Mitch
Crawled Through 5 FB Fields
Here are my thoughts about each position and what I think BA&SK are thinking---would love to hear yours.
I would like to begin by saying that I believe BA&SK are going to do all they can to try to win the NFC West next year to ensure home field advantage in the playoffs and the possibility of a home game for the Super Bowl. This is a key context in this year's decisions.
QB:
If you heard RT Eric Winston on MJ yesterday, he raved about Carson Palmer---his stellar work ethic and as Winston put it "we all struggled during the first half of the season, so often the QB gets too much of the blame and at times too much credit, in my opinion, but Carson Palmer was as tough as a QB could be and he never once complained or pointed the finger at anyone else."
Word is that Palmer has been spending the past week breaking down every one of the game films. He said he loves doing it and that he learns a great deal from studying what he could see aspects of his mechanics that he wishes to improve and from studying his own tendencies.
The plan is to ride the arm of Carson Palmer for the next two years---and with a solid #2 in the fold for that duration in Drew Stanton, the need to add another QB right now is not imminent.
If BA&SK fall in love with a college QB they may be tempted to take him---but with the other needs they wish to address, it's not going to be likely.
There will be a young QB added to challenge Ryan Lindley for the #3 spot, but like last year, it will probably be a UCFA or possibly a late draft pick.
RB:
BA has professed an avid liking for Rashard Mendenhall and still considers him a winner, but I think he is one of the free agents that BA is going to let go of.
The hope would be to land a bell cow starter in free agency like Ben Tate. While the superb Andre Ellington is going to be used a little more next year, BA will still monitor his touches.
The questions is: do BA&SK see enough in Stepfan Taylor and Ryan Williams to feel good about the status quo?
I imagine that they like Taylor---but want someone a little more gifted...which speaks to a healthy Ryan Williams, but, as we all know, we have have no idea as to what we are going to see in RW come next season.
My prediction is that we will see a FA added...or a draft pick in rounds 4-6.
WR:
Of course, something has to be done about Larry Fitzgerald's prohibitive cap figures in 2014 and 2015. But, honestly, something also has to be done about the number of forced passes that were thrown Fitz's way. There is pressure to get Fitz his touches---and that pressure has hurt the offense at times.
The answer is that the more threats the Cardinals can add at WR and TE the better the chance that Fitz will not be constantly bracketed as he continues to be.
Michael Floyd battled his way through a productive, yet injury hampered season. He is just starting to flourish and the system favors him, as does his QB.
Andre Roberts did not command the attention he probably deserved, although he really didn't play as fast as the Cardinals' needed him to. He's not an especially nifty runner in the open field which is why we didn't see him featured as much in this offense.
The coaches appear to be very high on Jaron Brown and with good reason. He has a good blend of size and speed and he proved to be a reasonably reliable pass catcher. He's not the kind of nifty all-purpose speed WR BA needs, but because he's good on STs, he makes for a very good #4 WR on the roster.
The plan is to use Andre Ellington more at slot WR because he has the niftiness the coaches want.
However, there will be a concerted effort this year to add two key speed options at WR.
One option could be UFA Dexter McCluster (Chiefs), who could also be used as a much needed return man. McCluster fits the mold.
Another could be UFA Emmanuel Sanders (Steelers), whom BA helped to draft and coach a few years back.
Even if a UFA WR is added, BA&SK are going to add another speed WR in the draft. Adding a UFA WR would allow them to wait until rounds 3-5...which is most likely what they would prefer...although, one would think that Brandin Cooks of Oregon St. would be a player very much on BA&SK's radar. He would be the Cardinals' version of T.Y. Hilton.
LT:
Bradley Sowell battled like a champion and actually helped to solidify the offensive line. However, BA had to tailor the offense to helping Sowell on pass protection, which is why BA&SK are adamant about making the LT position their #1 priority heading into free agency.
The four UFAs to watch are Brandon Albert (Chiefs), Eugene Monroe (Ravens), Jared Veldheer (Raiders) and Anthony Collins (Bengals).
