Arizona Cardinals Preview: 2010 - Part 7: Defensive Backs

[RugbyMuffin]

Cornerback:

First, things first. Bryant McFadden will be on the team next year, and Greg Toler is going to have to take the starting job from him, or McFadden will be starting opening day. There is only one free agent that could come in and start over McFadden and he would come at a high cost. That being said, I am extremely high on Greg Toler, and the combo of DRC and Toler would be a tough pair to go up against. DRC will be back, and hopefully the spanking he got this year will help him mature a bit. Anyone remember DRC starting the year out with a grill, and a head full of crap? Well, he ditched the grill, and got his head on straight, but unfortunately that was 4 weeks into the season. Too little too late, and a season lost as far as I am concerned. I don’t want to hear about a Pro Bowl in the most watered down Pro Bowl in the history of the NFL, and the Pro Bowl doesn’t hide that DRC left a lot of plays out on the field, and lost a year of PHYSICAL development. Message to DRC: Go meet John Lott if you don’t want to be on crutches again! I think DRC could be one of the best of all time, but he has to start putting in the work now, someone call Aneas Williams for the kid. As for the rest of the players under contract, Rashad Barksdale and Trumain McBride spell trouble for Michael Adams & Ralph Brown. McBride has seen a lot of NFL time with the Bears, and Barksdale spent some time playing for the Chiefs. I will always remember Money Mike for that faithful play against Green Bay but I don’t see him coming back next season, and the same goes for Ralph Brown. Barksdale, and McBride will fight it out in camp with some late round draft picks, UDFA, and some other no-name free agents to round out the cornerback core for next season. There are at least 2 open positions at CB right now, but as I said, I expect a LOT of players to be brought into camp, enough to make this a hard competition.

Free Agent Possibilities:
- Dunta Robinson
- Ken Lucas
- Justin Miller

Dunta Robinson is worth a good looking over. The guy is a great cornerback stuck a on team in which he is tired of dealing with. I could see a Charles Woodson type revival for this kid if he gets out of Houston. Signing Robinson would make McFadden dispensable, and sure up our cornerback position for years to come. Ken Lucas is a vet that might be looked at, but from what I have seen he is more of a candidate to play FS or ride the pine. His best days are behind him. Justin Miller would be an interesting player to look into for depth and the fact he does return kicks.

Draft Possibilities:
- Brandon Chee, Wake Forrest - 5’11” 189lbs - (Round: 2)
- Domonique Franks - 6’0” 190lbs - (Round: 2-3)
- Akwasi Owusu-Ansah, Indiana of Penn - 6’1” 205lbs - (Round: 3-4)
- Rafael Priest, TCU - 5’10” 181lbs - (Round: 4-5)
- Patrick Stoudamire, Western Illinois - 5’11” 195lbs - (Round: 4-5)
- Alterraun Verner, UCLA -5’11” 180lbs - (Round: 4-5)
- LeRoy Vann, Florida A&M - 5’8” 175lbs - (Round 4-5)
- Devin Ross, Arizona - 5’11” 173lbs - (Round: 5-6)
- Crezdon Butler, Clemson - 6’0” 185lbs - (Round: 6-7)
- Brandon Brinkley, Houston - 6’0” 180lbs - (Round: 6-7)
- A.J. Jefferson, Fresno St. - 6’0” 190lbs - (Round: 7-UDFA)
- Walter McFadden, Auburn -5’11” 178lbs – (Round: 7-UDFA)

Depth is the word to use when looking at the draft and the Cardinals secondary. I am not sure where the Cardinals are going to end up drafting some players for the secondary, but they will. Two names on this list, Akwasi Owusu-Ansah, and A.J. Jefferson are more return specialists than corner backs. The cornerback class is deep, and has a lot of players coming out. I believe the Cardinals can get good value in the 3rd or 4th round if they look to pick up another corner back for our secondary. A player like Domonique Franks, Rafael Priest, or Patrick Stoudamire could come in and be a productive nickel back and role player for the Cardinals. They all have good speed, size and skill. Post-draft I expect the Cardinals to be very active as well, in bringing a lot of secondary players in for camp through the UDFA period.

