Eve of FA Thoughts

[Mitch]

1. The timing of the team's indication that they are going to try Jonathan Cooper at center is pretty much a giveaway that at the Combine Steve Keim received some sort of confirmed mutual interest with the agent of one of the FA guards (perhaps one of these FAs?):

Jahri Evans
Alex Boone
Richie Incognito
Evan Mathis
Mike Harris
Zane Beadles
Ramon Foster

2. The experimentation with Cooper at guard will probably last about as long as BA's decision to start Logan Thomas in Week 17 of 2014. The dark horse center to keep an eye on is recent AZ signee Taylor Boggs. Even if the Cardinals draft a center---there is no telling how quickly the rookie can pick up the nuances of BA's offense and develop a chemistry and a level of trust with Carson Palmer. If Boggs, Cooper, A.Q. Shipley or the rookie struggle in camp---once again we are likely to see Lyle Sendlein return. The writing appears to be on the wall for Cooper. The coaches have already started to move on. The problem is, no one will trade for him because of his salary ($4.3M) this year in the final year of his contact.

3. Recently I have seen a number of pundits having the Cardinals take S Keanu Neal of Florida at #29. BA & SK have both put safety as one of the priorities in the draft. They want to get more athletic at the position---which makes sense because in the Cardinals' nickel, which they play 60% of the time, they like to play 3 CBs and 4 safeties. Now---for those of you who may be scoffing of the idea of taking a safety at #29, let's remember that Deone Bucannon is a LB. Let's remember too that this defense still needs to develop its swag...the kind of swag that been on display in Carolina and Seattle...and nothing creates more swag than having big-time hitters/tacklers/chasers like Neal. And Neal isn't the only safety that fits the bill...Su'a Cravens (USC) and Vonn Bell (Ohio St.) are very talented.

4. I could also see Steve Keim taking a CB at #29...depending on what happens in FA. Eli Apple (Ohio St.) and William Jackson III (Houston) have the length and speed they covet. Mackenzie Alexander (Clemson) isn't a long CB, but he's a big-time talent.

5. I wonder if BA and SK already have an agreement in place with DE/OLB Dwight Freeney---one that includes sparing him the rigors of TC. If that's the case, then they could already feel a little more confident about building this year's pass rush...and it could mean that one big FA signing would allow them to develop the youth they already have at OLB/DE and thus nit have to add another young player in the draft---or vice versa, one top draft pick could be enough....that is if they truly see the promise in Gooden, Okafor, Martin, Riddick, Okpalaugo and Wagenmann.

6. Looking down the road, with QB Mike Glennon heading onto the final year of his rookie contract, if the Cardinals re-sign Drew Stanton, is there really any point in taking a QB early in this year's draft? I could see them taking a QB on Day 3, one to compete with Matt Barkley for the #3 job, but given other needs, it would have to be a young QB they are really high on.

7. The FA DE who makes a great deal of sense to me is Robert Ayers (NYG). Ayers recorded 7 sacks on the edge last season and 2.5 sacks from inside as a DT in the 4 man rush. Ayers' versatility would fit in superbly.

8. The affordable OLB I like is Nick Perry (GB). I think his best football is ahead of him, as his 2.5 sacks in this year's playoffs suggests. What I like about Perry is not only his quickness off the edge and his ability to turn speed into power---it's how fluid he is in re-directing into the chase mode versus mobile QBs like Russell Wilson and Can Newton.

9. A ballhawking CB I have always liked because available this week: Leodis McKelvin (BUF). I think he would make an excellent starter opposite Patrick Peterson. He's 30 now, but he still plays with 4.4 speed.

10. I am wondering if BA&SK would select K Robert Aguayo (FSU) if he is still on the board in round 3 or round 4. Even though Chandler Catanzaro has performed well for the most part, Aguayo is the best college kicker to enter the draft in years. Plus, if they draft him, I think they could have some legitimate trade value for Catanzaro.

 

[oaken1]

item #1 never actually happened you know, not as far as I can tell....the rumors appear to stem from a tweet by jurecki based on speculation on his part due to something he saw over a year ago at camp...

to date there has still been nothing...by the team... or anyone closely associated with the team.....saying they are considering playing Coop at center.

there are however dozens of sites on the internet all quoting each other about the move.


