Mitch
Crawled Through 5 FB Fields
It's always fun this time of year to project our hopes as to how the 53 Man Roster is going to shape up. Here are the players I would select as of today. They are not necessarily the players I think the Cardinals will select:
QB (3): Palmer, Stanton, Thomas
I have to laud Carson Palmer for his commitment and his eagerness to get right back on the horse, as they say. Even though he went 6-0 as a starter last year, I think even he would say that there is ample room for improvement---for him and the offense in general. I am very curious to see how well Palmer will play behind a stronger offensive line and surrounded by an array of talent.
I've been questioning whether the Cardinals should see if they can get some trade value for Drew Stanton in this the last year of his contract---not just because of his salary, but because I didn't sense, by virtue of Arians' ultra-conservative play calling when Stanton was in the game that the coach really trusts Stanton. My hope this year is that if Stanton is called upon that the offense doesn't need a downshift.
As for Logan Thomas, in light of the fact that he was purposely not prepared to take any meaningful snaps last year, I am very hopeful that with the number of increased reps and pre-season snaps he will receive this year that he will show us why Bruce Arians felt he was deserving of a 4th round draft pick. Thomas has the physical package in spades---now can he adapt to the mental challenges of playing QB in Arians' system?
Next Man Up:
Chandler Harnish---if Thomas falters, Harnish may wind up being a fortuitous acquisition.
RB (4): Ellington, Johnson, Williams, Grice
I really like all four of these RBs, each for a different reason. What they all have in common is upside as receivers---which as we saw was one of the way the Patriots beat the Seahawks' defense by throwing to the RB. I think using Ellington in the slot could be dynamic for the Cardinals' offense.
Next Man Up:
Stepfan Taylor---I hate leaving him off because he's such a solid player and ST contributor, but I think Kerwynn Williams and Marion Grice are more talented and are better fits for Arians' offense.
WR (5): Fitzgerald, Floyd, John Brown, Jaron Brown, Nelson.
I think this group is pretty well set depending on whether J.J. Nelson can beat Brittan Golden out as the return man.
Next Man Up:
Brittan Golden---for now I have Nelson in front of Golden because of Nelson's 4.2 speed, but I was very impressed with Golden in the pre-season last year and feel that this could be a breakthrough year for him. While he doesn't have Nelson's blinding speed, he has good wiggle moves and an ample amount of speed himself.
TE (4): Niklas, Fells, Zach Miller*, Christian
John Carlson's retirement was not a surprise, based on his concussion history and his struggles last year. I like the size and athleticism of this group and feel that Zach Miller, if healthy, would be a nice fit to take Carlson's place. Niklas, Fells and Christian should be very interesting to watch as they develop.
Next Man Up:
Ifeanyi Momah---Having watched all of Momah's games at BC, I was impressed with how big a target he is, how well and naturally he catches the ball, and how sneaky he is at getting behind the coverage. He played WR at BC, so I don't know how able and willing a blocker he is as a TE---but knowing Momah's character I am sure he will give it everything he's got.
OL (8): Veldheer, Iupati, Shipley, Cooper, Humphries, Steen, Larsen, Crisp
I want D.J. Humphries to start from day one. Likely the toughest challenge will be picking up the playbook, but I imagine that Arians will have OT coach Larry Zierlein serve as Humphries' 24/7 tutor. It was great to see Humphries praise Zierlein and the trust they are already developing after one day of practice.
Thus, I would like to see Steve Keim trade Bobby Massie and get some value for him. It would be very surprising if Massie remains a Cardinal beyond this year anyway. Maybe the Cardinals could get an ILB, TE or 2016 draft pick in return.
The reason why I feel even more confident to deal Massie is the addition of T Rob Crisp. Crisp, imo, is a 3-4th round talent who dropped because of the concussion issue he had a couple of years ago, and is ideal at this point to be the swing tackle because he has the size, feet and athleticism to play LT in the NFL.
I think A.Q. Shipley is going to emerge as the starting center---and I think he's better than people think. I also believe that Anthony Steen will give Jonathan Cooper some heated competition at RG---plus, he can play center. The tough decision then is Ted Larsen or Earl Watford---and for now I will go with Larsen because I know Steve Keim is very comfortable with him as a swing C/G, whereas who knows where Watford stands right now.
