The Cardinals' Roster Your Moves

[Mitch]

Cardinals 1st and 2nd Teams To Date

1st Team Defense: (years in NFL)

LOLB---44---Markus Golden (2)
LDE---95---Rodney Gunter (2)
LILB---51---Kevin Minter (4)
NT---98---Corey Peters (6)
RILB---20---Deone Bucannon (3)
RDE---93---Calais Campbell (9)
ROLB---55---Chandler Jones (5)
LCB---21---Patrick Peterson (6)
SS---22---Tony Jefferson (4)
FS---32---Tyrann Mathieu (4)
RCB---28---Justin Bethel (5)

2nd Team Defense:

LOLB---96---Kareem Martin (3)---Tristan Okpaulago (R)
LDE---92---Frostee Rucker (11)---91 Ed Stinson (3)
LILB---50---Gabe Martin (2)---54 Kenny Demens (3)
NT---71---Red Bryant (10)---94---Xavier Williams (2)
RILB---59---Alani Fua (2)
RDE---73---Josh Mauro (3)---90---Cory Redding (14)
ROLB---57---Alex Okafor (4)---47---Shaq Riddick (1)
LCB---Asa Jackson (4)
SS---Tyvon Branch (9)
FS---36---D.J. Swearinger (3)---29---Chris Clemons (8)
RCB---Shaun Prater (4)---35---Cariel Brooks (2)

1st Team Offense:

QB---3---Carson Palmer (14)
RB---31---David Johnson (2)
WR1---11---Larry Fitzgerald (13)
WR2---15---Michael Floyd (5)
WR3---12---John Brown (3)
TE1---85--Darren Fells (3)
TE2---84---Jermaine Gresham (7)
LT---68---Jared Veldheer (7)
LG---76---Mike Iupati (7)
C---53---A.Q. Shipley (5)
RG---69---Evan Mathis (12)
RT---74---D.J. Humphries (2)

2nd Team Offense:

QB---5---Drew Stanton (10)
RB---23---Chris Johnson (9)---38 Andre Ellington (4)
WR1---13---Jaron Brown (4)
WR2---14---J.J. Nelson (2)
WR3---10---Brittan Golden (3)---16---Jaxson Shipley (1)
TE1---87---Troy Niklas (3)---83---Gerald Christian (1)
TE2---80---Ifeanyi Momah (3)
LT---67---Rob Crisp (1)
LG---60---Antoine McClain (3)
C---Taylor Boggs (2)
RG---75---John Fullington (2)
RT---78---Earl Watford (4)---76---John Wetzel (1)

Specialists:

P---2---Drew Butler (4)
K---7---Chandler Catanzaro (3)
KR---Kerwynn Williams (2)
PR---21---Patrick Peterson (6)
LS---TBD

Seeing the depth on paper is a testament to the excellent job that Steve Keim and the FO has been doing. This gives us a chance to reflect on the spots Keim will focus on in the weeks and months ahead.

If you could make 3 FA signings---what three players do you sign, at what salaries and how do you create the cap space?

Then, what would your draft be, at the picks currently assigned?

The 3 FA's I Would Sign:

1. DE/OLB Dwight Freeney (1 year---$3M+ sack incentives)
2. CB Leon Hall (1 year--$1.4M+ incentives---prove it deal)
3. T Jake Long (1 year---$1.2M + incentives---prove it deal as swing T)

Cap Money Created:

1. Ask Cory Redding to take a pay cut from $4M down to $1.2M, which saves $2.8M---and allows us to sign Hall and Long.
2. Sign Calais Campbell to a new contract which saves $5M on this year's cap---takes care of Freeney and leaves $2M for added signings after the draft, if need be.

Draft:

1. CB Mackensie Alexander, Clemson. Brings swag, energy and playmaking ability. I love S Keanu Neal, but cannot pass on Alexander if he is on the board. If Alexander is taken, I go with the tone setter in Neal.

3. G Christian Westerman, Arizona St. Can initially create competition at center, but be groomed to take over at RG for Evan Mathis. I see the offensive line additions as a priority in this draft. If Westerman is off the board, I really like Sebastian Tretola, Arkansas. Or I like one of these three edge rushers here:Victor Ochi, Stony Brook, Romeo Okwara, Notre Dame, Matt Judon, Grand Valley St.

