Arizona Cardinals Preview: 2010 - Part 6: Linebackers

[RugbyMuffin]

Outside Linebacker:

It always seems like the Arizona Cardinals are in need of a pass rusher. We are not at the dismal standards of 20 team sacks for a season that we all went through pre-Bertand Berry, but there is a severe lack of a pass rush coming from our OLB core. The 3-4 is built to have two OLB wreaking havoc for opposing offenses. Last year Clark Haggans and Chike Okeafor played hard, but the production was no where to be found. Needless to say it is safe to assume Okeafor is gone, and one would hope, if Haggans starts the season as the starter that some new blood will take over the position by the end of the season. Yet, we must give the Cardinals some credit, our coaches and front office know this is a glaring problem and they are trying anything and everything to find some pass rushing OLB’ers. Last year’s 2nd round pick, Cody Brown has yet to play a snap in a regular season game, so we have some potential already waiting in the wings regarding him. Will Davis will be coming back, and for a rookie learning to play an entirely new position he showed some promise. I would be surprised to see Will Davis become a full time starter, but, as I stated, he has promise, not to mention he plays pretty well on special teams. The Cardinals have already gotten two interesting players under contract. There is the very intriguing Stevie Baggs from the CFL, whom at this point is the Cardinals second most experienced outside linebacker. Can his skill translate over to the NFL ? We will see, but I can’t lie, he looks promising. The other player under contract is Mark Washington, a 6’3” 250lbs who played his college ball in Texas. The Cardinals snatched him right up when he became available this last season. Washington looks the part, but he will have some serious competition in camp. Speaking of camp, the outside linebacker position is going to be an all out war when camp comes around, I guarantee it. There could be one or two open spots on the 53 man roster, so expect a lot of players for this position to be brought in.

Free Agent Possibilities:
- Elvis Dumerville [RFA]
- Aaron Kampman
- Joey Porter
- Tully Banta-Cain
- Derek Burgess
- Jason Taylor
- Chris Gocong [RFA]

I think it would be narrow sighted to think the Cardinals would not think Dumerville is worth giving up some draft picks. Pass rushers don’t grow on trees, and this guy is a proven, elite pass rusher. Not to mention if you are going to use a high round draft pick on a pass rusher then what is the difference ? Most of the rest of the list are guys that could come in and play the role that Bertrand Berry did for us over the last two years. I especially like Aaron Kampman, whose struggles where well documented, but why not take a guy who has a year under his belt, of the growing pains, of learning the OLB position. We know he can rush the passer that is for sure, why not reap the benefit of another team’s work ? Joey Porter is already getting whispered to be coming to Arizona. Will he be willing to take a reduced roll and to work with his old coaches ? I would keep an eye on Chris Gocong as well, 6’3” & 263lbs ? Seems like a prototypical OLB for a 3-4 to me. It will be interesting to see what tender he receives from the Eagles.

Draft Possibilities:
- Brandon Graham, Michigan - 6’1” 263lbs - (Round: 1)
- Jerry Hughes, TCU - 6’2” 258lbs - (Round: 1-2)
- Sergio Kindle, Texas - 6’4” 254lbs - (Round: 2-3)
- Eric Norwood, South Carolina - 6’1” 246lbs - (Round: 3-4)
- Koa Misi, Utah - 6’3”244lbs - (Round: 3-4)
- Jermaine Cunningham, Florida - 6’3” 252lbs - (Round: 3-4)
- Cameron Sheffield, Troy - 6’3” 256lbs - (Round: 3-4)
- Antonio Coleman, Auburn - 6’2” 255lbs - (Round: 5-6)
- Adrian Tracy, William & Mary - 6’3” 245lbs - (Round: 5-6)

Compared to last year, there is a buffet of OLB prospects. Of course it starts off with Brandon Graham who has the possibility of falling all the way to the Cardinals, who I guarantee will happily pick him without hesitation (unless a certain ILB severely drops). I am not completely sold on Hughes and I do not like Kindle. After my top three players there is a host of prospects that can be taken in the middle rounds, all with the physical assets needed for the position. The one who stands out to me is Koa Misi who had a monster senior bowl week. Finally, don’t expect Adrian Tracy to be around at rounds 5 & 6 because there is a lot of buzz about this kid.


