Cards 2004 Roster Prediction

[Snakester]

Originally posted by kerouac9
Pete Kendall suggests that the Arizona roster may turn over by 1/3 with the coaching change and free agency. I looked over the present group, and this is what I saw. I posted this on another thread, but I think that all the work I did deserves a thread of it's own...

The top of the roster is for the most part going to look the same, at least until free agency. I think that the big place that Green is going to make his mark this season is in the "belly" of this team. There are a lot of undrafted free agents and low-round picks from the McGinnis regime that may be weeded out for Green and his coaches' "pet" players.

One thing of concern is our secondary. The Cards have a grip of players approaching free agency, and we probably won't be able to keep all of them.

In recommending players that will/should stay behind, I'm hoping that Green puts an emphasis on in-game experience, rather than just cleaning house for the sake of it.

Offense

QB: Jeff Blake is almost definately going to be the starter, at least through the minicamps and training camp. I think that he realized pretty quickly that he was in the bush leagues with Mac and Sullivan, and played accordingly. Green is going to give him the chance to be successful. Josh McCown should feel pretty secure in his second-string role no matter what else transpires this off-season. No high-profile rookie is going to come in and take his job in his first season. Don't be surprised if he becomes beloved among the fan base as soon as Blake throws two picks in one game. Preston Parsons is going to find out how Chris Greisen felt. The fact that he won't be sent to NFL Europe should send a strong signal that his tenure with the team, and probably in the NFL, is going to be coming to an end. Dennis Green will probably bring in either a low-profile backup (Shawn King might be an interesting choice, but someone in the Tim Hasselback vein) or an anointed rookie will take this roster spot in 2004.

RB: Marcel Shipp is almost definately entrenched in the starting role. I'm not sold on him, and I'd be surprised if Green is going to be after watching tape this season, but he's our back for now. It's going to be up to Emmitt Smith whether or not he's going to soldier on for the remainder of his contract as a Cardinal. He'll probably be playing the same role here next year as he would have this one in Tampa, but he might feel better about that if he has a chance to win and pick up some goal-line TDs. I'm afraid that either Damian Anderson or Josh Scobey are going to be on their way out. I expect Green to draft a back on the second day that he can develop. This will probably be a slasher and burner, but with some drawback (injury history?) that will keep him out of the upper stanzas.

FB: James Hodgins will definately be back as the most overrated player on the Cardinals offense not named Marcel Shipp. He played well in 2003, but was hardly dominant. His goal should be to become at least the second-best fullback in the NFC West. Right now he's clearly behind San Francisco's Fred Beasley and Seattle's Mack Strong. Joshua Rue is probably looking at another season on the practice squad, or limited special teams action in 2004, at most. Should be pretty solid here.

WR: Anquan Boldin, Bryant Johnson, and Bryan Gilmore should all feel pretty comfortable with at least roster spots for next season. I expect for at least a second-tier free agent to be recruited by Green to help take some pressure off of Johnson's development for another year, at least the beginning. The Cards carried 6 WRs this season, but one was on injured reserve. I expect two of the trio of Nate Poole, Jason McAddley, and Reggie Newhouse will not be returning, or at least making it out of training camp. Kevin Kasper is apparently eligible for Restricted Free Agency, but I don't foresee him being tendered by Arizona.

TE: Freddie Jones is a dead-set lock to return to Arizona for, I believe, the final year of his deal. Steve Bush's contract was extended mid-year, so he'll be back. I expect that one of Mike Banks and Lorenzo Diamond will return, but the odd man out may find refuge for another season on the practice squad.

OT: Like it or not L.J. Shelton and Anthony Clement will return as your starters. Reggie Wells, the human turnstile, will be back for another year of development, I expect. He must have shown something to the coaches last season in Flagstaff, and there's no reason he won't show some glimmers again. Kendrick Rogers is probably on the outside looking in.

