Mitch
Crawled Through 5 FB Fields
There are a number of young players on the Cardinals' roster who could be key contributors to the team's success. BA and his staff are typically not the patient types---they stress accountability, daily work ethic and the team chemistry factors. In short, players have to have game and be game every day.
QB Matt Barkley: Steve Keim hates to give up draft picks---even 7th rounders. Thus it says something that Keim traded for Barkley and kept Barkley when he could have released him and gotten the 7th pick back. At first glance, it would not appear that Barkley is a photo-typical BA type of QB in that Barkley is not 6'4", nor does he possess a power arm. However, Barkley's potential strengths are his football IQ, his self-confidence and his accuracy.
Bottom line: By coaching Barkley up to be the #2, the Cardinals can save up to $4M on the cap by not having to sign a veteran #2.
RB Marion Grice: Grice has all the physical traits the Cardinals covet at the RB position. He's got good size, speed, flexibility and versatility (BA has lined him up in the slot at times). From day one in TC last year, Grice was hampered by nagging leg injuries. If Grice comes to camp in great shape and stays healthy, he could make quite a splash this year.
Bottom line: Having Grice step up, the Cardinals wouldn't need to spend the cap space on a UFA RB or have to spend a draft pick on a RB.
TE Gerald Christian: Christian was looking very solid before his injury. BA loves his versatility---as he can be used as an H-back, FB and is very good on STs.
Bottom line: Coaching Christian up would improve STs, situational offense and would save the Cardinals an extra roster spot if he can be the FB.
G/T Earl Watford: Watford is a good, versatile offensive lineman and is quite possibly the most under-rated player on the roster. He did a very respectable job starting at RT when Massie was suspended. Watford has all the physical attributes to be a solid starter at guard or right tackle.
Bottom line: While the Cardinals would be wise to add another versatile G/T option for solidifying their depth on the offensive line, they shouldn't have to overpay for one with Watford already in place. Signing him to an extension before he hits free agency may be very wise.
WR/PR Jaxson Shipley: While Shipley isn't a burner, his excellent hands and quick feet give the Cardinals a legitimate chain mover from the slot and a shifty, make-you-miss punt returner.
Bottom line: It may be tempting to add a FA punt returner---but with Shipley in the fold, cap money could be wisely spent elsewhere. And let's face it, Patrick Peterson should be save for special occasions as a punt returner.
NT Xavier Williams: Had a very good TC. Was added to roster and was solid in the NT rotation. Has talent.
Bottom line: could he be the starter at NT? This would allow the Cardinals to slide Rodney Gunter over to LDE.
DT Ed Stinson: Stinson has shown some positive flashes, but he has yet to provide consistent production in the DT rotation. What was most encouraging down the stretch last year was seeing Stinson become more slippery in the pass rush. This could be a big year for him if he is motivated.
Botton line: With Frostee Rucker and Corey Redding getting older, a young buck like Stinson has an opportunity to make a move up the depth chart this year.
DE Josh Mauro: Mauro was a key contributor in some games the past two years, but he's had to battle through injuries and inconsistency.
Bottom line: Mauro's aggressive style and strength at the point of attack is just what the coaches want, if he could provide it more regularly.
LB Alani Fua: Here is a young player who has very similar traits to Karlos Dansby in terms of size, range, blitzing and pass coverage ability.
Bottom line: Fua could be a key player in the Cardinals' defense once he gets more experience and reps.
OLBs Kareem Martin, Shaq Riddick, Zach Wagenmann, Tristan Okpalaugo. All of these rushers have length and potential.
Bottom line: it should be very interesting to see if any of the rushers in this group emerge. Bill Parcels always says, "Potential means you haven't done anything yet." Curiously, BA has stated that he doesn't think that the Cardinals are going to be able to solve their pass rush through free agency. Steve Keim said recently that the top pass rushers in FA may be too pricey. Thus, if they are correct, the Cardinals' blueprint for the top of the draft is becoming very clear.
CB Asa Jackson: Jackson has good, strong natural ability and having played some already, he knows where the bar has been set and what the challenges are.
Bottom line: signing Jackson might have been yet another of Steve Keim's coups and if Jackson can be the #3 or #4 CB, it could give the Cardinals a chance to develop a rookie draft pick or Cariel Brooks in due time.
S D.J. Swearinger: Swearinger played well when he filled in for Rashad Johnson. He is a big hitter who takes the romance pout of the TE seam pass or the quick run up the middle (see James Starks). He needs to be developed as a cover safety and needs to become better versed in the nuance of the defense.
Bottom line: with good coaching and some vows of confidence, Swearinger could allow the team to play younger and tougher at the safety spots, while saving some cap money in the process.
Other Potential Surprises:
RB Kerwynn Williams---the second time was not quite the charm for the tenacious KW, but what about the third?
TE Ifeanyi Momah---was having a good camp before injury.
C Taylor Boggs---has received raves from past teammates. Very physical.
G John Fullington---was injured in the pre-season, but he was earning the favor of the coaches.
G Antoine McClain---Clemson big-boy who could be a factor in the running game.
T Rob Crisp---agile swing tackle who needs to mature.
T John Wetzel---BC boy who is a sturdy RT. He excels in the run game.
DT Pierre Olsen---Hurricane with good size and feet.
LB Gabe Martin---got the late season call up and is held in high favor by the coaches for his STs play and his quick feet at LB.
OLB Mike Reilly---has some speed and agility off the edge.
CB Cariel Brooks---can he build on good first TC?
CB Joel Wilkerson---an Australian rugby project with good size, speed and athleticism.