Early rumors have the Cardinals targeting Albert...but my hunch is the guy with the inside track is Veldheer who protected Carson Palmer's blind side in Oakland. Veldheer is coming off an injury riddled season, so that's a concern---and the Raiders might f-tag him.
If Cbus' scout friend is correct, perhaps BA&SK are high on Monroe. Although, the Ravens have been expressing interest in sign ing him long term.
The plan is to sign a tested veteran LT.
It would be very hard to imagine BA&SK inserting a rookie LT into the lineup next year.
LG:
Daryn Colledge turned in his best season as a Cardinal. His contract becomes a $7+M problem, however. Just when Jonathan Cooper is set to be reinserted as the LG.
The question is whether BA&SK release Colledge or coax him into a pay cut. If it's the latter, then Colledge moves over to RG.
C:
Lyle Sendlein was a steady anchor of the line and winner of the Good Guy Award. He's under contract and should remain the starter. Mike Gibson is a solid backup, but is a UFA. The Cardinals signed two young PS centers to future's contracts, Philip Blake (6-3, 310, Baylor) and Tommie Draheim (6-4, 309, San Diego St.). If BA&SK are high enough on Blake or Draheim, they won't draft a center this year.
RG:
One of the most unsung players on the team this year was RG Paul Fanaika. From day one in TC this guy snatched the RG job away and held onto it with all his might. Fanaika was very physical at the point of attack and he was solid in pass pro, yet occasionally prone to losing his balance on swim moves. He could stand to improve his pulling technique---but, for a first year starter at RG who basically was a backup offensive tackle came out of nowhere, one has to be impressed with the job he did.
Waiting patiently in the wings is 4th round draft pick Earl Watford who is quite the physical specimen. The coaches were loath to throw him in there too early---but, this TC Watford will get his chance.
It's very likely that Nate Potter will be used more primarily at guard this year.
RT:
Eric Winston provided steady physical play and much needed leadership. He said on MJ yesterday that BA&SK expressed to him how they would like him back and now it would seem to come down to whether they can agree on a salary.
Yes, the Cardinals have Bobby Massie waiting his turn---but it's good for Massie and the team if he has to compete with Winston for the starting job. Massie did a nice job of being a run blocking TE---one of the wrinkles that helped the Cardinals win 7 of their last 9 games.
TE:
This position is a mess.
The steadiest player was Jim Dray who had his fair share of good moments, but who also got tossed around and thrown aside as a pass protector and sometimes in the running game.
Rob Housler, thanks to injuries and poor awareness on the football field, vastly under-achieved once again. This time it wasn't the QB to blame. Housler has focus issues. He showed some flashes and is not afraid to catch the ball, tuck it in and fight for extra yards. But, catching the ball is a problem---as is running crisp routes and getting a feel for timing patterns.
Jake Ballard was a nice addition who performed well as a situational pass catcher. One would imagine that BA&SK would like to re-sign him at or near the veteran minimum, but perhaps with playing time and production incentives.
Kory Sperry sure looked the part as a pass catcher in pre-season but was rarely activated.
The coaches are apparently very high on PS TE Darren Fells (6-7, 281, Cal-Irvine) a converted basketball player whom they are coaching up.
Regardless, upgrading the TE position is high on BA&SK's wish list.
Dennis Pitta (6-4, 245, BYU) is a UFA but coming off a bad hip injury. When healthy he is one of the better pass catching TEs (61/669/7TDs in 2012).
The one UFA who might be a target is Brandon Pettigrew (6-5, 265, Oklahoma St.)---a very talented, once highly productive player who has struggled in recent years with injuries and drops. The hope would be to get him back on track to where he was in 2010 (71/722/4TD) and 2011 (83/777/5TD).
There are three highly rated TEs in this year's draft whom the Cardinals may consider with the #20 pick: Eric Ebron (6-4, 235, North Carolina); Jace Amaro (6-5, 257, Texas Tech ) and Austin Sefarian-Jenkins (6-6, 267, Washington).
Recap: Offensive Priorities
QB: Low
RB: Moderate
WR: Moderate/High
LT: High
LG: Low
C: Low
RG: Low
RT: Moderate
TE: High
Will add defense and STs in an hour or so.
