Best of the Rest: Post Combine FA's

[SuperSpck]

First, if you're not reading the National Football Post, you are wrong.

Second, this isn't so much a "bring em in" thread as much as it is one that I hope will generate some discussion about players. We can't know them all, but this is the short list of players I'm interested in learning more about and I'm tapping the ASFN community to do it.

Feel free to share what you know or add to the list. I've pulled the names and the text from here:
http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/2009/03/free-agents-available-offense/
http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/2009/03/free-agents-available-defense/
Like all my threads I expect this one to die a quiet, but still painful, death.

Offense

[FONT=&quot]Warrick Dunn [/FONT][FONT=&quot](Bucs) –Age has caught up to Dunn, and although he might be one of the best locker room guys around, you have to sign him at a reasonable price. He doesn’t have the burst we’re used to seeing, but he can still add another dimension to the passing game out of the backfield.[/FONT]

Like Mitch, I believe that Dunn has a place on the Cardinals in much the same way JJ Arrington did, especially as a receiver out of the backfield on 3rd down. He wouldn't be a participant in the return game, but he can still shimmy in small spaces and is tougher then given credit for, even after over a decade in the league.

[FONT=&quot]Jon Runyan [/FONT][FONT=&quot](Eagles) –Maybe the nastiest offensive lineman in the league, Runyan is at a crossroads because of offseason surgery. He still has value, but this could be the end of a long run for the O-lineman.[/FONT]

Ruyan's health is a big factor, which could work well, as it means he'd probably sign for a minimum dollar amount. The downside is that if he's a shade of his former self he will get cut. The upside is if he can bounce back from microfacture surgery he's one of the strongest run blockers there is. Just watch the way he's able to drive defenders off the line and you'll be a believer. His upper body strength is insane. Even pre-injury he was limited in pass protection, but isn't so bad that he shouldn't warrant consideration. Runyan could be a valuable depth player.

Defense

[FONT=&quot]Kevin Carter [/FONT][FONT=&quot](Bucs) –There was a lot of talk last week about Carter making a move to Green Bay, and that might be the best spot for him as a 3-4 defensive end. He’s older (35), but he did generate four sacks last season in Tampa. It might be worth taking a look him, considering he’s good in the locker room and could provide some depth — something that’s hard to find at this position.[/FONT]

Carter was a "name" guy with the Titans and Rams, but now represents a depth signing like DT Bryan Robinson. He has some starting ability and can provide a cushion if Campbell isn't up to the job as a starter.

[FONT=&quot]Bertrand Berry [/FONT][FONT=&quot](Cardinals) — The veteran defensive end had five sacks last season and is a better athlete than you might think. Although he lacks ideal size for the NFL (260 pounds), his quickness and first step make him a guy you can invest in for certain situations on Sundays.[/FONT]

A case where I hope AZ takes care of it's own. Berry's been a great leader and a pretty funny host of the Rage. He's not an every down player, but was a major factor in playoff success, especially in that very big game vs the Falcons. Deserves a last contract before hanging them up and it should be with the team that gave him his latest home.

[FONT=&quot]Angelo Crowell [/FONT][FONT=&quot](Bills) –The perfect fit for the Tampa 2 scheme at the outside linebacker position. Crowell has age (27) and speed on his side — even after missing all of last season with an injury. If you need a younger player who can step in and compete for a starting spot, Crowell is your guy.[/FONT]

The working definition of a luxury player, he'd probably only work as a WILB (3-4)/(4-3) OLB. Younger then some of the Cardinals' other LBers, could work in as a situational guy.

[FONT=&quot]Napoleon Harris [/FONT][FONT=&quot](Vikings) –Although he will likely re-sign with Minnesota, it might be worthwhile to float an offer to Harris. He’s a solid middle linebacker who has an athletic ability to run the middle of the field — something required by the middle linebacker in the Tampa 2 scheme, and he has the strength to be a factor in the run game.[/FONT]

The Josh McCown of LBers. Crazy physical tools, but no light bulb to shine the way. At 6'3" 250lbs he's got the size and speed to play both inside positions and may even be able to sneak outside on occasion. Versatility is the real sell here. He'd be a good depth guy and even a limited starter (due to injury). Not sure on his willingness to play ST's, but he's built for it.

[FONT=&quot]Deltha O’Neal [/FONT][FONT=&quot](Patriots) –The ultimate sub-package player. He isn’t a starter, but he does give you playmaking ability if you use him creatively. Needs to land on a team that uses multiple defensive packages.[/FONT]

At the nickle he reminds me of Antrell Rolle. He can go out and get the ball, as he showed in two good seasons with the Bengals (previously a bust in Denver). In the Pendy-scheme I'd call this a slam dunk and crazy depth at CB.

