Mitch
Crawled Through 5 FB Fields
QB:
Carson Palmer---one has to be impressed with and encouraged by Palmer's play the last couple of games, especially playing behind a totally makeshift offensive line. He has showed poise, excellent leadership and has not made the 2-3 forced errors that have put the team into a hole. There is no question that he is the QB for 2017 and possibly for 2018 as well. It would help the team's cause if he would be amenable to reducing his projected $24M cap hit, in whatever way works for him and the team.
Drew Stanton---despite poor performances in the pre-season, Stanton did win the one game he started. He is well liked amongst the coaches and the players. Most likely he will return as the #2 QB. His cap hit is $4M. If the Cardinals elect to draft a QB early this year, that would present a conundrum for the team and Stanton. Any young potential QBOF would require as many practice and pre-season reps as possible. As we know, BA's offense is sophisticated and takes time to learn and master. Therefore, relegating a QBOF candidate to the #3 QB spot and scout team QB would be counter-productive and could delay the QBs progress another year.
Zach Dysert---word is that "The Dragon" has been impressing the coaches and his teammates. Carson Palmer was especially effusive in his praise for Dysert and the strength of his arm.
Forecast: Palmer is the clear #1. The question is whether it makes sense to draft or sign a QBOF this year or wait until 2018 when Stanton's contract expires. One possible solution might be to sign UFA QB Mike Glennon to an incentive-laden backloaded contract and then trade Stanton to a team in need of a veteran backup. Steve Keim knows Glennon well---as they are both alums of NC State. It also would be an interesting twist in the NFC West in that Glennon was the young QB the Wolfpack wanted to promote to starter, thus causing them to give Russell Wilson his release.
RB:
David Johnson---if the Cardinals were headed for the playoffs, Johnson would be at or near the top of the list for laugh MVP consideration. The "Humble Rumble" has posted an incredible 15 straight 100+ yard games (rushing + receiving)---tying a record set by Barry Sanders. that's right---Barry Sanders! Johnson's versatility is astounding and it give the Cardinals a unique opportunity to use Johnson as a WR when they wish to.
Chris Johnson---landing on the IR two seasons in a row was a bummer for CJ and the team. When healthy, he still has the blend of quicks and toughness to be a highly productive RB. Would the Cardinals be willing to give him a third contract? CJ did take less money to stay in AZ. By all accounts, he is highly regarded by his teammates. But, the one issue is, he doesn't play on STs and that's an area the Cardinals really have to address in the off-season.
Kerwynn Williams---the biggest point in Williams' favor is that he has emerged as a solid ST tackler. The Wildcat wrinkle has also boosted his stock. That, and the fact that he moved past Andre Ellington to claim the #2 RB spot. For all of the reasons above, Williams should be heavily;y in the Cardinals' plans for 2017.
Andre Ellington---losing his kickoff returner job to Brittan Golden and his #2 RB spot to Williams is the writing on the wall. ironically, in a year where Ellington is finally healthy, he has not made his presence felt. The quick feet and good hands are still there---but is the desire? One would think maybe he belongs as a slot WR. However, Ellington lacks the requisite toughness and durability to be a consistent contributor in that role. For all those reasons, it would be surprising to see the Cardinals re-sign him.
Stepfan Taylor---BA loves Taylor as a core STs player, so re-signing him at or around the veteran minimum is likely.
Elijhaa Penny---he returns with a bona fide chance to make the roster this time around. He fits the mold as a ground and pound RB, which could provide dividends for a team that is stressing the running game more and more.
Forecast: In my latest mock i had the Cardinals taking WR/RB Curtis Samuel of Ohio St. in the 2nd round. My thinking is that having another RB/WR combo talent to go with David Johnson would be a boon for the Cardinals and would allow BA to use David Johnson more as a WR in key situations. The Cardinals have to acquire stronger, more physically capable slot WRs. Samuel looks the part to me. Whether it be Samuel or someone else, it would be a real plus for the offense to upgrade the slot WR position and adding another versatile skill player to the mix would be exciting.
