Mitch
Crawled Through 5 FB Fields
2107 Depth Chart (as of 2/11/2017)
LDE RODNEY GUNTER, Robert Nkemdiche, Ed Stinson
NT COREY PETERS, Xavier Williams
RDE JOSH MAURO, Olsen Pierre
LOLB MARKUS GOLDEN, Kareem Martin
LILB SCOOBY WRIGHT, Gabe Martin, Xavier Gooden
RILB DEONE BUCANNON, Alani Fua
ROLB CHANDLER JONES, Cap Capi
LCB PATRICK PETERSON, Ronald Zamort, Elie Bouka
SS TYRANN MATHIEU, Christian Bryant
FS HARLAN MILLER, Tyvon Branch, Trevon Hartfield
RCB BRANDON WILLIAMS, Justin Bethel
Starter Needs: LILB, RCB, FS
Depth Needs: DT, OLB, SS
Analysis:
DE:
* In hearing Steve Keim on FOX radio this week, he strongly believes that DEs Rodney Gunter and Robert Nkemdiche will take significant steps forward in 2017. It sounded like an indication that Keim does not expect to be able to re-sign Calais Campbell, although he certainly will make Campbell an offer.
* Having re-signed Josh Mauro to a 2 year deal and having drafted DEs in Gunter and Nkemdiche the past two years, Keim, if he cannot re-sign Campbell is likely to try to add a veteran UFA to add to the rotation. Perhaps he will be content to re-sign Frostee Rucker, who has indicated that he wants to return. Rucker brings excellent leadership and if he can avoid the injury bug that diminished his snap counts and play in 2016, he once again could be a valuable disruptor in the DE rotation. If Keim wants to make a bolder move, he could try to work out a deal with former Sun Devil, Lawrence Guy (BAL), who would be a great fit in the Cardinals' 34. Glen Dorsey (SF), Chris Baker (WAS) or Nick Fairley could also be on Keim's radar.
* The mystery options here are Ed Stinson and Olsen Pierre. Stinson has under-achieved in his three years, showing occasional flashes as a run stuffer, but not much push as a pass rusher. However, he heads into his contract year, which should provide added motivation. Pierre, who flashed some inside pass rush ability in the pre-season, was kept on the roster all season, despite not being activated for any game. What was somewhat surprising was that the Cardinals worried more about losing Pierre to waivers than 5th round draft pick FS Marqui Christian, whom was plucked away by the Rams.
NT:
* Keim said he was especially impressed with the play they got from Corey Peters. And with promising young NT Xavier Williams behind Peters, it looks like the Cardinals are pretty much set at NT. Plus, if need be, Rodney Gunter, who played fairly well at NT as a rookie, provides added depth.
ILB:
* Many pundits expect the Cardinals will re-sign LILB Kevin Minter, who called all the plays in the huddle the past two years. Minter is a solid run stuffer and an improved blitzer, but he lacks ideal range and speed in coverage. This draft is chock-full of very good ILB prospects such as Reuben Foster (Alabama), Haason Reddick (Temple), Jarrad Davis (Florida), Raekwon McMillan (Ohio St.), Zach Cunningham (Vanderbilt), Anthony Walker (Northwestern), Kendall Beckwith (LSU), Keith Kelsey (Louisville), Duke Riley (LSU), Alex Anzelone (Florida) and Ben Boulware (Clemson).
* Thus, will Steve Keim re-sign Sio Moore, who played very well in Deone Bucannon's absence, particularly in defending Russell Wilson? Will Keim wait on re-signing Minter until after the draft (that is if Minter is not scooped up by then)? If Keim re-signs Minter, would he take Reuben Foster as BPA at #13? Will james Bettcher want to sub in for Minter on passing downs as he did in 2015? If so, does Keim draft a speedy nickel type ILB like Duke Riley or Alex Anzelone?
* Or---would Keim swing for the fences and make his biggest UFA signing on defense, Dont'a Hightower? There have been rumblings that the coaches have been concerned about the lack of leadership on defense. Imagine then how Hightower would change that dynamic.
* At $LB Keim believes that Deone Bucannon is primed to have his best year in 2017.
* Keim has added solid depth at ILB and STs contributors Scooby Wright, Alani Fua and Gabe Martin. Wright could be a two down run stuffer and Fua and Martin could serve well as nickel LBs in coverage.
* Lastly, Daryl Washington is saying he expects to be reinstated by the NFL in March. Having not played a down of football in three years and having destroyed all trust within the organization, Washington, one way or another will be ushered off the roster as soon as it is financially sound to do so.
