Cards will find no help at QB in offseason

[az jam]

I hate that article.

First of all, too much "woulda coulda" with regard to Roethlisberger and Manning. (Hindsight is 20-20).

Secondly, there is always an ebb and flow of surprises at all positions in the off-season - with good guys being let go, bad guys being picked up, supposedly good pickups winding up busts and seemingly insignificant moves winding up brilliant.

No way no how for one moment do I feel the Cardinals' only two FA options will wind up being Brooks and Johnson. And who knows how Dennis feels about draft picks like Rodgers or Campbell?

And perhaps the biggest unknown factor will be what McCown may have learned and how he plays after having 3 weeks to listen and learn on the sidelines with earphones and clipboard, having three good receivers to throw to and working with an offensive line that has improved its pass blocking somewhat.

By the end of the season, the issue of picking up another QB may turn out to be moot.

Or not.

We are in total agreement. Its crazy playing what if games. There will be an experienced qb available that will be let go for cap reasons. Happens every year. DG and Graves will address the issue in the off season. Meanwhile if Josh lights it up that can change everything. Green is no dummy.

 

[Walter Mitchell]

What's Kelly Holcomb's contract status in Cleveland? He's got the potential to put up big numbers wherever he plays, if he can avoid the injury bug.

That said, my sneaking suspicion is that John Navarre will be the starting QB next year...and hopefully there will be a fierce competion for the job this time around, without Green annointing a starter from day one.

I like Brad Johnson's experience...and Aaron Brooks' athleticism.

Regardless, the Cardinals have to acquire two run blocking guards, or this offense as it is designed will continue to flounder.

Right now, I see the Cardinals' draft looking something like this:

1. CB Antrel Rolle, Miami. Should be the first corner taken...somewhere between 6-12. Possesses outstanding tools and awareness,

2. G David Baas, Michigan. May be best run blocker in the draft. Typically guards are not tabbed as first rounders, so Baas may be available early in round two. Cards may have to trade up to get him, though.

3. FS James Butler, Georgia Tech. Big, fast, rangy free safety. Immediate starter.

4. QB Stefan LeFors, Louisville. Yes, he's small...but so is Drew Brees. This guy could complete passes with a blindfold on. Size will likely make him an early day 2 selection. A Cardinal in college and now a Cardinal in the pros.

5. TE Alex Holmes, USC. Not flashy...but a real winner. Could go earlier, but because he's not an Antonio Gates-type, thus other, more athletic TEs may be snagged earlier.

6. G/T Nick Kaczur, Toledo. All out effort player who generates good push.

7. To Oakland (Zellner/Hambrick trade)

 

[Pariah]

Right now, I see the Cardinals' draft looking something like this:

1. CB Antrel Rolle, Miami. Should be the first corner taken...somewhere between 6-12. Possesses outstanding tools and awareness,

2. G David Baas, Michigan. May be best run blocker in the draft. Typically guards are not tabbed as first rounders, so Baas may be available early in round two. Cards may have to trade up to get him, though.

3. FS James Butler, Georgia Tech. Big, fast, rangy free safety. Immediate starter.

4. QB Stefan LeFors, Louisville. Yes, he's small...but so is Drew Brees. This guy could complete passes with a blindfold on. Size will likely make him an early day 2 selection. A Cardinal in college and now a Cardinal in the pros.

5. TE Alex Holmes, USC. Not flashy...but a real winner. Could go earlier, but because he's not an Antonio Gates-type, thus other, more athletic TEs may be snagged earlier.

6. G/T Nick Kaczur, Toledo. All out effort player who generates good push.

7. To Oakland (Zellner/Hambrick trade)

I'd be okay with that draft IF they get a very good FA RB (which at this point, I think is limited to Jordan, James or Alexander...Henry's broken leg scares me), and unfortunately, I don't think we can get one of those guys. I'd rather draft someone than take a lesser FA back.

 

[spanky1]

What's Kelly Holcomb's contract status in Cleveland? He's got the potential to put up big numbers wherever he plays, if he can avoid the injury bug.

That said, my sneaking suspicion is that John Navarre will be the starting QB next year...and hopefully there will be a fierce competion for the job this time around, without Green annointing a starter from day one.

I like Brad Johnson's experience...and Aaron Brooks' athleticism.

