Cardinals' Roster Analysis: Training Camp Competitions

[Mitch]

Some quick thoughts:

1. Gotta love Kurt Warner for texting Beanie Wells on draft day. Talk about a nice welcome for Wells. Wells was still smiling about it a week later.

2. The Cardinals' defense was built by a preponderance of 1st to 4th round draft picks:

1st Rounders: Rolle, DRC
2nd Rounders: Dansby, Hobson (NYJ-03), Branch, Campbell, McFadden (PIT-05), Cody Brown
3rd Rounders: Wilson, Berry (IND-97), Okeafor (SF-99), Hayes, Dockett, Rashad Johnson
4th Rounders: Watson, Iwebema, Toler...

Look at the starters:

LOLB Haggans: 5th
LDE Dockett: 3rd
NT Watson: 3rd
RDE Campbell: 2nd
ROLB Okeafor: 3rd
SILB Hayes: 3rd
WILB Dansby: 2nd
LCB Rodgers-Cromartie: 1st
SS Wilson: 3rd
FS Rolle: 1st
RCB McFadden: 2nd

Other than Haggans all of these players were drafted in the top 100 of their class.

Whereas look at the offense:

WR Fitzgerald: 1st
TE Patrick: 7th
LT Gandy: 3rd
LG Wells: 6th
C Sendlein: UCFA
RG Lutui: 2nd
RT Brown: 1st
WR Boldin: 2nd
WR Breaston: 5th
QB Warner: UCFA
FB Kreider: UCFA
RB Hightower: 5th
RB Wells: 1st

Seven of these starters were either undrafted or taken in the last three rounds.

3. Players heading into camp as ROSTER SURE:

1. 92-Bertrand Berry, DE.
2. 81-Anquan Boldin, WR.
3. 15-Steve Breaston, WR.
4. 52-Cody Brown, OLB.
5. 75-Levi Brown-T.
6. 29-Ralph Brown, CB.
7. 93-Calais Campbell, DE.
8. 58-Karlos Dansby, LB.
9. 90-Darnell Dockett, DE.
10. 80-Early Doucet, WR.
11. 11-Larry Fitzgerald, WR.
12. 69-Mike Gandy, T.
13. 5-Ben Graham, P.
14. 53-Clark Haggans, OLB.
15. 54-Gerald Hayes, LB.
16. 34-Tim Hightower, RB.
17. 91-Ken Iwebema, DE.
18. 41-Rashad Johnson, FS.
19. 72-Brandon Keith, T/G.
20. 35-Dan Kreider, FB.
21. 48-Mike Leach, LS.
22. 7-Matt Leinart, QB.
23. 76-Deuce Lutui, G.
24. 25-Bryant McFadden, CB.
25. 56-Chike Okeafor, OLB.
26. 89-Ben Patrick, TE.
27. 1-Neil Rackers, K.
28. 29-Domonique Rodgers-Cromartie, CB.
29. 21-Antrel Rolle, FS.
30. 63-Lyle Sendlein, C.
31. 2-Brian St. Pierre, QB.
32. 32-Greg Toler, CB.
33. 85-Jerheme Urban, WR.
34. 13-Kurt Warner, QB.
35. 98-Gabe Watson, NT.
36. 26-Beanie Wells, RB.
37. 74-Reggie Wells, G.
38. 24-Adrian Wilson, SS.
39. 31-Jason Wright, RB.

This would mean 14 roster spots are up for grabs.

4. Players heading into camp on the PLUS SIDE of the BUBBLE:

1. 27-Michael Adams, CB/ST gunner.
2. 84-Anthony Becht, TE.
3. 78-Alan Branch, NT.
4. 61-Elton Brown, G/T.
5. 60-Trevor Canfield, G/C.
6. 62-Ben Claxton, C.
7. 47-Aaron Francisco, SS.
8. 18-Michael Ray Garvin, KR/WR.
9. 95-Ali Highsmith, LB/ST.
10. 57-Victor Hobson, LB.
11. 67-Herman Johnson, G/T.
12. 28-Keith Lewis, S.
13. 87-Sean Morey, WR/ST.
14. 82-Leonard Pope, TE.
15. 97-Bryan Robinson, DE.
16. 83-Stephen Spach, TE.
17. 51-Pago Togafau, LB.
18. 68-Elliot Vallejo, T.

So...if 14 of these players make it...which four might not?

