Mitch
Crawled Through 5 FB Fields
It has been so refreshing and encouraging to see a clear and decisive off-season plan at work---to see the FO and the coaching staff working in unison to make what they are now calling "Cardinal decisions."
There's a special kind of diligence going on---and with each move it is becoming more and more clear what the new team philosophy is.
The free agent signings have been numerous and splendid---and each is remarkable in that the Cardinals were able to add high effort players at bargain prices, even one day into the free agency frenzy, which, as we all know, is usually when teams tend to overbid and overpay the players they covet.
The positive thinking behind the picks?
1. OLB Lorenzo Alexander: the Cardinals targeted him for a number of reasons: (a) his outstanding STs ability; (b) his locker room presence and leadership; (c) his potential to be a good pass rusher (which Tom Pratt will try to develop); (d) his physical style of play. I think Alexander has the body type and the tenacity to be a good edge rusher. He's the Drew Stanton of the defense in that now he has his chance to maximize his talents.
2. RB Rashard Mendenhall: as Arians has said, Mendenhall is the proto-typical kind of RB for his offense because he can bang it inside, he has the speed to gain chunk yards and occasionally hit the home run, he is a force at the goal-line, he can catch it and run when you need him to and he can block in pass protection. His one year deal puts added incentive for Mendenhall to return to the kind of form that he had during his 1,000 yard seasons in Pittsburgh. Basically his one year deal was a challenge from Arians: you do your job and you will earn a long-term contract.
Note: Arians gave Mendenhall an ultimatum---you either sign with us right now or we will pull our offer off the table. Mendenhall was supposed to go visit the Broncos---but, as we know, that never happened. Gotta love BA's determination here.
Note too: Mendenhall said that he and the other free agents that gathered at the Cardinals' facility the second day of free agency formed an instant kind of bond. Their excitement to become Cardinals and to join up as teammates was palpable.
3. CB Jerraud Powers: Arians calls him "Auburn tough" and credits Powers for providing one of the most pivotal turning points for the Colts last year when his interception of Aaron Rodgers led to a stunning victory over the Packers. Arians saw what Powers can do every day in practice last year and believes 100% in his ability and makeup.
4. S Yeremiah Bell: Todd Bowles loves this guy and with good reason. He's a leader and a dependable player at a key position. Bell thrived in Bowles' defense as a Dolphin two years ago and had a very good year this past year as a Jet. He was signed to a modest one year contract, which was a boon in itself and which shows how much Bell wanted to be here---and he will be counted on to make big plays and to help develop a rookie draft pick and/or Justin Bethel if Bowles decides he belongs at safety.
5. QB Drew Stanton: Arians believes that Stanton will be a good starter in his system. Having worked closely every day with Stanton last year, no one would have a better sense of why Stanton will succeed than Arians himself. The positives with Stanton are clear and Arians is focused on bringing those positives to fruition. What other coaches and teammates have all said about Stanton is very encouraging as they unanimously laud his leadership. Arians is a take charge coach and he needs a take charge QB. Arians and Stanton appear to be a wonderful match.
Stanton's contract is modest---he's going to have to earn his way to a bigger contract. That's the way it should have been with other overpaid Cardinal QBs of the past. The new HC and GM are getting it right this time around.
6. CB Antoine Cason: Arians was able to sign Cason to a one year deal that is for less money than he would have received in Jacksonville because of Cason's desire to play in Arizona and to be reunited with DB coach Kevin Ross. If the match is as strong as it appears to be, Cason could be taking his game to its highest level this year.
Note: the Cardinals wanted to re-sign CB Greg Toler, but Toler hadn't earned a $5M per year salary, at least not in his first four years. Instead the Cardinals were able to sign Jerraud Powers and Antoine Cason combined for less than Toler's $5M.
7. DE Matt Shaughnessy: this could be the biggest steal signing of the batch. Shaughnessy is an attractive player because of his physical style of play, his athleticism for such a thick body type and his versatility. He can play inside and outside in a 4 man rush---he can rush the edge from a 2 point stance as a 34 OLB. He can be a disruptive force as a 34 DE. I don't think there is any question that they would have liked to sign him to a longer deal---which if Shaughnessy deserves after this season, like Mendenhall, the Cardinals will be quick to award him at a figure that will make both sides happy.
8. ILB Jasper Brinkley: here is a young physical ILB heading into his prime. His game is only starting to take form and he will find himself in a position to thrive as he will be more protected than he was in the 4-3 at Minny. He will be able to play more aggressively, especially knowing he is playing in tandem with Daryl Washington. Plus, this guy could be a real factor in pressuring the QB on inside blitzes and occasional outside ones the way the Cardinals did with Reggie Walker at times last year.
