2007 Cardinals: Free Agent Menu (Offense) and Predictions

[Mitch]

Sticking with Mike Reiss' top 5 plus sleepers per position:

Quarterback:

1. Jeff Garcia, Philadelphia
2. Damond Huard, Kansas City
3. Tim Rattay, Tampa Bay
4. Anthony Wright, Cincinnati
5. Kerry Collins, Tennessee
Sleeper: Marques Tuiasosoppo, Oakland

My comments: The top player in this list, IMO, is Huard, who played very well spelling for the injured Trent Green. Garcia turned heads with his stretch performance in Philly and still appears to be a good starter in the right system. Rattay, Wright and Collins are all #2 QBs at this point.

Predictions: Garcia re-signs with Philadelphia, as the Eagles are leery of McNabb's injuries. Huard re-signs with Kansas City and becomes the starter there.

Draft Scenario: It will be interesting to see if the Cardinals draft a QB this year. It's not a deep draft for QBs...and without a 6th round pick, the Cardinals will have to make the most of all their picks. What's also interesting is Shane Boyd's ties with Whiz...the Steelers played Boyd quite a bit in pre-season last year...I think they saw some real assets in his arm strength and mobility. If Whiz likes Boyd...he might become the #3 in place of John Navarre.

Offensive Line:

1. Eric Steinbach, Cincinnati
2. Jordan Black, Kansas City
3. Kris Dielman, San Diego
4. Andre Gurode, Dallas
5. Leonard Davis, Arizona
Sleeper: Tony Pashos, Baltimore

My comments: While the Cardinals' offensive line did improve quite a bit last season, I believe they still need a leader and need to upgrade the talent there. Steinbach is better than any offensive lineman the Cards have. He's a tough nosed player and a bona fide leader. Notre Dame's Jordan Black is a young RT who is just starting to come into his own. G Kris Dielman has played extremely well in San Diego helping to spawn the best running game in the league...and C/G Gurode emerged as a stalwart performer in Dallas' o-line this year. Leonard Davis deserve to be #5 on this list because he has not lived up to his potential, and one has to wonder whether he ever will. RT Tony Pashos is much like Jordan Black...a 5th year player who has garnered good experience and has shown promise as a starter.

Predictions: Steinbach is Whiz' kind of player and I expect Whiz to pull out the red carpet for Steinbach and sign him. He is the leader the unit needs. And he's versatile. It will be interesting to see if Whiz and Russ decide they like what they see in Reggie Wells at RT...or if a rejuvenated Oliver Ross will take back the position. I don't think that Whiz will elect to re-sign Leonard Davis, especially if he intends to throw a significant contract in Steinbach's direction. And, although Whiz likes Max Starks, I don't think he will be willing to surrender a high draft pick to get him. This means that signing a T such as Jordan Black or Tony Pashos would be appealing.

Draft Scenario: However, with the prospect of landing Joe Thomas at #5 in the draft a real possibility, I think Whiz will sign Steinbach and add another player in the draft, either Thomas or someone like Purdue's Mike Otto or Arkansas' Tony Ugoh in round 2 or 3.

Running Back:

1. Dominic Rhodes, Indianapoils
2. Ahman Green, Green Bay
3. Ron Dayne, Houston
4. Chris Brown, Tennessee
5. Justin Griffith (FB), Atlanta
Sleeper: Marcel Shipp, Arizona

My comments: Man, what one great Super Bowl performance has done for Rhodes' stock! Green has been hurt too much in recent years. Dayne will never be a #1 RB. Brown remains an enigma...flashes excellence and then disappears. Griffith is under-rated and a player that Arizona may covet. And good to see Marcel Shipp mentioned here...he's regarded pretty highly around the league as a full effort back. Houston may hop on him this time.

Prediction: The Cards will add a FB...and Griffth fits the bill.

Draft Scenario: Whiz wants a 2 RB back rotation...the question is, is J.J. Arrington the #2 RB? I think that a RB will be taken in this draft to challenge Arrington...if Michael Bush is on the board in round two, he's a real possibility. At this point it would appear that Adrian Peterson of Oklahoma will be taken by Cleveland at #3. If Peterson sneaks past #4, the Cards will have a major decision to make. And, IMO, if he's there, the Cards will take him.

Wide Receiver:

1. Drew Bennett, Tennessee
2. Kevin Curtis, St. Louis
3. Travis Taylor, Minnesota
4. Troy Brown, New England
5. Bobby Engram, Seattle
Sleeper: Kelley Washington, Cincinnati

My comments: The Cards need a #4WR/PR and Shaun MacDonald on St. Louis is made to order for that role.