Next Man Up:
Earl Watford---this year is make or break for him, but to date he has generated very little buzz from the coaches. He sure looks the part---but does he have the drive?
NT (2): Peters, Stinson
I think Corey Peters is going to be very good and active at the nose whenever James Bettcher uses an odd man front. The plan is to use Ed Stinson at NT some---and I get the sense that the coaches feel that several of the versatile DT/DEs on the roster like Frostee Rucker and Rodney Gunter can be used there in a pinch.
Next Man Up:
Xavier Williams---most likely is one of the 4 UDFAs SK said were in the team's top 130 of the draft. It should be very interesting to see what Williams brings to the table---he may have to spend a year on the PS and that's fine.
Alameda Ta'amu---if Ta'amu cuts his weight this year and returns to his 2013 form, he can make this roster. Let's see if he heeds Arians' wake-up call motivation..
DE (5): Campbell, Rucker, Redding, Gunter, Mauro
The talent, versatility and leadership (Campbell, Rucker and Redding) in this group is outstanding. Adding Gunter to this group makes it all the more imposing. Moreover, Corey Peters factors in here. So does Ed Stinson. And, I strongly believe that Josh Mauro has a very bright future in Arizona.
Next Man Up:
Matt Shaughnessy---as with Bobby Massie, the writing is on the wall for Shaughnessy, especially after he was told he would be switched from OLB into the deep DE group and after the Cardinals added Corey Peters and Cory Redding and drafted Rodney Gunter. Thus, as with Massie, Steve Keim may want to seek to fins some trade value in Shaughnessy.
ILB (4): Weatherspoon, Minter, Spikes*, Kirk
Weatherspoon is a fiery leader. I think that Steve Keim will sign an ILB come May 12 to challenge Kevin Minter. Brandon Spikes would be good in that two-down SILB role. And of the young ILBs, I think Andrae Kirk is going to emerge because of his range and good cover skills. If not, then Glenn Carson might stick---Carson improved last year as a rookie, but did not look very good in coverage.
Next Man Up:
Alani Fua---man, I'd love to see Bettcher groom Fua as a Dansby-esque WILB prospect. Fua has the length, feet, blitz and cover ability to be a 3 down factor. This should take a little time---but a year on the PS might be just what he needs.
OLB (6): Woodley, Okafor, *Freeney, Golden, Wagenmann, Riddick
Woodley and Okafor should start---but it would be great to add Dwight Freeney on May 12th as a situational edge rusher. Golden should fit in nicely behind Woodley and I love this kid Wagenmann's burst and bend around the edge, plus he should be a real factor on STs. I think Riddick will need some time before he's active on game days, but i think he gets the nod over Kareem Martin.
Next Man Up:
Kareem Martin---was very disappointed with him last year as he gets stood up too easily, gets locked up too quickly and doesn't keep his feet moving. Should be interesting too see what he can do off the edge, but right now he's going to have to outplay the new competition.
CB (4): Peterson, Powers, Bethel, Dennard
The addition of Lorenzo Dennard is big. This will put pressure on Justin Bethel to win the RCB job, which I believe he will, and it allows Jerraud Powers to continue to thrive as the nickel CB. Dennard is versatile so he will factor in and, imo, don't be surprised to see Patrick Peterson play some deep safety in the nickel this year, in addition to returning some punts in key situations.
Next Man Up:
Jimmy Legree---having seen a good deal of tape of him at South Carolina, I was impressed---he's a lot like Alfonzo Dennard as a matter of fact. Tough in press coverage and aggressive in run support. Was nice to see Arians laud Legree
S (4): Johnson, Bucannon, Mathieu, Jefferson.
Should be fun to see Bucannon start this year and to see the Honey Badger get back to his playmaking self. Johnson is coming off his best year (until late in the season where he broke down physically). And Jefferson remains a key role player.
Next Man Up:
Chris Clemons---he is good in coverage ad could well earn a spot again on the roster. The question may be whether he can be a factor on STs.