What I am wondering is whether the addition of Brinkley will now allow the Cardinals to kick Reggie Walker over to SOLB. Walker showed some promise on the edge last year when he was used there to rush the passer. The coaches may have liked what they saw from Walker in that role. I bet they did.
9. DE Frostee Rucker: I cannot even begin to emphasize what a good signing this is and what a paradigm shift this represents. Rucker wasn't a fit in Horton's defense which is why he was let go---but the problem with Horton's defense in Arizona was that the OLBers were not suited to play rush DE in a the nickel and dime pass rushes (4 man).
The new Cardinals' coaches obviously saw this on tape and recognized that we need bigger, stronger, more powerful players to rush the passer. Especially now that the Cardinals need bull rushers on the edge who can maintain the outside line of the pocket so that they don't leave gaping escape routes for the athletic NFC West QBs to exploit. Funneling the QBs into to the teeth of the pocket is the way to go.
Rucker, like Matt Shaughnessy, can rush inside and outside in a 4 man rush. He is very good for running loop and TEX stunts, and like Shaughnessy he has short area quickness to get to the ball.
The irony is that Bowles' version of the 34 in terms of edge rushing is more in line with Dick LeBeau's than Horton's in that the edge rushers need to have the size and strength to be effective bull rushers.
10. WR/KR/PR Josh Cribbs: he's not signed as of yet, but he's clearly in the plans. One could see why he wants to be a Cardinal---did you hear what Bruce Arians has in mind for him? Arians wants to make any and every effort to get the ball in Cribbs' hands---and when you look at BA's offense, it's made to order for that through all the bubble and hitch screens and the z-delays on skinny posts and drags. BA could re-invent Josh Cribbs.
More FA Additions:
A few more are on the way. The clever way in which Mike Disner can work and maneuver the cap is a real breakthrough in how the Cardinals are finding ways to put all the puzzle pieces in place.
Some potential options:
1. QB Carson Palmer---one gets the sense that the Cardinals are waiting to see what happens with him in Oakland. He would be the one veteran QB scenario that would intrigue the Cardinals. BA is fine with Stanton as it now stands, but should Palmer become available, the Cardinals could make a swift and decisive move there and will have to find a creative cap solution in order to accommodate the move. Stay tuned Mike Disner!
2. T Max Starks---his signing makes a good deal of sense now that the coaches are strongly considering moving Nate Potter to guard. Starks would be very good insurance at tackle.
3. G/C Kevin Boothe---there was thought that Rich Ohrnsberger would be signed for that role, but he was just signed by the Chargers. Signing Boothe would give the Cardinals a solid option at RG and/or at center if they decided to let the far more expensive Adam Snyder go...or even if they hang on to Snyder.
4. TE Dallas Clark---pretty sure that his number is still in Tom Moore's rolodex. What a mentor he would be to Housler and the rookie TEs the Cardinals acquire.
5. OLB Shaun Phillips---there seemed to be some mutual interest and he would be a nice fit to continue to upgrade the edge pass rush.
6. OLB/DE Dwight Freeney---MJ stated that he heard the Cardinals were waiting to see what Freeney's situation was and that if he remained on the market and got frustrated with the Broncos they could swoop in and get him signed. MJ called it a long shot and it probably is---but there could be a scenario here.
7. S James Sanders---he was solid last year as one of the backup safeties and was good on STs.
8. S Quintin Mikell---solid in run support and can cover over the top.
9. S Michael Huff---he's getting some strong attention by several teams, maybe the Cardinals get involved?
10. WR Darius Heyward-Bey---speed WR whose made some progress and could be had at a bargain price. Would be great for him to work with Larry Fitzgerald and for a HC who likes to take 6-7 deep shots a game.
Trade Possibilities:
1. QB Brian Hoyer---especially if the Cardinals acquire Carson Palmer. A team like the Browns who are high on him could work a deal for a draft pick or player and then sign Hoyer to a multi-year deal like the one Stanton got. However, if BA does not trade Hoyer, it will be interesting to see what BA thinks of him once he sees and evaluates him on grass. I think BA really is going to like Hoyer. the question is: more than Stanton? BA wants to decide that going into training camp.
2. FB Anthony Sherman---seeing as BA doesn't use a FB, Sherman could have trade value on draft day. One would think he might be wanted in San Diego as much for his ST's value as in forming a dynamic duo with Le'Ron McClain. The Packers and Bears might be good fits as well.
