2011 Cardinals: Off-Season Wishes

[Mitch]

1. Keith Butler as DC. Brings the LeBeau approach---which is the best in football.

2. Jim Tomsula as D-Line Coach. There will be sentiment to keep him in SF...but Harbaugh may not wish to retain any carry-overs. Love this guy's passion.

3. Jerry Olsavsky as Linebacker Coach. Is a defensive assistant in Pittsburgh and has been working with Butler. Brings an aggressive style.

4. Ed Donnatell as Secondary coach. Has done a great job with the Broncos. Might be retained...but might want a change of scenery.

5. Bill O'Brien as Offensive Coordinator. The Patriots' QB coach will run an offense that attacks the middle of the field to draw the safeties tight in order to throw deep up the sides. (Note: If Todd Haley is released---he's the #1 choice---otherwise go get O'Brien)

6. Tom Cable as O-Line Coach. A fresh, more aggressive approach is needed. As much as Whiz and Grimm have a "friendly" relationship, one has to question the accord they have in their professional relationship. There is no point in having Russ Grimm be the AHC, RGC and OLC on a pass oriented team.

7. Kevin Kolb as QB. Trade the #5 pick---beat the 49ers to him---because they could easily offer their 1st rounder. Kolb will need to be signed to an extension. He is in the last year of his current deal and, thanks to the Eagles already paying him a $10M signing bonus, his salary for 2011 is approximately $1.3M.

8. LaMarr Woodley as SOLB. Butler can build his defense around him.

9. Mathias Kiwanuka as WOLB. Brings size and edge speed.

10. Greg Jones of Michigan State (#38 pick in draft) as LILB. Forget that he's a little undersized, no player in the draft has a better nose for the ball or better finishing skills. Paired with Washington...wow!

11. D.J. Williams of Arkansas as TE (#69 pick in draft). Exactly what this offense needs...a TE threat up the middle and in the seams.

12. Anthony Castonzo of Boston College as LT. Trade next year's #1 to the Patriots to get him. We need a more athletic edge protector. Get the best draft pick you can in a trade for Levi Brown, or else have him battle Brandon Keith and Jeremy Bridges for the RT spot.

13. Logan Mankins as LG. Outbid the Patriots---they likely won't franchise tag him. Having O'Brien on board could help.

14. Deuce Lutui as RG. Re-sign him so he can stack slightly larger paychecks in his locker.

15. Chase Beeler of Stanford as challenger for the starting C spot (#102 pick in the draft). This guy is as smart and fundamental as they come.

16. Steve Breaston as #2 WR. Model effort guy---very good player who needs QB chemistry to thrive.

17. Broaden ST Coach Kevin Spencer's role to Practice Coordinator. Make these practices tougher...more focused on the fundamentals...and more focused on practicing situations that involve clock management.

 

[DoTheDew]

I like almost everything on this list. Except for Kevin Kolb for the #5. This guy is the most overrated QB on the market. I don't get the love for him. 19 games and he has a negative TD to Int ratio and very pedestrian stats otherwise. I'd take Newton, Mallet, Gabbert, McNabb, Orton, or Bulger over him.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/stats?playerId=10480

If we had the free agency haul that you wrote, however, I might throw a parade.

 

[Cbus cardsfan]

I like alot of it, especially the defensive staff of Butler and Orlovsky. I don't there will be any staff changes offensively.
Logan Mankins is my #1 FA target. I don't think NE will tag him. They supposedly had a deal with him but Kraft wanted a public apology from Mankins but Mankins refused. I think his ship has sailed in NE.
Woodley would be an incredible get also.
I wouldn't mind Kolb but not for the #5 pick. I doubt SF gives up their pick for him either.
I've seen alot of Greg Jones over the years and I am not a huge fan. He jsut doesn't seem like that much of a playmaker to me. The best ILB I have seen this year is #30 from Alabama, not Donta'e Higtower but the other guy. If you get a chance watch his play against MSU in the bowl game. I watched particularly for Hightower and this #30 was all over the place. I'll look him up.
DJ Williams would be nice if we ever used the TE.
I'm usually not a fan of trading future #1's but Costanzo would be a very nice fit and you know NE will trade.
Don't really know about Beeler but I have been very impressed with John Moffitt and he played C at Wisky before moving to guard. Another guy I'm reading up on is Marcus Cannon from TCU. He's a big nasty guard as well.