Predictions: Bennett to the Eagles. Curtis to the Patriots. Engram to St. Louis.

Draft Scenario: Ted Ginn Jr. is the Devin Hester of this year's draft, but he would be a real reach at #5. If the Cards trade down to #10-12, then adding Ginn would make sense, if he's still on the board (he will be the trendy pick of this year's draft).

Tight End:

1. Daniel Graham, New England
2. Eric Johnson, San Francisco
3. Reggie Kelly, Cincinnati
4. Visanthe Shiancoe, NY Giants
5. David Martin, Green Bay
Sleeper: Mike Seidman, Carolina

My comments: Graham is a premier athlete who blocks well, runs well, but has laspes in concentration catching the ball. Johnson is a great receiver, but has been banged up badly over the past two years. Kelly is a good blocker, but not a very good receiver. Shiancoe is a fine athlete, but is inexperienced. Martin's best days seem to be behind him. Seidman is a great target and is the sleeper of this class.

Prediction: Daniel Graham would be an excellent addition because he's a far better blocker than Pope or Bergen. However, I think that Whiz will believe he and Freddie Kitchen will coach up Pope this year and will commit to him as the starter. I also think that Jon Bronson will be groomed as a blocking TE and Bergen will remain a pass catcher within the system.

Draft Scenario: The best blocking TE in this draft is Matt Spaeth of Minnesota. If he's on the board in the 5th round, the Cards might want to consider adding him.

Special teams:

1. K Josh Brown, Seattle
2. P Todd Sauerbrun, New England
3. Larry Izzo (coverage), New England
4. K Martin Gramatica, Dallas
5. P Chad Stanley, Houston
Sleeper: Sean Morey (coverage), Pittsburgh

My comments: Brown is the cream of the crop. He's long and clutch. Sauerbrun was booming punts in the AFC Championship game and despite his troubles remains one of the elite punters in the league.

Predictions: Adding Sauerbrun would be huge for the Cards and might be on Kevin Spencer's wish list. The other guy here to keep an eye on is Morey. He was Spencer's best cover guy...and is a speedy, surehanded WR.

 

[O]

Mitch, what's your take on Ryan Khalil (sp) the center from USC?

 

[Mitch]

Mitch, what's your take on Ryan Khalil (sp) the center from USC?

I really like this Ryan Kalil, O. He handled himself beautifully at the Senior Bowl...and held his own in one-on-one drills against all the DTs, especially Tank Tyler, who I think is the strongest DT in the draft.

If he's there at #39, I'd be happy if we took him.

That said, I really like Nick Leckey. I like his tenacity and his leadership.

 

[Shogun]

~Jordan Black is a walking turnstile. BUUUUUM. Ask any Chief fan and they'll tell you the same. I never saw much "promise" in him. When he's the #2 guy on the board, that speaks volumes on the slim pickings we have this year.

~Ted Ginn is not in Hester's league when it comes to returning. Not at all.

~I really like Justin Griffith, but I don't think the Falcons will let him go. He's one of the franchise favorites.

 

[kerouac9]

After all your bitching about wanting a blocking fullback, you want the Cards to get Justin Griffith? They might as well stick with Obefemi Ayanbedejo, because they're essentially the same player.

I'm interested if seeing if the Colts can't keep Rhodes and instead try and plug Marcel Shipp into that role on a 1-2 year contract for close to the minimum. Shipp couldn't ask to go into a better situation.

 

[TheCardFan]

~Jordan Black is a walking turnstile. BUUUUUM. Ask any Chief fan and they'll tell you the same. I never saw much "promise" in him. When he's the #2 guy on the board, that speaks volumes on the slim pickings we have this year.
.

He gave up 13 sacks last year...that's almost 1 a game! If that's coming into your own...you can keep him!

 

[Mitch]

~Jordan Black is a walking turnstile. BUUUUUM. Ask any Chief fan and they'll tell you the same. I never saw much "promise" in him. When he's the #2 guy on the board, that speaks volumes on the slim pickings we have this year.

~Ted Ginn is not in Hester's league when it comes to returning. Not at all.

~I really like Justin Griffith, but I don't think the Falcons will let him go. He's one of the franchise favorites.

Sometimes players who head into their 5th and 6th seasons...start to play on a higher level. Of course having a coach like Russ Grimm prepping him could help big-time.

I disagree about Ginn...and what Ginn gives you is something Hester does not...he adds a major weapon to the offense as a slot WR or outside deep threat.

I like Griffith too...he blocked very well against the Cardinals...not sure why K9 likens him to Femi.