Regardless, the Cardinals have to acquire two run blocking guards, or this offense as it is designed will continue to flounder.

Right now, I see the Cardinals' draft looking something like this:

1. CB Antrel Rolle, Miami. Should be the first corner taken...somewhere between 6-12. Possesses outstanding tools and awareness,

2. G David Baas, Michigan. May be best run blocker in the draft. Typically guards are not tabbed as first rounders, so Baas may be available early in round two. Cards may have to trade up to get him, though.

3. FS James Butler, Georgia Tech. Big, fast, rangy free safety. Immediate starter.

4. QB Stefan LeFors, Louisville. Yes, he's small...but so is Drew Brees. This guy could complete passes with a blindfold on. Size will likely make him an early day 2 selection. A Cardinal in college and now a Cardinal in the pros.

5. TE Alex Holmes, USC. Not flashy...but a real winner. Could go earlier, but because he's not an Antonio Gates-type, thus other, more athletic TEs may be snagged earlier.

6. G/T Nick Kaczur, Toledo. All out effort player who generates good push.

7. To Oakland (Zellner/Hambrick trade)

Walter,

While I agree with your general line of thinking draft wise, may I proffer the following thoughts?

I would rather attack the CB need with the following: a) Through FA target Fred Smoot.......yes, I understand that there is a better than not chance he re-ups with the Redskins, but if not, he would be a solid acquisition. Now, if his monetary demands are out of whack, I believe that Ken Lucas with the Seahawks would be a Macklin like steal in '05. b) I would use our 3rd round pick on Jimmy Williams with Virginia Tech. He might not last until the early 3rd, but at 6'2"/215 he could be a solid nickle in year #1 and the replacement for Ohalete at FS in year #2.

With our #1, instead of Rolle, I would like to see Ahmad Brooks as a replacement for Darling and Thompson at W/OLB. Darling could return as a solid backup to both the W/OLB and as the backup to Hayes at MLB. Brooks will be the next "superstar" OLB......even better than Derrick Johnson.

I agree, we need two new OG's to turn the O-Line into the force it should be. I would like us to take a run at Cosey Coleman from TB in FA. I think we'll draft in and around #40 in round 2 and David Baas/ CJ Brooks would likely fall in and around here.

In the third, I've already used this pick on Jimmy Williams.

In the 4th, Albert Means at 6'4"/335, might be a sleeper pick as the run stuffer at DT that we are missing.

I have not thought about the draft this far down as of yet. Remember, we loose our #6 to Oakland for Hambrick and Zellner.

In the 7th round......keep your eye peeled at this dude.......Jesse Lumsden. He is a 6'2"/225 RB from Canada who ran for 2000 yards in 9 games with McMaster Univ of the CIAU. His father was a standout RB with the CFL.

 

[cdex99]

I was wondering what everyone thought about Seneca Wallace, whose buried on the depth chart in Seattle. I just remember him having a great off season and even better pre-season. I also remember him at Iowa State, and just the play making ability he possesses. Just opening up some anvenues in getting a QB. He doesn't need to be a FA or draft pick.

 

[CaptTurbo]

I like Kelly Holcolb alot. Wouldnt mind seeing him here at all.

 

[Redsz]

Drew Bledsoe isn't a guy we really want here. With his amount of experince he still locks onto one WR (Moulds) and trys to force the pass. He has lost or lacks pocket prescence. He has a cannon though. So I guess that is a plus.

Brad Johnson is another guy, like Bledsoe, who I think is pretty much done. But Green has experince with him so he could be an option. But TB's line is a whole lot more talented than ours and he still made bad decisions behind it.

I think Brooks, Kitna and possibly Kelly Holcomb (sp?) could be possible options.

 

[RugbyMuffin]

Brad Johnson is WAAAAY too old, and not that good anymore.

I wonder if somebody said that to Rich Gannon before he went to the Raiders?


If the guy is 95 and can get the ball into Boldin's, and Fitz's hands then sign him.

 

[RugbyMuffin]

Leftwich and Roethlisberger will most likely be at least average NFL QB's, if not Pro Bowlers, IMO. Criticizing the Cards for not drafting Rivers is a bit premature though. He could end up being the next Heath Shuler/Ryan Leaf/Cade McNown.

Leftwich will be out with a career ending injury in 2 years.