Arians' Path To The Draft:
Some may argue that BA's pre-draft remarks are a smokescreen---but I don't think so at all. I think he is in earnest when he says:
1. "Our offensive line situation is not nearly as dire as people make it out to be." Look---4 offensive linemen were added last year in Snyder, Massie, Kelemete and Potter. The plan seems pretty clear that they like Levi Brown and Bobby Massie at the tackles and that they believe Nate Potter would be a good fit in their zone blocking schemes at guard.
Now---if the BPA at #7 is an offensive lineman, they could surely go in that direction. But, they clearly don't feel desperate to take one that early.
2. "None of the QBs in this draft have the wow factor, but, there are six QBs in this draft that could be solid pros." What this quote suggests is that again the Cardinals won't be desperate to reach for a QB---but as Steve Keim stated, "I'm of the Ron Wolf school of thinking that it's good to draft a QB every year." The Cardinals will draft a QB---but who, when and where? I think the earliest would be at #69 if Matt Scott, Mike Glennon or Tyler Bray are still available. My hunch is that Zach Dysert or Sean Renfree in the 4th or 5th round could be the choice.
3. "I love the fact that the new rules allow you to work with the rookies as much as you want."
This part is key, imo, and is the main reason why BA is looking to the draft as a means for adding the new bulk of the offensive talent he wants.
It wouldn't surprise me at all if the Cardinals trade down once or twice to add more picks, because I think BA is going to want a rookie QB and a bunch of rookie skill players (RB, WR, TE) to work with this off-season, in just the same way he did in Indy last year.
4. "I love to scout the RBs and WRs."
BA said this at the Combine---and it will be very interesting to see what skill players he has his eyes on in this draft.
Because BA is using free agency to fortify and to strengthen the defense, and because he has been trying to let the fans know that the offensive line situation is better than people think and that the draft class at QB lacks the "wow" factor, I think anything goes in this draft. In other words, you might want to be prepared to be surprised.
What the pundits think the Cardinals need and whom they should take may be vastly different than what BA and Steve Keim think.
I believe it is....which makes me all the more excited with this draft.
Think of how hamstrung and tied to need the Cardinals would have been heading into the draft if they hadn't been so active in free agency.
This draft is now pretty wide open for the Cardinals...
Which is exactly what BA wants his offense to be---wide open.
There's a special kind of diligence going on---and with each move it is becoming more and more clear what the new team philosophy is.
The free agent signings have been numerous and splendid---and each is remarkable in that the Cardinals were able to add high effort players at bargain prices, even one day into the free agency frenzy, which, as we all know, is usually when teams tend to overbid and overpay the players they covet.
The positive thinking behind the picks?
1. OLB Lorenzo Alexander: the Cardinals targeted him for a number of reasons: (a) his outstanding STs ability; (b) his locker room presence and leadership; (c) his potential to be a good pass rusher (which Tom Pratt will try to develop); (d) his physical style of play. I think Alexander has the body type and the tenacity to be a good edge rusher. He's the Drew Stanton of the defense in that now he has his chance to maximize his talents.
2. RB Rashard Mendenhall: as Arians has said, Mendenhall is the proto-typical kind of RB for his offense because he can bang it inside, he has the speed to gain chunk yards and occasionally hit the home run, he is a force at the goal-line, he can catch it and run when you need him to and he can block in pass protection. His one year deal puts added incentive for Mendenhall to return to the kind of form that he had during his 1,000 yard seasons in Pittsburgh. Basically his one year deal was a challenge from Arians: you do your job and you will earn a long-term contract.
Note: Arians gave Mendenhall an ultimatum---you either sign with us right now or we will pull our offer off the table. Mendenhall was supposed to go visit the Broncos---but, as we know, that never happened. Gotta love BA's determination here.
Note too: Mendenhall said that he and the other free agents that gathered at the Cardinals' facility the second day of free agency formed an instant kind of bond. Their excitement to become Cardinals and to join up as teammates was palpable.
3. CB Jerraud Powers: Arians calls him "Auburn tough" and credits Powers for providing one of the most pivotal turning points for the Colts last year when his interception of Aaron Rodgers led to a stunning victory over the Packers. Arians saw what Powers can do every day in practice last year and believes 100% in his ability and makeup.