OG: Leonard Davis will be back on the right side. Hopefully showing up in shape and angry. Cameron Spikes, Raleigh Roundtree, and Tony Wragge should probably start figuring out how to produce, because at least one, and maybe two of that group will not make it to the final roster cuts. Spikes probably has the edge, but don't be surprised if a free agent is brought in to help shore up this unit. Maybe a second-day pick (compensatory?), as well.

C: Despite everyone's wailing to the contrary, I think that Pete Kendall sticks it out here for the remainder of his career. He's a sharp player, and I think that Green, like most coaches, likes the center to be the field general for the offensive line. Behind him, I think that Frank Garcia is safe, but Jason Starkey is likely out of football now that he's a free agent, and Steven Grace is likely a camp body. It might not be a surprise to see a second-day pick used on a center, if not the guard mentioned above.

Bottom line: I'm predicting 10 players from 2003 to be gone from the offense.

I think your right on about the QB situation. I would like to see the Cards draft Manning or Roethlisberger and start him from day one but that will most likely not happen. I would also like to see McCown start over Jeff Blake but I think Blake will again retain his job to start the season at least.

I pretty much agree with your take on the running backs.

I disagree with you at fullback. I thought Hodgins did a great job and to me is without a doubt a top five fullback in the NFL.

I am in close agreement with you about the receivers. I do think that we may draft a WR and sign one in free agency.

I agree with you about the TEs.

I also agree pretty much on your take on the offensive line. I do think we will draft one and just might get a free agent as well. Although Anthony Clement did play better over the last few games I would like to see him switch positions with BIG, but like you say the Cards will most likely keep things the way they are.

I completely agree with you about Kendall and Garcia. I thought Kendall did a great job at center this year and I would really be surprised if he was moved back to guard.

 

[kerouac9]

Re: Re: Taking out Rats's trash...

Originally posted by Rats
I was more talking about Bell, Wilson and Stone being in the same draft but having differant status...KVB was drafted higher....and Barrett was taken in the 4th round....so much for your facts....but then we all talk out of our ass sometimes...... Some of what you say has merit....though

Apparently you're right on Barrett. I used Ourlad's Scouting Service's Depth Chart for the basis for most of my info, and it has Barrett as a 6th rounder, but on his bio "card", he's listed as a 4th. Whatever. It's about $15K in signing bonus between the two, and semi-meaningless now.

Wilson and Stone weren't drafed the same year. Wilson and KVB were both 2001 picks (L. Davis #1, KVB #2, and A. Wilson #3), and I think that Stone, Bell, and T. Jones all came out in the same draft (since all three are entering unrestricted free agency this season). That should be the 2000 draft.

But don't let that distract you from the inane proposition of converting KVB into a defensive tackle.

 

[Snakester]

Re: Taking out Rats's trash...

Originally posted by kerouac9
Barrett was a 6th round pick in the 2000 draft. That's a fact, look it up. I don't think that he'll be back here next season, and even with the secondary getting improved with the return of Starks, it could get EVEN BETTER with the aquisition of another good cornerback like Winfield or Bryant. [/B]

Sorry, Barret was drafted in the fourth round.

 

[Northern Card]

Question re: Stone, Bell...

are we confusing restricted and unrestricted free agency?

 

[kerouac9]

Re: Re: Re: Taking out Rats's trash...

Originally posted by kerouac9
Apparently you're right on Barrett. I used Ourlad's Scouting Service's Depth Chart for the basis for most of my info, and it has Barrett as a 6th rounder, but on his bio "card", he's listed as a 4th. Whatever. It's about $15K in signing bonus between the two, and semi-meaningless now.

...EDIT: I was way off-base on this paragraph. Never mind.

But don't let that distract you from the inane proposition of converting KVB into a defensive tackle.

 

[Rats]

Re: Re: Re: Taking out Rats's trash...

