DeAngelo Williams vs LenDale White

[NEZCardsfan]

This is sort of my point, though. We went from thinking the kid was going to be Marshall Faulk v.2 to "well, I'm not going to call him a bust, yet."

Does anyone still think he'll be the next Faulk?

Never thought he was Marshall Faulk. So no. He's not even a good receiver, so I don't know where that comparison comes from.

 

[Pariah]

Never thought he was Marshall Faulk. So no. He's not even a good receiver, so I don't know where that comparison comes from.

That's who he was being compared to in TC by either coaches or players...or maybe press. I'll look for the articles.

EDIT:

To an offense that already had three quality wide receivers, Green added a former league and Super Bowl MVP in quarterback Kurt Warner and a rookie running back, J.J. Arrington, who is drawing comparisons to the Rams' Marshall Faulk.
... "I think he's a young Marshall Faulk," said Cardinals strong safety Adrian Wilson. "He's got the ability to do a lot of things that Marshall did when he was young. He has a 3-D dimension that defenses don't really account for.

This quote is from this article: http://www.arizonasportsfans.com/vb/showthread.php?t=59197&highlight=arrington+faulk

It's the first one I found. I'm sure there's more.

And, here's a laugher (IMO):

The more Arrington touches the ball, the more the Cardinals will resemble a playoff team.

http://www.arizonasportsfans.com/vb/showthread.php?t=59276&highlight=arrington+faulk

 

[Shane]

I'd be surprised if we took either, but not dissapointed.

I like Williams...a lot. I think he's going to be a really good back in the NFL. He's got the vision to find holes that don't seem to be there and the quicks to make good on them. As for size concerns and JJ Arrington, well, I'm roughly the same size as Reggie Bush--maybe I can be a first round pick?

I also really like White, but I'm not as high on him as many on this board. Yes, I do think his nose for the endzone will translate well to the NFL, but I don't think he's a panecea (sp?) for the offensive woes in the red zone. We still need to make strides along the offensive line (which, of course, we could still do if we draft him). As we all know, character issues are magnified in AZ because we've been so abysmal on the field. If he has any issues at all, they'll show up in spades the first time we lose three in a row in spectacular fashion and he's getting drilled 5 yards behind the line with regularity.

I think D. Williams has "it;" I don't know that White does. I think he'll probably be pretty good, but I'm just not sure about him being a special player.

 

[NEZCardsfan]

I don't like draft prospects being compared to current NFL Pro Bowlers. I don't think it is fair to the rookies, the Pro Bowlers, or the fans. It just gets everybody's expectations way too high.

Here's how I think JJ Arrington needs to be used, if he isn't going to be used this way, then he'll never be successful.

He needs to be lined up deep in the backfield, in a 3 wide single back set. He needs to have good acceleration to the hole, and he NEEDS to be decisive and hit it. His real skill lies in his speed, if he has a good sized hole, then his speed should allow him to race to the sideline, and pick up 10 and 12 yard gains, occasionally the home run. He is alright in pass protection. He tried hard. He could chip a LB, but if a NT comes free forget it.

He cannot make the 8th man miss. I never saw anything at Cal to suggest otherwise. He's not a great open field runner, he doesn't have much shake. He shouldn't be ran wide because he'd have to juke a LB to get the edge, and for the most part he can't do that. He catches almost every ball with his body, didn't seem to get any better. Now, one thing he does NEED to absolutely do is get tougher. Ever since the RW hit, he seemed gun shy.

Run him hard between the tackles, or let him go.

 

[Pariah]

He needs to be lined up deep in the backfield, in a 3 wide single back set.

Why a singleback set? Wouldn't a FB help by picking up a defender--making that one less guy Arrington can't juke?

 

[NEZCardsfan]

Why a singleback set? Wouldn't a FB help by picking up a defender--making that one less guy Arrington can't juke?

1) Currently, we don't have a decent blocking FB. Femi is good between the 20s, but never been a lead blocker. Maybe Manu in FA, maybe draft Powers Neal, but currently I see blocking FB as a need.

2) Our receivers are the stars of our team. IMO, if we go 3 WRs, they HAVE to put in a NB. If they don't and try to cheat with another LB at the LOS, then we can audible out and hurt them with quick slants. My opinion, I like his chances breaking NB tackles, but not LB tackles.

 

[Pariah]

1) Currently, we don't have a decent blocking FB. Femi is good between the 20s, but never been a lead blocker. Maybe Manu in FA, maybe draft Powers Neal, but currently I see blocking FB as a need.

Hodgins is still on the roster. He's a good blocker.

 

[NEZCardsfan]

Hodgins is still on the roster. He's a good blocker.

These injuries are really starting to worry me. Can he be counted on to stay healthy??