I would prefer we do not take a DB in the first few rounds.... not that there are so many of them...just that I see opportunities for serious upgrades in other areas

considering we already drafted Matt Barkley in this draft..... you might ask yourself what it has to take to make you draft TWO QB's in the same draft....pretty sure that aint happening unless Wentz stubs his toe and falls to us due to an uncertain prognosis


I like Ayers,..the only concern is his size...3-4 DE's need to be 6'4 plus and 290+..I look at some younger guys who are in the 270 range due to the probability they are going to gain weight with age and time with a good trainer. Strength and quickness can make up for size occasionally...but a 320lb RT with good feet will most likely run over a guy this size all day long..

I was checking in on Leodis last night myself....he fits the mold of what we try and do...and gives us the option to draft a less developed corner later


if we draft a kicker you can bet it is all on SK..... BA wouldn't spend a pick on a kicker in the mid rounds....there are still football players on the board in the mid rounds

 

[overseascardfan]

1. The timing of the team's indication that they are going to try Jonathan Cooper at center is pretty much a giveaway that at the Combine Steve Keim received some sort of confirmed mutual interest with the agent of one of the FA guards (perhaps one of these FAs?):

Jahri Evans
Alex Boone
Richie Incognito
Evan Mathis
Mike Harris
Zane Beadles
Ramon Foster

If by chance we do look at a FA G, I could see Incognito as he has some valley ties and would provide some nastiness to the line.

2. The experimentation with Cooper at guard will probably last about as long as BA's decision to start Logan Thomas in Week 17 of 2014. The dark horse center to keep an eye on is recent AZ signee Taylor Boggs. Even if the Cardinals draft a center---there is no telling how quickly the rookie can pick up the nuances of BA's offense and develop a chemistry and a level of trust with Carson Palmer. If Boggs, Cooper, A.Q. Shipley or the rookie struggle in camp---once again we are likely to see Lyle Sendlein return. The writing appears to be on the wall for Cooper. The coaches have already started to move on. The problem is, no one will trade for him because of his salary ($4.3M) this year in the final year of his contact.

I feel if ARZ is not going to pursue either Mack or Wisniewski then they will draft a C in the draft in case Cooper falters (if he couldn't lock down a spot at G then confidence in him a C is a wait and see).

3. Recently I have seen a number of pundits having the Cardinals take S Keanu Neal of Florida at #29. BA & SK have both put safety as one of the priorities in the draft. They want to get more athletic at the position---which makes sense because in the Cardinals' nickel, which they play 60% of the time, they like to play 3 CBs and 4 safeties. Now---for those of you who may be scoffing of the idea of taking a safety at #29, let's remember that Deone Bucannon is a LB. Let's remember too that this defense still needs to develop its swag...the kind of swag that been on display in Carolina and Seattle...and nothing creates more swag than having big-time hitters/tacklers/chasers like Neal. And Neal isn't the only safety that fits the bill...Su'a Cravens (USC) and Vonn Bell (Ohio St.) are very talented.

BASK said they would like to add size to the S position, Neal is almost the same size as Deone, I would think they are looking at a guy like Iloka or someone like Jayron Kearse.

4. I could also see Steve Keim taking a CB at #29...depending on what happens in FA. Eli Apple (Ohio St.) and William Jackson III (Houston) have the length and speed they covet. Mackenzie Alexander (Clemson) isn't a long CB, but he's a big-time talent.

If we can address the pass rush in FA, I like William Jackson III who has length 6'1, speed (4.39 40) and ball skills (5 INT's last year). His stock has him as a legit first round prospect.

5. I wonder if BA and SK already have an agreement in place with DE/OLB Dwight Freeney---one that includes sparing him the rigors of TC. If that's the case, then they could already feel a little more confident about building this year's pass rush...and it could mean that one big FA signing would allow them to develop the youth they already have at OLB/DE and thus nit have to add another young player in the draft---or vice versa, one top draft pick could be enough....that is if they truly see the promise in Gooden, Okafor, Martin, Riddick, Okpalaugo and Wagenmann.

