2007 Cardinals: Free Agent Menu (Defense) and Predictions

[Mitch]

In this morning's Boston Globe, Mike Reiss provided his top 5 and "sleeper" free agent list, per position. I thought you would like to see what Reiss came up with. And I will add some comments and predictions as we go along.

Cornerback:

1. Nate Clements, Buffalo
2. Asante Samuel, New England
3. Nick Harper, Indianapolis
4. Tory James, Cincinnati
5. Kenny Wright, Washington
Sleeper: David Macklin, Arizona.

My comments: After the first three there's a significant drop-off. James is heading into his 12 season, Wright, his 9th and both at this point would be considered #3 corners, as would Macklin, IMO.

Prediction: The Cardinals sign Nick Harper. They want Samuel, but this time the Pats fork over the big bucks to retain him. Clements gets a monster deal with the NY Jets.

Draft Scenario: A player to keep an eye on is Pittsburgh's CB Darrelle Revis. Should the Cards move down from #5 out of the top ten to acquire extra draft picks, don't be suprised if they have Revis in mind. No doubt Whiz has seen this kid play next door in Pittsburgh and he's the most gifted CB in the draft.

Safety:

1. Terrence Holt, Detroit
2. Ken Hamlin, Seattle
3. Deon Grant, Jacksonville
4. Michael Lewis, Philadelphia
5. Todd Johnson, Chicago
Sleeper: Kevin Kaesviharn, Cincinnati

My comments: Holt is expendable in Detroit because of 2nd year FS Daniel Bullocks. Holt has nice range and a good feel for the position. he's not a big hitter, though. Hamlin has had injury problems, but still has outstanding range and ballhawking ability. Grant is very under-rated, IMO. He's a top level FS who hits like a ton of bricks. Lewis is a solid SS. Johnson and Kaesviharn are very good special teamers.

Prediction: Holt joins his brother, Torry, on the Rams. Hamlin is a good fit for the Cardinals and rejoins his position coach, Teryl Austin. Grant re-signs with Jacksonville.

Draft Scenario: If the Cardinals don't sign a free safety, it could very well mean that they have their eyes on one of the two prize safeties in the draft, Reggie Nelson or LeRon Landry.

Note: The Cardinals may want to address other needs and stay in house this season in deciding on the starting FS. Aaron Francisco has very good potential and it's quite possible that Antrel Rolle will be moved there.

Linebacker:

1. Adalius Thomas, Baltimore
2. Lance Briggs, Chicago
3. Cato June, Indianapolis
4. London Fletcher-Baker, Buffalo
5. Scott Shanle, New Orleans
Sleepers: Antwan Peek, Houston (for 3-4 teams); Kawika Mitchell (for 4-3 teams).

My comments: Thomas is the cream of the crop here because of his prowess as a tough run stopper and top shelf blitzer. Briggs has blossomed in Chicago and thrives in their run and react scheme. June is the fastest of the bunch, but is not a dynamic WS blitzer. Fletcher-Baker is about as productive as any linebacker in the league, but is better suited inside and is getting older. Shanle is an up and coming ILB who can play the middle either the 4-3 or the 3-4. Peek is the best pass rusher besides Thomas, but has thus far been relegated to being a pass rush specialist. Mitchell has played well for the Chiefs at MLB and has a bright future.

Prediction: Thomas gets a huge payday and signs with the Philadelphia Eagles. Briggs returns to Chicago. June returns to Indy after he learns that the market isn't that large for him. Fletcher-Baker signs with Dallas. Shanle stays in New Orleans. Peek signs with the Cardinals...they want a WS pass rusher and in Peek they get one. Mitchell re-signs with the Chiefs.

Draft Scenario: The guy to keep an eye on in round two is combo DE/LB Lamarr Woodley of Michigan. Rufus Alexander of Oklahoma is a speed LB who may be a nice fit at WLB. In round three, two players come to mind: John Abbate of Wake Forest who is one of the toughest and most productive players in the draft and Buster Davis who has very good range and ability to finish off tackles.

Defensive Line:

1. Justin Smith, Cincinnati
2. Chris Kelsay, Buffalo
3. Cory Redding, Detroit
4. Vonnie Holliday, Miami
5. Robaire Smith, Jacksonville
Sleeper: Aubrayo Franklin, Baltimore

My comments: Lean pickings on the defensive line this year, especially if Charles Grant signs an extension in New Orleans. Smith is head and shoulders above the rest, but it looks like he will be tagged. Kelsay is a high motor player who has started to make an impact. Redding has been inconsistent in Detroit, but he has given Leonard Davis fits. Holliday had a good year and still has some value, particularly as a 3-4 DE. Smith has always been a great talent but an enigma, and Franklin has upside as a NT.