 

[Cardiac]

I like a lot of this with a couple of exceptions.

I'm fine if they change out the entire D coaching staff but I don't know that's necessary. The Bidwills will only spend so much money this offseason since the CBA etc. is not resolved so I would rather spend $ on FA's then coaches.

If Haley becomes available then go get him but other then that promoting Miller is fine.

Not a fan of Kolb and would go crazy if we gave the Iggles our #5 pick. Reid has a history of getting decent picks for sub par QB's so I don't trust the "excellence" of Kolb.

I also don't like giving up a 1st rd pick from 2012 for any position besides a QB. I agree we need to get a new LT but a talent similar to Constonzo should be available in rd2.

I just read that the Bronco's want a 2nd rd pick for Orton, what do you think? I think our 2nd rd pick is a bit to good for him but maybe some negotiating will change their required compensation for him.

At this point I want Gabbert at 5 and a vet QB and a LT in the 2nd. Get Woodley as you suggest and the Cards are back in the mix.

 

[Crazy Canuck]

From what I've read, the chances of Woodley making it to the open market are "slim and none". They'll tag, if they have to.

 

[splitsecond]

I don't like #5 for Kolb, it is quite the overpay if you ask me. Most everything else is a great dream.

 

[Cardiac]

From what I've read, the chances of Woodley making it to the open market are "slim and none". They'll tag, if they have to.

Sigh....

The Steelers did just give Harrison a TON of money and Hampton just got a new deal. When does Troy P come up for an extension?

Hopefully they run out of CAP room for Woodley.

Nope they are to smart to lose a premier pass rusher so who else is out there?

 

[Mitch]

I do question the #5 for Kolb. It's tough---he strikes me as worth it---but I do hate to give up the pick. More than anything else I would like to have the QB in place for years to come....which would settle the Fitz issue because he would stay...and I figured that Kolb has the biggest upside of any of the 4-5 year QBs and if the Cardinals are tempted to take a QB at #5 anyway, why not get a guy heading into his best days of football? Would any of you give up a 2011 #2 and a 2012 #3 for him?

I like Orton a lot...although it surprised me how much he stunk against us. I would be happy to have him.

I have a feeling that now that Harbaugh says he's going to install the West Coast offense in SF, that for the time being they will want Donovan McNabb...and that worries me. I know he struggled in DC...but I still feel that with the right coaches, opportunity for input (like Warner had) and WRs, he could be a Pro Bowler again.

A younger QB who intrigues me is Matt Moore of Carolina. Watching him win those games versus playoff teams down the stretch last year was impressive. He throws well and is pretty tough. Struggled early on this year obviously.

Anthony Castonzo is the best pass blocking LT in the draft and is NFL ready. He would be an instant upgrade in one of the most pivotal areas of improvement.

 

[Cardiac]

I do question the #5 for Kolb. It's tough---he strikes me as worth it---but I do hate to give up the pick. More than anything else I would like to have the QB in place for years to come....which would settle the Fitz issue because he would stay...and I figured that Kolb has the biggest upside of any of the 4-5 year QBs and if the Cardinals are tempted to take a QB at #5 anyway, why not get a guy heading into his best days of football? Would any of you give up a 2011 #2 and a 2012 #3 for him?

Maybe, if I liked Kolb more but for whatever reason I'm just not a fan.

I like Orton a lot...although it surprised me how much he stunk against us. I would be happy to have him.

I attribute it to his first game without McDaniels. As much of a tool he is one can't question his mind for Offense.