WR:
Larry Fitzgerald---this season has taken a toll on Fitz emotionally, but one would never know it based on his play on the field. To see him yesterday blocking Bobby Wagner right smack dab in the middle of the pile on a key third and one epitomizes Fitz's desire to win. In fact, Fitz all week spoke about how great it would be to go up to Seattle and mess up their season. The last two games, Fitz has gotten bracketed, which has allowed J.J. Nelson to come up with big catches down the field. Now that Nelson needs to be accounted for, Fitz may get more one on one coverage versus the Rams. I hope that this week's win versus the Seahawks lifted Fitz's spirits and encouraged him to return in 2017. Fitz is a legend in AZ and one might imagine he would rather retire on a more auspicious note.
J.J. Nelson---perseverance pays off. Nelson was having a superb camp---Palmer was raving about him. Then nelson got injured and had some issues with drops at one point. But, the past four weeks have been a coming out party for Nelson, whose TD bomb yesterday was electrifying. The chemistry that Palmer is building with Nelson bodes very well for the future.
John Brown---this has been a tough year for Brown in dealing with the throes of his sickle cell affliction. Other NFL players have found ways to overcome the disease and knowing John Brown he will do everything he can to to so this off-season, so that he can hit the field running in 2017. There is no question that when he is at full speed and in full focus, this offense can at times be unstoppable.
Jaron Brown---just when he was having his best year, he gets injured. Good for Steve Keim and the Cardinals to have signed him already for next year. Brown is tough. He is a clutch WR and a highly productive STs player.
Brittan Golden---there is much to like about Golden's aggressive approach and this year in recent weeks he's been showing strong improvement as a return man and as a WR. Once again, he figures to be in the mix at WR next season and perhaps this late run he is on will catapult him into the opening day roster.
Marquis Bundy---showed he could use his size to his advantage in the pre-season. Has good, soft hands. the question is whether he has the speed to gain consistent separation.
Chris Hubert---if he gets stronger and more refined in his route running, Hubert could be quite a nice surprise in 2017. He showed a knack for getting open deep during the pre-season.
Marvin Hall---PS WR from Washington who has quicks. Right now he's a long shot, but who knows?
Forecast: Whether Fitz retires or not, the Cardinals will try to add talent to the WR group. For a team that relies heavily on hot reads from a spread formation, what it needs is to add a physical slot WR. If Fitz retires it also needs to add a #1 WR. It wouldn't be surprising to see the Cardinals take a WR in the 1st round---if there is one they are especially enamored with. If not the 1st round, then likely the 2nd or 3rd.
Carson Palmer---one has to be impressed with and encouraged by Palmer's play the last couple of games, especially playing behind a totally makeshift offensive line. He has showed poise, excellent leadership and has not made the 2-3 forced errors that have put the team into a hole. There is no question that he is the QB for 2017 and possibly for 2018 as well. It would help the team's cause if he would be amenable to reducing his projected $24M cap hit, in whatever way works for him and the team.
Drew Stanton---despite poor performances in the pre-season, Stanton did win the one game he started. He is well liked amongst the coaches and the players. Most likely he will return as the #2 QB. His cap hit is $4M. If the Cardinals elect to draft a QB early this year, that would present a conundrum for the team and Stanton. Any young potential QBOF would require as many practice and pre-season reps as possible. As we know, BA's offense is sophisticated and takes time to learn and master. Therefore, relegating a QBOF candidate to the #3 QB spot and scout team QB would be counter-productive and could delay the QBs progress another year.
Zach Dysert---word is that "The Dragon" has been impressing the coaches and his teammates. Carson Palmer was especially effusive in his praise for Dysert and the strength of his arm.
Forecast: Palmer is the clear #1. The question is whether it makes sense to draft or sign a QBOF this year or wait until 2018 when Stanton's contract expires. One possible solution might be to sign UFA QB Mike Glennon to an incentive-laden backloaded contract and then trade Stanton to a team in need of a veteran backup. Steve Keim knows Glennon well---as they are both alums of NC State. It also would be an interesting twist in the NFC West in that Glennon was the young QB the Wolfpack wanted to promote to starter, thus causing them to give Russell Wilson his release.
RB:
David Johnson---if the Cardinals were headed for the playoffs, Johnson would be at or near the top of the list for laugh MVP consideration. The "Humble Rumble" has posted an incredible 15 straight 100+ yard games (rushing + receiving)---tying a record set by Barry Sanders. that's right---Barry Sanders! Johnson's versatility is astounding and it give the Cardinals a unique opportunity to use Johnson as a WR when they wish to.
