Donovin Darius

[SMAC]

The Jags tried to trade Darius this weekend but came up short. His tenure in Jacksonville apparently is nearing an end. He might be someone the Cards should look at to help solidfy the secondary. A trade for Darius would allow the Cards to play Wilson at corner in some dime packages. Wilson's size would be a big help on the outside against bigger receivers. All of Arizona's corners are under six feet. If the Cards did trade for Darius their secondary (neglected this weekend) would look like this:

Starks RCB
Macklin LCB
Hill (nickel)
Wilson (nickel dime)
Tate, Goss; Rhinehart (battle for fifth spot)

Jackson FS
Darius SS
Wilson (various)
Lucas
Harris or a free agent newcomer (best special team player)

Darius would be worth about a fourth rounder in 05. Getting rid of his salary would be a primary consideration for Jax. The Cards wouldn't draft anyone in the fourth round next year who could come in and help the secondary as well as Darius.

 

[JeffGollin]

A trade for Darius would allow the Cards to play Wilson at corner in some dime packages. Wilson's size would be a big help on the outside against bigger receivers.
Only thorny issue is whether Wilson can play corner.

While it helps to be big and fast in straight line, the job description for corners is different than for safeties - i.e. good ball sense, flexible hips (to be able to turn and go with receivers), super-quick reflexes, agility etc.

I'm not saying Adrian couldn't successfully make the switch, but I do think it would be a risky move.

Note - The other thorny issue is: "What would we have to give up in order to bring in Darius and then make the risky move with Wilson? (I doubt a 4th round pick next year would do it).

 

[Stout]

How about sending them Wilson for Darius? Wouldn't have to give up on picks, we'd be getting a proven player, and giving up a thus far unrealized talent that won't necessarily develop.

 

[General Chaos]

Darius is a stud. He is worth way more than a 4th rounder or Wilson. This guy is one of the best 5 safties in the NFL. I would give up our 2nd for him. It doesn't seem like anyone carries a 1st round value these days.

 

[kerouac9]

Darius is essentially an overpaid Adrian Wilson. He had an amazing sophomore season (4 picks, 12 passes defensed) and has been gravy-training that success ever since. Darius has three more tackles, one pick, and one less pass defensed last season than Wilson had. Is the extra $3 mil. (or so) in salary worth that much for a player that's a continual contract holdout and will be 29 when the season starts?

Adrian's going to be just fine. Let Green's system get installed and run by the new personell, including LBs that can cover. If Adrian sucks in 2004 (and he was only average in 2003), then Darius will still be trade bait in the 2005 offseason, and Adrian will be a free agent.

 

[vikesfan]

Darius is essentially an overpaid Adrian Wilson. He had an amazing sophomore season (4 picks, 12 passes defensed) and has been gravy-training that success ever since. Darius has three more tackles, one pick, and one less pass defensed last season than Wilson had. Is the extra $3 mil. (or so) in salary worth that much for a player that's a continual contract holdout and will be 29 when the season starts?

Adrian's going to be just fine. Let Green's system get installed and run by the new personell, including LBs that can cover. If Adrian sucks in 2004 (and he was only average in 2003), then Darius will still be trade bait in the 2005 offseason, and Adrian will be a free agent.

Adrian might not be fine but it sure sounds like Darius is not really that much of an upgrade.

If Wilson sucks then S becomes a draft or FA target next year. Ditto Josh and Shipp and a few others. If the players here don't respond the Cards might have to do some major renovations.

Hopefully some of these guys can blossom with top calibre coaching.

 

[RugbyMuffin]

Darius is a stud. He is worth way more than a 4th rounder or Wilson. This guy is one of the best 5 safties in the NFL. I would give up our 2nd for him. It doesn't seem like anyone carries a 1st round value these days.

I agree. This guy know how to play. He is not an All-Pro but has All-Pro abilities. The only problem I have with Darius is age, and health.

Peace

 

[Arvos]

For what it is worth....

The Jags offered the Lions Darius and the 9th pick to swap with them in the 7th spot. They really wanted Roy Williams, I for one am glad that didn't go down. I still think the Lions trade for Darius before June 1st.