 

[kerouac9]

I like Griffith too...he blocked very well against the Cardinals...not sure why K9 likens him to Femi.

Obafemi Ayanbedejo - 6'2", 230
Justin Griffith - 5'11", 232

Don't you want a blocking fullback? Griffith is the same kind of multi-dimensional utility back that 'Femi is. That's why I liken him to 'Femi.

If you want a blocking back, you're looking at a guy that's 15-25 lbs. heavier. Like Cory Schlesinger (6', 247), Chris Heatherington (6'3", 245), Mike Kearney (5'11", 258), Lorenzo Neal (5'11", 255), or Mack Strong (6', 245). At least be consistent about the kinds of players that you want. Obviously the grass is always greener.

Weis's own prototype is Dan Kreider, 5'11", 255. I mean, I guess he's kind of like Griffith, if by "kind of" you mean "nothing like."

 

[Shogun]

Don't you want a blocking fullback? Griffith is the same kind of multi-dimensional utility back that 'Femi is. That's why I liken him to 'Femi.

That is true. He's just a much better version of Femi. I love Justin because I followed him at Miss St. (my mom graduated from there so likes to follow them).

 

[kerouac9]

That is true. He's just a much better version of Femi. I love Justin because I followed him at Miss St. (my mom graduated from there so likes to follow them).

I actually like Justin Griffith a lot; the Falcons are one of my second-tier teams that I follow. But Mitch has been decrying the Cards' lack of a true blocking fullback for the past season and a half, and he's changing his tune here. I'd like to know why.

I agree that Griffith is better than Femi, but I don't think you can tell how much because Griffith got a lot of chances to perform in Atlanta, with a much more effective offensive line. Griffith would be an upgrade, but I'm not sure if it's the kind of upgrade we're looking for, and I don't know if it's enough to justify the cost. But I'm kind of homing for 'Femi, too. My brothers met him in San Diego last summer.

 

[joeshmo]

A good FA blocking FB would be Ovie from the Ravens. I think thats his first name at least, wont even try to spell his last name.

 

[Scot1]

Thanks, again, Mitch--I commented on the defensive thread first. Jeez, if we got Steinbach and Thomas...! I've come to fear that we will take Peterson--a good runner, I agree, though I'm worried about injury-potential. But I hope Whiz realizes that a top-flight OL plus a solid RB (and I rate Edge better than that) is much, much, MUCH better than a mediocre OL plus an otherwise ProBowl RB. I would take Anderson (or trade down for BPNA--Best Player Needed Available) over Peterson, if the OL is addressed by say Steinback, without blinking.

I think it would be a mistake for the Cards to take Kalil, or Bush, or Graham, unless all the good fast CBs and more flexible OLs are gone. Glad to see you mention Spaeth and Morey, good prospects after we handle our business.

 

[Dr. Jones]

I would like to see us target Gurode & Steinbach.

I think Andre Gurode might be the highest value proposition of all of the Lineman in Free Agency. He is rarely mentioned as an elite player even though he was in the pro-bowl this year.

I just don't see him getting a high-end contract even though his play might warrant it.

And playing for Parcells and Haley will give the coaching staff unique insight into his long-term potential.

Next to Steinbach.... This guy is 2nd on my list.

 

[BullheadCardFan]

Draft Scenario: However, with the prospect of landing Joe Thomas at #5 in the draft a real possibility, I think Whiz will sign Steinbach and add another player in the draft, either Thomas or someone like Purdue's Mike Otto or Arkansas' Tony Ugoh in round 2 or 3.

Totally agree with you here .. also Joe Staley is an option in the 2nd rouind ...

Some one like Steinbach and/or Gurode would be an anchor and a leader on our Oline .. something we really need ...

Prediction: The Cards will add a FB...and Griffth fits the bill.

Draft Scenario: Whiz wants a 2 RB back rotation...the question is, is J.J. Arrington the #2 RB? I think that a RB will be taken in this draft to challenge Arrington...if Michael Bush is on the board in round two, he's a real possibility. At this point it would appear that Adrian Peterson of Oklahoma will be taken by Cleveland at #3. If Peterson sneaks past #4, the Cards will have a major decision to make. And, IMO, if he's there, the Cards will take him.

If we do not sign a FB in FA then I can see us going after a RB that is a bruiser type in the draft ... better yet would be to get a FB in FA and draft a speedster in the later rounds ..

Special teams:

Predictions: Adding Sauerbrun would be huge for the Cards and might be on Kevin Spencer's wish list. The other guy here to keep an eye on is Morey. He was Spencer's best cover guy...and is a speedy, surehanded WR.

