteran player ? Not the franchise tag. No. For a player like Dansby, or Fitzgerald, or in last seasons case Adrian Wilson where a player can be designated as a fan favorite, or some type of thing ? If player has played 5+ years, or 7+ years with a club they can get a special contract that helps with the cap but allows a team to give a player a retirement contract. They sign him for a long time allowing the player to retire with the team but not strap them cap wise ? Yeah, I know, a lot of flaws with that idea, but for Pete's sake, you are telling me that Dansby doesn't deserve to get paid, and stay here in Arizona ? The only reason, and I mean ONLY REASON, Dansby didn't get signed right away last offseason was his age, and the salary he would have to receive, even the minimal vet salary would have been too much for teams. That is not right. The NFL is forcing talent out the door that may have a year or two left. That being said this is the 1st real challenge for Steve Keim. If Rod Graves is still here, I would not even be entertaining the idea of re-signing Dansby. No way. This contact is going to involve using tact, and creativity, and Graves was devoid of it, except in the area of creatively and tactfully drawing up the most damaging, and poorly done contracts for the team. LOL. Thus if Keim wants to be promoted from super-scout to super-GM then he has to get this contract done, and in a way that doesn't hurt the club. Tough job.
- DJ Williams: This guy is a bit of a head case, but has extremely good athletic ability. If his head ever caught up with his feet he would have had a career that more people would know about. But, he has had off the field issues, drug issues, you name it. He is the only player that is currently on the market with Dansby that would fill part of the role Dansby played on this team. Yet, I don't think the Cardinals go this route if they do not resign Dansby. The Cardinals and myself included, would rather put Kevin Minter out there.
[Possible Cap Casualties:
- David Harris: I think the Jets would be crazy to cut David Harris. Yet, his cap number is quite large and they have some work to do on offense, and will need money to bring in talent. Harris may cut for cap reasons, and Harris, much like Dansby, may have trouble finding a roster until late in the offseason for a severely reduced price. Harris still has good speed at 29 years old, hits like a ton of bricks, is a leader, and plays the run extremely well. You lose the coverage that Dansby provides, but not by much. If the Cardinals feel the need to bring in a veteran if they don't get Dansby, Harris would be a great player in this defense.
- Paul Posluszny: Don't care what people have to say about this player. This guy can play football, and play inside linebacker. He is not Dansby, or Harris, but he plays well against the run, the pass, and knows the game very well. The problem is that he cannot stay healthy and never lived up to where he was drafted. He will be another player that is going to have a hard time finding a team if he is cut, and the Jags signed Paul Posluszny to a stupid contract thus it is looking very probable he gets cut and will be available late into the offseason.
Draft:
Nope. No way. They will bring in some ILBers for camp as undrafted free agents, but there is just no way the Cardinals are spending a draft pick on an inside lineback with the talent they already have in camp. For all the writing above, it really comes down to if they will re-sign Dansby or not.
Cornerback:
Grade: B
Big Moves: Cutting William Gay, and Jamel Flemming, and letting Michael Adams walk.
2014 Offseason: Extending Patrick Peterson's current contract.
One of the biggest changes that Todd Bowles made when he took over this defense was the cornerbacks played a lot of man to man coverages, and as the pass rush improved, they played it more, and more and more. In man to man coverage your secondary becomes offensive linemen in the fact, that if you don't hear their names they are doing a good job, and if you do, 9 times out of 10 it is not a good thing. Patrick Peterson overrated ? Come on, seriously, come on. You don't want to call the guy a top 5 cornerback ? Fine. Debatable but fine. But, in the effort to "win" the debate that Peterson is not a top 5 cornerback, there is no need to state things that represent him as a bad player, cause that is just pure, 100%, HOGWASH! Peterson is an elite athlete, with rare maturity and drive for his age and position. Take all the bells and whistles on offense and special teams out, and you have one of the most gifted cornerbacks in the league, and one of the few the covers the #1 receiver ALL GAME LONG. Pay the man. Don't care, just pay him. The only organization that would be DUMB enough not to resign Peterson would be the "Same Ol' Cardinals" and we are past that point in time right ? ............right ? As for his play this season ? In my very humble opinion, he was phenomenal. Yeah, he had "bad games" and those "bad games" I would dare to say are your average cornerbacks best games. Guy is top of the food chain defensive talent, and played like it all year long.