I have a feeling that now that Harbaugh says he's going to install the West Coast offense in SF, that for the time being they will want Donovan McNabb...and that worries me. I know he struggled in DC...but I still feel that with the right coaches, opportunity for input (like Warner had) and WRs, he could be a Pro Bowler again.

I hope they give up their #7 pick for Kolb.

A younger QB who intrigues me is Matt Moore of Carolina. Watching him win those games versus playoff teams down the stretch last year was impressive. He throws well and is pretty tough. Struggled early on this year obviously.

I couldn't understand why everyone said the Panthers needed a QB last year since Moore was putting up huge numbers. My guess is that the NFL got enough tape on him and now we see who he really is.

Anthony Castonzo is the best pass blocking LT in the draft and is NFL ready. He would be an instant upgrade in one of the most pivotal areas of improvement.

You may be right but at this point everything I've read indicates there are no blue chip OT's in this draft. I agree we desperately need to get a true LT.

 

[LoyaltyisaCurse]

I have a feeling that now that Harbaugh says he's going to install the West Coast offense in SF, that for the time being they will want Donovan McNabb...and that worries me. I know he struggled in DC...but I still feel that with the right coaches, opportunity for input (like Warner had) and WRs, he could be a Pro Bowler again.

.

Which is why I was upset last season when the Cards basically had ZERO competition for McNabb (who would've absolutely led the Cards to at least 8-9 victories this season). Now...

 

[Buckybird]

Mitch good read, but 2 problems...the human snail & Mr. B!!!

1)Generally the Cards offseason consists of a 3-4 signings of minor players who don't have big impacts on the field. We will probably sign McNabb or trade for Orton which won't net us a Lombardi trophy.

2)Based on Wiz's statements, I'm not sure he will add anyone to the coaching staff other than a DC. I really wish the 2 Millers were shown the door because some very good offensive peeps should be available.

 

[Seandonic]

For your wishes to come true there would have to be quite a bit of moves made and money spent. When was the last time you saw either of those things done by this team?

Therefore at least more than half of your well thought out wishes that would certainly improve this team will remain just wishes.

Based on those wishes I believe this will happen.

I can see Butler being brought in but anyone else who comes along to fill out his staff will be no name up and comers who will sign on for cheap.

No real coaching changes to the offensive side of the ball. The FO will say their concentrating on the defensive side this off-season but we all know it's because it would cost too much for the Bidwills to fix both at the same time.

The Cardinals will low ball the Eagles for Kolb with a laughable offer and the Eagles will not bite because they don't have to. The Cards will claim they did all that they could to acquire him but in the end will wind up with someone a lot cheaper.

As far as FA's go I can see the Cardinals bringing in ONE big name guy but that singing will clear the coffers in the Bidwills eyes so don't expect anymore. Think more second and third tier guys like Lenon, Bridges, Hadnot, Haggans, Becht, Beisel, McFadden, etc...Besides, why pick up an expensive guy like Mankins when you've got a hall-o-fame o-line coach who's been grooming talent that he has hand picked through the draft? And why pick up an expensive OLB like Woodley when an unpolished gem like Cyril Obiozor and a still highly productive veteran like Porter could be had for a fraction of the price?

I'm sure the draft will produce it's share of rookies who come right in and unseat the veterans ahead of them quickly like always so I won't really delve into that. more

As for Lutui and Breaston? Take your pick...the Bidwills say you can only keep one.

I think your number seventeen option has the most likelihood of occurring. It's cheap and for the most part meaningless...now that sounds just about right for the Bidwills.

 

[desertdawg]

I highly doubt Haley will be floating around, I like the O'Brien idea. That's just too much for Kolb, IMO, we should use the #5 on Newton or some one else in our division will try and get him. I love the ideas Mitch, good read bruddah. I hope the Cards can make some moves, I hope Graves puts some effort into his job.

 

[ReddBird]

Fun post and much appreciated.

I do like Kolb but I wonder if he's the answer to our problems. It seems to me that he's good until pressured...and that doesn't exactly inspire me in the Cards' situation.