Prediction: Grant returns to New Orleans. Smith signs a one-year franchise tag in Cincy and will hit the market again next year. Kelsay may get a good look from the Cardinals...he's in the Steeler high motor DE mold, not flashy but super competitive. If the price is right, Kelsay becomes a Cardinal. Holliday has a good chance to stick in Miami. Smith signs with Minnesota and Franklin signs with the New York Giants, who are still smarting over the defection of NT Kendrick Clancy.

Draft Scenario: At #5 the Cardinals may be tempted to take a defensive lineman here. DT Alan Branch is the strongest DT in the draft...DT Amobi Okoye is the swiftest DT in the draft and has a first-rate motor and fine leadership abilities that belie his age (19 years old)...DE Jamaal Anderson of Arkansas is equally good at stuffing the run as he is at getting after the QB...and DE Gaines Adams of Clemson is a highly chiseled, strong athlete who is a constant pass rushing/tackle for loss threat on the edge. Of this group the guy that intrigues me the most is Okoye. He had all the scouts drooling at the Senior Bowl and showed up every day in practice and in the game with superior intensity.

 

[joeshmo]

Just a few thoughts.

1. Hamlin is not injury prone. The only time he ever missed a game was becuase of his off field altercation.

2. Shanle has already re-signed with the Saints. Expect to here about more re-signings in the coming weeks. FO people are back from all allstar games, pro bowl, and their mini vacations and are back to work full force now.

3. If Peek is just a pass rush specialist then he as failed at his one and only job. Of his 4 years in the league he has had sack totals of 1,2,6,1.

4. Kelsay is an interesting idea, but he is only a consistent 5 sacks a year pass rusher, not sure if I would want to pay him what it would take for that production.

5. Harper will be 34 and is only just average at this point in time. 1 year stop gap max.

 

[BullheadCardFan]

Okoye would be an interesting pick for us .. what would we do with Dockett .. use him at DE .. ?? because I see Watson and Clancy holding down the other DT spot ...

 

[Mitch]

Just a few thoughts.

1. Hamlin is not injury prone. The only time he ever missed a game was becuase of his off field altercation.

2. Shanle has already re-signed with the Saints. Expect to here about more re-signings in the coming weeks. FO people are back from all allstar games, pro bowl, and their mini vacations and are back to work full force now.

3. If Peek is just a pass rush specialist then he as failed at his one and only job. Of his 4 years in the league he has had sack totals of 1,2,6,1.

What bugs me Joe is that I spend two hours writing this thing and all you can offer are your own nitpicking critiques. Just for once I would love to read something positive from you. You add a lot to the board as our supreme detail and information guy and resident capologist...so I have always appreciated your input...but...geesh, to just sit there and look for faults and nothing else is very annoying.

1. Ken Hamlin has had a history of head injuries, which is why he is a risk signing. In 2005 he was replaced in the starting lineup by Marquand Manuel (who defected as a free agent following that season). This season Hamlin avoided serious injury, but there are some in Seattle who claim that he has not been quite the same as he was in 2004. Hamlin played in only 6 games in 2005.

2. How did you learn that Shanle had re-signed? As I said, I predicted he would anyway.

3. Good stats on Peek...but, having watched this guy play on several occasions, he brings the heat...the question is can he be solid in run support and pass coverage? The Cardinals need to turn up the amps on their pass rush and Peek is the kind of up tempo rusher the team needs.

 

[joeshmo]

What bugs me Joe is that I spend two hours writing this thing and all you can offer are your own nitpicking critiques.

What the heck do you expect me to do. Just give you a, "Thanks for the Write up" I am going to give you my opinions on your write up, just like I expect to get the same in return. I am not going to go line by line and say what I agree with. If I dont comment on something it means I dont find any fault with it. Its just a like a saying in retail, "A bad shopping experiance and the shopper will tell 10 of their friends, while a good shopping experiance and they will tell no one."

And what you call nitpicking I call opinions and correcting false info, if you dont like opinions or being corrected on what your write then dont post them.

1. Ken Hamlin has had a history of head injuries, which is why he is a risk signing. In 2005 he was replaced in the starting lineup by Marquand Manuel (who defected as a free agent following that season). This season Hamlin avoided serious injury, but there are some in Seattle who claim that he has not been quite the same as he was in 2004.