Jerraud Powers did an admirable job on the opposite side of the field from Peterson. Tough being in the position where you are the obvious side of the field to attack. It was a rocky start for Powers, but by year's end he was playing very well. Finding that #2 cornerback is always tough. The only way you improve on Powers is through the draft. The Cardinals would be hard pressed to find a player in free agency, whose price isn't through the roof, that would be better then Powers. They could draft a player to improve for less money, but it costs a draft pick ,and the pick has to hit and not be Jamel Flemming (ugh, what a bad situation that turned out to be). I am very comfortable with Powers playing across from Peterson next season.
Tyrann Mathieu is our starting nickel cornerback, but he is are starting free safety first, so I will talk about HB in the next section, but his play, as a rookie, at the nickel back position, was ...... just stupid. How a rookie can play that well right away is so impressive. The depth at cornerback was very solid. Javier Arenas was a nice trade for Arians, and played pretty well for the Cardinals. I feel he was an improvement over Michael Adams. Antoine "Game Ball" Cason, looked so lost in this defense for the first half of the season, and seemed to do nothing right when he got his chance on defense. But we was pretty good on special teams, and found his niche in the defense. Cason can play, and proved that. I would be very surprised if Cason doesn't end up staying with the Cardinals, and I would like to see him back, but the pay is going to be for a dime back type depth guy. Bryan McCann is a nice guy to have in your back pocket, he won't be back, but I would hope he earned a spot on someone's team, cause he is a pretty good special teams player........BUT, the Cardinals have Justin Bethel. Is it me, or is it crazy that this past season was only Bethel's second year in the league? The most exciting thing I saw out of Bethel this year ? For me ? He played some defensive snaps at nickel back, and dime back, and held his own. Justin Bethel's value just keeps going up and up. What more can be said about his special teams play ? All-Pro gunner, punt blocker, kick blocker, and coverage guy. The fact he is improving in the secondary, just makes him more valuable, and easier to find a roster spot for. Not to mention his speed and size is good for any defense.
Free Agency:
- Antione Cason: See above. For the right price, he is good depth. Not to mention in an emergency situation, as he did for the Cardinals last year, has experience starting.
- Javier Arenas: Good pick up from last year, but is replaceable. Not saying I have ANY issue re-signing him, but if we don't it is not the end of the world.
- Chris Cook: Cornerback is a position the Cardinals and all teams always are looking to improve, and these days that means your #1, #2, and #3 cornerbacks on the depth chart. Chris Cook is that borderline player, think Greg Toler from last season, that may command a big salary or could be had for a "fair" team friendly deal. Cook is a good cornerback. He could come in a challenge Jerraud Powers, and if Cason isn't resigned, take over that role.
- Cassius Vaughn: Arians knows Vaughn from his time with the Colts, and Vaughn would be a good candidate to replace the role of Arenas or McCann. Your standard solid depth secondary player.
- Brandon Ghee: Ghee is very underrated, and I cannot see the Bengals resigning him. Ghee was starting this year because of injury and held his own. He is along the lines of Chris Cook where he could come in and compete with Jerraud Powers, and if Cason is not resigned play that role for the Caridnals. Yet, these days not too many players sneak "under the radar" and Ghee may very well get a big contract to start on a team some where on the league, but if not, he could be a savy pick up for the organization, and make this secondary even stronger.
- Eric Wright: If you want to deal with this attitude, and off field issues, Wright can play cornerback when he is locked in. The veteran has never had an issue with ability, or skill, just his head is never in the "Wright" place. But, you never know. Has he changed his ways ? Doubtful, but I would kick the tires at least.
- Greg Toler*: He is probably going to be cut this offseason by the Colts, but I think he is done. His knee never seemed to recover from his injury a few years back.
Draft: *Its never a bad idea to draft a cornerback.....................unless its Jamel Flemming.
* I am going to be missing a few names. I had A LOT of trouble sorting through the cornerbacks because there are a lot of them, and the are projected ALL OVER THE PLACE. It is a wildcard position because they can be chosen anywhere in the draft, so I have 3 good mid-round guys I like right now.
- Kyle Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech (Round 1-3): Fuller has good size, decent speed, and shows he can play man coverage. What I also like is that he can tackle very well. Like all cornerbacks the combine will be make or break for Fuller because the only question I see out of him is his speed. His tackling ability, ball skills, and quickness are everything you want at the position. I think Fuller could be a good fit in this defense. I think he would be fine on the interior of the defense and maybe move to the outside at some point. That being said at 193 lbs, he could also put weight on, and play some safety worst case.
