Harry
ASFN Consultant and Senior Writer
Let’s assume Murray stays. Step one is to project your cap. I’m using Overthecap data & Spotrac info. The Cards are projected to have $64 million to start. Assuming they keep all their picks (they won’t), I’m guessing their rookie pool at about $26 million. I’m also guessing cuts, like Ertz post 6/1, total $11 million. That leaves the Cards at $49 million spendable. I’m also assuming for this post that they don’t re-sign Brown or extend anyone.
You start with the positions that are weak in the draft. When I say weak that’s a relative term. For example, there will be DTs taken in the draft, but only 3-4 in the first 2 rounds despite the widespread shortage. Even if you target one in round one, he may be gone before you choose. So you should at least consider targeting one in free agency.
Next consider positions that have an elusive history of success. CB jumps out at me. There are good potential CBs in this draft, but the bust rate is high. I’d target Kendall Fuller who could add stability and experience to the unit, plus some badly needed ballhawking. Williams may fit at number 2 and later swap status with Fuller. The Cards can get a good slot in the draft. I know Fuller may have a year one hit of $15 million.
Edge rushers, in the Cards’ case DEs, are often hard to project. I like Collins and he’s improving, but he will be in his last contract year next season. Ojulari is on the way up. Gardeck is useful. Still if the right impact player was available you’d have to consider him. Yannick Ngakoue at DE could be a bargain coming off a terrible year with the Bears. They might get him on a one year, make good contract for around $8 million. The risk is affordable and the Cards could win big. It is concerning he’s changed teams so often.
The DL needs help. Maybe a durable DT, like Sheldon Rankins. He offers a good balanced run/pass rush skillset. He also offers leadership. He’s not a Pro Bowler, but he’d be a solid addition. He has accumulated enough tread wear that you could likely get him on a 2 year contract, maybe 3. Think $10 million hit.
Next comes positions with decent availability at typically affordable costs. This would be exemplified by blocking TEs. They should be out there at a negligible cost.
Finally positions with multiple needs. The O-line comes to mind. You don’t want too many rookies on one line. The Cards need proven guards. Connor Williams looks like an appropriate target. The Cards have been terrible inside. Williams would solve that. He’ll cost big money, maybe a $15 million+ hit, but he would permanently lock down the LG slot. He’d be a great mentor for developing linemen. I’m remember how acquiring Hutchinson worked for Minnesota. I know that’s a great deal to spend on a guard. Williams, however, would help both Humphries and Froholdt. I’m thinking Humphries current weak year is partly due to having to try to help this parade of terribly weak LGs. Protecting the QB is paramount.
Well, I’ve likely spent the money leaving a little tweaking room. I’ve got 2 aces in Fuller and Connor. I’ve added solid vets on the DL to merge with up and comers like Stills. A few existing contracts could be reworked to gain more breathing room. Humphries could be moved if you are committed to drafting an OT. I believe a group like this would be a solid base to use to set up for the draft.
You start with the positions that are weak in the draft. When I say weak that’s a relative term. For example, there will be DTs taken in the draft, but only 3-4 in the first 2 rounds despite the widespread shortage. Even if you target one in round one, he may be gone before you choose. So you should at least consider targeting one in free agency.
Next consider positions that have an elusive history of success. CB jumps out at me. There are good potential CBs in this draft, but the bust rate is high. I’d target Kendall Fuller who could add stability and experience to the unit, plus some badly needed ballhawking. Williams may fit at number 2 and later swap status with Fuller. The Cards can get a good slot in the draft. I know Fuller may have a year one hit of $15 million.
Edge rushers, in the Cards’ case DEs, are often hard to project. I like Collins and he’s improving, but he will be in his last contract year next season. Ojulari is on the way up. Gardeck is useful. Still if the right impact player was available you’d have to consider him. Yannick Ngakoue at DE could be a bargain coming off a terrible year with the Bears. They might get him on a one year, make good contract for around $8 million. The risk is affordable and the Cards could win big. It is concerning he’s changed teams so often.
The DL needs help. Maybe a durable DT, like Sheldon Rankins. He offers a good balanced run/pass rush skillset. He also offers leadership. He’s not a Pro Bowler, but he’d be a solid addition. He has accumulated enough tread wear that you could likely get him on a 2 year contract, maybe 3. Think $10 million hit.
Next comes positions with decent availability at typically affordable costs. This would be exemplified by blocking TEs. They should be out there at a negligible cost.
Finally positions with multiple needs. The O-line comes to mind. You don’t want too many rookies on one line. The Cards need proven guards. Connor Williams looks like an appropriate target. The Cards have been terrible inside. Williams would solve that. He’ll cost big money, maybe a $15 million+ hit, but he would permanently lock down the LG slot. He’d be a great mentor for developing linemen. I’m remember how acquiring Hutchinson worked for Minnesota. I know that’s a great deal to spend on a guard. Williams, however, would help both Humphries and Froholdt. I’m thinking Humphries current weak year is partly due to having to try to help this parade of terribly weak LGs. Protecting the QB is paramount.
Well, I’ve likely spent the money leaving a little tweaking room. I’ve got 2 aces in Fuller and Connor. I’ve added solid vets on the DL to merge with up and comers like Stills. A few existing contracts could be reworked to gain more breathing room. Humphries could be moved if you are committed to drafting an OT. I believe a group like this would be a solid base to use to set up for the draft.