Safety:

Adrian Wilson had a solid year last year. Solid, but his fans want and expect more out of A-Dub. It is my belief that Wilson came down with a case of “trying to do too much”. Wilson is proud, and I will guarantee the pressure of that new contract was in the back of his mind. He was pushing too hard, and not letting himself just play the game. Not to mention the rest of the safeties on this team do little to free Wilson up, and allow him to play near the line of scrimmage where he is at his best. Enter the Levi Brown of the defense Antrel Rolle. Let’s please obtain a frame of reference on Antrel Rolle. Drafted in the first round as a cornerback, and was a bust at cornerback. Rolle is now going into year three as a free safety and I am starting to question if he is every going to “get it”. He makes some big plays, sure, but I have not seen him make plays like he did as the nickel back, while at free safety. The skills are there, no doubt. He can tackle very well, he has speed, he has skills with the ball in his hands, but he is not even close to ready mentally. If you are looking for the weak link in the secondary Rolle is the guy. That is our QB, for our secondary, and he is not getting the job done. The amount of money he is expecting for the production he has given, again don’t tell me about a watered down pro bowl roster spot, is ludicrous. The Cardinals need to sit Rolle down and re-do his deal, and have it reflect a safety (not a corner backs) contract for his production level. If not, trade him, or let some other team over pay the guy. I’ll take Matt Ware, who I expect to be signed and brought back next year, and to be on the roster come opening day, and Rashad Johnson at the free safety position no problem. On that topic Matt Ware was sorely missed last year. When you have a reliable safety it really frees up Wilson to do some damage, and Matt Ware provides that. All we need is for the coaches to work on Matt Ware’s tackling form because his back is too flat and he is getting stingers and blown out shoulders (trust me, I know cause my form is just as bad with the same results) Finally, we get to Rashad “whipping post” Johnson whom was a rookie last year, that is R-O-O-K-I-E, for those who forgot. Just remember how bad Adrian Wilson was for 4 years, and then exploded on the scene. Give Rashad Johnson some time, let him learn, so that he stops thinking and starts reacting. I expect Rashad Johnson to grow by leaps and bounds next season. The only other player under contract is Herana-Daze Jones whom I know little about, but he will have some competition during training camp since I expect a lot of safeties to be brought in this year. There is at least one open spot on the final 53, maybe two

Free Agent Possibilities:
- Darren Sharper
- Ryan Clark
- Jermaine Phillips

There is not much in the free agent pool for safeties. The Saints would have to be crazy to let Sharper go (whom I thought was done last year, LOL). It should be assumed that if Ryan Clark hits free agency that the Cardinals would take a look at him, since our team utilizes three safeties like most teams use nickel backs (3rd corner back). I would also love for the Cardinals to take a look a Jermain Phillips, whose game is close to Adrian Wilsons, and would provide a good backup for Wilson, IMO.

Draft Possibilities:
- FS: Nate Allen, Florida - 6’1” 205lbs - (Round: 2)
- FS: Reshad Jones, Georgia - 6’2” 207lbs - (Round: 2-3)
- FS: Larry Asante, Nebraska - 6’0” 211lbs - (Round: 3-4)
- FS: Major Wright, Florida - 6’1” 205lbs - (Round 3-4)
- SS: Myron Rolle, Florida St. - 6’1” 217lbs - (Round 4-5)
- SS: Barry Church, Toledo - 6’2” 219lbs - (Round: 5-6)
- FS: Brian Jackson, Oklahoma - 6’1” 202lbs - (Round: 5-6)
- SS: Kyle McCarthy, ND - 5’11” 203lbs - (Round: 6-7)
- FS: Kendrick Lewis, Ole Miss - 6’1” 195lbs - (Round: 7-UDFA)
- FS: Chris Cook, Virginia - 6’2” 210lbs - (Round: 7-UDFA)
- FS: Eddie Hick, Southern Miss - 6’2” 185lbs - (Round: 7-UDFA)
- FS: Ds’Mon Cromartie-Smith, UTEP - 6’2” 205lbs - (Round:7-UDFA)
- FS: Cam Nelson, Arizona - 6’1” 202lbs - (Round: UDFA)
- SS: Josh Pinkard, USC - 6’1” 215lbs - (Round: UDFA)

