...and with the third pick in the 2026 NFL Draft..

[Gandhi]

I think there is a lot of stretching going on here. No one even knows if Rallis will be the DC after this year.

What does that matter? I assume LaFleur and Ossenfort think that Rallis will do a good job. Do you think they hope he fails and have already planned to fire him? Talk about stretching an argument.

He wasn't able to do anything with Simmons and they have done a little hybrid work with Collins but it hasn't resulted in much.

As I mentioned, Reese is not like Simmons. And comparing Reese to Collins? Come on.

There is an argument to draft Reese, but some of what you are saying is what other teams with more proven DCs have done with hybrid players when we don't have any of those DCs on the Cardinals staff.

You need to consider that they have Pete Kwiatkowski and Teryl Austin on staff. It would be Rallis’ job to deploy Reese, but not really to develop him. Many fans mistakenly think that scheme fit and player development necessarily is the same. It's a common mistake.

 

[Gandhi]

Again, there is nothing clearly defined by how he was used at Ohio St other than a lot of off-ball LB.

Correct. The draft is a lot about projections.

 

[oaken1]

You are projecting your situation onto a player without a history of back injuries who just had a combine recheck that showed he was fine. Yours is a bad take.

I'm not denying the possibility the kid can go the next twenty years without missing a days work for back problems. . It's possible.
But knowing that humans over 250 pounds are 8x more likely to develop chronic issues makes me wonder...
When evaluating a player...why take the chance when the player isn't head and shoulders above others at his position?
It's a factor. It's a red flag...
Say they have him rated 90.6 on some arbitrary scale...then 2 guys at 89.1 and 88.8
The back possibility is enough to make me pick one of the other 2 guys.
Would I drop to a guy rated 82?? Not likely...unless a deep dive showed a larger issue.

 

[schutd]

What does that matter? I assume LaFleur and Ossenfort think that Rallis will do a good job. Do you think they hope he fails and have already planned to fire him? Talk about stretching an argument.

I really dont think this is a stretch. When you cant sign the DC you want, you keep the one you have already under contract for another year, rather than paying 2 guys, neither of whom are your first choice. I think theyd prefer Rallis does a good job, but I dont think they necessarily expect him to.

I hope he proves everyone wrong. But I think thats a smaller percentage chance than he just isnt ready for this level of responsibility.

 

[CFLredzoned]

You are projecting your situation onto a player without a history of back injuries who just had a combine recheck that showed he was fine. Yours is a bad take.

Do we know what the specific problem was? If there was any kind of a disc issue, I agree with Oaken. It's a bad place to start for someone who's only 20 years old and 300+ lbs. It really is downhill from there. It can be a slow process and he's fine for 10 or 20 years. Or not.

There's a chance it was something isolated like a pulled QL muscle or something that's not related to a disc problem. I'm sure the teams have the full report though.

 

[GatorAZ]

I’m convinced it will be Will Anderson all over again if we trade out of Arvell Reese just to draft some RT.

Different prospect different draft. Can’t see the scenario where we get the best out of a hybrid.

 

[Chopper0080]

What does that matter? I assume LaFleur and Ossenfort think that Rallis will do a good job. Do you think they hope he fails and have already planned to fire him? Talk about stretching an argument.


As I mentioned, Reese is not like Simmons. And comparing Reese to Collins? Come on.


You need to consider that they have Pete Kwiatkowski and Teryl Austin on staff. It would be Rallis’ job to deploy Reese, but not really to develop him. Many fans mistakenly think that scheme fit and player development necessarily is the same. It's a common mistake.

Austin is a DB coach. Kwiatkowski has never coached at the NFL level and is listed as the DL coach. The OLB coach is in his second season and the ILB coach is new but worked in KC as an OLB coach for two seasons. None of these individuals have a proven track record of developing hybrid LBs at the NFL level.

In regards to Rallis, he has overseen three years of bad defenses. Do you think it is likely that the Cardinals have a good defense with the moves they have made, because if they don't, it is reasonable to think they would not retain him after the season.

Again, you can say Reese isn't like Simmons or Collins, but they were all hybrid players in college who have or will be used as a hybrid player in the NFL.