I think Freeney is a fall back option in case ARZ cannot land either Hali or Irvin. Question is how much $$$ would Freeney want? He was reportedly asking for $8M a year last year, maybe an incentive loaded contract.

6. Looking down the road, with QB Mike Glennon heading onto the final year of his rookie contract, if the Cardinals re-sign Drew Stanton, is there really any point in taking a QB early in this year's draft? I could see them taking a QB on Day 3, one to compete with Matt Barkley for the #3 job, but given other needs, it would have to be a young QB they are really high on.

I've liked Glennon since there was speculation that BA was looking at him in the draft. Obviously, he ain't going to get much playing time in TB and he will not be content with being a back up. I could see ARZ signing Stanton to be a back up beyond this season.

7. The FA DE who makes a great deal of sense to me is Robert Ayers (NYG). Ayers recorded 7 sacks on the edge last season and 2.5 sacks from inside as a DT in the 4 man rush. Ayers' versatility would fit in superbly.

I saw a blog on ESPN with moves ARZ should pursue tomorrow, a guy they had suggested ARZ look into is Nick Fairley. I like the idea as he can play inside and outside. Shouldn't be expensive as he didn't have a great year in STL last year.

8. The affordable OLB I like is Nick Perry (GB). I think his best football is ahead of him, as his 2.5 sacks in this year's playoffs suggests. What I like about Perry is not only his quickness off the edge and his ability to turn speed into power---it's how fluid he is in re-directing into the chase mode versus mobile QBs like Russell Wilson and Can Newton.

I've never really been impressed with Perry and really wanted to because he was a pretty good college player. If ARZ can not land Hali or Irvin then sure go after Perry but I don't feel he's much more than what we already have in Golden.

9. A ballhawking CB I have always liked because available this week: Leodis McKelvin (BUF). I think he would make an excellent starter opposite Patrick Peterson. He's 30 now, but he still plays with 4.4 speed.

McKelvin would be a great under the radar signing as most teams will be looking at Jenkins and Smith. Another guy with length and still is fairley young is Prince Amukamara. Local kid who may take a discount to come back home.

10. I am wondering if BA&SK would select K Robert Aguayo (FSU) if he is still on the board in round 3 or round 4. Even though Chandler Catanzaro has performed well for the most part, Aguayo is the best college kicker to enter the draft in years. Plus, if they draft him, I think they could have some legitimate trade value for Catanzaro.

I actually wouldn't mind taking Aguayo in Round 4. He may not play every down but K's make major impacts on a game. The kid would be automatic in extra point attempts, Catanzaro missed more than he should have. I think he will be the next Janikowski without the baggage and a major upgrade over Cat Man. I would even consider taking a P like Kaser or Hackett in Round 6. We would have arguably the best special teams in all the NFL with Aguayo & Kaser as the specialists, Brown & Nelson as the returners and Bethel as the gunner.

 

[Mitch]

item #1 never actually happened you know, not as far as I can tell....the rumors appear to stem from a tweet by jurecki based on speculation on his part due to something he saw over a year ago at camp...

to date there has still been nothing...by the team... or anyone closely associated with the team.....saying they are considering playing Coop at center.

Maybe the silence by the team is telling. They could have come right out and refuted the rumor.

there are however dozens of sites on the internet all quoting each other about the move.


I would prefer we do not take a DB in the first few rounds.... not that there are so many of them...just that I see opportunities for serious upgrades in other areas

If we add a starting CB in FA then the need to draft one high is mitigated. I do think we will draft a safety in the first 4 picks.

considering we already drafted Matt Barkley in this draft..... you might ask yourself what it has to take to make you draft TWO QB's in the same draft....pretty sure that aint happening unless Wentz stubs his toe and falls to us due to an uncertain prognosis

Good point...but hearing BA say he would like to draft a QB to challenge Barkley, whom he said they don;t have a great sense yet of what he can do, would seem to indicate that drafting a QB is very much on their agenda.

I like Ayers,..the only concern is his size...3-4 DE's need to be 6'4 plus and 290+..I look at some younger guys who are in the 270 range due to the probability they are going to gain weight with age and time with a good trainer. Strength and quickness can make up for size occasionally...but a 320lb RT with good feet will most likely run over a guy this size all day long..