I would like to begin by saying that I believe BA&SK are going to do all they can to try to win the NFC West next year to ensure home field advantage in the playoffs and the possibility of a home game for the Super Bowl. This is a key context in this year's decisions.
QB:
If you heard RT Eric Winston on MJ yesterday, he raved about Carson Palmer---his stellar work ethic and as Winston put it "we all struggled during the first half of the season, so often the QB gets too much of the blame and at times too much credit, in my opinion, but Carson Palmer was as tough as a QB could be and he never once complained or pointed the finger at anyone else."
Word is that Palmer has been spending the past week breaking down every one of the game films. He said he loves doing it and that he learns a great deal from studying what he could see aspects of his mechanics that he wishes to improve and from studying his own tendencies.
The plan is to ride the arm of Carson Palmer for the next two years---and with a solid #2 in the fold for that duration in Drew Stanton, the need to add another QB right now is not imminent.
If BA&SK fall in love with a college QB they may be tempted to take him---but with the other needs they wish to address, it's not going to be likely.
There will be a young QB added to challenge Ryan Lindley for the #3 spot, but like last year, it will probably be a UCFA or possibly a late draft pick.
RB:
BA has professed an avid liking for Rashard Mendenhall and still considers him a winner, but I think he is one of the free agents that BA is going to let go of.
The hope would be to land a bell cow starter in free agency like Ben Tate. While the superb Andre Ellington is going to be used a little more next year, BA will still monitor his touches.
The questions is: do BA&SK see enough in Stepfan Taylor and Ryan Williams to feel good about the status quo?
I imagine that they like Taylor---but want someone a little more gifted...which speaks to a healthy Ryan Williams, but, as we all know, we have have no idea as to what we are going to see in RW come next season.
My prediction is that we will see a FA added...or a draft pick in rounds 4-6.
WR:
Of course, something has to be done about Larry Fitzgerald's prohibitive cap figures in 2014 and 2015. But, honestly, something also has to be done about the number of forced passes that were thrown Fitz's way. There is pressure to get Fitz his touches---and that pressure has hurt the offense at times.
The answer is that the more threats the Cardinals can add at WR and TE the better the chance that Fitz will not be constantly bracketed as he continues to be.
Michael Floyd battled his way through a productive, yet injury hampered season. He is just starting to flourish and the system favors him, as does his QB.
Andre Roberts did not command the attention he probably deserved, although he really didn't play as fast as the Cardinals' needed him to. He's not an especially nifty runner in the open field which is why we didn't see him featured as much in this offense.
The coaches appear to be very high on Jaron Brown and with good reason. He has a good blend of size and speed and he proved to be a reasonably reliable pass catcher. He's not the kind of nifty all-purpose speed WR BA needs, but because he's good on STs, he makes for a very good #4 WR on the roster.
The plan is to use Andre Ellington more at slot WR because he has the niftiness the coaches want.
However, there will be a concerted effort this year to add two key speed options at WR.
One option could be UFA Dexter McCluster (Chiefs), who could also be used as a much needed return man. McCluster fits the mold.
Another could be UFA Emmanuel Sanders (Steelers), whom BA helped to draft and coach a few years back.
Even if a UFA WR is added, BA&SK are going to add another speed WR in the draft. Adding a UFA WR would allow them to wait until rounds 3-5...which is most likely what they would prefer...although, one would think that Brandin Cooks of Oregon St. would be a player very much on BA&SK's radar. He would be the Cardinals' version of T.Y. Hilton.
LT:
Bradley Sowell battled like a champion and actually helped to solidify the offensive line. However, BA had to tailor the offense to helping Sowell on pass protection, which is why BA&SK are adamant about making the LT position their #1 priority heading into free agency.
The four UFAs to watch are Brandon Albert (Chiefs), Eugene Monroe (Ravens), Jared Veldheer (Raiders) and Anthony Collins (Bengals).
Early rumors have the Cardinals targeting Albert...but my hunch is the guy with the inside track is Veldheer who protected Carson Palmer's blind side in Oakland. Veldheer is coming off an injury riddled season, so that's a concern---and the Raiders might f-tag him.