He had one injury not injuries. And was only replaced in the last half of the season becuase of one injury. He is fully recovered and Seattle let out a sigh of relief after his first preseason game and never looked back as he had his best overall season yet.

2. How did you learn that Shanle had re-signed? As I said, I predicted he would anyway.

Tryout the web site called www.theredzone.org. Do not type in .com. as that is not a football web site. Anyways its a web site that brings all local newspaper articles to one spot for all 32 teams.

As for the Shanle re-signing -

http://www.nola.com/saints/t-p/index.ssf?/base/sports-3/1171091070178990.xml&coll=1

3. Good stats on Peek...but, having watched this guy play on several occasions, he brings the heat...the question is can he be solid in run support and pass coverage? The Cardinals need to turn up the amps on their pass rush and Peek is the kind of up tempo rusher the team needs.

For all his heat you would expect to see better production though wouldnt you? He needs to be in a pure 3-4 scheme only, as that is the only scheme he has even been remotely succesfull in, and even then he didnt light it up. Peek is a 2nd string DE on a 4-3 team who is still in need of another DE and pass rush help opposite of Mario. If we brought in Peek it would be a sign that we are eventually moving towards the 3-4 D and that just isnt what Wiz has been telling us.

 

[BullheadCardFan]

Mitch ...

I appreciate your input and I read all your posts .. you always give me something to think about and different ways to look at how to improve the team ... I realize that this is just your opinion, but you do have some real good input ...

BHCF

 

[Mitch]

What the heck do you expect me to do. Just give you a, "Thanks for the Write up" I am going to give you my opinions on your write up, just like I expect to get the same in return. I am not going to go line by line and say what I agree with. If I dont comment on something it means I dont find any fault with it. Its just a like a saying in retail, "A bad shopping experiance and the shopper will tell 10 of their friends, while a good shopping experiance and they will tell no one."

And what you call nitpicking I call opinions and correcting false info, if you dont like opinions or being corrected on what your write then dont post them.



He had one injury not injuries. And was only replaced in the last half of the season becuase of one injury. He is fully recovered and Seattle let out a sigh of relief after his first preseason game and never looked back as he had his best overall season yet.



Tryout the web site called www.theredzone.org. Do not type in .com. as that is not a football web site. Anyways its a web site that brings all local newspaper articles to one spot for all 32 teams.

As for the Shanle re-signing -

http://www.nola.com/saints/t-p/index.ssf?/base/sports-3/1171091070178990.xml&coll=1



For all his heat you would expect to see better production though wouldnt you? He needs to be in a pure 3-4 scheme only, as that is the only scheme he has even been remotely succesfull in, and even then he didnt light it up. Peek is a 2nd string DE on a 4-3 team who is still in need of another DE and pass rush help opposite of Mario. If we brought in Peek it would be a sign that we are eventually moving towards the 3-4 D and that just isnt what Wiz has been telling us.

Joe, I actually appreciate being corrected...honestly. It's just that when all you comment on are the faults you find, it's disheartening.

After saying that Hamlin only missed one game in his career, were you enlightened to learn that Hamlin missed 10 games in 2005?

We all make mistakes...with you they are rare, I admit and I applaud your for your resourcefulness.

Sorry for the nitpicking comment, that was wrong. Peace.

 

[Mitch]

Mitch ...

I appreciate your input and I read all your posts .. you always give me something to think about and different ways to look at how to improve the team ... I realize that this is just your opinion, but you do have some real good input ...

BHCF

Thanks, BullheadCardFan. I appreciate the kind words.

Because they are opinions I do expect and want them to be rebutted by posters who disagree...that's what makes this board so entertaining. But, I also do my best to agree with fellow posters when they make a good point and I think we all should. Otherwise, some of the criticisms get awfully one sided.

 

[joeshmo]

After saying that Hamlin only missed one game in his career, were you enlightened to learn that Hamlin missed 10 games in 2005?

I know he missed nore then 1 game. I only brought up the point that the only reason he missed any game at all was becuase he got into a fight outside of football and got smacked in the head. One injury made him miss those games and was shown it wasnt a career threatening one becuase he came back without a single issue and had his best season yet. Hence my problem with your calling him injury prone. Injury prone to me means missing games for multiple different injuries, or missing more then one period of time. Tommy Knight, Starks, Berry, guys you do not expect to play a full season for the rest of their career, thats how I think of injury prone. That is not Hamlin.

Sorry if I dont bring up anything but debatable issues. I just dont take the time to bring up everything that I agree with. I would rather debate the issues, it a disease.