OLB:
* Keim expects continued production and QB pressure from Markus Golden and Chandler Jones. The question is whether Keim will be able to sign Jones to a long-term deal and thus avoid having to pay him $15.4M on a one-year franchise tag tender.
* The depth behind Golden and Jones has been very thin. Alex Okafor who played through injury last season and made some strides as a situational nickel rusher from outside and inside is now a free agent. Okafor has indicated his desire to stay with the Cardinals. If he doesn't command big bucks elsewhere, perhaps Keim could sign Okafor to a one year prove-it deal laden with incentives. Kareem Martin flashes one or two plays a year and tends to disappear. He heads into a contract year. Could he assume Okafor's inside/outside role this year? Keim signed Cap Capi to a future's contract, so he could be in the mix.
* In FA, the OLB pickings are rather slim. The Cardinals can't afford to offer starter's money to the top OLBers available. The UFA OLBers who might be affordable or candidates for one year prove it deals are: John Simon (HOU), Tourek Williams (SD), Jarvis Jones (PIT) and Bryan Braman (HOU).
* Regardless of what Keim does at OLB in FA, he will need to add a young edge rusher in the draft. At #13 there could be some intriguing options: Solomon Thomas (Stanford), Derek Barnett (Tennessee), Taco Charlton (Michigan) and Charles Harris (Missouri). While the initial thought may be to address another position at #13, if Keim, when the draft arrives, does not have a long-term deal in place with Chandler Jones, then drafting edge rusher at #13 could be a strong consideration, particularly if Solomon Thomas or Derek Barnett are on the board.
* In round two, A.J. Watt (Wisconsin), Carl Lawson (Auburn), Ryan Anderson (Alabama), Devonte Fields (Louisville) and DeMarcus Walker (FSU) would be intriguing options.
* In round three or four: Daeshon Hall (Texas A&M), Tarell Basham (Ohio) and Jordan Willis (Kansas St.) could be good fits.
CB:
* Patrick Peterson continues to be one of the top cover CBs in the NFL. This season should be a very interesting one for Pat P. having been spurned by being omitted from PFF's top 101 list, and being on the verge of establishing himself as a leader on and off the field, Peterson could take a step forward by being more assertive in run support and on STs, where he has struggled.
* Opposite Peterson, the team has indicated they would like to re-sign Marcus Cooper, who led the squad with 4 interceptions. Cooper's overall play was inconsistent, but with a year in the system and with improved safety help, perhaps Cooper could take his game to the next level.
* Brandon Williams will work harder than anyone to push for a starting job this season. He has all the physical abilities---but his inexperience and inconsistent technique made him vulnerable as a rookie.
* Justin Bethel should be healthy this year. His play as a nickel CB late in the season was very encouraging and he will have every opportunity to win the starting RCB job even if Cooper is re-signed. The Cardinals need Bethel to resume his role as the ace gunner on STs. His foot injury hampered him in that role as well.
* Harlan Miller is emerging as a combo nickel FS/CB. His versatility could very well land him on the opening day roster this year.
* Elie Bouka, the prized recruit from Canada, should be healthy this year as well. He has the size and speed to be very effective in coverage and he has intriguing ability as a punt and kickoff returner.
* Ronald Zamort is an aggressive young CB who could keep progressing on the PS.
* If Keim does not re-sign Marcus Cooper, the UFA CBs who could be of interest are Morris Claiborne (DAL), Dre Kirkpatrick (CIN), A.J. Buoye (HOU), Stephone Gilmore (BUF), Trumaine Johnson (LAR), Prince Amukumara (JAX), Logan Ryan (NE) and Darius Butler (IND). Kirkpatrick, Bouye, Gilmore and Johnson will likely be too expensive. But making a run for Ryan Logan and adding his versatility as a starting RCB, nickel CB and leading tackler could be a boon for the Cardinals. If Ryan is too pricey, Amukumara and Butler could be good signings.
* The draft is loaded with top CB prospects. At #13 the Cardinals might have a shot at drafting stud CBs Marshon Lattimore (Ohio St.), Sidney Jones (Washington), Quincy Wilson (Florida) or **** Tabor (Florida).
* Some day 2 steals: Desmond King (Iowa), Jourdan Lewis (Michigan), Corder Tankersley (Clemson) Adoree' Jackson (USC), Tre'Davious White (LSU), Damontae Kazee (San Diego St.), Cameron Sutton (Tennessee), Marlon Humphrey (Alabama), Chidobe Awuzie (Colorado) and Gareon Conley (Ohio St.). Wow, what a treasure trove of young CB talent this is.