One of them will be a TE, as the Cardinals won't keep 4 TEs this year. Two of the three TEs on this bubble are in (Becht, Pope, or Spach). If Spach is healthy, and Pope is the red zone threat he was two years ago and an improved blocker, there's a chance that Becht won't make it. If Spach still needs time to heal, he goes on the IR. If Pope doesn't show improvement, he could be the odd man out. And possibly TE Dominique Byrd of USC sneaks right into the mix, if he' signed.

The Cardinals have invited one-time Steeler LB Rian Wallace to minicamp and if they sign him, he could give Pago Togafau a run for the roster. And the Cardinals may add another LB at some point to challenge Togafau and/or Highsmith as the ILB backups.

Big decision will have to be made on who to keep as backups on the offensive line. I believe that T Elliot Vallejo is safe (the coaches love this kid), and I already listed G/T Brandon Keith as safe. This would mean the Cardinals would have to take two of the following players: E. Brown, Canfield, Claxton, and Herman Johnson. I think that Herman Johnson is safe in that the Cardinals won't want to risk putting him on waivers. The Cardinals will need a backup center, which is why either Ben Claxton or Trevor Canfield (if he shows he's capable of playing center) will make the roster. The nod would go to Canfield if he can handle the backup center spot. If not, Canfield would spend a year on the PS. If this is the case, I would imagine the Cardinals will look to trade Elton Brown near the end of pre-season. While Brown is a good and versatile backup, he's only on a one year deal and likely will be gone next year. However, if there is an injury to compensate for, Elton Brown is a safe bet to stick. It's also possible that the coaches may tab Reggie Wells as the backup center to save a roster spot, thus enabling them to keep Vallejo, Keith, Herman Johnson and Elton Brown as the four backups.

So then the last roster spot comes down to figuring who the odd man out is among CB Michael Adams, SS Aaron Francisco, SS Keith Lewis, KR Michael Ray Garvin or WR Sean Morey. This will be the most difficult decision the Cardinals will have to make, as all five of these players are very good ST players. At this point, we will have to watch closely to see which of these players emerge throughout the pre-season. It would be tough to guess at this point. It's possible to that another KR might give Michael Ray Garvin a run for the roster. I am curious to see what ability Lance Long would show as a KR, for example...or LaRod Stephens-Howling.

5. Players on the wrong side of the bubble heading into training camp:

1. 79-Jason Banks, DE. Has to beat out Bryan Robinson.
2. 46-Tim Castille, FB. Has to beat out Dan Kreider.
3. 59-Will Davis, OLB. Has to beat out Bertrand Berry.
4. 43-Jameel Dowling, CB. Has to beat out Michael Adams.
5. 73-Keilen Dykes, DE. Has to beat out Bryan Robinson.
6. 23-Wilrey Fontenot, CB. Has to beat out Michael Adams.
7. 33-Justin Green, FB. Has to beat out Dan Kreider.
8. 86-Onrea Jones, WR. Has to beat out Jerheme Urban.
9. 38-Dennis Keyes, S. Has to beat out Francisco and/or Lewis.
10. 94-Rodney Leisle, DE. Has to beat out Bryan Robinson.
11. 19-Lance Long, WR. Has to beat out Urban, Morey or Garvin.
12. 65-Brandon Pearce, T. Has to beat out Elliot Vallejo.
13. 4-Waylon Prather, P. Has to beat out Ben Graham.
14. 50-Donovan Raiola, C. Has to beat out Claxton or Canfield.
15. 49-Alex Shor, TE. Has to beat out Spach, Becht or Pope.
16. 36-LaRod Stephens-Howling, RB. Has to beat out Jason Wright.
17. 30-Chris Vincent, RB. Has to beat out Jason Wright.
18. 55-Reggie Walker, LB. Has to beat out Togafau, Highsmith or Hobson.
19. 22-Matt Ware, S. Has to beat out Francisco or Lewis.

Will there be any surpises in this group? My guesses:

DEs Jason Banks, Rodney Leisle and Keilen Dykes all have a fair shot at winning the #4 DE spot. Banks has good stength and quick feet. Leisle is a bruiser and Dykes has pop in his game and is a gamer.

CB Jameel Dowling. His height (6-3, 205, 4.5), weight, speed ratio is excellent. Very good prospect who may need a year on the PS, but has a chance to turn heads this year.

S Dennis Keyes. This kid is tough and gets to the RB in a hurry and hits hard. Very good tackler. Could be great on STs.