 

[RugbyMuffin]

But TB's line is a whole lot more talented than ours and he still made bad decisions behind it.

I think Brooks, Kitna and possibly Kelly Holcomb (sp?) could be possible options.

TB Oline is one of the worse in the League, stemming all the way back to last year.

And how is Brooks, Kitna, Holcomb, and Bledsoe, any less of a risk than Brad Johnson.

I mean all Brad Johnson has done with his career is thrown TD passes.

122 yards and 2 TD's a game sounds great to me.

 

[Redsz]

Woops, my bad. I must of been thinking of a different team. That's what I get for watching a Colts game while posting. You are right, Tampa's line isn't better than ours. Atleast in pass blocking.

I just think Johnson is done. Same with Bledsoe.

 

[Duckjake]

Think a team with Roethlisberger throwing to Boldin, and Suggs and Bertrand Berry chasing quarterbacks might be worth keeping an eye on?

I doubt that if the Cards had drafted Suggs that they would have pursued Berry as a FA or that Bertrand would have signed with Arizona.

 

[AzWins23]

What's Kelly Holcomb's contract status in Cleveland? He's got the potential to put up big numbers wherever he plays, if he can avoid the injury bug.

That said, my sneaking suspicion is that John Navarre will be the starting QB next year...and hopefully there will be a fierce competion for the job this time around, without Green annointing a starter from day one.

I like Brad Johnson's experience...and Aaron Brooks' athleticism.

Regardless, the Cardinals have to acquire two run blocking guards, or this offense as it is designed will continue to flounder.

Right now, I see the Cardinals' draft looking something like this:

1. CB Antrel Rolle, Miami. Should be the first corner taken...somewhere between 6-12. Possesses outstanding tools and awareness,

2. G David Baas, Michigan. May be best run blocker in the draft. Typically guards are not tabbed as first rounders, so Baas may be available early in round two. Cards may have to trade up to get him, though.

3. FS James Butler, Georgia Tech. Big, fast, rangy free safety. Immediate starter.

4. QB Stefan LeFors, Louisville. Yes, he's small...but so is Drew Brees. This guy could complete passes with a blindfold on. Size will likely make him an early day 2 selection. A Cardinal in college and now a Cardinal in the pros.

5. TE Alex Holmes, USC. Not flashy...but a real winner. Could go earlier, but because he's not an Antonio Gates-type, thus other, more athletic TEs may be snagged earlier.

6. G/T Nick Kaczur, Toledo. All out effort player who generates good push.

7. To Oakland (Zellner/Hambrick trade)

Kelly Holcombe is a UFA after this year

 

[CaliCards]

1. Cards need to make a deal with the Bengals to get Kitna.

2. The Cards should look at Jason White in the draft because in the last two years he's played well.....and I think he could be coached into a good NFL Qb.

3. Bring in Johnson as a vetran backup because he played for Green with the Vikes.

4. Brooks should not be considered becaus he plays for personal numbers and not to win.........look at his stats and compare them to the Saints' W/L record since he took over from Jeff Blake.

5. The Bills would not give up Bledsoe anytime soon, because they know if he gets protection, he'll put lots of points on the board.

6. Josh McCown will get another win before the regular season is over.

 

[HookemCards]

With our #1, instead of Rolle, I would like to see Ahmad Brooks as a replacement for Darling and Thompson at W/OLB. Darling could return as a solid backup to both the W/OLB and as the backup to Hayes at MLB. Brooks will be the next "superstar" OLB......even better than Derrick Johnson.

QUOTE]

No one is better than Derrick Johnson

 

[spanky1]

With our #1, instead of Rolle, I would like to see Ahmad Brooks as a replacement for Darling and Thompson at W/OLB. Darling could return as a solid backup to both the W/OLB and as the backup to Hayes at MLB. Brooks will be the next "superstar" OLB......even better than Derrick Johnson.

QUOTE]

No one is better than Derrick Johnson

HookemCards,

I see a little Texas love here. I do acknowledge that as of right now, Derrick Johnson has a SLIGHT edge over Brooks. My one concern is that at 230, Johnson is a tad "light" and against NFL sized players, it might become problematic. Brooks is 6'4"/250........the "perfect" size for an OLB. Remember, I said WILL be the next superstar........he is still a junior.