S:
* Keim has been raving about the work Tyrann Mathieu is putting into his weight training. He says that Honey badger has already become noticeably thicker in his shoulders and upper body. The plan is to move the badger back into the box at SS and at nickel CB, where he can pester receivers in coverage and QBs on blitzes.
* If Keim is unable to re-sign Calais Campbell there is a decent chance that he will take that money and use it to re-sign SS Tony Jefferson and FS/SS D.J. Swearinger. The Cardinals play 3-4 safeties so frequently that Mathieu, Jefferson and Swearinger could all be considered starters. Keim has said that re-signing Jefferson, the teams most consistent tackler and cover man on TEs, is a priority.
* Swearinger made tremendous strides at FS, became an intense student of the game and a very good communicator in the secondary, while knocking the snot out of any WR who dared to catch the ball over the middle. The need for a starting FS is imminent. Tyvon Branch was underwhelming in 2016 and might be released to create cap space. Harlan Miller filled in admirably the last two games and looks like he could be an asset as a nickel Cover 2 FS. But adding another Cover 2 type FS in the draft would be wise.
* Christian Bryant and Trevor Hartfield provide depth. Hartfield has very good size and toughness.
* if Keim is unable to re-sign Jefferson, if Jamal Adams (LSU) is on the board at #13, he could be Keim's BPA. Adams is a game changer.
* Later round S prospects: Marcus Williams (Utah), John Johnson (BC), Budda Baker (Washington), Eddie Jackson (Alabama), Josh Harvey-Clemons (Louisville), Obi Melifonwu (CT) and Weston Steelhammer (Air Force).
STs:
* LS Gabe Brewer was an in-season upgrade. He wasn't as consistently accurate as Mike Leach was. It would not be a total surprise if Steve Keim tries to coax Mike Leach out of retirement for one more year. Regardless, if Keim can make another upgrade here, he should. Zack DeOssie (NYG) is a UFA.
* At punter, it looks like Keim found a good, strong leg in Matt Wile. Good too that Keim has signed CFL standout, Richie Leone to challenge Wile.
* At PK, Chandler Catanzaro had his fair share of struggles---some caused by poor snaps and less than crisp holds. This year Keim must give Cat-Man some competition. Zane Gonzalez (Arizona St.) and Jake Elliott (Memphis) could be give strong consideration in the draft.
LDE RODNEY GUNTER, Robert Nkemdiche, Ed Stinson
NT COREY PETERS, Xavier Williams
RDE JOSH MAURO, Olsen Pierre
LOLB MARKUS GOLDEN, Kareem Martin
LILB SCOOBY WRIGHT, Gabe Martin, Xavier Gooden
RILB DEONE BUCANNON, Alani Fua
ROLB CHANDLER JONES, Cap Capi
LCB PATRICK PETERSON, Ronald Zamort, Elie Bouka
SS TYRANN MATHIEU, Christian Bryant
FS HARLAN MILLER, Tyvon Branch, Trevon Hartfield
RCB BRANDON WILLIAMS, Justin Bethel
Starter Needs: LILB, RCB, FS
Depth Needs: DT, OLB, SS
Analysis:
DE:
* In hearing Steve Keim on FOX radio this week, he strongly believes that DEs Rodney Gunter and Robert Nkemdiche will take significant steps forward in 2017. It sounded like an indication that Keim does not expect to be able to re-sign Calais Campbell, although he certainly will make Campbell an offer.
* Having re-signed Josh Mauro to a 2 year deal and having drafted DEs in Gunter and Nkemdiche the past two years, Keim, if he cannot re-sign Campbell is likely to try to add a veteran UFA to add to the rotation. Perhaps he will be content to re-sign Frostee Rucker, who has indicated that he wants to return. Rucker brings excellent leadership and if he can avoid the injury bug that diminished his snap counts and play in 2016, he once again could be a valuable disruptor in the DE rotation. If Keim wants to make a bolder move, he could try to work out a deal with former Sun Devil, Lawrence Guy (BAL), who would be a great fit in the Cardinals' 34. Glen Dorsey (SF), Chris Baker (WAS) or Nick Fairley could also be on Keim's radar.
* The mystery options here are Ed Stinson and Olsen Pierre. Stinson has under-achieved in his three years, showing occasional flashes as a run stuffer, but not much push as a pass rusher. However, he heads into his contract year, which should provide added motivation. Pierre, who flashed some inside pass rush ability in the pre-season, was kept on the roster all season, despite not being activated for any game. What was somewhat surprising was that the Cardinals worried more about losing Pierre to waivers than 5th round draft pick FS Marqui Christian, whom was plucked away by the Rams.