BTW--he's a great blocker

 

[Pariah]

These injuries are really starting to worry me. Can he be counted on to stay healthy??

More concerning to me than the injuries--will Green utilize him? Can't do anything about the injuries, but it would really drive me crazy to see the running game flounder while Hodgins is sitting on the bench (when healthy).

 

[NEZCardsfan]

More concerning to me than the injuries--will Green utilize him? Can't do anything about the injuries, but it would really drive me crazy to see the running game flounder while Hodgins is sitting on the bench (when healthy).

Hodgins would probably be used almost exclusively in Jumbo/Short Y situations. Femi is a better athlete, so Green probably wants to get him on the field as much as possible. Then there is the whole, Femi is a "Dennis" guy thing.

I wouldn't be shocked to see Hodgins cut.

 

[Arizona's Finest]

I'd be surprised if we took either, but not dissapointed.

I like Williams...a lot. I think he's going to be a really good back in the NFL. He's got the vision to find holes that don't seem to be there and the quicks to make good on them. As for size concerns and JJ Arrington, well, I'm roughly the same size as Reggie Bush--maybe I can be a first round pick?

I also really like White, but I'm not as high on him as many on this board. Yes, I do think his nose for the endzone will translate well to the NFL, but I don't think he's a panecea (sp?) for the offensive woes in the red zone. We still need to make strides along the offensive line (which, of course, we could still do if we draft him). As we all know, character issues are magnified in AZ because we've been so abysmal on the field. If he has any issues at all, they'll show up in spades the first time we lose three in a row in spectacular fashion and he's getting drilled 5 yards behind the line with regularity.

I think D. Williams has "it;" I don't know that White does. I think he'll probably be pretty good, but I'm just not sure about him being a special player.

I dont really know how you can say that... He makes runs that are special but here is my point....if he has "it", than why was he not in New York with Bush, Lienert, and Young. Lord knows he got the advanced billing. He played in Conference USA for gods sakes...theres no excuse for him not being a Heisman factor from beginning of season (which he was) to end (which he wasn't)

SO i get where you are coming from with the comment but i will make an analogy and you tell me if you want the Cardinals drafting this guy to be in our backfield. Maurice Drew.

Granted i watched Maurice Drew alot more than Williams, but Drew is of comprable size and speed and single handedly won his team games the last four years (does anyone remember his performance against Washington his freshman year?). He has dynamic moves, and while Williams is a little but stockier, i dont think there is too much of a diffence, especially with Drew playing in a better conference and being a Heisman candidate before he ran into the buzz saw that is UA football ( that was tounge in cheek devil fans, calm down)...if you are going to say Williams has "it" than so does Drew...and i will tell you what, i dont want Drew even in the third round as i see him as a returner in the Darren Sproles mode...

Now Williams is more likely to handle the load than Drew, but as i keep saying....i dont want a shifty smaller back unless his name is Reggie. I just dont like some of the signs i have seen from this kid and i am hoping he continues to rise and it is not even a debate when #10 comes around, as he is already off the board....

God the more i think about it, the more i think we can get Hawk...offense is our priority but I see Hawk making the same change to our team as Tatupu did for Seattle.....at OLB or my preferred MLB...(that last one was for you Spank...i saw a write up with him projected as a MLB in the NFL and i should have cut an paste it, but i see your point too so i wont continue...we will talk again come week 4 of next season )

 

[Pariah]

I dont really know how you can say that...

• ...He makes runs that are special...

• ...SO i get where you are coming from with the comment...

• ...Williams is more likely to handle the load than Drew...

I think you answered your own questions.

You don't want another small back. Okay. M. Drew is alright. I like him. I just don't think he's the same calibre of back as D. Williams.

As for why wasn't he in NY for the Hiesman ceremony? We're picking at #10, not #1 or 2 or even 3. I wasn't comparing Williams to Bush, I wasn't even really comparing him to White (who, by the way, also wasn't in NY). If we can get a heisman candidate at #10, more power to us, but I'm not really sure how that's a knock on Williams--or anyone we might be looking at with #10.

 

[joeshmo]

Hodgins would probably be used almost exclusively in Jumbo/Short Y situations. Femi is a better athlete, so Green probably wants to get him on the field as much as possible. Then there is the whole, Femi is a "Dennis" guy thing.

I wouldn't be shocked to see Hodgins cut.

A few things -

1. Femi is a UFA. They may want to re-sign him but we havent heard anything about it yet, We ahve heard about them wanting to re-sign Davis and Warner but no one else. But there is still over 1 month till FA starts so we shall see.