4. C Jack Allen, Michigan St. Love how feisty and aggressive he plays and how well he understands how to gain and sustain leverage. If he's off the board, I also like Max Tuerk, USC.

5. LB Antonio Morrison, Florida. Could really energize our STs and be groomed to replace Minter if Minter bolts for FA. If he's off the board here, I would take Scooby Wright III, Arizona St. for the same reasons.

5. QB Brandon Allen, Arkansas. I like his tempo, competitiveness, accuracy and zip. If he's off the board here, I go with Jeff Driskel, Louisiana Tech.

6. WR/PR Bralon Addison, Oregon. One of the more explosive and elusive punt returners in the draft. If he's off the board, I go with Jakeem Grant, Texas Tech.

I wanted to take an interior pass rusher and I particularly like Ronald Blair III, Appalachian St., in Round 3 or 4, Thus if I can trade down and add another pick, he is the player I want---or---one of the three edge rushers Ochi, Okwara or Judon.

Your turn! 3 FAs + Cap Relief + Draft!

 

[cardncubfan]

I think this is a great format Mitch. I'll be interested in seeing what others post. I know nothing about college ball so I don't even attempt mocks.

 

[Ohcrap75]

Great job. Outside of cutting Redding and reworking CC's and Floyd, I wouldn't make many changes to the roster either. So I would be happy with just one of your FA acquisitions and use remaining dollars for to lock up HB long term.

As far as the draft I like all of your picks so I'm just going to give a few alternatives to your draft.

1. CB William Jackson- I like him a little better than Mac, but either would be great.

3. DL Javon Hargrave- might have to trade up a little to get him but he has best get off of any interior lineman in this draft.

4. No Change

5. LB Aaron Wallace

5. S James Bradberry

6. No Change

I'm just not a fan of any mid to late round QB's. I would love to add RB late. WR Charone Peake is a great mid round option w huge upside. Butler, Bullard, Neal, Correa, J Simmons, Seumalo, Rashad Robinson, N Vannett, S Day, Alex Collins, T Boyd are players I like a little better than most of the experts. Sorry for rambling thoughts!

 

[Cardiac]

A couple of observations: I had a perception that we were an older team but we do have a bunch of young talent, especially on Defense. Very impressed with how SK has infused the roster with so much talent.

We do have 3 key players on O that are old and 1 on D.

The holes on this team are CB and C.

Question mark at RT.

Some help at ILB and Safety would be nice.

For the future a G and QB.

I would always add a D-lineman every draft.

Have to come away with a DE/DT or CB or Safety in rd 1.

Extend CC for CAP room and wait until after the draft to sign anymore FA's.

 

[Jetstream Green]

I say Branch is the starter and not Jefferson

 

[Harry]

Long looks to be through. Can't see Redding taking a cut and he played well last year. Other 2 free agents make sense. The problem with Freeney is that incentives, which are almost certain to be earned, have to be considered hard money and counted against the cap. So last year's contract is tougher to fit in this year.

 

[Mitch]

Great job. Outside of cutting Redding and reworking CC's and Floyd, I wouldn't make many changes to the roster either. So I would be happy with just one of your FA acquisitions and use remaining dollars for to lock up HB long term.

As far as the draft I like all of your picks so I'm just going to give a few alternatives to your draft.

1. CB William Jackson- I like him a little better than Mac, but either would be great.

3. DL Javon Hargrave- might have to trade up a little to get him but he has best get off of any interior lineman in this draft.

4. No Change

5. LB Aaron Wallace

5. S James Bradberry

6. No Change

I'm just not a fan of any mid to late round QB's. I would love to add RB late. WR Charone Peake is a great mid round option w huge upside. Butler, Bullard, Neal, Correa, J Simmons, Seumalo, Rashad Robinson, N Vannett, S Day, Alex Collins, T Boyd are players I like a little better than most of the experts. Sorry for rambling thoughts!