CB/S Shaun Prater---another Steve Keim sleeper? Lacks ideal length, but this Hawkeye really gets after it.
QB Matt Barkley: Steve Keim hates to give up draft picks---even 7th rounders. Thus it says something that Keim traded for Barkley and kept Barkley when he could have released him and gotten the 7th pick back. At first glance, it would not appear that Barkley is a photo-typical BA type of QB in that Barkley is not 6'4", nor does he possess a power arm. However, Barkley's potential strengths are his football IQ, his self-confidence and his accuracy.
Bottom line: By coaching Barkley up to be the #2, the Cardinals can save up to $4M on the cap by not having to sign a veteran #2.
RB Marion Grice: Grice has all the physical traits the Cardinals covet at the RB position. He's got good size, speed, flexibility and versatility (BA has lined him up in the slot at times). From day one in TC last year, Grice was hampered by nagging leg injuries. If Grice comes to camp in great shape and stays healthy, he could make quite a splash this year.
Bottom line: Having Grice step up, the Cardinals wouldn't need to spend the cap space on a UFA RB or have to spend a draft pick on a RB.
TE Gerald Christian: Christian was looking very solid before his injury. BA loves his versatility---as he can be used as an H-back, FB and is very good on STs.
Bottom line: Coaching Christian up would improve STs, situational offense and would save the Cardinals an extra roster spot if he can be the FB.
G/T Earl Watford: Watford is a good, versatile offensive lineman and is quite possibly the most under-rated player on the roster. He did a very respectable job starting at RT when Massie was suspended. Watford has all the physical attributes to be a solid starter at guard or right tackle.
Bottom line: While the Cardinals would be wise to add another versatile G/T option for solidifying their depth on the offensive line, they shouldn't have to overpay for one with Watford already in place. Signing him to an extension before he hits free agency may be very wise.
WR/PR Jaxson Shipley: While Shipley isn't a burner, his excellent hands and quick feet give the Cardinals a legitimate chain mover from the slot and a shifty, make-you-miss punt returner.
Bottom line: It may be tempting to add a FA punt returner---but with Shipley in the fold, cap money could be wisely spent elsewhere. And let's face it, Patrick Peterson should be save for special occasions as a punt returner.
NT Xavier Williams: Had a very good TC. Was added to roster and was solid in the NT rotation. Has talent.
Bottom line: could he be the starter at NT? This would allow the Cardinals to slide Rodney Gunter over to LDE.
DT Ed Stinson: Stinson has shown some positive flashes, but he has yet to provide consistent production in the DT rotation. What was most encouraging down the stretch last year was seeing Stinson become more slippery in the pass rush. This could be a big year for him if he is motivated.
Botton line: With Frostee Rucker and Corey Redding getting older, a young buck like Stinson has an opportunity to make a move up the depth chart this year.
DE Josh Mauro: Mauro was a key contributor in some games the past two years, but he's had to battle through injuries and inconsistency.
Bottom line: Mauro's aggressive style and strength at the point of attack is just what the coaches want, if he could provide it more regularly.
LB Alani Fua: Here is a young player who has very similar traits to Karlos Dansby in terms of size, range, blitzing and pass coverage ability.
Bottom line: Fua could be a key player in the Cardinals' defense once he gets more experience and reps.
OLBs Kareem Martin, Shaq Riddick, Zach Wagenmann, Tristan Okpalaugo. All of these rushers have length and potential.
Bottom line: it should be very interesting to see if any of the rushers in this group emerge. Bill Parcels always says, "Potential means you haven't done anything yet." Curiously, BA has stated that he doesn't think that the Cardinals are going to be able to solve their pass rush through free agency. Steve Keim said recently that the top pass rushers in FA may be too pricey. Thus, if they are correct, the Cardinals' blueprint for the top of the draft is becoming very clear.
CB Asa Jackson: Jackson has good, strong natural ability and having played some already, he knows where the bar has been set and what the challenges are.
Bottom line: signing Jackson might have been yet another of Steve Keim's coups and if Jackson can be the #3 or #4 CB, it could give the Cardinals a chance to develop a rookie draft pick or Cariel Brooks in due time.
S D.J. Swearinger: Swearinger played well when he filled in for Rashad Johnson. He is a big hitter who takes the romance pout of the TE seam pass or the quick run up the middle (see James Starks). He needs to be developed as a cover safety and needs to become better versed in the nuance of the defense.
Bottom line: with good coaching and some vows of confidence, Swearinger could allow the team to play younger and tougher at the safety spots, while saving some cap money in the process.
Other Potential Surprises:
RB Kerwynn Williams---the second time was not quite the charm for the tenacious KW, but what about the third?
TE Ifeanyi Momah---was having a good camp before injury.
C Taylor Boggs---has received raves from past teammates. Very physical.
G John Fullington---was injured in the pre-season, but he was earning the favor of the coaches.
G Antoine McClain---Clemson big-boy who could be a factor in the running game.
T Rob Crisp---agile swing tackle who needs to mature.
T John Wetzel---BC boy who is a sturdy RT. He excels in the run game.
DT Pierre Olsen---Hurricane with good size and feet.
LB Gabe Martin---got the late season call up and is held in high favor by the coaches for his STs play and his quick feet at LB.
OLB Mike Reilly---has some speed and agility off the edge.
CB Cariel Brooks---can he build on good first TC?
CB Joel Wilkerson---an Australian rugby project with good size, speed and athleticism.
CB/S Shaun Prater---another Steve Keim sleeper? Lacks ideal length, but this Hawkeye really gets after it.
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