RugbyMuffin
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Running Back:
I have to hand it to Coach Whiz, he has an eye for running back talent. The Cardinals are sitting pretty at the running back position (…..I can’t believe I just said that…..). But it is true, we are a long way from Marcell Shipp, Larry Croom, and Damien Anderson.
Chris “Beanie” Wells, is going to be something special. Chris Wells who is 6’1”, 228 lbs and ONLY 21 YEARS OLD. I am a firm believer you don’t become full grown until your are about 26/27, so Wells is going to only get bigger and stronger. While Wells possesses very good speed for a big back, his strength, and feet are what makes him a top tier back. It is like giving Coach Whiz the second coming of Jerome Bettis, but with more speed. To force defenses to put faster & smaller players out on the field to deal with the pass and then send Beanie after them is just unfair. Then to back up Wells is Tim Hightower who despite one re-occurring problem is a very solid running back, and a good all around football player. His pass blocking skills are top notch, he does a great job of catching the ball out of the back field, and runs the ball with the intent to punish the opposition. One can only hope that our new running back coach will work with Hightower on going into contact, under control and with the awareness of where the football is. His fumbles are always when he is fighting for that extra inch, or while on his way to the ground. Those are fixable problems, IMO, with the right coaching and practice. Finally, to have the full compliment of speed, receiving and power out of the backfield, my personal favorite player from last year, LaRod Stevens-Howling. What an absolute steal this kid was in the seventh round. He can be a kick returner, a special teams ace, a “scat back” out of the backfield. Saying LSH is a replacement for JJ Arrington is an insult to LSH. I put this kid as one of the most valuable players on our team for the many positions and roles he can play, and he plays them all extremely well.
I expect the Cardinals to carry four running backs, and the Cardinals do have a fourth running back under contract in Jason Wright, but I do not think he will make the cut. Hightower is a better receiver and blocker, and LSH is much better on special teams. I do not see what Wright brings to the table. Wright will be in a battle with whomever the Cardinals bring in this off-season, and I would expect it would be a RB with some serious top speed. Yet, if the Cardinals do bring in someone new, it will be a low draft pick or lower tier free agent that would have to beat Jason Wright out on special teams.
Free Agent Possibilities:
- Adrian Peterson [CHI]
- Willie Parker
There is absolutely NOTHING when it comes to the free agent pool at the running back position. At least for what the Cardinals are looking for. Adrian Peterson would be someone to bring in to compete with Jason Wright, but he is essentially Jason Wright without the pass blocking or receiving skills. As for Willie Parker? I just put him on the list since he is a Pittsburg player that Whiz knows. If Parker wanted to play special teams and be a role player, why not ?
Draft Possibilities:
- Brandon James, Florida - 5’7” 185lbs - (Round: 4-5)
- Stafon Johnson, USC - 5’11” 214lbs - (Round: 7-UDFA)
- LaMarcus Coker, Hampton - 5’11” 205lbs - (UDFA)
- Michael Smith, Arkansas - 5’9” 180lbs - (UDFA)
As I stated above, I would not expect the Cardinals to spend a high round draft pick on a running back, and if they draft a back at all they would have to be good on special teams, and I would assume have some speed. Brandon James, while undersized, can be a returner and has some serious speed. The other three backs can be signed as UDFA and all have good speed, but I wouldn’t count on the Cardinals looking at Coker since he has had serious off-field issues, tho he has serious speed and skill.
Full Back:
The Cardinals want to run the ball, and run the ball with power. They are going to need a good fullback, and it is well worth committing a roster spot to the position, and not expecting some TE to pull double duty.
Currently the Cardinals have a fullback under contract in Reagan Maui’a, who has a small amount of NFL experience with Miami. The coaches see enough in the 6’0” – 260 lbs Maui’a to sign him to a future contract. I would also assume Justin Green will be brought back with a low tender deal to compete for the fullback position. Green has been with the Cardinals for two years, and I would expect he has been the player that the Cardinals have been grooming for the position, but we will see. I would be surprised if the Cardinals don’t bring in at least one or two fullbacks to compete in camp.
Free Agent Possibilities:
- Le’Ron McClain [RFA]
- John Kuhn [RFA]
- Dan Krieder
- Tony Richardson
It is my article and I can fantasize about Le’Ron McClain all I want. John Kuhn is not going to be available but the Cardinals will have their eye on him to see what happens. Then of course there is the possibility of signing Dan Krieder back to the team, and I could care less how old Tony Richardson is, cause he is still a top of the line fullback in this league.