 

[Gandhi]

I really dont think this is a stretch. When you cant sign the DC you want, you keep the one you have already under contract for another year, rather than paying 2 guys, neither of whom are your first choice. I think theyd prefer Rallis does a good job, but I dont think they necessarily expect him to.

I hope he proves everyone wrong. But I think thats a smaller percentage chance than he just isnt ready for this level of responsibility.

You really think so? That seems like a disaster-approach, and pretty much suicide for Ossenfort as a general manager. Certainly they could have found an alternative that they did not consider a dead-man-walking.

 

[Chopper0080]

Do we know what the specific problem was? If there was any kind of a disc issue, I agree with Oaken. It's a bad place to start for someone who's only 20 years old and 300+ lbs. It really is downhill from there. It can be a slow process and he's fine for 10 or 20 years. Or not.

There's a chance it was something isolated like a pulled QL muscle or something that's not related to a disc problem. I'm sure the teams have the full report though.

I tend to land on the no information is most likely no information vs no information means there is significant information to be concerned with. These players are under the most scrutiny they will probably even be under, and it's big business to report significant news (severe back issues) as a part of the back process. When it is reported as a disc issue or some sort of chronic issue, that is the time to discuss those things.

 

[football karma]

Again, you can say Reese isn't like Simmons or Collins, but they were all hybrid players in college who have or will be used as a hybrid player in the NFL.

I think the hybrid designation is a bit misleading

Reese played in the box for nearly all his snaps -- as an off the ball outside linebacker. This involved rushing the passer as well. Its what he will be asked to do in the NFL

its not like Simmons who was safety, a slot corner, a linebacker, etc.

or even Zaven -- who was a OLB in college and Keim tried to make him a ILB. He has been playing OLB since them at a workman like level.


the rub with Reese becomes: IF all he every does is play a high level off ball OLB -- he would have to be like Lavonte David for him not to be a disappointment relative to draft position

 

[Gandhi]

Austin is a DB coach. Kwiatkowski has never coached at the NFL level and is listed as the DL coach. The OLB coach is in his second season and the ILB coach is new but worked in KC as an OLB coach for two seasons. None of these individuals have a proven track record of developing hybrid LBs at the NFL level.

While Austin was the DC with Steelers, they developed Alex Highsmith and Nick Herbig who have become very important players for them. Kwiatkowski have developed several good each rushers in college, and I would assume that experience will only help the transition for a draft pick.

In regards to Rallis, he has overseen three years of bad defenses. Do you think it is likely that the Cardinals have a good defense with the moves they have made, because if they don't, it is reasonable to think they would not retain him after the season.

I think it is likely that Gannon had quite a lot of input on those defenses.

Again, you can say Reese isn't like Simmons or Collins, but they were all hybrid players in college who have or will be used as a hybrid player in the NFL.

Do you remember Cassius Marsh? He was a true hybrid player. Or Jesse Luketa? Damn, he was both a traditional defensive end and linebacker at Penn State. Victor Dimukeje! What’s your point? That Reese is the same as them?

 

[Harry]

Do we know what the specific problem was? If there was any kind of a disc issue, I agree with Oaken. It's a bad place to start for someone who's only 20 years old and 300+ lbs. It really is downhill from there. It can be a slow process and he's fine for 10 or 20 years. Or not.

There's a chance it was something isolated like a pulled QL muscle or something that's not related to a disc problem. I'm sure the teams have the full report though.

It was not a disc problem, it was muscular according to what I have heard.

 

[Chopper0080]

While Austin was the DC with Steelers, they developed Alex Highsmith and Nick Herbig who have become very important players for them. Kwiatkowski have developed several good each rushers in college, and I would assume that experience will only help the transition for a draft pick.


I think it is likely that Gannon had quite a lot of input on those defenses.


Do you remember Cassius Marsh? He was a true hybrid player. Or Jesse Luketa? Damn, he was both a traditional defensive end and linebacker at Penn State. Victor Dimukeje! What’s your point? That Reese is the same as them?

DCs aren’t developing EDGE players. No coach on the roster has any history of developing edge players especially hybrid ones. Gannon brought Rallis in to run the scheme they had in Philly. There is no reason to think Rallis is going to become a good DC after 3 years of being bad. With Reese you are either developing a hybrid player or an edge that is very inexperienced and will need to be coached up. Neither working with edge players or developing raw players has been a strength of the Monti and Rallis tenure.