This position is no different than the cornerback position. The Cardinals will be looking to acquire more depth at the safety position. In my opinion it is time to look at a backup for Adrian Wilson. That would be a big bodied safety that can play close to the line of scrimmage. Guys like Myron Rolle, and Barry Church would be able to play the part, yet I am concerned about the hyped up Myron Rolle and his speed. As for the free safety position, the Cardinals are looking for a “center fielder”. An all-around safety with good speed and coverage skills. Our scouts and film room are going to show who best qualifies for the position, but above is a good list of safeties that have the speed to pull it off. I doubt the Cardinals use a high-draft pick at safety and would look for a lower round, or UDFA to be brought in to compete in camp.

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

 

[LoyaltyisaCurse]

Great job with all of this Rugby...this was a lot of work and effort!

 

[Chopper0080]

I would guess that if the Cardinals let Antrel Rolle go, that they might look into Earl Thomas in the first round. A player with position versatility who is more of a center fielder type at safety.

 

[joeshmo]

I would guess that if the Cardinals let Antrel Rolle go, that they might look into Earl Thomas in the first round. A player with position versatility who is more of a center fielder type at safety.

I actually think he is a CB. Plays out of control and doesn't stay in his assignments. Combine that with 5-10 stature he scares the crap out of me as a center fielder who has to play under control and in his assignments.

Nate Allen is the guy that I am digging right now at the FS spot. He runs the defense and makes the calls. Something the LB is supposed to do. Smart, fast, agile, 6-1, 210, great against the jump ball, loves the game. But he does have trouble lining up with a guy in man coverage, I think it might be his backpedal technique, needs to keep the play in front of him so he probably will only work as a cover 2. Not sure that fits our D.

 

[Chopper0080]

I actually think he is a CB. Plays out of control and doesn't stay in his assignments. Combine that with 5-10 stature he scares the crap out of me as a center fielder who has to play under control and in his assignments.

Nate Allen is the guy that I am digging right now at the FS spot. He runs the defense and makes the calls. Something the LB is supposed to do. Smart, fast, agile, 6-1, 210, great against the jump ball, loves the game. But he does have trouble lining up with a guy in man coverage, I think it might be his backpedal technique, needs to keep the play in front of him so he probably will only work as a cover 2. Not sure that fits our D.

As far as stature, Ed Reed lists at 5-11 according to Lindy's, so Earl doesn't scare me there. As far as not staying to assignments, there is a part of me that worries about it and there is a part of me that true playmakers leave their assignments to make plays where they aren't expected to be. To be honest, I haven't watched enough Texas football to evaluate much further on Earl. I liked that he has played corner, which should give him decent man skills, and his senior year, he seemed to make a ton of plays.

I don't know much on Nate Allen, as I haven't watched him. I can say that his size and speed look pretty ideal. His season high for int's is 4, which he did twice, so I wonder about his ability as a playmaker at FS. Leadership skills look good though.

 

[Catfish]

Thanks Muffin ----- you have provided a wealth of information to look through for likely matches. Don't know how you are able to get this kind of information together like you do, but please keep it coming. I can spend hours just going over this.