- Loucheiz Purifoy, CB, Florida (Round 2-3): Out of respect to the NFL draft gurus I will keep his projection in round 2, but no way. There is a lot to like about the potential of Purifoy, and the Cardinals are in a position where they could draft and develop a player in their secondary, but Purifoy needs a lot of work. Good speed but doesn't know how to use it, needs to improve his tackling as well. Natural talent, and the ability to play man to man ? Sure, he has that, and has shown the ability to inconsistently play very well. His consistency, technique, and tackling need work, but the ability is there. Not to mention at 6'1" and 190lbs he can play safety, and special teams.......yet, again, tackling needs to be improved.
- Bradley Roby, CB, Ohio State (Round 2-3*): Ridiculous. He is NOT getting drafted before the 4th round if at all. Roby is all world talent with a ten cent brain. Fast as all heck, and all the ability you want in a secondary player. But, his mind is tapioca pudding. Again, with the depth and talent the Cardinals have on defense, I could see him picked up in the very late rounds or as a UDFA. Complete risk, but with great reward if they can get his head screwed on right.
Safety:
Grade: C+
Big Moves: Drafting Tyrann Mathieu, Signing Tony Jefferson
2014 Offseason: Finding a strong safety.
Yeremiah Bell playing strong safety for the Cardinals was the right move for the organization. I am not sure Adrian Wilson does that much better than Bell, when you consider the differences in salary. Wilson being cut is another example of what I was talking about with Dansby. Ridiculous that for cap reasons Wilson found himself looking for work and was borderline luck to be put on IR last season, and "have a job". Wilson could have at least done the job Bell did. Yet, going forward, Bell is currently a free agent and Wilson is going to be a free agent, but neither are here on this roster. The strong safety position is a bit like the full back position, meaning that the bigger sized safety (whom are really hard to find) is a role that is needed but not as much as in the past. Yet, it is a role the Cardinals need, and there is nothing on the current roster that is going to fill the role. That being said, all other roles I feel have been filled. Tyrann Mathieu is just want the Cardinals needed in their secondary, and the fact he can play all over the field ? Even better. His injury? Best thing for him , in my opinion. When Mathieu gets his mind up to speed, it will make his faster than his feet could ever make him. What needs to be said about the Honey Badger ? Best tackler on the team, plays very well in clutch situations, is accountable, learns from his mistakes, and while small plays bigger than he is. When Peterson and Mathieu are on the field together, it is unfair. They are going to be even better next season, and more dangerous. Rashad Johnson was a smart signing by the Cardinals, and will be back next season because of Mathieu's injury. Johnson can play both safety positions well, not great, but well, and affords some flexibility to the safety position, and insurance. Johnson is what he is at this point in his career. Tony Jefferson. I really like this kid. Jefferson has a knack for making plays, he is a solid tackler, and he looked to be steadily improving as the year went on. All the things I said about Rashad Johnson can be said about Jefferson, except I am wary of putting Jefferson at the free safety position. I would say Johnson is better in coverage, and Jefferson the better tackler. But, needless to say they both fill their depth roles very well, and I don't see either not being on the final roster next year.
Free Agency:
- Yeremiah Bell: He did his job, and did a solid job. But, the position needs to be improved upon. His coverage is so bad that Daryl Washington and Karlos Dansby where put on players before he was. Yeah, he was used like a linebacker at some points, but then why not put a linebacker out there.
- Chris Clemons: Clemons is the only free agent I see the Cardinals making an effort to go out and get. He is a bit undersized, but has played strong safety for Todd Bowles in the past. That is what got Yeremiah Bell a job last year, so I cannot see why it would not get Clemons whom is WAY faster, and better in coverage job in Arizona his offseason. His tackling is not what you want in a strong safety but Bell wasn't exactly the best tackler either and it work. Clemons is better than Rashad Johnson at tackling tho. I think Clemons can be brought in and signed to a team friendly 3 year deal, and improve this secondary even more.
- Michael Huff: I would bring in Huff on a one year deal, this season because of Mathieu's injury. He will be a free agent once the Bronco's season ends, and while he never lived up to the 1st round pick where he was selected he is not a bad safety. Solid player with good speed, and athletic ability. Not a very good tackler tho, and would be hard pressed to thrive in the strong safety role, but insurance for one year, he would be a solid pickup.
- Adrian Wilson: Yeah, I am putting his name up here. If we are signing 36 year old strong safeties to 1 year contracts in 2013, then why not a 35 year old in 2014 ? Not gonna happen but I would love to see it happen. The Cardinals resign Dansby, and bring back A-Dub. The resurrection of the Bird Gang.