Ayers has solid size on the edge...and as a rush DT he has the quickness to disengage from his block and get to the QB before he can bolt the pocket---that is exactly what the Cardinals need versus Wilson and Newton.

I was checking in on Leodis last night myself....he fits the mold of what we try and do...and gives us the option to draft a less developed corner later

They could bring him in now, as he was released.


if we draft a kicker you can bet it is all on SK..... BA wouldn't spend a pick on a kicker in the mid rounds....there are still football players on the board in the mid rounds

BA might want Aguayo more than even Keim---BA has shown frustration with Catanzaro and he knows how often games are won in the kicking game.

Always appreciate your wise thoughts, oaken1---keep em coming, pal!

 

[Finito]

Heck is spend a 2ND or 3rd on Aguayo. This kid is the most accurate kicker in the history of college football there is a reason your hearing so much about a kicker this year it's been 15-16 years since Janokowski had this much hype coming out of college and he's the all time leader in Raider history in points scored with over 1000.

Matt Miller has Aguayo as his 82nd overall prospect and with the new extra point rules a kicker is very important

 

[Mitch]

If by chance we do look at a FA G, I could see Incognito as he has some valley ties and would provide some nastiness to the line.

Agreed, although I prefer Jahri Evans because he's equally excellent in the running and passing games.

I feel if ARZ is not going to pursue either Mack or Wisniewski then they will draft a C in the draft in case Cooper falters (if he couldn't lock down a spot at G then confidence in him a C is a wait and see).

Mack is likely too pricey in light of the contracts they gave to Veldheer and Iupati. However, Jason at Over The Cap, has tweeted that the Cardinals could add $15.7M of cap space by restructuring Carson Palmer's and Patrick Peterson's deals, and if the Cardinals are truly in the win now mode, adding Alex Mack isn't as far-fetched as it may seem.


BASK said they would like to add size to the S position, Neal is almost the same size as Deone, I would think they are looking at a guy like Iloka or someone like Jayron Kearse.

I think Neal is an impact player, and he's almost 6'1 and has a 38" vertical, so that's not small, by any means. But, you may be right---Keim might be targeting taller safeties.



If we can address the pass rush in FA, I like William Jackson III who has length 6'1, speed (4.39 40) and ball skills (5 INT's last year). His stock has him as a legit first round prospect.

Totally agree on William Jackson...1st round talent.


I think Freeney is a fall back option in case ARZ cannot land either Hali or Irvin. Question is how much $$$ would Freeney want? He was reportedly asking for $8M a year last year, maybe an incentive loaded contract.

They want Freeney back and have told him so. He has said he will let them know if he wants to keep playing. I could see him playing for $4M plus incentives.



I've liked Glennon since there was speculation that BA was looking at him in the draft. Obviously, he ain't going to get much playing time in TB and he will not be content with being a back up. I could see ARZ signing Stanton to be a back up beyond this season.

Jason Licht may actually want to trade Glennon this year rather than lose him for nothing next year. Adding him now as the #2 and heir apparent to Carson Palmer would excellerate the learning curve.



I saw a blog on ESPN with moves ARZ should pursue tomorrow, a guy they had suggested ARZ look into is Nick Fairley. I like the idea as he can play inside and outside. Shouldn't be expensive as he didn't have a great year in STL last year.

Nick Fairley has untapped potential---but it is still just that, untapped. If it's a prove it deal, all the better.


I've never really been impressed with Perry and really wanted to because he was a pretty good college player. If ARZ can not land Hali or Irvin then sure go after Perry but I don't feel he's much more than what we already have in Golden.

Why aren't you impressed with Perry? I know he was a rotational player in Green Bay, but it was harder for him to get snaps when Clay Matthews was playing outside. The Cardinals, a couple of years ago, expressed interest in Mike Neal (GB), who is also a FA. What do you think of him?



McKelvin would be a great under the radar signing as most teams will be looking at Jenkins and Smith. Another guy with length and still is fairley young is Prince Amukamara. Local kid who may take a discount to come back home.


Prince Amukamara, when healthy, is solid. Good call.