WR Lance Long. Our poor man's version of Wes Welker. Great hands to go with very quick feet. Good RAC ability.

T Brandon Pearce. Has excellent skill and technique as a pass blocker. Was regarded by many as the best pass blocker in the C-USA. Is going to need to add strength...and could be a year away from contributing.

RB LaRod Stephen-Howling. We are going to love this kid. Uses small size to his advantage. Is a patient runner who sits behind blocks to see the opening and then hits it with a burst. The Cardinals may create another roster spot for him as a third down specialist...but maybe after some time on the PS.

LB Reggie Walker. Made some big plays at Kansas St. Is quick in pursuit and can blitz with a burst. Needs to add to overall strength.

6. Players who are long shots:

1. 12-Justin Brown, WR. Good skill set. Has decent chance for PS.
2. 96-Chase Bullock, LB. Aggressive player...has good size.
3. 37-Tony Davis, S/CB. Could be a sleeper...was bounced between s/cb at PSU.
4. 64-Khalil El-Amin. Probably better suited to play guard. Like his teammate Canfield, he plays aggressively.
5. 66-Carlton Meddar. Gator who had a decent camp last year, but faces deeper competition this time around.
6. 10-Shane Morales, WR. We are going to like this kid. He's a skilled and highly competitive possession-type WR.
7. 3-Tyler Palko, QB. Crafty lefty who makes plays with his feet.

 

[cardsfan93]

Mitch - just wanted to say great post man! Thanks for the awesome breakdown, and when I read over that ROSTER SURE list...wow, I get just a 'lil excited! Next season is going to be special.

 

[binkar]

Good Read. I think it will be interesting to see how Garvin plays at receiver (though his receiving skills won't be what gains him a roster spot). I am really interested to see who we keep on the offensive line and in the secondary in particular.

 

[seesred]

Solid. There are three players on the plus side that I would like to see pick up thier games.

Pope..If he is ever motivated enough to play to his potential he could be the TE. Odds are he will barely make this team.

Ali Highsmith. This guy can be a very good player at the pro level if he can stay healthy.

And then there is the Branch.???? If this guy would only wake up and smell the turf!

Oh a 4th player on that lost is Aaron Fransisco. I've liked his aggressive way of playing St since day one. I hope he can hold on. He is not an every down guy and that might hurt him.

GBR
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GBR
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[Garthshort]

Mitch, I would guess that Stephens-Howling would be more of a "plus bubble" than Garvin, since he was drafted and Garvin was not. Garvin is a one trick pony and S-H can also be a third down back. IMO, Garvin would have to run back one KO in a PS game to even make the PS. A good TC battle that you've pointed out will be between Canfield and Claxton to back up Sendlein. These are just two things that jumped out at me, and I'll look for more later. Thanks.

 

[Mitch]

Mitch, I would guess that Stephens-Howling would be more of a "plus bubble" than Garvin, since he was drafted and Garvin was not. Garvin is a one trick pony and S-H can also be a third down back. IMO, Garvin would have to run back one KO in a PS game to even make the PS. A good TC battle that you've pointed out will be between Canfield and Claxton to back up Sendlein. These are just two things that jumped out at me, and I'll look for more later. Thanks.

Right now the coaches are lauding Garvin as the KR gem. They may be right. When Whiz was asked about LaRod S-H's return abilities, Whiz implied that this wasn't one of his strengths. However, if and when the team needs LaRod to step into J.J.'s role, he gets called up, and it's even possible that the team would carry 4 RBs although that's very unlikely. This is why LaRod probably spends some time on the PS and gets the call up either sometime during this season or next. He's not a player the team would worry about losing via waivers...which makes him even more likley for the PS at first.

Garvin may be a one-trick pony, but so was Devin Hester when he came into the league. An explosive KR is more than worth one of the 53 roster spots.

 

[Mitch]

Mitch - just wanted to say great post man! Thanks for the awesome breakdown, and when I read over that ROSTER SURE list...wow, I get just a 'lil excited! Next season is going to be special.

It sure is exciting, CF93! It's going to be fun watching all these youngsters play in pre-season, and the to start the season at home is going to be electric!

 

[Mitch]

Good Read. I think it will be interesting to see how Garvin plays at receiver (though his receiving skills won't be what gains him a roster spot). I am really interested to see who we keep on the offensive line and in the secondary in particular.

Garvin just needs to learn one route to start with, binkar: the GO route! Talk about stretching the defense!