 

[Harry]

DCs aren’t developing EDGE players. No coach on the roster has any history of developing edge players especially hybrid ones. Gannon brought Rallis in to run the scheme they had in Philly. There is no reason to think Rallis is going to become a good DC after 3 years of being bad. With Reese you are either developing a hybrid player or an edge that is very inexperienced and will need to be coached up. Neither working with edge players or developing raw players has been a strength of the Monti and Rallis tenure.

I think there is one reason, Teryl Austin. They brought in a mentor for Rallis, who should be far less of a dictator than Gannon. Gannon insisted Rallis stick with a 4 man rush even when he lacked the personnel to make that effective. Austin’s history of success (somewhat sporadic) at various stops should provide needed input for Rallis. Of course should Rallis fail to improve Austin could become the DC at least temporarily.

 

[Gandhi]

DCs aren’t developing EDGE players. No coach on the roster has any history of developing edge players especially hybrid ones. Gannon brought Rallis in to run the scheme they had in Philly. There is no reason to think Rallis is going to become a good DC after 3 years of being bad. With Reese you are either developing a hybrid player or an edge that is very inexperienced and will need to be coached up. Neither working with edge players or developing raw players has been a strength of the Monti and Rallis tenure.

Look, I get that you think Reese will fail, but it is simply strange how you keep ignoring that Teryl Austin was part of developing arguably the most complete hybrid player in the NFL, not named Parsons (T.J. Watt), while having the exact same senior advisory-role that he have with the Cardinals now. As well as how you are ignoring that Rallis was the linebacker-coach when Haason Reddick – as part of the linebacker-room - recorded a career-best 16 sacks, was awarded All Pro and 4th in voting for Defensive Player of the Year in 2022 while with the Eagles.

As you can see, both Watt and Reddick have been sensational in the Reese-role.

Feel free to repulse the possibility of drafting Reese, but at last research just a bit about the facts.

 

[Chopper0080]

Look, I get that you think Reese will fail, but it is simply strange how you keep ignoring that Teryl Austin was part of developing arguably the most complete hybrid player in the NFL, not named Parsons (T.J. Watt), while having the exact same senior advisory-role that he have with the Cardinals now. As well as how you are ignoring that Rallis was the linebacker-coach when Haason Reddick – as part of the linebacker-room - recorded a career-best 16 sacks, was awarded All Pro and 4th in voting for Defensive Player of the Year in 2022 while with the Eagles.

As you can see, both Watt and Reddick have been sensational in the Reese-role.

Feel free to repulse the possibility of drafting Reese, but at last research just a bit about the facts.

lol

1 - The reason there are position coaches is because the DC can't spend time coaching individual players. Austin wasn't spending his time in Pittsburgh working with TJ Watt. They don't have the time. Rallis isn't investing his limited time developing Collins or Simmons or any other EDGE. That is on the position coach to develop.

2 - Rallis might have worked with Reddick in Philly, but consider all of the years Gannon and Rallis were in AZ but did not bring in Reddick. Maybe they have pushed for him but Monti refused, idk, but I don't know they have brought in a player with a similar skill set.

3 - The issue is with development, not deployment. I guess you could argue that due to Rallis's time in Philly he was able to deploy a player like Reddick, and maybe he has just never had that player in AZ. That said, that is a deployment issue, not teaching Reese how to be an EDGE at the NFL level. The Cardinals have not been able to develop any edge they have brought in the past 3 years. An easy argument is what is going to change now? they haven't developed Darius, Ojulari, or Burch into quality defensive front players. Most of them needed pass rush work and still aren't contributing pass rushers. Nolen came into the league with pass rush ability but needed some other work and he seems to be ok. It's why I prefer Bailey over Reese. Production over traits.

It sounds like you think I ma against drafting Reese which is kinda funny because my main pushback is that you are just presenting a ridiculous argument for him. Saying he is a perfect scheme fit, and that Austin and Rallis have any sort of proven track record in unlocking a player like him is a HUGE stretch. There is just nothing that backs that up. Reese is a high risk, high reward prospect. It all depends on if you want to take that risk.