Originally posted by kerouac9
Apparently you're right on Barrett. I used Ourlad's Scouting Service's Depth Chart for the basis for most of my info, and it has Barrett as a 6th rounder, but on his bio "card", he's listed as a 4th. Whatever. It's about $15K in signing bonus between the two, and semi-meaningless now.

Wilson and Stone weren't drafed the same year. Wilson and KVB were both 2001 picks (L. Davis #1, KVB #2, and A. Wilson #3), and I think that Stone, Bell, and T. Jones all came out in the same draft (since all three are entering unrestricted free agency this season). That should be the 2000 draft.

But don't let that distract you from the inane proposition of converting KVB into a defensive tackle.

Sorry, but they were all from the same 2001 draft...KVB and Stone 2nd rounders Wilson 3rd and Bell 4th rounder. You really should work on your facts first before shooting yourself in the foot....jackass. I wasn't trying to convince you KVB would be a good DT. IMO he should be givin alook if healthy. You really should find yourself a girl mate....you suck at this fact thing. You could however lie to her and she might believe you.....

 

[kerouac9]

You're right. I'm a little surprised at the players that we got in the 2001 draft. Davis, KVB, M. Stone, A. Wilson, and M. Bell all came out of that draft. Wow.

So, except for KVB and Davis, all of those players should be Restricted Free Agents this season.

Regardless, that doesn't change the basis of what I'm talking about, and KVB still sholdn't be converted to a defensive tackle.

 

[Northern Card]

from NFL Draft Blitz

Arizona Cardinals

UFA: CB David Barrett, TE Steve Bush, OG Chris Dishman, S Justin Lucas, CB Emmanuel McDaniel, DT Derrick Ransom, OT L.J. Shelton, C Jason Starkey.

RFA: DT Marcus Bell, PK Bill Gramatica, CB Renaldo Hill, WR Kevin Kasper, S Adrian Wilson, LB LeVar Woods.

 

[Rats]

Originally posted by kerouac9
You're right. I'm a little surprised at the players that we got in the 2001 draft. Davis, KVB, M. Stone, A. Wilson, and M. Bell all came out of that draft. Wow.

So, except for KVB and Davis, all of those players should be Restricted Free Agents this season.

Regardless, that doesn't change the basis of what I'm talking about, and KVB still sholdn't be converted to a defensive tackle.

No, what you are talking about is pretty sound but still only your opinion. And anyone with over 2000 post in just less than a year really should find themselves companionship or something more meaningful. I'm only singling you out in this thread there are worse stat geeks...that have way to much time on there hands as well. I hope I don't reach that post # for several years if ever. Alot of effort trying to get others to agree with what is basically your opinion...with some skewed "facts" thrown in. Oh well were all #@###!% nuts anyway....thats why we are life long Cards Fans.

 

[Cards Czar]

K9 sorry to bust your bubble but Barnett was in the 2000 draft vice the 2001.