Draft Possibilities:
- Dorin Dickerson, Pitt – 6’2” 230lbs – (Round: 6-7)
- Cory Jackson, Maryland – 6’1” 245lbs – (Round: 6-7)
- Matt Clapp, Oklahoma – 6’3” 234lbs – (Round: 7-UDFA)
- Richie Brockel – 6’2” 248lbs - (Round: 7- UDFA)
I am wary of 230lbs fullbacks but the two listed above are very good athletes. Dorin Dickerson is a jack of all trades player that played a couple of positions for Pitt but has found a home at fullback. Matt Clapp has the reputation of being a great blocker even at his size. The other two guys are your prototype 6 foot, 250lbs hammerheads. All of them could be gotten in the very late rounds, or signed as UDFA.
Tight End:
Tight Ends, they are as allusive to a Cardinal offense as a pass rusher is to a Cardinals defense. The Cardinals did a good job in getting a quality band aid fix for this position last year. If Ben Patrick had no been suspended for 4 games then he would have had even more of an impact last year. I think Patrick has become a serviceable blocker, and we all know he can catch and make a play. Yet, he is the only multitasking TE had last year. I would assume Patrick will get a respectable tender as a RFA in the off-season, and expect him starting next year. Anthony Becht was a welcomed addition to the Cardinals last year, his blocking ability was a major factor in the development of the Cardinal rushing attack. When he set the edge, it was set in stone. The problem with Becht is that he is a UFA this year, is really old, and doesn’t have much left in the tank when it comes to running routes. While I really liked Becht this year, I would rather put a sixth offensive linemen out on the field (ala the Jets) since putting Becht out there is nothing more than doing just that. The Cardinals also have Matt Leinart’s old USC tight end, Domonique Byrd back under contract. There is obviously a problem with Byrd is some department beside his ability to catch the football. Byrd is touted for his receiving skills, but I would assume cannot block a lick. One would hope Byrd spend his time off last season, getting his blocking skills to an NFL quality level. A two TE set with Byrd and Patrick would be potent combo, of course assuming Byrd’s blocking skill have dramatically improved.
The Cardinals are going to bring in at least 2 or 3 tight ends to compete for the two open roster spots for next year. In year’s past I would not put getting a tight end very high on the priority list, but again the philosophy of this team has changed. There is a possibility the Cardinals could use an early draft pick on a tight end, or even spend a little cash in free agency to acquire a solid multitasking tight end.
Free Agent Possibilities:
- Jeff King [RFA]
- Alge Crumpler
- Ben Watson
- Reggie Kelly
- Ben Harstock
Another off-season, and another dose of “keep your eye on Jeff King”. I absolutely love the guy, he is Heath Miller without the receiving skills. Top notch blocking TE, and will never see free agency because the Panthers would have to be nuts to let this guy go. None the less, my post so I get to put him on the list. Alge Crumpler is my interesting over the hill prospect of the year. His blocking skills were vastly improved, and anyone that watched the Titans this year would agree. Not to mention the guy can still catch. Ben Watson is someone to take a look and kick the tires. He has some speed, and receiving ability but I don’t know too much about his blocking ability. Reggie Kelly was someone the Cardinals were interested in a few years back, but age and injuries may have caught up with him. Harstock is a pure blocking back, that could be brought in if Anthony Becht is no longer available.