NT:
* Keim said he was especially impressed with the play they got from Corey Peters. And with promising young NT Xavier Williams behind Peters, it looks like the Cardinals are pretty much set at NT. Plus, if need be, Rodney Gunter, who played fairly well at NT as a rookie, provides added depth.
ILB:
* Many pundits expect the Cardinals will re-sign LILB Kevin Minter, who called all the plays in the huddle the past two years. Minter is a solid run stuffer and an improved blitzer, but he lacks ideal range and speed in coverage. This draft is chock-full of very good ILB prospects such as Reuben Foster (Alabama), Haason Reddick (Temple), Jarrad Davis (Florida), Raekwon McMillan (Ohio St.), Zach Cunningham (Vanderbilt), Anthony Walker (Northwestern), Kendall Beckwith (LSU), Keith Kelsey (Louisville), Duke Riley (LSU), Alex Anzelone (Florida) and Ben Boulware (Clemson).
* Thus, will Steve Keim re-sign Sio Moore, who played very well in Deone Bucannon's absence, particularly in defending Russell Wilson? Will Keim wait on re-signing Minter until after the draft (that is if Minter is not scooped up by then)? If Keim re-signs Minter, would he take Reuben Foster as BPA at #13? Will james Bettcher want to sub in for Minter on passing downs as he did in 2015? If so, does Keim draft a speedy nickel type ILB like Duke Riley or Alex Anzelone?
* Or---would Keim swing for the fences and make his biggest UFA signing on defense, Dont'a Hightower? There have been rumblings that the coaches have been concerned about the lack of leadership on defense. Imagine then how Hightower would change that dynamic.
* At $LB Keim believes that Deone Bucannon is primed to have his best year in 2017.
* Keim has added solid depth at ILB and STs contributors Scooby Wright, Alani Fua and Gabe Martin. Wright could be a two down run stuffer and Fua and Martin could serve well as nickel LBs in coverage.
* Lastly, Daryl Washington is saying he expects to be reinstated by the NFL in March. Having not played a down of football in three years and having destroyed all trust within the organization, Washington, one way or another will be ushered off the roster as soon as it is financially sound to do so.
OLB:
* Keim expects continued production and QB pressure from Markus Golden and Chandler Jones. The question is whether Keim will be able to sign Jones to a long-term deal and thus avoid having to pay him $15.4M on a one-year franchise tag tender.
* The depth behind Golden and Jones has been very thin. Alex Okafor who played through injury last season and made some strides as a situational nickel rusher from outside and inside is now a free agent. Okafor has indicated his desire to stay with the Cardinals. If he doesn't command big bucks elsewhere, perhaps Keim could sign Okafor to a one year prove-it deal laden with incentives. Kareem Martin flashes one or two plays a year and tends to disappear. He heads into a contract year. Could he assume Okafor's inside/outside role this year? Keim signed Cap Capi to a future's contract, so he could be in the mix.
* In FA, the OLB pickings are rather slim. The Cardinals can't afford to offer starter's money to the top OLBers available. The UFA OLBers who might be affordable or candidates for one year prove it deals are: John Simon (HOU), Tourek Williams (SD), Jarvis Jones (PIT) and Bryan Braman (HOU).
* Regardless of what Keim does at OLB in FA, he will need to add a young edge rusher in the draft. At #13 there could be some intriguing options: Solomon Thomas (Stanford), Derek Barnett (Tennessee), Taco Charlton (Michigan) and Charles Harris (Missouri). While the initial thought may be to address another position at #13, if Keim, when the draft arrives, does not have a long-term deal in place with Chandler Jones, then drafting edge rusher at #13 could be a strong consideration, particularly if Solomon Thomas or Derek Barnett are on the board.
* In round two, A.J. Watt (Wisconsin), Carl Lawson (Auburn), Ryan Anderson (Alabama), Devonte Fields (Louisville) and DeMarcus Walker (FSU) would be intriguing options.
* In round three or four: Daeshon Hall (Texas A&M), Tarell Basham (Ohio) and Jordan Willis (Kansas St.) could be good fits.
CB:
* Patrick Peterson continues to be one of the top cover CBs in the NFL. This season should be a very interesting one for Pat P. having been spurned by being omitted from PFF's top 101 list, and being on the verge of establishing himself as a leader on and off the field, Peterson could take a step forward by being more assertive in run support and on STs, where he has struggled.