I really like William Jackson III as well---he would be a good pick. I would take Mackensie Alexander or Keanu Neal before him because they bring such energy and passion.

Javon Hargraves has moved up so quickly that if the Cardinals want him they will have to take him at #29 or trade down a few spots. I was considering him at #29, but the DBs are so good there and more of a sure thing, imo. Plus, we are deep at DE/DT.

Man---your list of players you have more highly rated than the so-called experts is outstanding. I agree with you on every player you mentioned. Would love to see the Cardinals take a couple of those guys.

 

[Mitch]

A couple of observations: I had a perception that we were an older team but we do have a bunch of young talent, especially on Defense. Very impressed with how SK has infused the roster with so much talent.

We do have 3 key players on O that are old and 1 on D.

The holes on this team are CB and C.

Question mark at RT.

Some help at ILB and Safety would be nice.

For the future a G and QB.

I would always add a D-lineman every draft.

Have to come away with a DE/DT or CB or Safety in rd 1.

Extend CC for CAP room and wait until after the draft to sign anymore FA's.

I too would like to see SK tap into the glut of very good DT/DE talent---but, w/o a 2nd rounder now, and with more pressing needs, Keim may have to wait and go on Day 3 with a sleeper type like he did with Rodney Gunter last year. If SK drafts a DE/DT high that likely would mean Ed Stinson, Josh Mauro or Cory Redding would not make the roster---which always is a consideration.

 

[Mitch]

I say Branch is the starter and not Jefferson

Branch and Jefferson should be on the field in the nickel at least 67% of the time---thus it really isn't going to matter who starts.

 

[Mitch]

Long looks to be through. Can't see Redding taking a cut and he played well last year. Other 2 free agents make sense. The problem with Freeney is that incentives, which are almost certain to be earned, have to be considered hard money and counted against the cap. So last year's contract is tougher to fit in this year.

I read an article about Jake Long that said he was feeling well rested after not playing much for the Falcons last year and that he was ready to go. The article also said that Long was rehabbing when starting jobs were won last year and that when the season started he was playing well enough to be a good option if either tackle needed to be subbed in for---but, as it turned out, neither did.

Funny, but other than the interception and the fumble return, Cory Redding wasn't very productive at all last year. After the first game where he had 2 tackles, he only had 3 tackles the rest of the way---finished the season with a mere 5 tackles and 0 sacks. Now---I realize they like his leadership in the locker room---but $4M this year? And the thing is---he's even third in the depth chart behind Campbell and Mauro.

Good point about the incentives---I think it behooves Steve Keim and Mike Disner to clear some added space.

I read from The Cap Guy that if the Cardinals wanted to restructure Carson Palmer's and Patrick Peterson's contracts, they could create over $15M in added cap space this year. Thus, if Keim wants to make more moves---he can generate the money.

 

[Cardiac]

I too would like to see SK tap into the glut of very good DT/DE talent---but, w/o a 2nd rounder now, and with more pressing needs, Keim may have to wait and go on Day 3 with a sleeper type like he did with Rodney Gunter last year. If SK drafts a DE/DT high that likely would mean Ed Stinson, Josh Mauro or Cory Redding would not make the roster---which always is a consideration.

SK has stated that the teams top priority was to improve the pass rush. He has done that with Chandler but if I know SK like I think I know SK he wants to turn this area into a strength and not just improve it.

Chandler is a start, Golden improving is not a lock but will probably happen. CC has the talent but is 29 yrs old. Adding a DE/DT that can rush the passer will take this team to the next level IMO. I figure you think Freeney is that difference maker and while I agree to a point I would prefer to get younger and better.

Mauro and Stinson and Redding are nice pieces but if one or more doesn't make the team because they got beat out then HOOORAAAAY.

 

[GuernseyCard]

SK has stated that the teams top priority was to improve the pass rush. He has done that with Chandler but if I know SK like I think I know SK he wants to turn this area into a strength and not just improve it.

Chandler is a start, Golden improving is not a lock but will probably happen. CC has the talent but is 39 yrs old. Adding a DE/DT that can rush the passer will take this team to the next level IMO. I figure you think Freeney is that difference maker and while I agree to a point I would prefer to get younger and better.