Draft Possibilities:
- Jermaine Gresham, Oklahoma -6’6” 260lbs - (Round: 1)
- Rob Gronkowski, Arizona - 6’6” 260lbs - (Round: 2-3)
- Jimmy Graham, Miami - 6’6” 250lbs - (Round: 5-6)
- Colin Peek, Alambama - 6’5” 250lbs - (Round: 5-6)
- Nat Byham, Pitt - 6’3” 255lbs - (Round: 5-6)
- Greg Boone, Virginia Tech - 6’3” 283lbs - (Round: 7-UDFA)
- Caz Piurowski, Florida State - 6’7” 271lbs - (Round: 7-UDFA)
- Jeff Cottan, Tenn. - 6’8” 260lbs - (Round: UDFA)
- Michael Hoomanawaiui, Illinois - 6’4” 267lbs - (Round: UDFA)
There is a lot of talk about the Cardinals possibly taking a Tight End very early. While I don’t agree with that move, there is no doubt it is an area of need. Ben Patrick is developing into a solid TE, but another Tight End is needed for blocking, and if the plan is to go to two Tight End sets more, then we need one more all-around tight end. Obviously, Jermaine Gesham is a beast, and will be highly sought after by many teams, if he falls to the Cardinals he might be chosen. I am not sold on Gronkowski, because he seems to have way too many injury issues. There is a hand full of decent tight ends at the end of the draft, all of which are known more for there blocking, which if the Cardinals have to chose between a receiving TE and a blocking TE they are going to go with a blocking TE. All the names above are good blockers, and guys like Greg Boone are more of a OT playing at TE. Not to mention the fact that I put Michael Hoomanawaiui in there because his name was cool. ……and there goes the integrity of the whole post LOL!
Part 1: Offense, Coaches and QB's - Link:http://www.arizonasportsfans.com/vb...10-part-1-offense-coaches-and-qbs-148519.html
Part 2: RB, FB, TE - Link:http://www.arizonasportsfans.com/vb...-preview-2010-part-2-rb-fb-amp-te-148518.html
Part 3: Wide Receiver - Link:http://www.arizonasportsfans.com/vb...preview-2010-part-3-wide-receiver-148517.html
Part 4: Offensive Line - Link:http://www.arizonasportsfans.com/vb...review-2010-part-4-offensive-line-148516.html
Part 5: Defense & Defensive Line - Link:http://www.arizonasportsfans.com/vb...part-5-defense-amp-defensive-line-148515.html
Part 6: Linebackers - Link:http://www.arizonasportsfans.com/vb/f4/arizona-cardinals-preview-2010-part-6-linebackers-148514.html
Part 7: Defensive Backs - Link:http://www.arizonasportsfans.com/vb...eview-2010-part-7-defensive-backs-148513.html
Part 8: Special Teams & Summary - Link:http://www.arizonasportsfans.com/vb...-part-8-special-teams-amp-summary-148512.html
*** A full copy of the entire post is available as an attachment to Part 1: Offense, Coaches and QB's
I have to hand it to Coach Whiz, he has an eye for running back talent. The Cardinals are sitting pretty at the running back position (…..I can’t believe I just said that…..). But it is true, we are a long way from Marcell Shipp, Larry Croom, and Damien Anderson.
Chris “Beanie” Wells, is going to be something special. Chris Wells who is 6’1”, 228 lbs and ONLY 21 YEARS OLD. I am a firm believer you don’t become full grown until your are about 26/27, so Wells is going to only get bigger and stronger. While Wells possesses very good speed for a big back, his strength, and feet are what makes him a top tier back. It is like giving Coach Whiz the second coming of Jerome Bettis, but with more speed. To force defenses to put faster & smaller players out on the field to deal with the pass and then send Beanie after them is just unfair. Then to back up Wells is Tim Hightower who despite one re-occurring problem is a very solid running back, and a good all around football player. His pass blocking skills are top notch, he does a great job of catching the ball out of the back field, and runs the ball with the intent to punish the opposition. One can only hope that our new running back coach will work with Hightower on going into contact, under control and with the awareness of where the football is. His fumbles are always when he is fighting for that extra inch, or while on his way to the ground. Those are fixable problems, IMO, with the right coaching and practice. Finally, to have the full compliment of speed, receiving and power out of the backfield, my personal favorite player from last year, LaRod Stevens-Howling. What an absolute steal this kid was in the seventh round. He can be a kick returner, a special teams ace, a “scat back” out of the backfield. Saying LSH is a replacement for JJ Arrington is an insult to LSH. I put this kid as one of the most valuable players on our team for the many positions and roles he can play, and he plays them all extremely well.
I expect the Cardinals to carry four running backs, and the Cardinals do have a fourth running back under contract in Jason Wright, but I do not think he will make the cut. Hightower is a better receiver and blocker, and LSH is much better on special teams. I do not see what Wright brings to the table. Wright will be in a battle with whomever the Cardinals bring in this off-season, and I would expect it would be a RB with some serious top speed. Yet, if the Cardinals do bring in someone new, it will be a low draft pick or lower tier free agent that would have to beat Jason Wright out on special teams.
