Guessing Arians' Choices at QB

[Mitch]

QB:

Profile: Must be able to drive the ball deep and with air-time and accuracy. Must be sturdy in the pocket---some mobility helps.

Kolb---can't see him in Arians' picture
Skelton---has the arm and pocket strength, can Arians fix his accuracy issues?
Lindley---will have to fight for the #3 job
Hoyer---could well be in the mix, although BA would probably want a stronger arm

FA interest?

Drew Stanton (IND)---Arians saw him every day up close this year, did he like what he saw? Luck got all the snaps, so there's no game film on him, save the pre-season.

Alex Smith (SF)---not sure he fits the BA profile---

Matt Moore (MIA)---could garner some interest---especially if Todd Bowles endorses him.

Matt Flynn (SEA)---see Brian Hoyer

Draft?

Geno Smith (WVU)---fits the profile
Mike Glennon (NCSt.)---fits the profile
Tyler Wilson (ARK)---fits the profile
Tyler Bray (TEN)---fits the profile for arm-strength
Zac Dysert (OHIO)---fits the profile

Trade?

Ben Roethlisberger (PIT)---while the Rooneys appear to be content with Big Ben, they might be tempted to go in a different direction if there's a young QB they like near the top of this draft. The #7 pick could be very intriguing for them, as they could also package a deal to move up to the top of the draft, if let's say they are enamored with Geno Smith. Price? The #7 pick this year, the 2nd round pick in 2014 and the 3rd round pick in 2015.

Ryan Mallett (NE)---a high draft pick in this year's or the 2014 draft could do it...especially if the Pats can pick up Matt Cassell to be Brady's backup. Brady is talking 3-4 more years, which means Mallett would be long gone in FA---and thus, the way the Pats think, if you can get something good for him now, do it. Price? #38 (Rd. 2) pick this year and a 3rd or 4th in 2014?

My Guess?

I think BA would do whatever he could to get Big Ben in Arizona. It might not be possible---but there's no harm in asking. I think he could talk Michael Bidwill, Steve Keim and Jason Licht into trading for him and giving up a lot to get him.

Arians wants to win now. He's 60 years old and living hard each day, as he puts it.

If BA thinks Mallett is better than any QB he could take at #7 or #38, then I could see him swinging a deal with the Pats.

But the one guy I think BA might become enamored with is Tyler Wilson---because Wilson has the kind of leadership and competitive temperament that BA likes.

Obviously, BA is not afraid to go with a rookie, if the rookie fits the profile.

So my guess is one of those three.

i can't see BA settling for mediocrity---he's going to make a splash at the QB position.

 

[az jam]

Mitch, I said this in my other posts, watch the Senior Bowl practices this week. Wilson, Glennon, Dysert, Nassib, Manuel & Landry Jones are all there. I also like Wilson but haven't seen some of the others.

I feel that they will keep Kolb (with a smaller contract) to be the starter and draft a qb early.

Arians would love to have big Ben. I just don't see that happening this year. Perhaps in 2014 if the Steelers have a bad year and if they draft a qb for the future in this year's draft.

 

[Garthshort]

Mitch, you (and others on this Board) continue to amaze me with your "grip" on the NFL and I thank you for it. I did notice that you left Nassib off your draft list and was wondering if he fits the profile? As for me I'm hoping that we wait until the second round to draft a QB, as no one seems worthy of the #7 pick.

 

[az jam]

Mitch, you (and others on this Board) continue to amaze me with your "grip" on the NFL and I thank you for it. I did notice that you left Nassib off your draft list and was wondering if he fits the profile? As for me I'm hoping that we wait until the second round to draft a QB, as no one seems worthy of the #7 pick.

That is a real concern but the best ones will probably be gone by the time we pick in the 2nd round. We may have to move up.

 

[Mitch]

Mitch, I said this in my other posts, watch the Senior Bowl practices this week. Wilson, Glennon, Dysert, Nassib, Manuel & Landry Jones are all there. I also like Wilson but haven't seen some of the others.

I feel that they will keep Kolb (with a smaller contract) to be the starter and draft a qb early.

Arians would love to have big Ben. I just don't see that happening this year. Perhaps in 2014 if the Steelers have a bad year and if they draft a qb for the future in this year's draft.

I can't see BA feeling comfortable with Kolb as his pocket passer, Jammer, even if durability wasn't an issue.

As we saw with letting his "dear friend" Ray Horton go---BA is making it clear to management that this is his team and he needs to go with his coaches and his type of players.

It's going to be out with the old---wherever it applies best.

 

[Mitch]

Mitch, you (and others on this Board) continue to amaze me with your "grip" on the NFL and I thank you for it. I did notice that you left Nassib off your draft list and was wondering if he fits the profile? As for me I'm hoping that we wait until the second round to draft a QB, as no one seems worthy of the #7 pick.