 

[Gandhi]

lol

1 - The reason there are position coaches is because the DC can't spend time coaching individual players. Austin wasn't spending his time in Pittsburgh working with TJ Watt. They don't have the time. Rallis isn't investing his limited time developing Collins or Simmons or any other EDGE. That is on the position coach to develop.

I guess you missed the part where I tell you that Austin had the same senior assistant-title that he has now with the Cardinals.

3 - The issue is with development, not deployment. I guess you could argue that due to Rallis's time in Philly he was able to deploy a player like Reddick, and maybe he has just never had that player in AZ. That said, that is a deployment issue, not teaching Reese how to be an EDGE at the NFL level. The Cardinals have not been able to develop any edge they have brought in the past 3 years.

Now you are contradicting yourself. Rallis didn’t deploy Reddick. Rallis was his position coach, responsible for developing him.

And you are grasping now. You argue that Rallis doesn’t develop players as a DC (I think I explained that before) yet ignore that they have a brand-new front seven-coaching staff, other than the OLB coach that has been with the team for one year.

It sounds like you think I ma against drafting Reese which is kinda funny because my main pushback is that you are just presenting a ridiculous argument for him.

Nah, I am not arguing for him. I am just explaining that your arguments are not valid. It’s fine if you or others don’t want to draft Reese. I just think it makes sense to at least understand the situation first, but hey, it’s cool if you disagree. To each their own. At least now you know, so I think we both have better things to do than writing back and forth.

 

[Chopper0080]

I guess you missed the part where I tell you that Austin had the same senior assistant-title that he has now with the Cardinals.


Now you are contradicting yourself. Rallis didn’t deploy Reddick. Rallis was his position coach, responsible for developing him.

And you are grasping now. You argue that Rallis doesn’t develop players as a DC (I think I explained that before) yet ignore that they have a brand-new front seven-coaching staff, other than the OLB coach that has been with the team for one year.


Nah, I am not arguing for him. I am just explaining that your arguments are not valid. It’s fine if you or others don’t want to draft Reese. I just think it makes sense to at least understand the situation first, but hey, it’s cool if you disagree. To each their own. At least now you know, so I think we both have better things to do than writing back and forth.

You are arguing Rallis developed a 28 year old player in his 6th year who was coming off consecutive 10+ sack seasons.

You are arguing that a career defensive back in Teryl Austin who has never coached a position in the defensive front 7 was somehow impactful in the career of TJ Watt who has in his 3rd season with Pittsburgh when Austin was brought on and had 13 sacks in the previous season without Austin.

Also, that these other coaches somehow have shown the ability to develop NFL pass rushers/hybrids without any resume of doing so at the NFL level.

Yeah, these are stupid arguments.

 

[Garthshort]

This makes sense to me, what about you?
*I want Love at #3.
*If Arizona doesn't I suggest the following.
*Since just about every mock I've read has Love going to Tenn at #4, suggest a trade with Tenn to move back one spot and acquire a draft pick. Then take at #4, the player you were going to take at #3. And, it seems that there are a number of teams that want Love and are looking to move in front of Tenn.

 

[PitchShifter]

Some pre-draft entertainment for the number crunchers.

xc_hide_links_from_guests_guests_error_hide_media

 

[Cardiac]

You must be registered for see images attach

 

[Cardiac]

This is little John in Koblenz Germany, I think it's an omen to trade back.

 

[FB94]

This is little John in Koblenz Germany, I think it's an omen to trade back.

Or cardinal fans projectile vomiting after the pick is announced

 

[Garthshort]

This makes sense to me, what about you?
*I want Love at #3.
*If Arizona doesn't I suggest the following.
*Since just about every mock I've read has Love going to Tenn at #4, suggest a trade with Tenn to move back one spot and acquire a draft pick. Then take at #4, the player you were going to take at #3. And, it seems that there are a number of teams that want Love and are looking to move in front of Tenn.

I got no response to my proposal, either pro or con, and I can't understand why. To me it seems like a great idea, but with no response, I must be missing something.

 

[oaken1]

I got no response to my proposal, either pro or con, and I can't understand why. To me it seems like a great idea, but with no response, I must be missing something.

makes perfect sense...if the player you are targeting is worthy of a top 5 pick. It keeps you in the talent pool of the draft and gains extra assets