Free Agent Possibilities:
- Adrian Peterson [CHI]
- Willie Parker
There is absolutely NOTHING when it comes to the free agent pool at the running back position. At least for what the Cardinals are looking for. Adrian Peterson would be someone to bring in to compete with Jason Wright, but he is essentially Jason Wright without the pass blocking or receiving skills. As for Willie Parker? I just put him on the list since he is a Pittsburg player that Whiz knows. If Parker wanted to play special teams and be a role player, why not ?
Draft Possibilities:
- Brandon James, Florida - 5’7” 185lbs - (Round: 4-5)
- Stafon Johnson, USC - 5’11” 214lbs - (Round: 7-UDFA)
- LaMarcus Coker, Hampton - 5’11” 205lbs - (UDFA)
- Michael Smith, Arkansas - 5’9” 180lbs - (UDFA)
As I stated above, I would not expect the Cardinals to spend a high round draft pick on a running back, and if they draft a back at all they would have to be good on special teams, and I would assume have some speed. Brandon James, while undersized, can be a returner and has some serious speed. The other three backs can be signed as UDFA and all have good speed, but I wouldn’t count on the Cardinals looking at Coker since he has had serious off-field issues, tho he has serious speed and skill.
Full Back:
The Cardinals want to run the ball, and run the ball with power. They are going to need a good fullback, and it is well worth committing a roster spot to the position, and not expecting some TE to pull double duty.
Currently the Cardinals have a fullback under contract in Reagan Maui’a, who has a small amount of NFL experience with Miami. The coaches see enough in the 6’0” – 260 lbs Maui’a to sign him to a future contract. I would also assume Justin Green will be brought back with a low tender deal to compete for the fullback position. Green has been with the Cardinals for two years, and I would expect he has been the player that the Cardinals have been grooming for the position, but we will see. I would be surprised if the Cardinals don’t bring in at least one or two fullbacks to compete in camp.
Free Agent Possibilities:
- Le’Ron McClain [RFA]
- John Kuhn [RFA]
- Dan Krieder
- Tony Richardson
It is my article and I can fantasize about Le’Ron McClain all I want. John Kuhn is not going to be available but the Cardinals will have their eye on him to see what happens. Then of course there is the possibility of signing Dan Krieder back to the team, and I could care less how old Tony Richardson is, cause he is still a top of the line fullback in this league.
Draft Possibilities:
- Dorin Dickerson, Pitt – 6’2” 230lbs – (Round: 6-7)
- Cory Jackson, Maryland – 6’1” 245lbs – (Round: 6-7)
- Matt Clapp, Oklahoma – 6’3” 234lbs – (Round: 7-UDFA)
- Richie Brockel – 6’2” 248lbs - (Round: 7- UDFA)
I am wary of 230lbs fullbacks but the two listed above are very good athletes. Dorin Dickerson is a jack of all trades player that played a couple of positions for Pitt but has found a home at fullback. Matt Clapp has the reputation of being a great blocker even at his size. The other two guys are your prototype 6 foot, 250lbs hammerheads. All of them could be gotten in the very late rounds, or signed as UDFA.
Tight End:
Tight Ends, they are as allusive to a Cardinal offense as a pass rusher is to a Cardinals defense. The Cardinals did a good job in getting a quality band aid fix for this position last year. If Ben Patrick had no been suspended for 4 games then he would have had even more of an impact last year. I think Patrick has become a serviceable blocker, and we all know he can catch and make a play. Yet, he is the only multitasking TE had last year. I would assume Patrick will get a respectable tender as a RFA in the off-season, and expect him starting next year. Anthony Becht was a welcomed addition to the Cardinals last year, his blocking ability was a major factor in the development of the Cardinal rushing attack. When he set the edge, it was set in stone. The problem with Becht is that he is a UFA this year, is really old, and doesn’t have much left in the tank when it comes to running routes. While I really liked Becht this year, I would rather put a sixth offensive linemen out on the field (ala the Jets) since putting Becht out there is nothing more than doing just that. The Cardinals also have Matt Leinart’s old USC tight end, Domonique Byrd back under contract. There is obviously a problem with Byrd is some department beside his ability to catch the football. Byrd is touted for his receiving skills, but I would assume cannot block a lick. One would hope Byrd spend his time off last season, getting his blocking skills to an NFL quality level. A two TE set with Byrd and Patrick would be potent combo, of course assuming Byrd’s blocking skill have dramatically improved.
