How bad can it be?

[Pariah]

We've seen different mocks with the Cardinals taking a number of different players. Most of which I personally would be fairly happy with. Of those mentioned in mock drafts, here's where they fit on my happiness continium:

Ecstatic:

• Jay Cutler: It's no secret that I like this kid for the Cards.

Tickled:

• LenDale White: It'd be nice to see a guy in a Cards uniform that can find the hole, hit it, and then run over someone when it closes.
• Vernon Davis: While I like Bergen, Davis is a playmaker. Talk about making our strengths stronger--how do you stop a passing game with Boldin, Fitz and a TE like Davis?

Apprehensive:

• DeAngelo Williams: I used to really be high on this guy, and I still think he's a good back (better than Arrington), but his recent Sr. Bowl weigh-in has me concerned.
• Any other T besides Ferguson: We really don't need another tackle--especially not in the first. We have an offensive line full of them.

 

[az jam]

I can live with Cutler, White or Davis. Also Mike Huff would be an excellent addition. I also like Ngata but don't think he will be there when we pick. The draft is really deep with quality offensive linemen and I think we could get one on the second round.

 

[Toro]

Green will be drafting looking for immediate impact. If the 2006 Cardinals do not improve, he will be out of a job. He will not pick a QB in the top few rounds.

I personally would like to get Cutler. It will be interesting if Cutler or a Leinart/Young drops and is available what will happen. Will the ownership step in and tell Green to pick the QB?

 

[JeffGollin]

We've seen different mocks with the Cardinals taking a number of different players. Most of which I personally would be fairly happy with. Of those mentioned in mock drafts,
Mocks will start to take on more meaning after the Super Bowl and during the Combine.

As of now, all they represent are the views of a wide variety of fans and media pundits most of who have incomplete or out of date information on prospects and little or no insights on what specific teams will be thinking as Draft Day gets nearer (particularly as each team does or doesn't fill a few roster holes in free agency)

For example, this time a year ago prior to the Senior Bowl, few if any people knew very much about Demetrius Ware or Shawn Merriman. I wouldn't be shocked to see 2 or 3 unexpected names appear on the list of the first ten guys who actually get drafted.

That said - I don't rate the skill guys like Cutler and D Williams as high as many other folks and would rather see us draft for more guaranteed impact. (Note - From a "fit" standpoint, the only guy I might get excited about would be Len Dale White because he's a power back who's effective between the tackles).

Question is - what do the Cardinal scouts see? For example, could they view a bonafide cover CB like Ty Hill as a legit Top 10 guy? Would they consider S Jimmy Williams worthy of a #10? Or could a boom or bust guy dominator like Gabe Watson - who's putting out in Senior Bowl practices - vault onto the Cardinal top 10- board? Or what about a small burner who can separate and stretch the field like Signorice Moss?

Or will the Cardinal scouts be somewhat unthrilled with what will remain at #10? If so, it wouldn't kill me to have us drop into #14 - 25 range, reach for someone like a Mangold, Jean -Gilles or (depending on how they evaluate him) Watson and then add one or two more first-day draft picks.

It looks like a draft characterized by (a) the talent plateau dropping off at #8 and a bleep load of impressive offensive line talent that could extend deep into the 3rd or 4th round. Unlike the Suggs for Pace/Johnson draft year, this may be one where it makes sense for us to trade down.

 

[Cardiac]

We've seen different mocks with the Cardinals taking a number of different players. Most of which I personally would be fairly happy with. Of those mentioned in mock drafts, here's where they fit on my happiness continium:

Ecstatic:

• Jay Cutler: It's no secret that I like this kid for the Cards.

Tickled:

• LenDale White: It'd be nice to see a guy in a Cards uniform that can find the hole, hit it, and then run over someone when it closes.
• Vernon Davis: While I like Bergen, Davis is a playmaker. Talk about making our strengths stronger--how do you stop a passing game with Boldin, Fitz and a TE like Davis?

Apprehensive:

• DeAngelo Williams: I used to really be high on this guy, and I still think he's a good back (better than Arrington), but his recent Sr. Bowl weigh-in has me concerned.
• Any other T besides Ferguson: We really don't need another tackle--especially not in the first. We have an offensive line full of them.

I mostly agree. Our roster is full of OT's but none of them beyond BIG is any good. I understant OT's aren't a sexy pick but if we all flash back to the season who can raise their hand and say they felt good about the Oline.

Worst rushing team in the NFL in 05 and almost set the record for the worst rushing team ever.

A horrible red zone offense, we simply can't run the ball.

QB's and RB's getting hit behind the line of scrimmage before taking more than 3 steps.

We obviously upgraded the Oline with the signing of a proven Oline coach but to think he can turn the existing unit into a passable Oline without an infusion of talent is wishful thinking at best.

I fully agree with the BPA strategy so maybe we do have to wait until rd 2 to address the OT position, it just makes me nervous because of the serious lack of a starter at RT on this team.

 

[football karma]

Pariah -- you have a good point--

I tend to think of it this way:

There seems to be a consensus top five: Bush, Leinart, V Young, Ferguson and Hawk

Then there is a group of players that depending on the ranking and mock, has any one of these guys going from as high as 6 or as low as 15:

Jay Cutler, D Williams, H Ngata, M. Williams, Kiwanuka, J. Williams, LenDale White, Vernon Davis, C. Greenway and M Huff

the fact of the matter is that any one of the those players can help -- some in real positions of need, some not so much. Better, there are six at positions of need: a qb, two rbs, a dt, a lb and a te.

Regardless of what goes on above them, the Cards will come away with a player who can address a weakness.