I would still like to bring Fred Capshaw to see what he can do .. I liked what he did last year and I think he deserves another chance ...

 

[Zeno]

Draft Scenario: It will be interesting to see if the Cardinals draft a QB this year. It's not a deep draft for QBs...and without a 6th round pick, the Cardinals will have to make the most of all their picks. What's also interesting is Shane Boyd's ties with Whiz...the Steelers played Boyd quite a bit in pre-season last year...I think they saw some real assets in his arm strength and mobility. If Whiz likes Boyd...he might become the #3 in place of John Navarre.


Predictions: Steinbach is Whiz' kind of player and I expect Whiz to pull out the red carpet for Steinbach and sign him. He is the leader the unit needs. And he's versatile. It will be interesting to see if Whiz and Russ decide they like what they see in Reggie Wells at RT...or if a rejuvenated Oliver Ross will take back the position. I don't think that Whiz will elect to re-sign Leonard Davis, especially if he intends to throw a significant contract in Steinbach's direction. And, although Whiz likes Max Starks, I don't think he will be willing to surrender a high draft pick to get him. This means that signing a T such as Jordan Black or Tony Pashos would be appealing.

My prediction is nobody can turn Shane Boyd in to a reliable back-up QB, he is a guy who hasn't thrown more TDs than Ints since High School (and I don't even know if he did it then since those numbers aren't published). Michael Spurlock was a better college QB but he had sense enough to take advantage of his athleticism and become a WR. When Boyd was entering the draft he projected as a developmental RB.

My other prediction is Eric Steinbach doesn't even visit the Cardinals...just a feeling, I think people on this board are severely overrating his play, he is a good but not great OG and an average OT but not worth the money he'll command on the open market in a weak OL free agent class.

 

[BullheadCardFan]

My prediction is nobody can turn Shane Boyd in to a reliable back-up QB

As bad as he is he can't be any worse than John Navarre ... if boyd is as bad as you say then we shouldn't keep either one of them and look for help somewhere else either in the draft or work the wire after cuts ..

I would like us to try and aquire someone like Cleo Lemon from Miami ...

 

[Cbus cardsfan]

For a blocking FB they may look to the kid from Tennessee, Cory Anderson, in the draft. I guess he was just killing people all week during the bowl practices. I can't remember if he was in the Senior Bowl or the shrine game. He's 6'2 270.That's a fullback.

 

[Crazy Canuck]

Sometimes players who head into their 5th and 6th seasons...start to play on a higher level. Of course having a coach like Russ Grimm prepping him could help big-time.

Seems like a pretty good argument for keeping Big, who's superior to the alternatives suggested.

 

[cardsfanmd]

I really like this Ryan Kalil, O. He handled himself beautifully at the Senior Bowl...and held his own in one-on-one drills against all the DTs, especially Tank Tyler, who I think is the strongest DT in the draft.

If he's there at #39, I'd be happy if we took him.

That said, I really like Nick Leckey. I like his tenacity and his leadership.

i think leckey was quite possibly our best lineman by the end of the season, but with that said wizz has stated the one of his primary objectives this offseason is to add depth to the o-line and kalil would be a great addition imo

 

[cardsfanmd]

As bad as he is he can't be any worse than John Navarre ... if boyd is as bad as you say then we shouldn't keep either one of them and look for help somewhere else either in the draft or work the wire after cuts ..

I would like us to try and aquire someone like Cleo Lemon from Miami ...

boldin should be the #3. he was a qb going into college and i have a hard time believing he could be much worse than navarre

 

[cardsfanmd]

quick question, did navarre start over brady or was he there the next year?

 

[Zeno]

quick question, did navarre start over brady or was he there the next year?

He was there after Brady....after Henson.

 

[kerouac9]

Obafemi Ayanbedejo - 6'2", 230
Justin Griffith - 5'11", 232

Don't you want a blocking fullback? Griffith is the same kind of multi-dimensional utility back that 'Femi is. That's why I liken him to 'Femi.

If you want a blocking back, you're looking at a guy that's 15-25 lbs. heavier. Like Cory Schlesinger (6', 247), Chris Heatherington (6'3", 245), Mike Kearney (5'11", 258), Lorenzo Neal (5'11", 255), or Mack Strong (6', 245). At least be consistent about the kinds of players that you want. Obviously the grass is always greener.

Weis's own prototype is Dan Kreider, 5'11", 255. I mean, I guess he's kind of like Griffith, if by "kind of" you mean "nothing like."

Bump! Mitch?