2. Hodgins being cut. I really dont think Green wants to unless it is an injury thing. Green has kept him on board the last 2 years on IR at a pretty hefty contract for a FB. That screams to be cut with medical compensation to Hodgins like we did to Dexter Jackson and a few others. Along with the fact that Hodgins was in on a lot of plays and time in Training camp and mini camps, praise from Green in mini camps, tells me that Green has a plan for him, he just hasnt been able to utilize him in that plan yet. So unless it comes down to injury or Money(which is unlikely with the amount of cap space we have) we will be seeing Hodgins in camp once again.

 

[Arizona's Finest]

I think you answered your own questions.

You don't want another small back. Okay. M. Drew is alright. I like him. I just don't think he's the same calibre of back as D. Williams.

As for why wasn't he in NY for the Hiesman ceremony? We're picking at #10, not #1 or 2 or even 3. I wasn't comparing Williams to Bush, I wasn't even really comparing him to White (who, by the way, also wasn't in NY). If we can get a heisman candidate at #10, more power to us, but I'm not really sure how that's a knock on Williams--or anyone we might be looking at with #10.

Im using the preseason Heisman hype as a analogywhy he doesnt produce on a level that would dictate us picking him...i dont think getting invited to NY makes you a sure fire player, not at all.....but guys who have "it" rise up when it counts....they dont sit out big games against their stiffest competition and largly go unnoticed when there were people expecting big things...

but it seems like you understand my point, but disagree.....and thats a good thing....only time will tell

 

[Pariah]

Career Stats

M. Drew
496 attempts
2,557 yards
5.2 average
27 TDs

D. Williams
968 attempts
6021 yards
6.3 average
55 TDs


I think the above stats speak volumes about why Williams is being talked about in the top of the first and Drew is being talked about in the middle of the draft.

 

[NEZCardsfan]

1. Femi is a UFA. They may want to re-sign him but we havent heard anything about it yet, We ahve heard about them wanting to re-sign Davis and Warner but no one else. But there is still over 1 month till FA starts so we shall see.

I was making the assumption that Femi would be resigned. I thought it would be a no brainer. I haven't heard anything about him being resigned either. A little puzzling, I thought he was a good piece on this offense.

As for Hodgins, I raised a lot of Kool Aid last year, to the thought of him coming back. He's missed 2 and a half of the last four years. When I see him in there during the regular season, then I'll regain my enthusiasm. I like him, it just seems like his body has had enough.

 

[Pariah]

but it seems like you understand my point, but disagree.....and thats a good thing....only time will tell

Yup. I get it, I just don't buy it. Williams is a damn good back, IMO. And, I think he WAS talked about as a pre-season heisman candidate, wasn't he?

As for not playing in the Tennessee game, who knows? It's not encouraging if he could have played, that's for sure. But, the guy seems like a really good, hard-working kid by all accounts. I'll give him the benefit of the doubt on one game. It's not a re-occurring theme with him.

But, I digress. I like both White and Williams. I don't really see us drafting either--especially Williams, but I think he'll be the better of the two.

 

[Shane]

I dont really know how you can say that... He makes runs that are special but here is my point....if he has "it", than why was he not in New York with Bush, Lienert, and Young. Lord knows he got the advanced billing. He played in Conference USA for gods sakes...theres no excuse for him not being a Heisman factor from beginning of season (which he was) to end (which he wasn't)

SO i get where you are coming from with the comment but i will make an analogy and you tell me if you want the Cardinals drafting this guy to be in our backfield. Maurice Drew.

Granted i watched Maurice Drew alot more than Williams, but Drew is of comprable size and speed and single handedly won his team games the last four years (does anyone remember his performance against Washington his freshman year?). He has dynamic moves, and while Williams is a little but stockier, i dont think there is too much of a diffence, especially with Drew playing in a better conference and being a Heisman candidate before he ran into the buzz saw that is UA football ( that was tounge in cheek devil fans, calm down)...if you are going to say Williams has "it" than so does Drew...and i will tell you what, i dont want Drew even in the third round as i see him as a returner in the Darren Sproles mode...

Now Williams is more likely to handle the load than Drew, but as i keep saying....i dont want a shifty smaller back unless his name is Reggie. I just dont like some of the signs i have seen from this kid and i am hoping he continues to rise and it is not even a debate when #10 comes around, as he is already off the board....

God the more i think about it, the more i think we can get Hawk...offense is our priority but I see Hawk making the same change to our team as Tatupu did for Seattle.....at OLB or my preferred MLB...(that last one was for you Spank...i saw a write up with him projected as a MLB in the NFL and i should have cut an paste it, but i see your point too so i wont continue...we will talk again come week 4 of next season )

I love ya bro but that is quite simply a lame analogy. Saying that if Williams has it then Drew must have it. His college production is nowhere near the level of DW. He hasnet been the workhorse DW has. They are in no way similar other than size. Once again that is just about the dumbest reason to say we shouldnt draft someone. By the way you guys talk you would think that the only great RBs in the NFL were over 6 ft and 230 lbs.