4. S Yeremiah Bell: Todd Bowles loves this guy and with good reason. He's a leader and a dependable player at a key position. Bell thrived in Bowles' defense as a Dolphin two years ago and had a very good year this past year as a Jet. He was signed to a modest one year contract, which was a boon in itself and which shows how much Bell wanted to be here---and he will be counted on to make big plays and to help develop a rookie draft pick and/or Justin Bethel if Bowles decides he belongs at safety.
5. QB Drew Stanton: Arians believes that Stanton will be a good starter in his system. Having worked closely every day with Stanton last year, no one would have a better sense of why Stanton will succeed than Arians himself. The positives with Stanton are clear and Arians is focused on bringing those positives to fruition. What other coaches and teammates have all said about Stanton is very encouraging as they unanimously laud his leadership. Arians is a take charge coach and he needs a take charge QB. Arians and Stanton appear to be a wonderful match.
Stanton's contract is modest---he's going to have to earn his way to a bigger contract. That's the way it should have been with other overpaid Cardinal QBs of the past. The new HC and GM are getting it right this time around.
6. CB Antoine Cason: Arians was able to sign Cason to a one year deal that is for less money than he would have received in Jacksonville because of Cason's desire to play in Arizona and to be reunited with DB coach Kevin Ross. If the match is as strong as it appears to be, Cason could be taking his game to its highest level this year.
Note: the Cardinals wanted to re-sign CB Greg Toler, but Toler hadn't earned a $5M per year salary, at least not in his first four years. Instead the Cardinals were able to sign Jerraud Powers and Antoine Cason combined for less than Toler's $5M.
7. DE Matt Shaughnessy: this could be the biggest steal signing of the batch. Shaughnessy is an attractive player because of his physical style of play, his athleticism for such a thick body type and his versatility. He can play inside and outside in a 4 man rush---he can rush the edge from a 2 point stance as a 34 OLB. He can be a disruptive force as a 34 DE. I don't think there is any question that they would have liked to sign him to a longer deal---which if Shaughnessy deserves after this season, like Mendenhall, the Cardinals will be quick to award him at a figure that will make both sides happy.
8. ILB Jasper Brinkley: here is a young physical ILB heading into his prime. His game is only starting to take form and he will find himself in a position to thrive as he will be more protected than he was in the 4-3 at Minny. He will be able to play more aggressively, especially knowing he is playing in tandem with Daryl Washington. Plus, this guy could be a real factor in pressuring the QB on inside blitzes and occasional outside ones the way the Cardinals did with Reggie Walker at times last year.
What I am wondering is whether the addition of Brinkley will now allow the Cardinals to kick Reggie Walker over to SOLB. Walker showed some promise on the edge last year when he was used there to rush the passer. The coaches may have liked what they saw from Walker in that role. I bet they did.
9. DE Frostee Rucker: I cannot even begin to emphasize what a good signing this is and what a paradigm shift this represents. Rucker wasn't a fit in Horton's defense which is why he was let go---but the problem with Horton's defense in Arizona was that the OLBers were not suited to play rush DE in a the nickel and dime pass rushes (4 man).
The new Cardinals' coaches obviously saw this on tape and recognized that we need bigger, stronger, more powerful players to rush the passer. Especially now that the Cardinals need bull rushers on the edge who can maintain the outside line of the pocket so that they don't leave gaping escape routes for the athletic NFC West QBs to exploit. Funneling the QBs into to the teeth of the pocket is the way to go.
Rucker, like Matt Shaughnessy, can rush inside and outside in a 4 man rush. He is very good for running loop and TEX stunts, and like Shaughnessy he has short area quickness to get to the ball.
The irony is that Bowles' version of the 34 in terms of edge rushing is more in line with Dick LeBeau's than Horton's in that the edge rushers need to have the size and strength to be effective bull rushers.
10. WR/KR/PR Josh Cribbs: he's not signed as of yet, but he's clearly in the plans. One could see why he wants to be a Cardinal---did you hear what Bruce Arians has in mind for him? Arians wants to make any and every effort to get the ball in Cribbs' hands---and when you look at BA's offense, it's made to order for that through all the bubble and hitch screens and the z-delays on skinny posts and drags. BA could re-invent Josh Cribbs.
More FA Additions:
A few more are on the way. The clever way in which Mike Disner can work and maneuver the cap is a real breakthrough in how the Cardinals are finding ways to put all the puzzle pieces in place.
Some potential options:
1. QB Carson Palmer---one gets the sense that the Cardinals are waiting to see what happens with him in Oakland. He would be the one veteran QB scenario that would intrigue the Cardinals. BA is fine with Stanton as it now stands, but should Palmer become available, the Cardinals could make a swift and decisive move there and will have to find a creative cap solution in order to accommodate the move. Stay tuned Mike Disner!