Mauro and Stinson and Redding are nice pieces but if one or more doesn't make the team because they got beat out then HOOORAAAAY.

???
(29)

 

[Cardiac]

???
(29)

Oops, yep, thanks for the correction.

 

[Buckybird]

I'll leave the cap situation & that stuff to Steve Keim

Free agents I'd like to sign:
Freeney-a no brainer, let's just hope no team gets an edge rusher hurt before TC

Zach Brown-please oh please add him, he's better than Minter

2016 draft

1) Kenny Clark or Vernon Butler, DT
I don't think William Jackson has a chance to be there because his stock is rising & Clark may not be either. I'd luv to see Clark in red. Butler will make the Dline better than street guys like Redding, Mauro & Stinson IMO

2) Chandler Jones

3) Matt Judon, DE
I think this kid will be special because of his speed, quickness & ability to bend & run the arc. The Cards scouting staff hits home runs with small school kids

4) Eric Stryker, LB
Playmaker & Sack master from the outside. Might be moved inside because of size & would be perfect complete & clone to Buc

5) Austin Blythe, C
Versatile & nasty

5) Rees Odhiambo, OG
Athletic & still learning the game but has huge
upside

6)James Bradberry, CB
Tall & likes to press WRs, a perfect fit

If we take a QB I like Brandon Allen

 

[oaken1]

I too would like to see SK tap into the glut of very good DT/DE talent---but, w/o a 2nd rounder now, and with more pressing needs, Keim may have to wait and go on Day 3 with a sleeper type like he did with Rodney Gunter last year. If SK drafts a DE/DT high that likely would mean Ed Stinson, Josh Mauro or Cory Redding would not make the roster---which always is a consideration.

That is the best consideration. We have good depth.... but after our starters we have multiples of the same guy...
you improve your roster from the top down...bring in starters, bump the other guys down a notch...
we have depth on the d-line...but it is mostly just bodies...they can play, but most of them are not nor ever will be game changers.....I am holding out hopes for Stinson.... our most desperate need is a game changer on the inside d-line. That one player can make everyone on the defense better......adding Dieon Sanders to our backfield is not going to get anyone to the QB any quicker...
but a strong pass rush is how you get Larry Brown as super bowl MVP.

 

[Buckybird]

That is the best consideration. We have good depth.... but after our starters we have multiples of the same guy...
you improve your roster from the top down...bring in starters, bump the other guys down a notch...
we have depth on the d-line...but it is mostly just bodies...they can play, but most of them are not nor ever will be game changers.....I am holding out hopes for Stinson.... our most desperate need is a game changer on the inside d-line. That one player can make everyone on the defense better......adding Dieon Sanders to our backfield is not going to get anyone to the QB any quicker...
but a strong pass rush is how you get Larry Brown as super bowl MVP.

well said & the last sentence is very strong!

 

[Ohcrap75]

I really like William Jackson III as well---he would be a good pick. I would take Mackensie Alexander or Keanu Neal before him because they bring such energy and passion.

Javon Hargraves has moved up so quickly that if the Cardinals want him they will have to take him at #29 or trade down a few spots. I was considering him at #29, but the DBs are so good there and more of a sure thing, imo. Plus, we are deep at DE/DT.

Man---your list of players you have more highly rated than the so-called experts is outstanding. I agree with you on every player you mentioned. Would love to see the Cardinals take a couple of those guys.

I'm afraid you're right with Hargrave. Crazy how fast he has risen. Gunter probably would've been similar last year if he would've been invited to combine and got some exposure.

 

[gmabel830]

Keanu Neal is a tough player to get a read on.. I've seen him going to the Cards at #29 a couple of times before... CBS Sports had him rated as the 10th best Free Safety, #229 overall, and a 6th-7th round prospect.

 

[gmabel830]

Guys I'd still be looking at in free agency:

A safety - Reggie Nelson (don't think we can afford him) with Will Hill and Walter Thurmond also being options

A corner - Leon Hall or Antonio Cromartie, with Sterling Moore being a younger option

A center - Stephen Wisniewski

A pass rusher - Dwight Freeney