I actually wouldn't mind taking Aguayo in Round 4. He may not play every down but K's make major impacts on a game. The kid would be automatic in extra point attempts, Catanzaro missed more than he should have. I think he will be the next Janikowski without the baggage and a major upgrade over Cat Man. I would even consider taking a P like Kaser or Hackett in Round 6. We would have arguably the best special teams in all the NFL with Aguayo & Kaser as the specialists, Brown & Nelson as the returners and Bethel as the gunner.

I agree with you regarding Aguayo and Kaser...but I think Brown and Nelson are too slight of frame to be every day returners in the NFL. I am hoping the Cardinals draft CB Cyrus Jones---while he lacks height, he's got a powerful physique.

 

[Cheesebeef]

you say a lot of interesting things, then i just SMH when I read that Catman somehow has good trade value. The guy wasn't good on extra points and his coach wouldn't allow him to kick long field goals... but he's going to somehow have trade value? Where you come up with some of these things is always a mystery to me.

 

[GatorAZ]

Heck is spend a 2ND or 3rd on Aguayo. This kid is the most accurate kicker in the history of college football there is a reason your hearing so much about a kicker this year it's been 15-16 years since Janokowski had this much hype coming out of college and he's the all time leader in Raider history in points scored with over 1000.

Matt Miller has Aguayo as his 82nd overall prospect and with the new extra point rules a kicker is very important

Nah. Cat is more accurate on FG's in the NFL than Aguayo was in college. He just needs to get that XP issue under control. He was perfect in the playoffs.

 

[splitsecond]

McKelvin is very underrated. That's a great call.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Finito]

Cat is at 90% for his career in the NFL

Aguayo is at 96% for his college career

 

[juza76]

Dwaight allen
Daye howard
Nick perry
Zach brown
George Iloka
This would be my hypothetical free agency signings

 

[GatorAZ]

Cat is at 90% for his career in the NFL

Aguayo is at 96% for his college career

Aguayo is 88% on FG's and got less accurate each year. He's not going before the 6-7th rd.

Cat's XP's were a problem but he was perfect in the playoffs and I think that'll help his confidence going forward.

We should be looking at punters.

 

[Jetstream Green]

I noticed something which for me just might mean the Cards have their sights on Mack. Their official site has been running segments on all their positions with regard to Free Agency with their commentators who are on their payroll and they mentioned every big name player available at all the positions (even those where we do not have a need, just to clarify it is a remote possibility) but Mack is not mentioned at all when talking about the center position... hmmmm

 

[oaken1]

Aguayo is 88% on FG's and got less accurate each year. He's not going before the 6-7th rd.

Cat's XP's were a problem but he was perfect in the playoffs and I think that'll help his confidence going forward.

We should be looking at punters.

he was perfect in the playoffs...but in all honesty...we really didn't score much ,lol

 

[overseascardfan]

I agree with you regarding Aguayo and Kaser...but I think Brown and Nelson are too slight of frame to be every day returners in the NFL. I am hoping the Cardinals draft CB Cyrus Jones---while he lacks height, he's got a powerful physique.

Perry is a guy who has been in the league 4 years but doesn't seem to have gotten any better since he first came into the league and has not been able to crack the starting lineup.

 

[Cardiac]

A lot of good thoughts Mitch and a couple I question. I get that BA's offense is complicated but my understanding is that the QB and WR's have the hard part and not the Oline. Line calls are line calls are line calls. The QB and WR's need to read the D and then adjust their routes as the true D scheme unfolds during the play. Am I missing something?

Can't stand the thought of drafting a Ker or Per before the 5th rd. Can't imagine how Catman has trade value.

I want front 7 players taken early and often this draft with the option of an OC being taken as well. I would be okay with a CB if they are the BPA and a trade down doesn't work out (in the first 3 rounds).

With the changes in the CBA and as BA calls TC "camp cupcake" I'd rather have Freeney in TC teaching the spin move to our youngins. BA could cut Freeney plenty of slack and limit his practice time a ton and we get the bonus of Freeney leading and teaching pass rush moves to his teammates......just a thought.

Like your CB and OLB FA thoughts. Besides CP and PP, CC could also restructure/extend and save even more CAP space so heck yes get Mack signed.