 

[Mitch]

[quote=seesred;2023211]Solid. There are three players on the plus side that I would like to see pick up thier games.

Pope..If he is ever motivated enough to play to his potential he could be the TE. Odds are he will barely make this team.

Ali Highsmith. This guy can be a very good player at the pro level if he can stay healthy.

And then there is the Branch.???? If this guy would only wake up and smell the turf!

Oh a 4th player on that lost is Aaron Fransisco. I've liked his aggressive way of playing St since day one. I hope he can hold on. He is not an every down guy and that might hurt him.

GBR
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Good call on all these players, seesred. I agree with all your thoughts. Thanks.

 

[Arizona's Finest]

Great post Mitch.

I will say its likely that there will be some suprises come cut time. Even a couple guys on your roster sure list maybe looking for work. Especially if more then a couple bubble guys play well.

 

[lauraw]

Well-thought-out post once again Mitch! I always have to read them 2-3 times beforeI understand them. Would you have the time to do a special write up on cody Brown and Rashad Johnson alone? I'm missing alot of info about them. Besides beanie, they are our highest pickups.. Only if you have the time.

 

[D-Dogg]

Mitch, where did you read about Kurt texting Beanie? That's awesome...

I'll read this later..this is the kind of stuff I really love reading from you.

 

[Goldfield]

Right now the coaches are lauding Garvin as the KR gem. They may be right. When Whiz was asked about LaRod S-H's return abilities, Whiz implied that this wasn't one of his strengths. However, if and when the team needs LaRod to step into J.J.'s role, he gets called up, and it's even possible that the team would carry 4 RBs although that's very unlikely. This is why LaRod probably spends some time on the PS and gets the call up either sometime during this season or next. He's not a player the team would worry about losing via waivers...which makes him even more likley for the PS at first.

Garvin may be a one-trick pony, but so was Devin Hester when he came into the league. An explosive KR is more than worth one of the 53 roster spots.

I agree 100%, Garvin excites me as much as anyone. If we could find a "Special" return guy this team would go to another level IMO.

 

[Mitch]

Well-thought-out post once again Mitch! I always have to read them 2-3 times beforeI understand them. Would you have the time to do a special write up on cody Brown and Rashad Johnson alone? I'm missing alot of info about them. Besides beanie, they are our highest pickups.. Only if you have the time.

Cody Brown played DE at UConn, with his hand down and was their leader in sacks with 12 this past season. The coaches at UConn were very impressed with how much Brown emerged as a leader. Because he's a classic "tweener" at 6-2, 242, 4.67, he's made to order as a WOLB34, where he will need to learn how to rush the edge from a two-point stance (instead of three) and leverege the edge on running plays to force the plays inside to the help and fall back into coverage in certain schemes. Brown is a very good athlete and a first-rate competitor. It's going to take him some time to be an effective NFL pass rusher, as he needs to work on getting physically stronger and needs to develop a more diverse set of pass rush moves. One thing I've noticed about him on tape is he's very good at setting the edge arc on his pass rush and fighting back to the QB when the QB steps into the pocket toward his side. Because it may take him even more time to get strong enough at the point of attack to leverage the corner, I would expect Brown to be a situational pass rusher at first and a ST stalwart. We will need to remain patient with him as he develops his NFL skills.

Rashad Johnson was a walk-on at Alabama who won a scholarship and then impressed the daylights out of new HC Nick Saban two years ago in Saban's inaugural year fresh off the sun-swept fields of Miami. Johnson showed the instincts to be a smart, savvy and opportunistic FS...and then started turning in outstanding performances...breaking up passes, delivering timely hits and snagging several key interceptions in the pass-happy SEC. Johnson became one of the captains at Alabama his senior year and put forth an exceptional effort, helping to lead the Tide on a national championship run, which fizzled out at the very end, but was noteworthy nonetheless. Saban has been effusive in his praise for Rashad Johnson...and has called him one of the smartest players he's ever coached. Whiz is good friends with Saban so you know Whiz was paying attention to Saban's input. While Johnson won't wow you physically, he has what a coach cannot teach a FS: the instincts to sense where the ball is going when. He has an uncanny way of smelling out plays. This is exactly what the Cardinals have needed in a FS for a long, long time. And I think that adding Johnson will enable Bill Davis to play a hybrid 3 safety defense with Johnson deep and Wilson and Rolle moved up into or on the edge of the box. In passing situations, Johnson will fill the role that Aaron Francisco had (which was not his forte and quite frankly was a de facto move seeing as the coaches wanted Antrel Rolle to move up to the nickel in passing situations and there really wasn't anyone else to play FS) as nickel and dime package FS. This should allow DRC and BMF the luxury of being able to play super aggressively on their men, jump roues and play passing lanes...and I honestly believe that if the Cardinals can somehow generate a pass rush, they could find themselves in the top 3 of the NFL for interceptions.