Chris Johnson---landing on the IR two seasons in a row was a bummer for CJ and the team. When healthy, he still has the blend of quicks and toughness to be a highly productive RB. Would the Cardinals be willing to give him a third contract? CJ did take less money to stay in AZ. By all accounts, he is highly regarded by his teammates. But, the one issue is, he doesn't play on STs and that's an area the Cardinals really have to address in the off-season.
Kerwynn Williams---the biggest point in Williams' favor is that he has emerged as a solid ST tackler. The Wildcat wrinkle has also boosted his stock. That, and the fact that he moved past Andre Ellington to claim the #2 RB spot. For all of the reasons above, Williams should be heavily;y in the Cardinals' plans for 2017.
Andre Ellington---losing his kickoff returner job to Brittan Golden and his #2 RB spot to Williams is the writing on the wall. ironically, in a year where Ellington is finally healthy, he has not made his presence felt. The quick feet and good hands are still there---but is the desire? One would think maybe he belongs as a slot WR. However, Ellington lacks the requisite toughness and durability to be a consistent contributor in that role. For all those reasons, it would be surprising to see the Cardinals re-sign him.
Stepfan Taylor---BA loves Taylor as a core STs player, so re-signing him at or around the veteran minimum is likely.
Elijhaa Penny---he returns with a bona fide chance to make the roster this time around. He fits the mold as a ground and pound RB, which could provide dividends for a team that is stressing the running game more and more.
Forecast: In my latest mock i had the Cardinals taking WR/RB Curtis Samuel of Ohio St. in the 2nd round. My thinking is that having another RB/WR combo talent to go with David Johnson would be a boon for the Cardinals and would allow BA to use David Johnson more as a WR in key situations. The Cardinals have to acquire stronger, more physically capable slot WRs. Samuel looks the part to me. Whether it be Samuel or someone else, it would be a real plus for the offense to upgrade the slot WR position and adding another versatile skill player to the mix would be exciting.
WR:
Larry Fitzgerald---this season has taken a toll on Fitz emotionally, but one would never know it based on his play on the field. To see him yesterday blocking Bobby Wagner right smack dab in the middle of the pile on a key third and one epitomizes Fitz's desire to win. In fact, Fitz all week spoke about how great it would be to go up to Seattle and mess up their season. The last two games, Fitz has gotten bracketed, which has allowed J.J. Nelson to come up with big catches down the field. Now that Nelson needs to be accounted for, Fitz may get more one on one coverage versus the Rams. I hope that this week's win versus the Seahawks lifted Fitz's spirits and encouraged him to return in 2017. Fitz is a legend in AZ and one might imagine he would rather retire on a more auspicious note.
J.J. Nelson---perseverance pays off. Nelson was having a superb camp---Palmer was raving about him. Then nelson got injured and had some issues with drops at one point. But, the past four weeks have been a coming out party for Nelson, whose TD bomb yesterday was electrifying. The chemistry that Palmer is building with Nelson bodes very well for the future.
John Brown---this has been a tough year for Brown in dealing with the throes of his sickle cell affliction. Other NFL players have found ways to overcome the disease and knowing John Brown he will do everything he can to to so this off-season, so that he can hit the field running in 2017. There is no question that when he is at full speed and in full focus, this offense can at times be unstoppable.
Jaron Brown---just when he was having his best year, he gets injured. Good for Steve Keim and the Cardinals to have signed him already for next year. Brown is tough. He is a clutch WR and a highly productive STs player.
Brittan Golden---there is much to like about Golden's aggressive approach and this year in recent weeks he's been showing strong improvement as a return man and as a WR. Once again, he figures to be in the mix at WR next season and perhaps this late run he is on will catapult him into the opening day roster.
Marquis Bundy---showed he could use his size to his advantage in the pre-season. Has good, soft hands. the question is whether he has the speed to gain consistent separation.
Chris Hubert---if he gets stronger and more refined in his route running, Hubert could be quite a nice surprise in 2017. He showed a knack for getting open deep during the pre-season.
Marvin Hall---PS WR from Washington who has quicks. Right now he's a long shot, but who knows?
Forecast: Whether Fitz retires or not, the Cardinals will try to add talent to the WR group. For a team that relies heavily on hot reads from a spread formation, what it needs is to add a physical slot WR. If Fitz retires it also needs to add a #1 WR. It wouldn't be surprising to see the Cardinals take a WR in the 1st round---if there is one they are especially enamored with. If not the 1st round, then likely the 2nd or 3rd.