If a trade for a QB doesn't happen, Garth---the #7 pick will be for a QB---BA isn't going to wait around. Geno Smith, Tyler Wilson or Mike Glennon at #7.

I can't see Nassib going at #7---but I do see the Bills and Doug Marrone making a trade to move up into the the late first or early 2nd round to draft him.

 

[az jam]

I can't see BA feeling comfortable with Kolb as his pocket passer, Jammer, even if durability wasn't an issue.

As we saw with letting his "dear friend" Ray Horton go---BA is making it clear to management that this is his team and he needs to go with his coaches and his type of players.

It's going to be out with the old---wherever it applies best.

I agree with your observations, but my problem is that we need to have a starter with experience. The rookie class does not have a Luck or RGIII. I can't see us going with a rookie to start at least not week one.

 

[Cbus cardsfan]

Sleeper pick is Landry Jones. I think one of these 3 will be the Cards starting QB at some point next year:
Bray- 6'5
Glennon- 6'5
Jones- 6'4


I just don't see Wilson being a fit for Arians. I hope I'm wrong, but evry QB he has worked with are 6'4 or taller. Wilson is listed at 6'2.

 

[Mitch]

I agree with your observations, but my problem is that we need to have a starter with experience. The rookie class does not have a Luck or RGIII. I can't see us going with a rookie to start at least not week one.

Normally I think you are right---but with the success BA had with other young QBs, I think he is confident enough to put a rookie in there from day one.

But---what would answer both of our questions is a trade for a QB, which I think is a very strong possibility.

A trade for Big Ben may not be as far-fetched as some might think---this is just a hunch, but knowing the Rooneys, it wouldn't surprise me at all if behind the scenes they are looking for ways to move on from Big Ben.

 

[CtCardinals78]

Normally I think you are right---but with the success BA had with other young QBs, I think he is confident enough to put a rookie in there from day one.

But---what would answer both of our questions is a trade for a QB, which I think is a very strong possibility.

A trade for Big Ben may not be as far-fetched as some might think---this is just a hunch, but knowing the Rooneys, it wouldn't surprise me at all if behind the scenes they are looking for ways to move on from Big Ben.

I don't think it's far fetched, but extremely unlikely. He's a two time Super Bowl champ, one of the top QBs in the NFL and a franchise QB.

It's an interesting thought though. Kolb fits what Pit wants to much better than Roethlisberger IMO. It would be awesome watching Ben throw to Fitz though.

 

[Mitch]

Sleeper pick is Landry Jones. I think one of these 3 will be the Cards starting QB at some point next year:
Bray- 6'5
Glennon- 6'5
Jones- 6'4


I just don't see Wilson being a fit for Arians. I hope I'm wrong, but evry QB he has worked with are 6'4 or taller. Wilson is listed at 6'2.

I agree with Bray and Glennon---they are two of the best arms in the draft.

Not so much with Jones.

As for Wilson---although he is 6'2", he has that fiery competitiveness and toughness that the others lack a little.

I honestly believe that BA will see the same things you see in Wilson...and won't be deterred by the height. Plus, Wilson has excellent vision and plays taller than he actually is.

 

[Doc Cardinal]

Bray or Glennon or Wilson....hope we get one of those 3....unless KC passes on Geno and BA wants him at 7.

 

[Lomax to Green 84]

I would say Mike Glennon is the closest thing to what Arians will want from the rookie class coming. Add in that he is from NC State, Steve Keim's alma mater.

 

[JeffGollin]

They may have sucked last season and may still suck today, but what we don't know, among the QB's we've got is what they'd be after off-season and preseason time under Arian's tutelage within a new offensive scheme.

Sucky or not, these are currently "Cardinal assets" under contract, and it's incumbent on Cardinal mgt. to maximize their worth so long as they're here.

No doubt each will have different upside potential within the system and will absorb coaching at different learning rates. A key question going forward has to be: "If everything goes perfectly, how good can we be with any of these guys? And will it be good enough?"

If Bruce and his staff feel that all 4 are lost causes, then I'd expect them to open Door #2 fairly quickly. But I don't think all 4 guys will bolo & furthermore there may be surprises, with Kolb soaring or bombing, Skelton emerging as Ben Ii (or not) and Hoyer playing the role of Steady Eddie (but maybe too steady but not enough of a playmaker).

Because of the questions surrounding each QB, I'd at the very least, expect Steve Keim to check out the second door - with the key question: "Are we sure we can win with the new dude or will he have the same upside and coachability questions as our current Gang of 4?" (Without some degree of confidence that we can win with the new guy, I'm not sure Keim pulls the trigger).

Then there's the draft. Back to Gang of Four rules (i.e. Upside and Coachability).

All within the context of realizing that any plan can blow up and, to cover that risk, one or more "insurance policy moves" may need to be made.