 

[oaken1]

A lot of good thoughts Mitch and a couple I question. I get that BA's offense is complicated but my understanding is that the QB and WR's have the hard part and not the Oline. Line calls are line calls are line calls. The QB and WR's need to read the D and then adjust their routes as the true D scheme unfolds during the play. Am I missing something?

Can't stand the thought of drafting a Ker or Per before the 5th rd. Can't imagine how Catman has trade value.

I want front 7 players taken early and often this draft with the option of an OC being taken as well. I would be okay with a CB if they are the BPA and a trade down doesn't work out (in the first 3 rounds).

With the changes in the CBA and as BA calls TC "camp cupcake" I'd rather have Freeney in TC teaching the spin move to our youngins. BA could cut Freeney plenty of slack and limit his practice time a ton and we get the bonus of Freeney leading and teaching pass rush moves to his teammates......just a thought.

Like your CB and OLB FA thoughts. Besides CP and PP, CC could also restructure/extend and save even more CAP space so heck yes get Mack signed.

defenses disguise their schemes when they come to the line. The center makes the line calls based on what he sees when he gets to the line. When the defense shifts the center has to up date the call based on the change...he also has to recognize if there is a hidden blitz and call blocking assignments for that as well... the wrong call by the center means you have an unblocked backer heading straight for your QB...or stuffing your RB in the backfield.

 

[LoyaltyisaCurse]

If we signed that piece of crap Incognito, I'd be pretty upset. He is a jerk and a criminal.

 

[juza76]

If we signed that piece of crap Incognito, I'd be pretty upset. He is a jerk and a criminal.

Outside of the bullying what he did
I prefer a nasty player in the offensive line Then a knee deep and a guy who is scared to play after a no severe injury

 

[Catfish]

Mitch, great job as always. I have to feel that the talk about Cooper moving to center is just that, (talk). I fail to see how a player who couldn't remember his own assignment after the play call in the huddle, could possibly call the blocking schemes for the entire line.

I do like the idea that the birds might have worked out something with one of the FA guards. I would love to see Richie Incognito come here and finally add that nastiness that we have been missing for so long on our OL unit. It will be interesting to see how much he can command at the bargaining table, and whether or not we can remain in the hunt for him, (or someone like him).

I am looking forward to seeing how things play out beginning this week in free agency ------how high the bar is going to be set, and who will set it at each position. I am ready to see what BA & SK have schemed up this winter to plug some of the weaker spots on our roster. Nice Job!

 

[Chopper0080]

Perry is a guy who has been in the league 4 years but doesn't seem to have gotten any better since he first came into the league and has not been able to crack the starting lineup.

Not to try and thread jump, but this is the same argument that can be made against Bruce Irvin.

 

[Veer]

After Irvin and Vernon sign big deals, Perry could be a leftover and candidate for a prove it deal or a cheap 2 year deal. At the very least he could push Okafor, Martin and Riddick. Drafting 1 or even better 2 pass rushers is obligate nonetheless. Perry could be a cheap gamble that pays off. Draft only won't fix it, so I fully expect Keim to be active in FA. Hali is another option.

 

[Ohcrap75]

I'm having a little trouble getting excited for Perry. I feel like we have plenty of guys at the OLB position that are or can be solid players. What I feel we need is a difference maker. A step up from the guys we have. If we can't get a big time OLB then I would rather use the money on a playmaker at a different position. To me Perry is just another solid player on Okafor's level. GB is also looking for pass rushers and don't seem too concerned about keeping this guy. Maybe I'm missing something?

 

[WildBB]

I'm having a little trouble getting excited for Perry. I feel like we have plenty of guys at the OLB position that are or can be solid players. What I feel we need is a difference maker. A step up from the guys we have. If we can't get a big time OLB then I would rather use the money on a playmaker at a different position. To me Perry is just another solid player on Okafor's level. GB is also looking for pass rushers and don't seem too concerned about keeping this guy. Maybe I'm missing something?

Teams don't let difference makers walk.

 

[BW52]

Outside of the bullying what he did
I prefer a nasty player in the offensive line Then a knee deep and a guy who is scared to play after a no severe injury

People whining about Incognito probably were the loudest people screaming to sign Child -beater Adrian Petersen.