ST (3): Catanzaro, Leach, Zastudil
The kicking game has a chance to be stellar all the way around this year.
Next Man Up:
You!
QB (3): Palmer, Stanton, Thomas
I have to laud Carson Palmer for his commitment and his eagerness to get right back on the horse, as they say. Even though he went 6-0 as a starter last year, I think even he would say that there is ample room for improvement---for him and the offense in general. I am very curious to see how well Palmer will play behind a stronger offensive line and surrounded by an array of talent.
I've been questioning whether the Cardinals should see if they can get some trade value for Drew Stanton in this the last year of his contract---not just because of his salary, but because I didn't sense, by virtue of Arians' ultra-conservative play calling when Stanton was in the game that the coach really trusts Stanton. My hope this year is that if Stanton is called upon that the offense doesn't need a downshift.
As for Logan Thomas, in light of the fact that he was purposely not prepared to take any meaningful snaps last year, I am very hopeful that with the number of increased reps and pre-season snaps he will receive this year that he will show us why Bruce Arians felt he was deserving of a 4th round draft pick. Thomas has the physical package in spades---now can he adapt to the mental challenges of playing QB in Arians' system?
Next Man Up:
Chandler Harnish---if Thomas falters, Harnish may wind up being a fortuitous acquisition.
RB (4): Ellington, Johnson, Williams, Grice
I really like all four of these RBs, each for a different reason. What they all have in common is upside as receivers---which as we saw was one of the way the Patriots beat the Seahawks' defense by throwing to the RB. I think using Ellington in the slot could be dynamic for the Cardinals' offense.
Next Man Up:
Stepfan Taylor---I hate leaving him off because he's such a solid player and ST contributor, but I think Kerwynn Williams and Marion Grice are more talented and are better fits for Arians' offense.
WR (5): Fitzgerald, Floyd, John Brown, Jaron Brown, Nelson.
I think this group is pretty well set depending on whether J.J. Nelson can beat Brittan Golden out as the return man.
Next Man Up:
Brittan Golden---for now I have Nelson in front of Golden because of Nelson's 4.2 speed, but I was very impressed with Golden in the pre-season last year and feel that this could be a breakthrough year for him. While he doesn't have Nelson's blinding speed, he has good wiggle moves and an ample amount of speed himself.
TE (4): Niklas, Fells, Zach Miller*, Christian
John Carlson's retirement was not a surprise, based on his concussion history and his struggles last year. I like the size and athleticism of this group and feel that Zach Miller, if healthy, would be a nice fit to take Carlson's place. Niklas, Fells and Christian should be very interesting to watch as they develop.
Next Man Up:
Ifeanyi Momah---Having watched all of Momah's games at BC, I was impressed with how big a target he is, how well and naturally he catches the ball, and how sneaky he is at getting behind the coverage. He played WR at BC, so I don't know how able and willing a blocker he is as a TE---but knowing Momah's character I am sure he will give it everything he's got.
OL (8): Veldheer, Iupati, Shipley, Cooper, Humphries, Steen, Larsen, Crisp
I want D.J. Humphries to start from day one. Likely the toughest challenge will be picking up the playbook, but I imagine that Arians will have OT coach Larry Zierlein serve as Humphries' 24/7 tutor. It was great to see Humphries praise Zierlein and the trust they are already developing after one day of practice.
Thus, I would like to see Steve Keim trade Bobby Massie and get some value for him. It would be very surprising if Massie remains a Cardinal beyond this year anyway. Maybe the Cardinals could get an ILB, TE or 2016 draft pick in return.
The reason why I feel even more confident to deal Massie is the addition of T Rob Crisp. Crisp, imo, is a 3-4th round talent who dropped because of the concussion issue he had a couple of years ago, and is ideal at this point to be the swing tackle because he has the size, feet and athleticism to play LT in the NFL.
I think A.Q. Shipley is going to emerge as the starting center---and I think he's better than people think. I also believe that Anthony Steen will give Jonathan Cooper some heated competition at RG---plus, he can play center. The tough decision then is Ted Larsen or Earl Watford---and for now I will go with Larsen because I know Steve Keim is very comfortable with him as a swing C/G, whereas who knows where Watford stands right now.
