ESPN's Josh Weinfuss' Post-OTAs Roster Prediction

[Mitch]

Weinfuss' 53 Man Roster V.1

Quarterbacks (3):

Starter: Carson Palmer. Reserves: Drew Stanton, Phillip Sims

Running backs (4)

Starter: Andre Ellington. Reserves: David Johnson, Stepfan Taylor, Robert Hughes

Wide receivers (5)

Starters: Larry Fitzgerald, Michael Floyd. Reserves: John Brown, Jaron Brown, J.J. Nelson

Tight ends (4)

Starters: Darren Fells, Troy Niklas. Reserves: Gerald Christian, Ifeanyi Momah

Offensive line (9)

Starters: T Jared Veldheer, G Mike Iupati, C A.Q. Shipley, G Jonathan Cooper, T Bobby Massie. Reserves: G Earl Watford, T D.J. Humphries, T Bradley Sowell, G Ted Larsen

Defensive line (8)


Starters: DE Calais Campbell, DE Frostee Rucker, DT Corey Peters. Reserves: DE Rodney Gunter, DE Matt Shaughnessy, DE Ed Stinson, DE Cory Redding, NT Alameda Ta'amu

Inside linebackers (4)

Starters: Sean Weatherspoon, Kevin Minter. Reserves: Kenny Demens, Gabe Martin.

Outside linebackers (5)

Starters: Alex Okafor, Lorenzo Alexander. Reserves: Markus Golden, Kareem Martin, Shaq Riddick

Cornerbacks (4)

Starters: Patrick Peterson, Jerraud Powers. Reserves: Justin Bethel, Alfonzo Dennard

Safeties (4)

Starters: Rashad Johnson, Tyrann Mathieu. Reserves: Deone Bucannon, Tony Jefferson

Special teams (3)

Starters: K Chandler Catanzaro, LS Mike Leach, P Dave Zastudil

Notable Cuts:

QB L. Thomas
RB K. Williams & M. Grice
WR B. Golden & J. Shipley
TE T. Bolser
NT: X. Williams
DE J. Mauro
ILB: G. Carson & A. Fua
OLB: L. Woodley
CB: J. Legree
S: C. Clemons

And these were some of his thoughts:

The first 46 players followed my initial line of thinking. Positions started to fill out nicely.

Then I made more “cuts” and decisions … but got stuck at 56.

Those final three “cuts” were tough because the Cardinals’ 90-man roster is so deep. As I was going position-by-position, I also took into consideration what general manager Steve Keim said this week about potentially trading away some of the Cards’ depth.

There wasn’t one decision that was harder to make than all the others. They were all consistently tough and I ended up questioning all of them.

My decision to “cut” Logan Thomas may change through the summer and into training camp, but after what I saw from him during minicamp, his spot on the roster isn’t a sure thing.

With the addition of Johnson to the backfield, I think that will cost Marion Grice a spot on the roster, and keeping five running backs
isn’t likely, which means Kerwynn Williams would be the odd man out. Cardinals coach Bruce Arians said this week that Williams is a better receiver during practices than in games. Guard/center Ted Larsen and tackle Bradley Sowell were potential “cuts” but with uncertainty about how D.J. Humphries will pan out as a rookie, Sowell made sense to keep, And Larsen would be the back-up center.

Arians talked about wanting to keep eight or nine defensive linemen, and with 10 currently on the roster, narrowing the position by two left defensive end Josh Mauro and defensive tackle Xavier Williams. As a rookie, I’d expect Williams, if he doesn’t make the roster, to end up on the Cardinals’ practice squad.

Glenn Carson was a tough decision because he was on the team last year and a solid special teams player. But with Arizona likely to keep only four inside linebackers, rookie Gabe Martin has looked impressive enough during OTAs and minicamp to leap over Carson.

My decision to “cut” LaMarr Woodley at outside linebacker may be the biggest surprise on the roster. He’s an Arians favorite and a veteran who, when healthy, is capable of double-digit sacks. But Keim also likes to build for the future and Woodley would likely be a one-year player while Markus Golden and Shaq Riddick can gain experience by playing early.

In the secondary, only one player was on the fence. Chris Clemons added experience and depth last year but I don’t see Arizona keeping four safeties. At corner, I see Jimmy Legree, who had a very impressive spring, being one of the trade options.

Your reactions and thoughts?

 

[Garthshort]

I'd guess that Sharpton, ILB, makes the final 53. Also, expect to see nine DB's (Legree or a WW pickup) if five CB's or Clemons if five safeties. While I doubt five safeties, BASK did say the 'best' 53.

 

[b8rtm8nn]

Doubt you would cut Woodley over Riddick since Riddick wasn't even on the field during OTAs.

Sowell is gone if Watford makes it, so I see another DB versus 9 OLinemen. I'll go with Legree but I didn't watch OTAs, so who knows.

Weinfuss is a dope, I would trust just about anyone on this board more than him.