 

[PJ1]

Great post as always. Would offer a 2 and something else for Kolb. I believe that would be fair. If it is high first round picks the Eagles want let them go somewhere else. If they want to switch number one's and we give them another pick I would also listen. I like Kolb better than Orton, Bulger and McNabb and he will be in demand. I really wouldn't want the Niners to get him.

 

[Hypothesis]

I highly doubt Haley will be floating around, I like the O'Brien idea. That's just too much for Kolb, IMO, we should use the #5 on Newton or some one else in our division will try and get him. I love the ideas Mitch, good read bruddah. I hope the Cards can make some moves, I hope Graves puts some effort into his job.

People are going to call me nuts, but I'm going to predict that Cam Newton goes #1 overall to Carolina. With Jerry Richardson coming out and saying "It appears that the play of our quarterbacks has deteriorated over the last few years." and him stressing the importance of them drastically improving the offense, it just seems to fit.

 

[desertdawg]

People are going to call me nuts, but I'm going to predict that Cam Newton goes #1 overall to Carolina. With Jerry Richardson coming out and saying "It appears that the play of our quarterbacks has deteriorated over the last few years." and him stressing the importance of them drastically improving the offense, it just seems to fit.

I won't call you nuts homie but I hope that doesn't happen. Panthers would have to shop Clausen, he didn't do to well for Carolina but this is a guy who can grow into a good QB possibly...who's nuts now?

 

[Mitch]

People are going to call me nuts, but I'm going to predict that Cam Newton goes #1 overall to Carolina. With Jerry Richardson coming out and saying "It appears that the play of our quarterbacks has deteriorated over the last few years." and him stressing the importance of them drastically improving the offense, it just seems to fit.

I think you are right, Hypothesis.

Carolina needs a splash---and this would be a big one.

 

[joeshmo]

For your wishes to come true there would have to be quite a bit of moves made and money spent. When was the last time you saw either of those things done by this team?

That is easy, prior to this season -

2009 - 8th in total money spent on player salary
2008 - 8th in total money spent on player salary

2008 to 2010 - 7th in average coaching salary spent.

2010 - Cards made 5 total trades

 

[WarnerHOF]

If the Cards trade #5 for Kolb than either Whiz or Graves should be fired ASAP.

 

[Chopper0080]

Yeah, I can't get behind the Kolb trade. I would offer up a 2nd for Kolb or a 3rd fro Orton. Someone will bite and we can always trade out the 5 spot to pick up more picks.

A couple other points...

-Mankins is good, but Nicks is better. I would really like either of them however.

-I don't think it is likely, but if we did pick up Woodley, then that would open our draft up a ton. Could take P Peterson at 5 if we wanted, or trade back and grab Anthony Castonzo or Von Miller or Aldon Smith. I think that there is a solid amount of talent at the end of the 1st and throughout the 2nd round that we could snatch up if we were in a position to trade back.

 

[Chopper0080]

One more

-Sign Ryan Kalil-C to shore up the C position. Also I am on the draft Moffit wagon.

 

[WildBB]

Good post Mitch. You allways do your homework.

Very busy offseason agenda there.

I like that you address the major needs which are many. The Bidwells I don't think know how to open their coffers that much.

I'd be ecstatic with Woodley and Mankins in particular.

Don't think NE will do business with us in the draft if we take him though.

Getting Kolb @5 is a little high. We'd have to get some picks back. Or at least their 1st or 2nd. Otherwise we have options, good options there, mtl.

 

[LarryStalling]

Nice wish list Mitch. I can't argue with much of it. I doubt if you could get Haley back here though, but the thought surely is enticing.

I have 2 wishes for LB. Martez Wilson in the second round or if we can get a late first round pick. The second one is to match up with your undersized Michigan State lb. I want Kyle Glazier on the team. I think that he can be had in the later rounds.

 

[DoTheDew]

How about trading the #5 down to the 15-20 range and extra picks and then trading that pick for Kolb? That would be more fair.

Or better yet, flip picks with Philly (will be no better than #23) for Kolb. Maybe throw in some mid round picks as well if needed