* Opposite Peterson, the team has indicated they would like to re-sign Marcus Cooper, who led the squad with 4 interceptions. Cooper's overall play was inconsistent, but with a year in the system and with improved safety help, perhaps Cooper could take his game to the next level.
* Brandon Williams will work harder than anyone to push for a starting job this season. He has all the physical abilities---but his inexperience and inconsistent technique made him vulnerable as a rookie.
* Justin Bethel should be healthy this year. His play as a nickel CB late in the season was very encouraging and he will have every opportunity to win the starting RCB job even if Cooper is re-signed. The Cardinals need Bethel to resume his role as the ace gunner on STs. His foot injury hampered him in that role as well.
* Harlan Miller is emerging as a combo nickel FS/CB. His versatility could very well land him on the opening day roster this year.
* Elie Bouka, the prized recruit from Canada, should be healthy this year as well. He has the size and speed to be very effective in coverage and he has intriguing ability as a punt and kickoff returner.
* Ronald Zamort is an aggressive young CB who could keep progressing on the PS.
* If Keim does not re-sign Marcus Cooper, the UFA CBs who could be of interest are Morris Claiborne (DAL), Dre Kirkpatrick (CIN), A.J. Buoye (HOU), Stephone Gilmore (BUF), Trumaine Johnson (LAR), Prince Amukumara (JAX), Logan Ryan (NE) and Darius Butler (IND). Kirkpatrick, Bouye, Gilmore and Johnson will likely be too expensive. But making a run for Ryan Logan and adding his versatility as a starting RCB, nickel CB and leading tackler could be a boon for the Cardinals. If Ryan is too pricey, Amukumara and Butler could be good signings.
* The draft is loaded with top CB prospects. At #13 the Cardinals might have a shot at drafting stud CBs Marshon Lattimore (Ohio St.), Sidney Jones (Washington), Quincy Wilson (Florida) or **** Tabor (Florida).
* Some day 2 steals: Desmond King (Iowa), Jourdan Lewis (Michigan), Corder Tankersley (Clemson) Adoree' Jackson (USC), Tre'Davious White (LSU), Damontae Kazee (San Diego St.), Cameron Sutton (Tennessee), Marlon Humphrey (Alabama), Chidobe Awuzie (Colorado) and Gareon Conley (Ohio St.). Wow, what a treasure trove of young CB talent this is.
S:
* Keim has been raving about the work Tyrann Mathieu is putting into his weight training. He says that Honey badger has already become noticeably thicker in his shoulders and upper body. The plan is to move the badger back into the box at SS and at nickel CB, where he can pester receivers in coverage and QBs on blitzes.
* If Keim is unable to re-sign Calais Campbell there is a decent chance that he will take that money and use it to re-sign SS Tony Jefferson and FS/SS D.J. Swearinger. The Cardinals play 3-4 safeties so frequently that Mathieu, Jefferson and Swearinger could all be considered starters. Keim has said that re-signing Jefferson, the teams most consistent tackler and cover man on TEs, is a priority.
* Swearinger made tremendous strides at FS, became an intense student of the game and a very good communicator in the secondary, while knocking the snot out of any WR who dared to catch the ball over the middle. The need for a starting FS is imminent. Tyvon Branch was underwhelming in 2016 and might be released to create cap space. Harlan Miller filled in admirably the last two games and looks like he could be an asset as a nickel Cover 2 FS. But adding another Cover 2 type FS in the draft would be wise.
* Christian Bryant and Trevor Hartfield provide depth. Hartfield has very good size and toughness.
* if Keim is unable to re-sign Jefferson, if Jamal Adams (LSU) is on the board at #13, he could be Keim's BPA. Adams is a game changer.
* Later round S prospects: Marcus Williams (Utah), John Johnson (BC), Budda Baker (Washington), Eddie Jackson (Alabama), Josh Harvey-Clemons (Louisville), Obi Melifonwu (CT) and Weston Steelhammer (Air Force).
STs:
* LS Gabe Brewer was an in-season upgrade. He wasn't as consistently accurate as Mike Leach was. It would not be a total surprise if Steve Keim tries to coax Mike Leach out of retirement for one more year. Regardless, if Keim can make another upgrade here, he should. Zack DeOssie (NYG) is a UFA.
* At punter, it looks like Keim found a good, strong leg in Matt Wile. Good too that Keim has signed CFL standout, Richie Leone to challenge Wile.
* At PK, Chandler Catanzaro had his fair share of struggles---some caused by poor snaps and less than crisp holds. This year Keim must give Cat-Man some competition. Zane Gonzalez (Arizona St.) and Jake Elliott (Memphis) could be give strong consideration in the draft.
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