Inside Linebacker:

This position is almost a copy and paste of the Cardinals situation at nose tackle. I really, really hate saying this but I do not think Karlos Dansby comes back next year. He is looking for HUGE money, and the Cardinals have too good of a base to let 3 or more guys move on for the sake of Dansby. The Cardinals have good promising depth, but not that good. Being the fan of Dansby that I am, I will have a fool’s hope until I actually see that he has signed elsewhere. But, alas, the show goes on. When it comes to the ILB position I am always torn. It seems like an important position some times, and then at other times it does not. When you look at what happened to the Patriots and Ravens over the last few years, it proves that you need some good ILB’ers in a 3-4. It seems like you can get away with average MLB in a 4-3 but not a 3-4. What makes the situation even scarier is that Gerald Hayes VANISHED once his back problems started up. Monte Beisel is not the player he was a year ago, and is not worth re-signing. Ali Highsmith is a good special teams guy, and plays with passion but the skills are not there. Thus leaving the Cardinals with one healthy ILB on the roster in Reggie Walker, whom shows serious passion, and heart, but it would be an amazing story if this UDFA from last year comes into the ILB position and produces. When it comes to this position I am not sure what the Cardinals are going to do. The free agent class is shallow when it comes to UFA, and I am not sure if there are any RFA’s worth giving up draft picks for. The glimmer of hope would be the draft class that is coming in. The inside linebacker position is one that rookies seem to transition well into, so the Cardinals might take an inside linebacker high in the draft with the hopes of starting him right off the bat. The competition on this position will not as fierce as other position because there will be 2 positions available, and not a lot of players already under contract to beat out.

Free Agent Possibilities:
- Keith Bullock
- Scott Fujita
- Gary Brackett
- Larry Foote
- Derrick Johnson [RFA]
- Kirk Morrison [RFA]
- D’Qwell Jackson [RFA]
- Barrett Ruud [RFA]

I put Bullock and Brackett up there because you never know but if the Cardinals want to shell out big money for a ILB then just re-sign Dansby, right ? Scott Fujita and Larry Foote are way past there prime, and even though Larry Foote has the Pittsburg connection his best days are WAY behind him. What is interesting, is there are some quality ILB’ers that are RFA’s with some pretty poor teams. There is a chance that these players could be available, or giving a lower tender that would make them available. I especially like Kirk Morrison and D’Qwell Jackson whom both play the ILB in a 3-4 very well.

Draft Possibilities:
- Rolando McClain, Alabama - 6’4” 256lbs - (Round: 1)
- Brandon Spikes, Florida - 6’3” 256lbs - (Round: 2-3)
- Pat Angerer, Iowa - 6’1” 235 lbs - (Round: 3-4)
- Shaun Lee, Penn St - 6’2” 236lbs - (Round: 3-4)
- Taylor Mays, USC - 6’3” 231lbs - (Round: 3*)
- Micah Johnson, Kentucky - 6’2” 254lbs - (Round: 4-5)
- Josh Hull, Penn St. - 6’3” 240lbs - (Round: 4-5)
- Ryan D’Imperio, Rutgers - 6’3” 245lbs - (Round: 7)
- Vincent Ray, Duke - 6’0” 245lbs - (Round: UDFA)
- Donald Butler, Washington - 6’1” 245lbs - (Round: UDFA)

If for some crazy reason Rolando McClain was there for the Cardinals, I would be very happy to see it. They guy is a stud, and player we can plug into our starting lineup right away. Yet, there are some other players out there, like Brandon Spikes who has great speed for a ILB, Shaun Lee who has an injury flag but big time talent, and then there is the tackling machine Pat Angerer, who if you look by the numbers is very impressive. Yes, I have Taylor Mays listed in my ILB group because that is the word on the street. Mays would not be able to cut it as a safety in the NFL and a project player is going to drop in the draft. Remember Karlos Dansby was a safety at one time. At the bottom of the draft there are some ILB’ers with good size, that would be great backups for Gerald Hayes.

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

 

[Crazy Canuck]

Weatherspoon?