There is one interesting scenario that could happen in the draft that would be somewhat surprising but definitely not a reach. That would be that Devin McCourty would be the BPA for us at the 26 pick. He would be an immediate upgrade to all our special teams, as he is a solid return man with excellent speed, yet he plays the run very well. Thus he could compliment the coverage teams as well while he learns the intricacies of playing CB in the NFL. He has all the measurables, 6-1, 198, 4.4 speed, and he will hit you. If he is there and is the BPA, I wouldn't be surprised to see us take him. If he were to excell like DRC and Toler have, he might be ready to step in at nickle by playoff time. or at least provide some very quality depth at that position. That trio would make our corners a very young and very deep group for a lot of years to come.

 

[joeshmo]

As far as stature, Ed Reed lists at 5-11 according to Lindy's, so Earl doesn't scare me there. As far as not staying to assignments, there is a part of me that worries about it and there is a part of me that true playmakers leave their assignments to make plays where they aren't expected to be.

You make a good interesting point, Polomalu, Sanders, Sharper, Reed, Taylor(RIP) all do what you say and they are some of the best in the league, so you could be right. Thomas is a physical guy so under Lott he could probably gain the safety strength he would need in the NFL. I might be convinced.

 

[Catfish]

Muffin------too bad your posting of this thread didn't come today, (or the DB coach hiring yesterday). It might have generated a lot more comment.

I hope that things have suddenly changed for our DB's. Henderson's signing looks to be the be the missing link that we had in the coaching staff. I know he is from the Raven's style that touted tight 'man' coverage, and crowding the receiver to keep him from getting off the line, but I believe that this is exactly what we have been needing to change our defensive philosophy.

For instance, we have considerable talent in the DB slots, yet we utilized it very poorly, especially at the end of games when leading. Whiz was not at all happy with losing the SB, which is why he replaced Pendergast with Davis. Turns out, Davis was not able to do much better, because he didn't have the people who could do what Whiz wanted.

I know that everyone says that DRC is not the kind of guy who can bust the receiver on the line of scrimmage, because he is too frail. I think that a certain amount of that is attitude. I think that both Toler and DRC have the talent and tools to become premiere CB's in this league. Much of that comes from what you wish to do with your talent, (or are taught that you can do with your talent). I don't feel that either of these guys has been really challenged yet on becoming real football players.

This coaching hire, (along with the resigning of John Lott), might just be the catalyst that turns our potential in the DB ranks, into real football players that play the run, AND the pass, and contest every ball in the air as if it were thrown for them.

Lott can certainly make them stronger, healthier, (and even quicker). Henderson can teach them what they were NOT being taught before his coming here. He knows the intricasies of playing man, and with the special skills that DRC, and Toler have already shown, he might be able to turn them into PREMIERE CB's.

We have seen rule changes all through the years in the NFL, and the rules for receivers certainly made it tougher for CB's to play tight coverage. The really good ones still can though, like with any other rules change, players learn to adapt to the change, and turn it to their advantage. I believe that Henderson is just the man to help them do this. He possesses the knowlege, and has been successful with it before. Some of the better CB's are now getting their share of interference calls against the receivers for contact downfield. He could be the ideal man to show them how to do the little things that would make the receiver become the interfering party.

I think Henderson can have a real effect on the mindset of our entire secondary. I would bet that he could even teach Ware to tackle. Heck, if given the chance, he might even be able to coach Rolle to quit freelancing and be at his appointed spot depending on what defense is called out. Wouldn't it be great if Davis, and Henderson could get the rest of the secondary to cover well enough so that Wilson could be used in scheme games again like we used him in the past.

 

[cardpa]

You make a good interesting point, Polomalu, Sanders, Sharper, Reed, Taylor(RIP) all do what you say and they are some of the best in the league, so you could be right. Thomas is a physical guy so under Lott he could probably gain the safety strength he would need in the NFL. I might be convinced.

The thing with the guys you mentioned is they read the game well and pick the right times to make a play. They have good instincts and read the QB well.