Draft:
- Dion Bailey, S, USC (Round 2-3): I really like Dion Bailey and hope he runs a bad forty time and his stock drops so the Cardinals can draft him in the 3rd or 4th round. When Monte Kiffin was running the defense and his Tampa-2 in USC they had Bailey as the MLB, but once Kiffin went to the Cowboys this season, Bailey was moved back to safety. At 6 ft, and 210 lbs he has the size to play strong safety in this league, and he can obviously tackle well. His coverage would be considered better than what Bell provided but like most strong safeties there is a limit to who and what he can cover. But, when looking for a big hitting, good tackling, physical force in the secondary, Bailey fits that exact role.
- Deone Bucannon, S, Washington State (Round 2-4): The biggest concern with Bucannon is he is from Washington State. There are probably a few posters that could tell us how good this kid really is. Everything is screaming that Bucannon is exactly what you want in a strong safety, and to be honest may be better than Bailey, whom has the big name school advantage in the draft over Bucannon. Good ball skills, hits like a ton of bricks, good speed for the position, and 6'1" and 215 lbs. It is all about his combine numbers and how he would translate to the NFL. Definitely should be on the Cardinals radar this offseason.
- Calvin Pryor, S, Louisville (Round 2-4): Another big safety, with good speed for the position, and stands 6'2" tall. Not the best in coverage, but can tackle, and lay the big hit. He has some penalties for hitting a little too hard, but I don't really hold that against safeties, it is tough to control the situation on hitting a receiver catching the ball at the right spot. A good solid prospect but the competition in Louisville would make one question how he will translate to the NFL. As you will see I have a few big bodied safeties, that can hit all jumbled in the middle of the draft. The combine is going to sort them out.
- Tre Boston, S/CB, North Carolina (Round 2-5): Boston is a raw prospect that will leave coaches at a risk for drafting him to play safety. While he has good size, his asset is his coverage ability, and while he may be the best in coverage out of all the players on this list, he needs to work on his tackling. Yet, the versatility he shows playing safety and cornerback would work for him, and make him more valuable to a team.
- Ed Reynolds, S, Stanford (Round 2-5): Another big sized safety. Yet, he reminds me of Tony Jefferson, and we already have Tony Jefferson. With Reynolds it will be all about his 40 time at the combine because he doesn't look like he has 4.6 speed to me. A good tackler, good in coverage, and what I would consider just a solid prospect, and a player that will probably drop to the later rounds
- Nickoe Whitley, S, Mississippi State (Round 3-5): If the opportunity to draft a safety doesn't come up until the back end of the draft, Whitley could still be on the board. Very raw, but has shown improvement throughout his college career, and was coming off an injury last season. Good size, good speed, and the combine will really tell where he is. His tackling is not his strong point, but it would be going a little far to say it is a concern. He held up well last season against good competition, and has the potential to be a player in the NFL. The Cardinals have the advantage to ease a player into a role in its secondary, making Whitley a good late round prospect.
Special Teams:
Grade: C+
Big Moves: None
2014 Offseason: Is Feely our kicker next season, Re-sign Dave Zastudil.
Mike Leach. Who? Yep, good job. The Cardinals will have to make an effort to bring back Dave Zastudil, whom seems to have come back from his injuries of the past and is punting in top form. Zastudil had another strong season working with his excellent gunners in pinning teams deep, and being a weapon when mixed with the Cardinals defense. The coverage units, and return units had some issues this year, but were solid. Peterson returning punts is a debatable situation, but it is hard to warrant taking a talent like that off the field. Yet, the big issue is Jay Feely. In my opinion, all signs point to him not being back next season. There will be a few veteran kickers available, but at what price, and are they any better than Feely? I don't know to be honest.
Free Agency: **- I am NOT breaking down kickers. Look up the stats on NFL.com, that is as much of a breakdown as anyone needs, IMO. We are certainly not drafting a kicker.
- Jay Feely
- Robbie Gould
- Adam Vinatieri
- Phil Dawson
- Ryan Lindell/U]
- Lawrence Tynes
- Nick Folk
That is it.
What a fun season to be a Cardinals fan. The team exceeded expectations, and in my opinion this is the most consistently competitive team that Arizona has had in years. The optimism for next year has never seamed more stable, and as sure as it has ever been. The challenge of course is to allow for the annual change of the roster to improve the team. The ultimate would be to come out of the season with at least a QBOF, or left tackle. The rest if kept at status quo will make this team a contender next season. I look forward to putting out some free agency breakdowns and mock drafts but for now, this will do.
Season Review/Offseason Preview - Offense: http://www.arizonasportsfans.com/vb/f4/2013-review-2014-preview-offense-203912.html
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