 

[Chopper0080]

Inside linebacker is our weakest position on the team. Hayes has had injury problems and this isn't a position that is forgiving in that regard. Dansby is gone, and as you stated, Walker and Highsmith haven't shown much. Now, I do like the instincts that Walker flashes, which are very important in a 3-4. However, our style of 3-4 isn't easy on our inside linebackers because our defensive ends shoot gaps rather than occupy blockers. Because of this we are going to need to draft some silverback gorillas to play inside. McClain as you said is one of these and also possesses enough athleticism to never leave the field. Weatherspoon has the tenacity to thump inside, but I haven't seen if he plays with the right combination of leverage and instincts to make plays. Spikes seems to have the size for it and he might drop due to his 40 time, but I have heard that their are questions about his desire.

Unfortunately, the qualities that make inside linebackers great aren't showcased at the combine,and generally are highlighted by game tape and in interviews. Desire and competitiveness might just be the most important traits that inside linebackers posses. This will make evaluating players for us fans very difficult.

 

[Mitch]

Again, great post, Rugby.

I agree with most of your assessments and like the options you put forth.

One thing that I was quite pleasantly surprised with was Clark Haggans' pass rushing efforts. Overall, I think he was by far the most consistent and disciplined player on the defense.

I also think that even though Reggie Walker was a UCFA, with another year in Lott's program and all that desire of his, I think this kid will prove he can be a factor at this level.

The quartet of Brown, Davis, Washington and Baggs should be fascinating to watch, especially to see which of them emerges as the better players.

And, one prospect I think would be a fit at WILB is Daryl Washington of TCU. He needs to get stronger, but he has the wheels and the closing power.

 

[MoeIsBetter]

I really feel like we are getting set at OLB. Haggans will start and I think we will bring in a vet (I think it will be Porter) to start at the other side. Behind them you have the depth (but extremely raw talent) of Stevie Baggs, Cody Brown, Will Davis, and Mark Washington. That to me seems pretty set. Throw in some camp fodder and OLB (for this year) is set. We need to draft a ILB but even then he will sit behind whatever player we bring in to take Dansbys spot (probably Foote...LoL Man we really will look like the 05 Steelers).

 

[Chopper0080]

Again, great post, Rugby.

I agree with most of your assessments and like the options you put forth.

One thing that I was quite pleasantly surprised with was Clark Haggans' pass rushing efforts. Overall, I think he was by far the most consistent and disciplined player on the defense.

I also think that even though Reggie Walker was a UCFA, with another year in Lott's program and all that desire of his, I think this kid will prove he can be a factor at this level.

The quartet of Brown, Davis, Washington and Baggs should be fascinating to watch, especially to see which of them emerges as the better players.

And, one prospect I think would be a fit at WILB is Daryl Washington of TCU. He needs to get stronger, but he has the wheels and the closing power.

Not to get too much draft talk into this thread, but Daryl Washington does not have the size to play any linebacker spot on our defense other than in nickel. He weighed in at the Senior Bowl at 6'1" and 3/4, and 226 lbs. Factor in that offseason weight is generally higher than in-season weight and we have problems already. If you want to argue that he would add weight in a couple years, fine, but he won't put on the 25 lbs needed to get to an in-season playing weight of around 245.

Now, I think Daryl Washington will be a very good pro, but he is truly not right for our defensive system.

 

[MoeIsBetter]

Not to get too much draft talk into this thread, but Daryl Washington does not have the size to play any linebacker spot on our defense other than in nickel. He weighed in at the Senior Bowl at 6'1" and 3/4, and 226 lbs. Factor in that offseason weight is generally higher than in-season weight and we have problems already. If you want to argue that he would add weight in a couple years, fine, but he won't put on the 25 lbs needed to get to an in-season playing weight of around 245.

Now, I think Daryl Washington will be a very good pro, but he is truly not right for our defensive system.

Agreed. He plays like Ernie Sims and thats not the player we need for a 3-4 defense.

 

[RugbyMuffin]

Not to get too much draft talk into this thread.

Please, do get way into the draft talk on this thread, and free agents as well. That is why I wrote them.

I almost rather have someone complete disagree with me on these. I admittingly know little about the guys coming out of college.