Johnson is more NFL ready than Brown. But, Brown should, like DRC this past season, become more and more of a factor as the season progresses.

 

[TJ]

Mitch, I see Alan Branch on the WRONG side of the at this moment. He has a very good chance of missing the team this season

 

[DoTheDew]

Mitch, I see Alan Branch on the WRONG side of the at this moment. He has a very good chance of missing the team this season

Half agree, but the she lack of depth at NT is going to make it almost impossible to cut him.

Also, I personally would be tempted to put Morey as a Roster Sure, simply giving him the benefit of the doubt after being a pro bowl special teamer.

 

[lauraw]

Mitch, once again you come through for us all on short notice about Cody Brown and Rashad Johnson. It sure looks like the Cards lucked out getting Johnson in the 3rd after almost taking him in rd.2.. Your info about both of them updated my files on them tremendously, Thankyou! Before I came to this sight , I had my own little world of Cards knowledge, but friends like you have helped it grow into a solar system of sorts; still lots of empty spaces but filling up fast! Thank you again, my friend!

 

[Cbus cardsfan]

i don't think Pago makes it and wouldn't be surprised to see Highsmith and Spach on the PUP list to start the year.

I think all of the rookies make the team and agree that KR amy be the biggest battle of training camp. That's pretty nice when the main battle is who is the KR.

 

[Savage58]

Nice writeup Mitch, good stuff.

The only guy on your for sure list I could see going is Urban, we're looking mighty deep at WR, I think that Morey as a ST demon is a must keep in Whiz's eyes so that leaves Urban to get the boot if the KR speedster garners a spot imho.

Out of your PLUS SIDE BUBBLE - I think all of these are out.
6. 62-Ben Claxton, C.
7. 47-Aaron Francisco, SS. His coverage skills are horrid and his ST play can be replaced this season.
8. 18-Michael Ray Garvin, KR/WR. We're going to be so deep he won't see the field imho, PS elligible.
10. 57-Victor Hobson, LB. With Haggans ability to backup ILB I see only Highsmith as our main BU there.
16. 83-Stephen Spach, TE. Injuries, PUP.
17. 51-Pago Togafau, LB. ST'er but on defense, doesn't show the instincts necessary IMHO.

On your OUTSIDE LOOKING IN BUBBLE I see these guys making the team.

2. 46-Tim Castille, FB. We'll keep 2 FBs again, because Whiz wants to pound the rock and injuries happen.
3. 59-Will Davis, OLB. The cards won't want to risk losing him by trying to put him on the Practice Squad this is where we go heavy on OLBs and lighter on ILB because of versatility of certain players who can play both.

Barring injuries, and of course they will show up eventually. I'm guessing that Branch and Robinson make it on the DL, because of size and the ability to play NT in the 34, Leslie could suprise and beat out BR, we shall see, I think Branch is going to come through this year.

I also believe most of the rookie picks make the team, L. Howlings-Stephans will have a hard time imo, and having Canfield at backup center will be awesome, I sure hope he can pull it off. I like E. Brown's versatility to keep him around, and agree Vallejo finally sticks at backup LT.

The biggest battles for jobs during camp will IMHO be;

Francisco vs Lewis on ST and coverage, Francisco has to see the door already, he will be motivated in camp.

Canfield vs Claxton vs D. Raiola for backup center, I'm rooting for Canfield, as I think he's a nasty SOB and love that in an offensive lineman.

And honorable mention to V. Hobson vs A. Highsmith for top backup at ILB, keep an eye on that one, I think it will be exciting and can't wait to see them in preseason, as they will be the heir apparent to KD who is leaving next year for sure me thinks...

 

[Duckjake]

Mitch,

Is Highsmith big enough at 6' 226 to hold a regular roster spot? He's the same size as our safeties!

Can he put on the weight like LeVar Fisher did before his knees did him in?

I sure hope so because we need some depth at ILB badly.

 

[cgolden]

Awesome stuff as always Mitch