[FONT=&quot]Josh Bullocks [/FONT][FONT=&quot](Saints) –A four-year starter, Bullocks is a good safety who possesses decent top-end speed, although he isn’t a playmaker. But he does add value to the position and can compete for a starting spot. Given his age (26), he’s worth a look[/FONT]

I'm still not sold on the team's depth at safety. Bullock was a draftee I was very interested in who went on to do nothing in the league thus far. In fact, the whole Saints D has struggled vs the pass, so it's hard to say how much of the suck rests on Bullocks' shoulderpads. I'd like to know more about his transition to the league, but have seen precious few Saints games.

 

[LittleDavis]

Good post. I was going to write a similar analysis yesterday. I was looking at many of the same players.

Berry, Dunn, Carter, Crowell and Harris would be great.

 

[perivolaki]

Ruyan's health is a big factor, which could work well, as it means he'd probably sign for a minimum dollar amount. The downside is that if he's a shade of his former self he will get cut. The upside is if he can bounce back from microfacture surgery he's one of the strongest run blockers there is. Just watch the way he's able to drive defenders off the line and you'll be a believer. His upper body strength is insane. Even pre-injury he was limited in pass protection, but isn't so bad that he shouldn't warrant consideration. Runyan could be a valuable depth player.

Maybe the surgery helped but I heard Runyan couldn't even walk up or down stairs last season and never practiced. Like a lot of the players listed they would have been great at one time. Now, pass.

 

[jaguarpaw81]

I think Runyan is at the point of his career where if he wants to remain a starter, or a least a decent one, he should make the move inside to guard. There I think he could be a great asset for us. I know the team probably has plans for Keith to take over Duece's spot, but right now we have no depth on the line and having a guy who you think is capable of starting as a backup is always a good thing. Plus if Levi went down, Runyan could step in in a pinch.

Just a thought.

 

[football karma]

I beleive earlier in his career when he was a F/A, Runyan basically said he was limited to the east coast because of not wanting to move his family

If so, I have a hard time seeing him coming across country for a relatively small contract

 

[Skkorpion]

Honestly? The list makes me laugh. There is not one player on that list, outside of Berry, who would or could make our team today. And Berry will play even less than last year, I suspect.

Age and injuries are unforgiving. If those are the best of the remaining FAs, then Darren Urban is right in guessing we are through with FA signing this year.

 

[jaguarpaw81]

Honestly? The list makes me laugh. There is not one player on that list, outside of Berry, who would or could make our team today. And Berry will play even less than last year, I suspect.

Age and injuries are unforgiving. If those are the best of the remaining FAs, then Darren Urban is right in guessing we are through with FA signing this year.

No way. Bullocks, Harris, Runyan, Crowell and O'Neal could all make this team.

O'Neal, Crowell and Harris wouldn't even have any competition since we dont even have backups on the roster at those positions. Ralph Brown and Beisel are FAs. Who would Runyan have to compete with to be the third tackle? Vallejo?

I'm not saying I want these guys, but just that they could definitely make the current team IMO.

 

[SuperSpck]

Honestly? The list makes me laugh. There is not one player on that list, outside of Berry, who would or could make our team today. And Berry will play even less than last year, I suspect.

Age and injuries are unforgiving. If those are the best of the remaining FAs, then Darren Urban is right in guessing we are through with FA signing this year.

These aren't the biggest names per say, just ones I'm interested in learning more about.

I do believe there are guys on the list who could stick on a roster as depth. Backups primarily.

I'm assuming the signing of DT Bryan Robinson last year gave a you a bit of a chuckle too, he's similar in age (13 year vet).

 

[Pariah]

There is not one player on that list, outside of Berry, who would or could make our team today.

How could Dunn NOT make the team? We have a grand total of one HB under contract.

EDIT: whoops. I've already written off Edge in my mind. We have two. Sorry. ...Still, I think Dunn would make the team as constituted today.

 

[cgolden]

I wouldn't forget about Marvel Smith or Kendall Simmons. Neither of them are listed on any top free agent lists but they've both got strong ties to Whiz and Grimm. Age and injuries are a concern but I've got to think that if they're willing to sign a short term deal for cheap, Whiz would want them (Smith especially). If he's healthy he'd be an upgrade over Gandy, IMO.

 

[SuperSpck]

If he's healthy he'd be an upgrade over Gandy, IMO.

I thought the knock on Smith was his pass protection?
I'd like to know more about him.

 

[cgolden]

I thought the knock on Smith was his pass protection?
I'd like to know more about him.

Naw, he's kind of a decent at both without really being dominant at either.

 

[Arizona's Finest]

I don't see how this team wouldn't take a couple low risk flyers on Dunn and Crowell. Those would both be strong signings IMO. I would also try to bring in a OL depth guy or two.

I completely disagree with Skkorp about the value of some of these guys. The list above are the guys that can make or break your season. Ralph Brown, Berry, and Robinson are all "fringe guys" who made big impacts in the rotation last year.

We have alot of floatsam at the bottom of the roster and I am all about infusing that bottom rung with vet guys who in this stage in their career have everything to prove, know their role and would play on the cheap.

I really really think we should chase Crowell. A incentive laden contract would be a low risk high reward chance.