The Cardinals are going to bring in at least 2 or 3 tight ends to compete for the two open roster spots for next year. In year’s past I would not put getting a tight end very high on the priority list, but again the philosophy of this team has changed. There is a possibility the Cardinals could use an early draft pick on a tight end, or even spend a little cash in free agency to acquire a solid multitasking tight end.
Free Agent Possibilities:
- Jeff King [RFA]
- Alge Crumpler
- Ben Watson
- Reggie Kelly
- Ben Harstock
Another off-season, and another dose of “keep your eye on Jeff King”. I absolutely love the guy, he is Heath Miller without the receiving skills. Top notch blocking TE, and will never see free agency because the Panthers would have to be nuts to let this guy go. None the less, my post so I get to put him on the list. Alge Crumpler is my interesting over the hill prospect of the year. His blocking skills were vastly improved, and anyone that watched the Titans this year would agree. Not to mention the guy can still catch. Ben Watson is someone to take a look and kick the tires. He has some speed, and receiving ability but I don’t know too much about his blocking ability. Reggie Kelly was someone the Cardinals were interested in a few years back, but age and injuries may have caught up with him. Harstock is a pure blocking back, that could be brought in if Anthony Becht is no longer available.
Draft Possibilities:
- Jermaine Gresham, Oklahoma -6’6” 260lbs - (Round: 1)
- Rob Gronkowski, Arizona - 6’6” 260lbs - (Round: 2-3)
- Jimmy Graham, Miami - 6’6” 250lbs - (Round: 5-6)
- Colin Peek, Alambama - 6’5” 250lbs - (Round: 5-6)
- Nat Byham, Pitt - 6’3” 255lbs - (Round: 5-6)
- Greg Boone, Virginia Tech - 6’3” 283lbs - (Round: 7-UDFA)
- Caz Piurowski, Florida State - 6’7” 271lbs - (Round: 7-UDFA)
- Jeff Cottan, Tenn. - 6’8” 260lbs - (Round: UDFA)
- Michael Hoomanawaiui, Illinois - 6’4” 267lbs - (Round: UDFA)
There is a lot of talk about the Cardinals possibly taking a Tight End very early. While I don’t agree with that move, there is no doubt it is an area of need. Ben Patrick is developing into a solid TE, but another Tight End is needed for blocking, and if the plan is to go to two Tight End sets more, then we need one more all-around tight end. Obviously, Jermaine Gesham is a beast, and will be highly sought after by many teams, if he falls to the Cardinals he might be chosen. I am not sold on Gronkowski, because he seems to have way too many injury issues. There is a hand full of decent tight ends at the end of the draft, all of which are known more for there blocking, which if the Cardinals have to chose between a receiving TE and a blocking TE they are going to go with a blocking TE. All the names above are good blockers, and guys like Greg Boone are more of a OT playing at TE. Not to mention the fact that I put Michael Hoomanawaiui in there because his name was cool. ……and there goes the integrity of the whole post LOL!
Part 1: Offense, Coaches and QB's - Link:http://www.arizonasportsfans.com/vb...10-part-1-offense-coaches-and-qbs-148519.html
Part 2: RB, FB, TE - Link:http://www.arizonasportsfans.com/vb...-preview-2010-part-2-rb-fb-amp-te-148518.html
Part 3: Wide Receiver - Link:http://www.arizonasportsfans.com/vb...preview-2010-part-3-wide-receiver-148517.html
Part 4: Offensive Line - Link:http://www.arizonasportsfans.com/vb...review-2010-part-4-offensive-line-148516.html
Part 5: Defense & Defensive Line - Link:http://www.arizonasportsfans.com/vb...part-5-defense-amp-defensive-line-148515.html
Part 6: Linebackers - Link:http://www.arizonasportsfans.com/vb/f4/arizona-cardinals-preview-2010-part-6-linebackers-148514.html
Part 7: Defensive Backs - Link:http://www.arizonasportsfans.com/vb...eview-2010-part-7-defensive-backs-148513.html
Part 8: Special Teams & Summary - Link:http://www.arizonasportsfans.com/vb...-part-8-special-teams-amp-summary-148512.html
*** A full copy of the entire post is available as an attachment to Part 1: Offense, Coaches and QB's
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