Next Man Up:
Earl Watford---this year is make or break for him, but to date he has generated very little buzz from the coaches. He sure looks the part---but does he have the drive?
NT (2): Peters, Stinson
I think Corey Peters is going to be very good and active at the nose whenever James Bettcher uses an odd man front. The plan is to use Ed Stinson at NT some---and I get the sense that the coaches feel that several of the versatile DT/DEs on the roster like Frostee Rucker and Rodney Gunter can be used there in a pinch.
Next Man Up:
Xavier Williams---most likely is one of the 4 UDFAs SK said were in the team's top 130 of the draft. It should be very interesting to see what Williams brings to the table---he may have to spend a year on the PS and that's fine.
Alameda Ta'amu---if Ta'amu cuts his weight this year and returns to his 2013 form, he can make this roster. Let's see if he heeds Arians' wake-up call motivation..
DE (5): Campbell, Rucker, Redding, Gunter, Mauro
The talent, versatility and leadership (Campbell, Rucker and Redding) in this group is outstanding. Adding Gunter to this group makes it all the more imposing. Moreover, Corey Peters factors in here. So does Ed Stinson. And, I strongly believe that Josh Mauro has a very bright future in Arizona.
Next Man Up:
Matt Shaughnessy---as with Bobby Massie, the writing is on the wall for Shaughnessy, especially after he was told he would be switched from OLB into the deep DE group and after the Cardinals added Corey Peters and Cory Redding and drafted Rodney Gunter. Thus, as with Massie, Steve Keim may want to seek to fins some trade value in Shaughnessy.
ILB (4): Weatherspoon, Minter, Spikes*, Kirk
Weatherspoon is a fiery leader. I think that Steve Keim will sign an ILB come May 12 to challenge Kevin Minter. Brandon Spikes would be good in that two-down SILB role. And of the young ILBs, I think Andrae Kirk is going to emerge because of his range and good cover skills. If not, then Glenn Carson might stick---Carson improved last year as a rookie, but did not look very good in coverage.
Next Man Up:
Alani Fua---man, I'd love to see Bettcher groom Fua as a Dansby-esque WILB prospect. Fua has the length, feet, blitz and cover ability to be a 3 down factor. This should take a little time---but a year on the PS might be just what he needs.
OLB (6): Woodley, Okafor, *Freeney, Golden, Wagenmann, Riddick
Woodley and Okafor should start---but it would be great to add Dwight Freeney on May 12th as a situational edge rusher. Golden should fit in nicely behind Woodley and I love this kid Wagenmann's burst and bend around the edge, plus he should be a real factor on STs. I think Riddick will need some time before he's active on game days, but i think he gets the nod over Kareem Martin.
Next Man Up:
Kareem Martin---was very disappointed with him last year as he gets stood up too easily, gets locked up too quickly and doesn't keep his feet moving. Should be interesting too see what he can do off the edge, but right now he's going to have to outplay the new competition.
CB (4): Peterson, Powers, Bethel, Dennard
The addition of Lorenzo Dennard is big. This will put pressure on Justin Bethel to win the RCB job, which I believe he will, and it allows Jerraud Powers to continue to thrive as the nickel CB. Dennard is versatile so he will factor in and, imo, don't be surprised to see Patrick Peterson play some deep safety in the nickel this year, in addition to returning some punts in key situations.
Next Man Up:
Jimmy Legree---having seen a good deal of tape of him at South Carolina, I was impressed---he's a lot like Alfonzo Dennard as a matter of fact. Tough in press coverage and aggressive in run support. Was nice to see Arians laud Legree
S (4): Johnson, Bucannon, Mathieu, Jefferson.
Should be fun to see Bucannon start this year and to see the Honey Badger get back to his playmaking self. Johnson is coming off his best year (until late in the season where he broke down physically). And Jefferson remains a key role player.
Next Man Up:
Chris Clemons---he is good in coverage ad could well earn a spot again on the roster. The question may be whether he can be a factor on STs.
ST (3): Catanzaro, Leach, Zastudil
The kicking game has a chance to be stellar all the way around this year.
Next Man Up:
You!
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