By your standard do you think Michael Bush from louisville is destined to have a career just as good as Lendale Whites?

 

[Duckjake]

I love ya bro but that is quite simply a lame analogy. Saying that if Williams has it then Drew must have it. His college production is nowhere near the level of DW. He hasnet been the workhorse DW has. They are in no way similar other than size. Once again that is just about the dumbest reason to say we shouldnt draft someone. By the way you guys talk you would think that the only great RBs in the NFL were over 6 ft and 230 lbs.

By your standard do you think Michael Bush from louisville is destined to have a career just as good as Lendale Whites?

For me it's just a matter of personal preference. I like guys as running backs like Steven Jackson,Willis McGahee,Larry Johnson and Mike Anderson. The 6' 230lb guys.

I really believe that the future NFL RB will be guys like those and the 5'9" 215guys will fade away. People are just getting bigger and quicker every year. Like the 6'4" 250lb LB's who run like deer.

RB's are just going to have to be bigger to contend with defenders like Dansby. Defensive players are getting so big and taking up so much space on the field that there won't be any holes to speed or juke through without being bumped, grabbed or jostled by some 1/8 ton giant.

Or maybe its just that after all these years of watching the Cards line up the small backs and fail to run the ball, I'm just looking for something different.

 

[LoyaltyisaCurse]

And that my friends is an example of east coast bias.....

Living in south florida i am amazed how little respect SC got from everyone here and how most thought them, even after winning 34 straight, overratted......

To say Cutler will be better than White and than not substansiate at all with anything besides "if he didnt play at SC..." is kinda ludicrious....

Its not like they pull guys off Crenshaw and give em a uniform....theres a reason it seems they have the best players with the best production at that program....top 5 recruiting classes and good coaches developing you will do that for you....

 

[LoyaltyisaCurse]

I'm willing to give JJ another year before I label him a bust. I still believe in him, and I feel the coaching staff does too, which is why there is no way we draft a similar back in Williams if both he and L.W. are available. I shudder to think of a run game with a focused year 2 JJ, and a bowling ball like White. Do the damn thing!!

I am in total agreement with this post!

 

[NEZCardsfan]

For me it's just a matter of personal preference. I like guys as running backs like Steven Jackson,Willis McGahee,Larry Johnson and Mike Anderson. The 6' 230lb guys.

I really believe that the future NFL RB will be guys like those and the 5'9" 215guys will fade away. People are just getting bigger and quicker every year. Like the 6'4" 250lb LB's who run like deer.

RB's are just going to have to be bigger to contend with defenders like Dansby. Defensive players are getting so big and taking up so much space on the field that there won't be any holes to speed or juke through without being bumped, grabbed or jostled by some 1/8 ton giant.

Or maybe its just that after all these years of watching the Cards line up the small backs and fail to run the ball, I'm just looking for something different.

I can see your logic on RBs having to get bigger. Don't know if I necessarily agree with it. Being big isn't a real indicator of being durable or not. Warrick Dunn is tiny and he has stayed healthy. Chris Brown has prototypical size, and he has had injury problems already. It appears it is how your body absorbs those blows. Some are better at avoiding injury than others.

I've always said it's not your size, it's how you run.

The real question should be JJ Arrington. Is he the answer?? If so, then you take LenDale. If you give up on JJ, then you'd take DeAngelo Williams to replace him.

 

[Shane]

The real question should be JJ Arrington. Is he the answer?? If so, then you take LenDale. If you give up on JJ, then you'd take DeAngelo Williams to replace him.

Fist and foremost while I respect Ducks opinion it couldnt be more off base. Ladainian Tomlinson is a prime example of how the "small RB" is nowhere near dead in the NFL and never will be he is arguably the best RB in the NFL. Another up and comer is Cadillac Williams. There will always be room for talent regardless of size.

As to you point above I dont know. If JJ is"the answer" then we shouldnt be drafting White either. I am no fan of RB by comittee. We dont need two sarters sharing 10-15 carries a game. That would be a waste of a top 10 pick. We could get a chain mover/goaline back without spending a #10 pick. Also if Arrington truly is the guy regardless of size he should be counted on to produce in the redzone.

 

[golfcardfan]

I would take White he has produced against top level opponents and would add a much needed dimension to our offense. How many times did we have first and goal inside the 5 this season and end up kicking field goals? WIth White & Arrington we have a good combo fix the line and the offense could be deadly!

 

[Pariah]

WIth White & Arrington we have a good combo

If we take white, I'll agree he could be a very good NFL back. But what does Arrington bring to the table?