If Cbus' scout friend is correct, perhaps BA&SK are high on Monroe. Although, the Ravens have been expressing interest in sign ing him long term.
The plan is to sign a tested veteran LT.
It would be very hard to imagine BA&SK inserting a rookie LT into the lineup next year.
LG:
Daryn Colledge turned in his best season as a Cardinal. His contract becomes a $7+M problem, however. Just when Jonathan Cooper is set to be reinserted as the LG.
The question is whether BA&SK release Colledge or coax him into a pay cut. If it's the latter, then Colledge moves over to RG.
C:
Lyle Sendlein was a steady anchor of the line and winner of the Good Guy Award. He's under contract and should remain the starter. Mike Gibson is a solid backup, but is a UFA. The Cardinals signed two young PS centers to future's contracts, Philip Blake (6-3, 310, Baylor) and Tommie Draheim (6-4, 309, San Diego St.). If BA&SK are high enough on Blake or Draheim, they won't draft a center this year.
RG:
One of the most unsung players on the team this year was RG Paul Fanaika. From day one in TC this guy snatched the RG job away and held onto it with all his might. Fanaika was very physical at the point of attack and he was solid in pass pro, yet occasionally prone to losing his balance on swim moves. He could stand to improve his pulling technique---but, for a first year starter at RG who basically was a backup offensive tackle came out of nowhere, one has to be impressed with the job he did.
Waiting patiently in the wings is 4th round draft pick Earl Watford who is quite the physical specimen. The coaches were loath to throw him in there too early---but, this TC Watford will get his chance.
It's very likely that Nate Potter will be used more primarily at guard this year.
RT:
Eric Winston provided steady physical play and much needed leadership. He said on MJ yesterday that BA&SK expressed to him how they would like him back and now it would seem to come down to whether they can agree on a salary.
Yes, the Cardinals have Bobby Massie waiting his turn---but it's good for Massie and the team if he has to compete with Winston for the starting job. Massie did a nice job of being a run blocking TE---one of the wrinkles that helped the Cardinals win 7 of their last 9 games.
TE:
This position is a mess.
The steadiest player was Jim Dray who had his fair share of good moments, but who also got tossed around and thrown aside as a pass protector and sometimes in the running game.
Rob Housler, thanks to injuries and poor awareness on the football field, vastly under-achieved once again. This time it wasn't the QB to blame. Housler has focus issues. He showed some flashes and is not afraid to catch the ball, tuck it in and fight for extra yards. But, catching the ball is a problem---as is running crisp routes and getting a feel for timing patterns.
Jake Ballard was a nice addition who performed well as a situational pass catcher. One would imagine that BA&SK would like to re-sign him at or near the veteran minimum, but perhaps with playing time and production incentives.
Kory Sperry sure looked the part as a pass catcher in pre-season but was rarely activated.
The coaches are apparently very high on PS TE Darren Fells (6-7, 281, Cal-Irvine) a converted basketball player whom they are coaching up.
Regardless, upgrading the TE position is high on BA&SK's wish list.
Dennis Pitta (6-4, 245, BYU) is a UFA but coming off a bad hip injury. When healthy he is one of the better pass catching TEs (61/669/7TDs in 2012).
The one UFA who might be a target is Brandon Pettigrew (6-5, 265, Oklahoma St.)---a very talented, once highly productive player who has struggled in recent years with injuries and drops. The hope would be to get him back on track to where he was in 2010 (71/722/4TD) and 2011 (83/777/5TD).
There are three highly rated TEs in this year's draft whom the Cardinals may consider with the #20 pick: Eric Ebron (6-4, 235, North Carolina); Jace Amaro (6-5, 257, Texas Tech ) and Austin Sefarian-Jenkins (6-6, 267, Washington).
Recap: Offensive Priorities
QB: Low
RB: Moderate
WR: Moderate/High
LT: High
LG: Low
C: Low
RG: Low
RT: Moderate
TE: High
Will add defense and STs in an hour or so.
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