http://www.footballsfuture.com/2000/live/round4.html


Round 4

Cleveland -- Lewis Sanders, db, Maryland
New Orleans -- Terrelle Smith, rb, Arizona State
Cincinnati -- Curtis Keaton, rb, James Madison
Green Bay from San Francisco -- Na'Il Diggs, lb, Ohio State
Philadelphia -- Gari Scott, wr, Michigan State
Atlanta -- Michael Thompson, ot, Tennessee State
Denver -- Jerry Johnson, dt, Florida State
Arizona -- David Barrett, db, Arkansas
Pittsburgh -- Danny Farmer, wr, UCLA
St. Louis from Chicago -- Kaulana Noa, g, Hawaii
NY Giants -- Brandon Short, lb, Penn State
Minnesota from Baltimore-- Antonio Wilson, lb, Texas A&M-Commerce
Oakland -- Junior Ioane, dt, Arizona State
San Francisco from NY Jets through Green Bay -- John Keith, db, Furman
Dallas -- Kareem Larrimore, db, West Texas A&M
Cleveland -- Aaron Shea, te, Michigan
San Diego from Detroit through Philadelphia -- Trevor Gaylor, Miami (Ohio)
Denver from Carolina -- Cooper Carlisle, ot, Florida
San Diego -- Leonardo Carson, de, Auburn
Green Bay -- Anthony Lucas, wr, Arkansas
Kansas City -- Frank Moreau, rb, Louisville
Seattle -- Marcus Bell, lb, Arizona
Miami -- Deon Dyer, rb, North Carolina
Minnesota -- Tyrone Carter, db, Minnesota
Seattle from Washington through San Francisco -- Isaiah Kacyvenski, lb, Harvard
Carolina from Tampa Bay -- Alvin McKinley, dt, Mississippi State
Buffalo -- Avion Black, wr, Tennessee A&T
Indianapolis -- Josh Williams, dt, Michigan
Jacksonville -- Joey Chustz, ot, Louisiana Tech
Tennessee -- Bobby Myers, db, Wisconsin
Chicago -- Reggie Austin, db, Wake Forest
Green Bay -- Gary Berry, db, Ohio State
New England -- Greg Robinson-Randall, ot, Michigan State
Tennessee -- Peter Sirmon, lb, Oregon
Washington -- Michael Moore, ot, Troy State

 

[JeffGollin]

Trying to predict our 2004 roster - before Denny has hired all his assistants, installed his systems and done some scouting at the Senior Bowl game and Combine - is like trying to hit a moving target blindfolded.

 

[Rats]

Originally posted by JeffGollin
Trying to predict our 2004 roster - before Denny has hired all his assistants, installed his systems and done some scouting at the Senior Bowl game and Combine - is like trying to hit a moving target blindfolded.

IMO most observers see a change of about 10 players on each side of the ball. Some of them being impact, most being depth. Either way it is all just speculation....not exactly a science. But fun ...none the less.

 

[kerouac9]

Originally posted by Rats
No, what you are talking about is pretty sound but still only your opinion. And anyone with over 2000 post in just less than a year really should find themselves companionship or something more meaningful. I'm only singling you out in this thread there are worse stat geeks...that have way to much time on there hands as well. I hope I don't reach that post # for several years if ever. Alot of effort trying to get others to agree with what is basically your opinion...with some skewed "facts" thrown in. Oh well were all #@###!% nuts anyway....thats why we are life long Cards Fans.

Har, har, har. 2000 posts in 11 months or whatever really isn't that much. Especially considering that it only takes a moment to prepare a quick note such as this one. I do most of my posting at work, so the only real victim here is my employer.

Don't fret over any lack of companionship for myself, sir. I'm doin' just fine.

 

[Pariah]

Originally posted by Rats
And anyone with over 2000 post in just less than a year really should find themselves companionship or something more meaningful.

My wife and kid will be sorry to hear that I have to go find something "more meaningful."

 

[Rats]

Originally posted by Pariah
My wife and kid will be sorry to hear that I have to go find something "more meaningful."

With that many posts here you should win a booby prize .........Ha....or maybe go hunt a bear. Colorado has those...don't they. I'm sure they won't miss you.

 

[Duckjake]

Originally posted by Northern Card
from NFL Draft Blitz

Arizona Cardinals

UFA: CB David Barrett, TE Steve Bush, OG Chris Dishman, S Justin Lucas, CB Emmanuel McDaniel, DT Derrick Ransom, OT L.J. Shelton, C Jason Starkey.

RFA: DT Marcus Bell, PK Bill Gramatica, CB Renaldo Hill, WR Kevin Kasper, S Adrian Wilson, LB LeVar Woods.

Other than Shelton I wouldn't care if everyone else on that list signed somewhere else or was simply released.

I also wouldn't be surprised if ASFN's #1 teflon position, LB, undergoes major changes before opening kickoff 2004.

 

[Rats]

bump...........it had to be done after KVB was seen playing DT....imagine that