As for specific names of potential veteran or rookie newcomers, I have no idea - gotta watch a lot more video and see how Arians rolls.

 

[Goldfield]

Zac Dysert I like this guy a lot...

 

[bg7brd]

Sleeper pick is Landry Jones. I think one of these 3 will be the Cards starting QB at some point next year:
Bray- 6'5
Glennon- 6'5
Jones- 6'4


I just don't see Wilson being a fit for Arians. I hope I'm wrong, but evry QB he has worked with are 6'4 or taller. Wilson is listed at 6'2.

When has BA ever selected his QB? Just because he's never worked with a QB under 6'4" doesn't mean he wouldn't in the future.

 

[BW52]

I agree with Bray and Glennon---they are two of the best arms in the draft.

Not so much with Jones.

As for Wilson---although he is 6'2", he has that fiery competitiveness and toughness that the others lack a little.

I honestly believe that BA will see the same things you see in Wilson...and won't be deterred by the height. Plus, Wilson has excellent vision and plays taller than he actually is.

I like your 3 choices Mitch.Now i am putting you on the spot.................pick one and would you pick Wilson in RD 1 if he does extremely well at Senior Bowl practices and game?
Do you feel confident that Glennon and Bray will be around RD 2?

 

[WildBB]

=Mitch;2786197
A trade for Big Ben may not be as far-fetched as some might think---this is just a hunch, but knowing the Rooneys, it wouldn't surprise me at all if behind the scenes they are looking for ways to move on from Big Ben.

Not another re-tread Steeler.

And for a high 1st, 2nd & 3rd?

Lets get a fresh start. BR has issues.

 

[WildBB]

I like your 3 choices Mitch.Now i am putting you on the spot.................pick one and would you pick Wilson in RD 1 if he does extremely well at Senior Bowl practices and game?
Do you feel confident that Glennon and Bray will be around RD 2?

Bray will be the only one availabe, mtl.

Smith, Glennon and Wilson, possibly Barkley all go in the 1st RD. / Top of the 2nd (First couple picks).

Bray should last a while. Maybe into the 3rd.

 

[moosehead]

One thing that struck me in his interview with Doug and Wolf the other day. When discussing QB's he was emphatic about not forcing QBs and other players into offensive schemes. He said you design the plays around the strengths of your players.

 

[WildBB]

One thing that struck me in his interview with Doug and Wolf the other day. When discussing QB's he was emphatic about not forcing QBs and other players into offensive schemes. He said you design the plays around the strengths of your players.

Thus we have a new HC!

 

[slanidrac16]

I am pretty damn sure we will draft a QB very high this year. If the CArds can draft a guy like defensman Jones with their first pick , then I believe they would be willing to trade their 2nd this year and their 2nd next year to move back into the first round to draft the guy QB they want.

Who is that?

Well, leadership and a fiery type guy, but he needs to be able to throw it in "tight places". So he needs to have a strong arm. I don't think Arian is looking for mobility like a RG3 or Wilson although he would take it I'm sure.

Tyler Wilson seems to fit the mold. He had a great season 2 years ago and then struggled thru adversity this year. Overcoming adversity is obviously a big thing with Arians.

The new era will start with game 1. Arians will not be afraid to start a rookie. The QB's currently on this team is not going to get us to the playoffs. A rookie QB may not either , but by this time next year the rookie will have 1 year of seasoning under his belt.

We all know this is a qb driven league. I doubt we will waste the first year of Arians tenure reestablishing the fact the QB's on this team are not the answer.

 

[Mr.Dibbs]

Based on this article, is sounds like he's more interested in finding a QB with grit and a brain than size and a strong arm...
http://www.azcentral.com/sports/car...118bruce-arians-wants-qb-grit-leadership.html

 

[JeffGollin]

Based on this article, is sounds like he's more interested in finding a QB with grit and a brain than size and a strong arm...
http://www.azcentral.com/sports/car...118bruce-arians-wants-qb-grit-leadership.html

He said he wants a QB who can execute on 3rd downs, 2-minute drills and the red zone.

He further emphasized the importance of accuracy - i.e. throwing into tight windows and back-shoulder targets.

This suggests (a) accuracy/timing and (b) Cool Hand Luke mentality

 

[WildBB]

He said he wants a QB who can execute on 3rd downs, 2-minute drills and the red zone.

He further emphasized the importance of accuracy - i.e. throwing into tight windows and back-shoulder targets.

This suggests (a) accuracy/timing and (b) Cool Hand Luke mentality

Well you can waive to Skelton and Lindley!

Interesting take in Ourlads on Geno Smith and Barkley. Read where they rate Barkley's release. Very important in NFL. I know USC.....

http://www.ourlads.com/top-32-college-senior-prospects/nfl-draft/2013/1885185