2. T Max Starks---his signing makes a good deal of sense now that the coaches are strongly considering moving Nate Potter to guard. Starks would be very good insurance at tackle.
3. G/C Kevin Boothe---there was thought that Rich Ohrnsberger would be signed for that role, but he was just signed by the Chargers. Signing Boothe would give the Cardinals a solid option at RG and/or at center if they decided to let the far more expensive Adam Snyder go...or even if they hang on to Snyder.
4. TE Dallas Clark---pretty sure that his number is still in Tom Moore's rolodex. What a mentor he would be to Housler and the rookie TEs the Cardinals acquire.
5. OLB Shaun Phillips---there seemed to be some mutual interest and he would be a nice fit to continue to upgrade the edge pass rush.
6. OLB/DE Dwight Freeney---MJ stated that he heard the Cardinals were waiting to see what Freeney's situation was and that if he remained on the market and got frustrated with the Broncos they could swoop in and get him signed. MJ called it a long shot and it probably is---but there could be a scenario here.
7. S James Sanders---he was solid last year as one of the backup safeties and was good on STs.
8. S Quintin Mikell---solid in run support and can cover over the top.
9. S Michael Huff---he's getting some strong attention by several teams, maybe the Cardinals get involved?
10. WR Darius Heyward-Bey---speed WR whose made some progress and could be had at a bargain price. Would be great for him to work with Larry Fitzgerald and for a HC who likes to take 6-7 deep shots a game.
Trade Possibilities:
1. QB Brian Hoyer---especially if the Cardinals acquire Carson Palmer. A team like the Browns who are high on him could work a deal for a draft pick or player and then sign Hoyer to a multi-year deal like the one Stanton got. However, if BA does not trade Hoyer, it will be interesting to see what BA thinks of him once he sees and evaluates him on grass. I think BA really is going to like Hoyer. the question is: more than Stanton? BA wants to decide that going into training camp.
2. FB Anthony Sherman---seeing as BA doesn't use a FB, Sherman could have trade value on draft day. One would think he might be wanted in San Diego as much for his ST's value as in forming a dynamic duo with Le'Ron McClain. The Packers and Bears might be good fits as well.
Arians' Path To The Draft:
Some may argue that BA's pre-draft remarks are a smokescreen---but I don't think so at all. I think he is in earnest when he says:
1. "Our offensive line situation is not nearly as dire as people make it out to be." Look---4 offensive linemen were added last year in Snyder, Massie, Kelemete and Potter. The plan seems pretty clear that they like Levi Brown and Bobby Massie at the tackles and that they believe Nate Potter would be a good fit in their zone blocking schemes at guard.
Now---if the BPA at #7 is an offensive lineman, they could surely go in that direction. But, they clearly don't feel desperate to take one that early.
2. "None of the QBs in this draft have the wow factor, but, there are six QBs in this draft that could be solid pros." What this quote suggests is that again the Cardinals won't be desperate to reach for a QB---but as Steve Keim stated, "I'm of the Ron Wolf school of thinking that it's good to draft a QB every year." The Cardinals will draft a QB---but who, when and where? I think the earliest would be at #69 if Matt Scott, Mike Glennon or Tyler Bray are still available. My hunch is that Zach Dysert or Sean Renfree in the 4th or 5th round could be the choice.
3. "I love the fact that the new rules allow you to work with the rookies as much as you want."
This part is key, imo, and is the main reason why BA is looking to the draft as a means for adding the new bulk of the offensive talent he wants.
It wouldn't surprise me at all if the Cardinals trade down once or twice to add more picks, because I think BA is going to want a rookie QB and a bunch of rookie skill players (RB, WR, TE) to work with this off-season, in just the same way he did in Indy last year.
4. "I love to scout the RBs and WRs."
BA said this at the Combine---and it will be very interesting to see what skill players he has his eyes on in this draft.
Because BA is using free agency to fortify and to strengthen the defense, and because he has been trying to let the fans know that the offensive line situation is better than people think and that the draft class at QB lacks the "wow" factor, I think anything goes in this draft. In other words, you might want to be prepared to be surprised.
What the pundits think the Cardinals need and whom they should take may be vastly different than what BA and Steve Keim think.
I believe it is....which makes me all the more excited with this draft.
Think of how hamstrung and tied to need the Cardinals would have been heading into the draft if they hadn't been so active in free agency.
This draft is now pretty wide open for the Cardinals...
Which is exactly what BA wants his offense to be---wide open.
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