 

[Mitch]

Not to get too much draft talk into this thread, but Daryl Washington does not have the size to play any linebacker spot on our defense other than in nickel. He weighed in at the Senior Bowl at 6'1" and 3/4, and 226 lbs. Factor in that offseason weight is generally higher than in-season weight and we have problems already. If you want to argue that he would add weight in a couple years, fine, but he won't put on the 25 lbs needed to get to an in-season playing weight of around 245.

Now, I think Daryl Washington will be a very good pro, but he is truly not right for our defensive system.

I respectfully disagree in the sense that Washington has the wheels, instincts, coverage and finishing ability you want in a 3-4 WILB. Give him a year behind a Larry Foote and two summer in Lott's program and he will be very good.

Patrick Willis wasn't exactly the tallest or biggest LB coming out of college. Neither was Brian Urlacher, who played FS in college, for that matter. If you have instincts and you can run and finish tackles there's a spot for you on any defense.

 

[joeshmo]

Patrick Willis wasn't exactly the tallest or biggest LB coming out of college. Neither was Brian Urlacher, who played FS in college, for that matter. If you have instincts and you can run and finish tackles there's a spot for you on any defense.

???

Patrick Willis Combine height and weight - 6-1, 242 lbs.
Brian Urlacher Combine height and weight - 6-4, 258 lbs.

Washington needs to get up to a Lawrence Timmons weight of at least 235.

 

[Chopper0080]

I respectfully disagree in the sense that Washington has the wheels, instincts, coverage and finishing ability you want in a 3-4 WILB. Give him a year behind a Larry Foote and two summer in Lott's program and he will be very good.

Patrick Willis wasn't exactly the tallest or biggest LB coming out of college. Neither was Brian Urlacher, who played FS in college, for that matter. If you have instincts and you can run and finish tackles there's a spot for you on any defense.

As Joe pointed out, both Urlacher and Willis were much bigger at their respective combines than Washington was at his. Furthermore, our defensive scheme makes it even tougher for inside linebackers because our defensive ends shoot gaps rather than occupy them which frees up guards and tackles to get to the next level. Now, I admit that size doesn't mean everything, but to imagine a guy less then 6'2" adding the 25 lbs needed to get to around 245 and not lose speed is bit of a reach. Daryl Washington could be a Pro Bowler for the Colts, but would not be anything more than a target in our base 3-4.

 

[Chopper0080]

Please, do get way into the draft talk on this thread, and free agents as well. That is why I wrote them.

I almost rather have someone complete disagree with me on these. I admittingly know little about the guys coming out of college.

Ok, you asked for it.

 

[Catfish]

Muffin, I really don't see Rolando McClain being there at our #26 pick. He most likely will be gone by then. I do believe that Brandon Spikes would be there for us in RD. 2 though, and he would make a great pick for us there. If we could enhance that by having taken Larry Foote in free agency, this would be a good tandem to have at WILB, with Spikes learning from Foote, and challenging him.

So far as Hayes is concerned, it was even painful for me to WATCH him try to play during the last half of the season in 09. I can't for the life of me see him going anywhere near 16 games this year, (if he can go at all). I think finding a replacement for him is going to be much harder than for Dansby, (and I don't mean that to be hurtful as I know how much you like him). While I like the improvement Reggie Walker has made, he is not yet ready to step in at starting MLB just yet. He might make a real nice backup, but I really feel we need to find a replacement for Hayes. Backs that have his problems seldom get better under that kind of wear and tear. To me, this is the weakest link in our defense right now. Maybe one of the RFA's is the answer here, but I just don't know.

 

[Shane]

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/story/...-lb-to-be-unrestricted-fa?tag=headlines;other

 

[nooch]

In the past I would not see us spending anything on big name free agents such as Brackett. But with all the turn over this off season they surely have the money to spend on him if they so choose.

Questions are. Is he a fit, and will he command to much for us to go after him?

 

[Hypothesis]

In the past I would not see us spending anything on big name free agents such as Brackett. But with all the turn over this off season they surely have the money to spend on him if they so choose.

Questions are. Is he a fit, and will he command to much for us to go after him?

Gary Brackett is a heck of a football player in my opinion. But he has spent his whole career in the 4-3 and asking him to transition to a 3-4 would not be very beneficial to either party. I think he lacks the size and the physicality to make that jump.

 

[Catfish]

You may be right on this Hypo-----I hadn't even thought about that.