 

[blindseyed]

I really thought Kerwynn Williams showed promise filling in at RB last year those few games he played

@RichieZAZ

 

[Mitch]

I'd guess that Sharpton, ILB, makes the final 53. Also, expect to see nine DB's (Legree or a WW pickup) if five CB's or Clemons if five safeties. While I doubt five safeties, BASK did say the 'best' 53.

I'm not so sure about Sharpton...mainly because I think the coaches are very high on youngsters Alani Fua, Andrae Kirk and Gabe Martin.

Weinfuss has Kenny Demens making it is as Minter's backup at SILB, and I can see that happening. In fact, I think Demens could beat out Minter if Minter continues to be a step too slow and shaky on the finishes.

Weinfuss tabs Martin over Fua and Kirk...but it should be very interesting when the pads come on. Fua's length and range are very appealing, if he can get and remain healthy.

It seems pretty clear at this point that Larry Foote is going to stay a coach. He's enjoying the opportunity and he's pretty high on the young talent there and of working with Sean Weatherspoon to captain the defense.

 

[Harry]

If he's physically sound I think you want to keep Woodley. Tough call on Williams, but it's a good sign that unit is that strong. I think the Cards will try to trade or grab a cut at CB or C. They'd love to get a rusher but that's hard to see how they could put together enough to make that happen.

Cutting OTA's short was really the biggest news but didn't get enough play. That's an extraordinary endorsement of the talent and effort level. This is a team to be reckoned with!

 

[Mitch]

Doubt you would cut Woodley over Riddick since Riddick wasn't even on the field during OTAs.

Sowell is gone if Watford makes it, so I see another DB versus 9 OLinemen. I'll go with Legree but I didn't watch OTAs, so who knows.

Weinfuss is a dope, I would trust just about anyone on this board more than him.

I agree with you about Woodley---again once the pads come on, he is going to show up big. And while Zach Wagenmann has been rehabbing his broken foot, I think he is going to make a splash in pre-season to the point where he makes the team and gets some reps as a situational rusher.

Your point about Sowell being gone if Watford makes it is right on the money. See this is where you are paying greater attention to what's going on than Weinfuss is. The fact that the coaches have been playing Watford at tackle, as well as at guard, is a strong indication that they intend to have him be one of the swing depth guys.

Weinfuss is a promising young writer out of journalism school at the University of Indiana whom ESPN hired but wasn't sure where to assign him---and then when Mike Sando was promoted, ESPN slotted Weinfuss to cover the Cardinals---when likely he would have been a much better fit covering Big Ten basketball, the Cincinnati Bengals or the Indiana Pacers (e.g. conferences and teams he already has a good knowledge of).

He makes at least one statement per article that makes one question his credibility---such as proclaiming in this article that PS CB Jimmy Legree has trade value. Legree has had good OTA's but he hasn't made an NFL team yet.

I think Weinfuss is diligent and may grow on us in time, but understandably this assignment is going to take him some time to grow into until he can be considered a legitimate authority on the Cardinals.

 

[Mitch]

I really thought Kerwynn Williams showed promise filling in at RB last year those few games he played

@RichieZAZ

I agree with you and feel that when the pads come on Williams will not only make the team but be the inside the tackles RB BA turns to when he want to grind it. Williams's size is misleading---he is sneaky strong and very tough (mentally and physically).

 

[az jam]

I think they will keep RB Kerwynn Willilams and Stephan Taylor could be the RB out.

 

[Mitch]

If he's physically sound I think you want to keep Woodley. Tough call on Williams, but it's a good sign that unit is that strong. I think the Cards will try to trade or grab a cut at CB or C. They'd love to get a rusher but that's hard to see how they could put together enough to make that happen.

Cutting OTA's short was really the biggest news but didn't get enough play. That's an extraordinary endorsement of the talent and effort level. This is a team to be reckoned with!

Woodley is going to start at LOB with Okafor at ROLB. Woodley is the reason why Bettcher moved Matt Shaughnessy inside to DE

Still a little mystified why Lorenzo Alexander was the starter at ROLB throughout OTAs and mini-camp. Since signing two years ago he's played in 19 games and recorded 17 tackles and 1 sack. Yes, he's a good leader on STs but he hasn't excelled on STs in the games.

He's saying now that he's finally healthy---which is good, but even when healthy and in his prime Alexander couldn't hold down a regular spot on defense in Washington and so he sure as heck isn't going to now.

 

[Mitch]

I think they will keep RB Kerwynn Willilams and Stephan Taylor could be the RB out.

I agree. I think Williams makes the top 3 RBs, although the #4 spot could come down to which player (Taylor, Hughes, Grice) is the best on STs---which is where Taylor may well still make the roster....especially seeing as Hughes' spot is now jeopardized by Gerald Christian's H-Back ability.

 

[Mainstreet]

Also a factor, Keim will be looking to make summer trades per Kent Somers article.