 

[kerouac9]

Isn't Robaire Smith a Titan, not a Jaguar? He was cut by the Texans and then re-signed with his old team, right?

 

[Scot1]

Thanks, Mitch, good insights as usual, though I sometimes disagree with your overall strategy. I'd be happy if you're right about getting Harper, and if your note about safeties is the way things turn out. I'd use the high pick on DE Anderson if Thomas is gone, preferably trading down, but he sounds like the best #5 pick likely to be left for us. Run support from the DE helps our backfield almost as much as a good pass rush, I think, and I'm not sure Adams would give it. I would also resign Macklin early--not one of my preferred two CBs to start training camp, but not useless.

I find Okoye intriguing but risky. Yes, he could be another Tommie Harris, but he could also be too small, or wind up perpetually injured due to size differential.

My strategic stance--nothing especially insightful: if we get a good OT and one or two good CBs, plus standard late-round prospects for OLB, S, etc., we're at least playoff-bound, so we've got to find a way to guarantee solid additions for those three positions.

 

[CardNots]

Mitch,
You need to be more duckie like. Just let the comments slide off your back. Keep writing as I look forward to reading your thoughts.

I remember you taking a beating on your Coach Green comments. Stay the course.

 

[Goldfield]

Mitch, your stuff is allways good. Just like Joeshmo's reply was equally good.

You cant let that stuff bother you. That kind of stuff is exactly what makes this MB great. Hell I get ripped everytime I post!

 

[Mulli]

Mitch, your stuff is allways good. Just like Joeshmo's reply was equally good.

You cant let that stuff bother you. That kind of stuff is exactly what makes this MB great. Hell I get ripped everytime I post!

Insert rip of Beerz here.

 

[Goldfield]

Insert rip of Beerz here.

Too easy

 

[Denny Green Fan]

Thanks, Mitch, good insights as usual, though I sometimes disagree with your overall strategy. I'd be happy if you're right about getting Harper, and if your note about safeties is the way things turn out. I'd use the high pick on DE Anderson if Thomas is gone, preferably trading down, but he sounds like the best #5 pick likely to be left for us. Run support from the DE helps our backfield almost as much as a good pass rush, I think, and I'm not sure Adams would give it. I would also resign Macklin early--not one of my preferred two CBs to start training camp, but not useless.

I find Okoye intriguing but risky. Yes, he could be another Tommie Harris, but he could also be too small, or wind up perpetually injured due to size differential.

My strategic stance--nothing especially insightful: if we get a good OT and one or two good CBs, plus standard late-round prospects for OLB, S, etc., we're at least playoff-bound, so we've got to find a way to guarantee solid additions for those three positions.

Tommie Harris ran a 4.8 40 before he was drafted by the Bears. My Pro Football Weekly says Amobe has 5.1 speed. I am like you I like him but not as much as I like Anderson or Branch.

 

[Heucrazy]

Tommie Harris ran a 4.8 40 before he was drafted by the Bears. My Pro Football Weekly says Amobe has 5.1 speed. I am like you I like him but not as much as I like Anderson or Branch.

How much does 40 time really factor into a DT's play? Strength and the ability to clog lanes is what a DT should be based on.

 

[kerouac9]

How much does 40 time really factor into a DT's play? Strength and the ability to clog lanes is what a DT should be based on.

Only a 2-gap DT. 1-gap and 3-technique DTs (like Harris) are asked to shoot gaps like a D-end. That's what Lovie Smith's Cover-2 is based on.

 

[Heucrazy]

Only a 2-gap DT. 1-gap and 3-technique DTs (like Harris) are asked to shoot gaps like a D-end. That's what Lovie Smith's Cover-2 is based on.

Ok, but how far from the Dline to the gap is it? I'm guessing two to three yards at most. Making a 40 yard dash kind of irrelevant when judging DT's.

 

[kerouac9]

Ok, but how far from the Dline to the gap is it? I'm guessing two to three yards at most. Making a 40 yard dash kind of irrelevant when judging DT's.

Sure, but you're not judging DTs against WRs or corners. You're judging them against other DTs. It's all relative. If you could to a 5- or 10-yard split, that's great. But stamina on those plays is as important as anything else. Maybe if you're looking for a 1-gap guy you look at his vertical, since that seems to judge explosion more than any of the other drills.

You can't just judge by the scale and how many times they can throw up the 225 lb bar. Otherwise, Marcus Bell wouldn't be a hanger-on for the Lions.