"It's a good concern, (but) for the first time we have a certain amount of depth here where we're either going to have the ability to trade a player, or two, or four or five at certain positions that can not only make other NFL rosters, but could potentially start for some teams," Keim said. "So I have to be active and make sure that I address that situation so we're not just releasing players and allowing teams to pick them up.

http://www.azcentral.com/story/spor...-cardinals-steve-keim-summer-trades/71077516/

 

[DVontel]

I really hope we don't cut Fua. He sounds like a real interesting prospect that could also help the defense in the passing game, especially covering a major offensive threat like Jimmy Graham.

 

[CFLredzoned]

They only dress 7 OL on Sunday and Larsen is the only swing guy that can play center. So I think on Sunday, Larsen will be swing G/C and the rookie will be swing LT/RT since Watford can't play LT. Then if there's an injury, Watford will move up a spot and dress on Sunday.

Ta'amu v Williams should be interesting. It's a contract year for Ta'amu, so I expect him to show up this year and slightly beat out the rookie Williams. But at the same time, I think the coaches might see Ta'amu as a one-year-on, one-year-off type of guy. So it wouldn't surprise me if they look to the future and keep Williams around instead.

Man our practice squad is going to get ransacked!

Question: If a team wants to pick up one of your practice squad guys, are they free to grab whoever they want, and that's that? Or do they notify you first and give you a chance to block by promoting the player to your 53-man roster?

 

[187]

They only dress 7 OL on Sunday and Larsen is the only swing guy that can play center. So I think on Sunday, Larsen will be swing G/C and the rookie will be swing LT/RT since Watford can't play LT. Then if there's an injury, Watford will move up a spot and dress on Sunday.

Ta'amu v Williams should be interesting. It's a contract year for Ta'amu, so I expect him to show up this year and slightly beat out the rookie Williams. But at the same time, I think the coaches might see Ta'amu as a one-year-on, one-year-off type of guy. So it wouldn't surprise me if they look to the future and keep Williams around instead.

Man our practice squad is going to get ransacked!

Question: If a team wants to pick up one of your practice squad guys, are they free to grab whoever they want, and that's that? Or do they notify you first and give you a chance to block by promoting the player to your 53-man roster?

Pretty sure you are free to grab whoever, because it sounded like we pulled one over on SD last year when we snagged grice.

 

[Mitch]

They only dress 7 OL on Sunday and Larsen is the only swing guy that can play center. So I think on Sunday, Larsen will be swing G/C and the rookie will be swing LT/RT since Watford can't play LT. Then if there's an injury, Watford will move up a spot and dress on Sunday.

Ta'amu v Williams should be interesting. It's a contract year for Ta'amu, so I expect him to show up this year and slightly beat out the rookie Williams. But at the same time, I think the coaches might see Ta'amu as a one-year-on, one-year-off type of guy. So it wouldn't surprise me if they look to the future and keep Williams around instead.

Man our practice squad is going to get ransacked!

Question: If a team wants to pick up one of your practice squad guys, are they free to grab whoever they want, and that's that? Or do they notify you first and give you a chance to block by promoting the player to your 53-man roster?

You can offer any PS player in the league a contract that ensures him a spot on your 53 man roster. Then the player can decide to accept the offer (if he accepts---he's gone) or he can hope the team he's with will offer him a spot on their 53 man roster or the player can decided to stay on the PS of the team he is with if he likes where he is and likes his chances of moving up.

The Cardinals pulled a quick one with Grice last year, signing him to a 2 year-contract just as SD wanted to promote him (following Danny Woodhead's injury) and Grice wanted to go to AZ.

 

[juza76]

alexander starter is a fist in the eyes
how to waste a roster spot

 

[Vermont Maverick]

I'm putting Jermaine Gresham on the roster. I know he had back surgery, but when Michael Bidwill was talking about Kiem scooping up a guy at the last, just like other years, I just gotta think that is Gresham.

 

[AZCrazy]

Woodley is going to start at LOB with Okafor at ROLB. Woodley is the reason why Bettcher moved Matt Shaughnessy inside to DE.

I thought that was to switch positions with Kareem Martin, to put both into more suitable positions for their size and skill set.

 

[cardncubfan]

alexander starter is a fist in the eyes
how to waste a roster spot

Why?

 

[LoyaltyisaCurse]

Called shot: Niklas gonzo...

 

[cardncubfan]

Called shot: Niklas gonzo...

Wager?

 

[cardpa]

It's amazing how this team has transformed over two years. We are talking about a guy who was your LT starter (Bradley Sowell) two years ago to it now being very questionable if he even makes the roster. The changes BASK have make over that two year span is nothing short of amazing. Leaps and bounds over where this team was two years ago.

 

[splitsecond]

I don't see any way Robert Hughes is making this roster with the other backs we have.

 

[Krangodnzr]

I don't see any way Robert Hughes is making this roster with the other backs we have.

Arians loves his positional flexibility. Receiver/Blocker/Runner, in that order.