 

[slanidrac16]

Guys and gals, I'll say it again. Any huge need on this team MUST be filled thru free agency. If we go into this draft thinking we will solve or biggest need in the first round, that will be a huge mistake.
I see our biggest need being the offensive line. Exactly how to go about solidifying this unit can be argued. Move Ross to LG? Move Wells to center? Sign a free agent OT? Leave Ross at RT and hope our new line coach can help? Sign a free agent OG ? Maybe the best thing to do would be to go after OC Bentley who is capable of playing more than just center.
My point is, fix this line before the draft.
The second biggest need is for this team to address the QB position. Assuming Warner re-signs, we still need to add a back-up who is capable of stepping in if Warner were to get dinged up. Again , we can argue how to go about this. Whether you think it's right or wrong, I think McCown is history. We CANNOT go into this season with Navarre as our #2 guy. He is an unknown commodity. He may be the next Johnny Unitas but we don't want to have to put him in the drivers seat during the regular season then find out he's not. And lets put to sleep any rediculous rumors of trading draft picks and Adrian Wilson for Culpepper. I happen to think Kitna would fill this bill, but with the injury to Palmer I doubt the Bengals will let him get away. So who? Billy Volek may be available if the Titans are planning to take a qb in this draft. Let's just get a guy who's been in the line of fire that can just manage the team.
We will need to make a much bigger splash in free agency than just these 2 positions if we hope to be in the playoffs next year. However, if we do the above , then we can go into the draft and take the BEST player at any position( except wr) and improve this team.
Personally, I would be happy with White or Cutler. That being said, if 1 of the top 3 qb's are there at #10, I think he will be a Cardinal. Sooner or later this organization is going to have to address a long term solution at quarterback.
If Warner signs a 3 year deal, this might be a great year to do just that.
After all fellows, next year when we are drafting twenty-something, that opportunity to draft a QBOF won't be there.

 

[CardinalChris]

I know we have a lot of needs, but our o-line is so bad that I would not be upset if we spent our first two picks on O-line. It really was that bad this year.

 

[Tashunca]

I agree about Free-Agency being the best route for immediate needs (save for RB's and DE's). One thing we have learned again from the playoffs:The O line that STAYS TOGETHER plays together. The really successfull ones work like a SWISS WATCH, there almost telepathic the way they work together. Adding a guy is OK but don't do too much tinkering. That being said I would trade DOWN and try and get (OT) Justice and secure an additional first day choice. I would also do whatever is neccessary to get (RB/KR) Maurice Drew on the first day because I think he's a Reggie Bush equal at a bargain price!

 

[Cardiac]

The O line that STAYS TOGETHER plays together. The really successfull ones work like a SWISS WATCH, there almost telepathic the way they work together. Adding a guy is OK but don't do too much tinkering.

The problem with this premise for the Cards is that none of our Olineman have proved they can stay healthy enough to play with a SWISS WATCH let alone perform like one. Adding a guy is more than OK, it's essential. 2 to 3 thru FA and 1 to 3 in the draft.

I agree that we shouldn't tinker too much, I would blow up the entire mess and start over. OK, so BIG still starts at some position.

 

[spanky1]

Guys and gals, I'll say it again. Any huge need on this team MUST be filled thru free agency. If we go into this draft thinking we will solve or biggest need in the first round, that will be a huge mistake.
I see our biggest need being the offensive line. Exactly how to go about solidifying this unit can be argued. Move Ross to LG? Move Wells to center? Sign a free agent OT? Leave Ross at RT and hope our new line coach can help? Sign a free agent OG ? Maybe the best thing to do would be to go after OC Bentley who is capable of playing more than just center.
My point is, fix this line before the draft.
The second biggest need is for this team to address the QB position. Assuming Warner re-signs, we still need to add a back-up who is capable of stepping in if Warner were to get dinged up. Again , we can argue how to go about this. Whether you think it's right or wrong, I think McCown is history. We CANNOT go into this season with Navarre as our #2 guy. He is an unknown commodity. He may be the next Johnny Unitas but we don't want to have to put him in the drivers seat during the regular season then find out he's not. And lets put to sleep any rediculous rumors of trading draft picks and Adrian Wilson for Culpepper. I happen to think Kitna would fill this bill, but with the injury to Palmer I doubt the Bengals will let him get away. So who? Billy Volek may be available if the Titans are planning to take a qb in this draft. Let's just get a guy who's been in the line of fire that can just manage the team.
We will need to make a much bigger splash in free agency than just these 2 positions if we hope to be in the playoffs next year. However, if we do the above , then we can go into the draft and take the BEST player at any position( except wr) and improve this team.
Personally, I would be happy with White or Cutler. That being said, if 1 of the top 3 qb's are there at #10, I think he will be a Cardinal. Sooner or later this organization is going to have to address a long term solution at quarterback.
If Warner signs a 3 year deal, this might be a great year to do just that.
After all fellows, next year when we are drafting twenty-something, that opportunity to draft a QBOF won't be there.

Pick up Patrick Ramsey when he is cut by Washington

 

[Leviathon]

Pick up Patrick Ramsey when he is cut by Washington

i like what i see in ramsey's physical tools, but i've heard he's a baby when in comes to mental toughness and competition. i'd rather have a less than ideal arm/body but a razorsharp, competitive mind in a qb.

 

[Chopper0080]

A guy that I like as a backup would be Joey Harrington if he is cut. He has proven he can win some games but hasn't produced like a top 10 pick in a bad situation. I kind of feel he might have a Thomas Jones turnaround if his confidence isn't shot. Sign him, Grady Jackson, Jeff Backus, and either Hutch or Bentley and we will be good into the draft. Free saftey is a concern but I don't really know who is out there and what the market will be at. In the draft then look at White, D Williams, V Davis, M Williams or M Huff in round one. Fill out some needs at DT, TE, RB and QB the rest of day one and we are set.

 

[BigRedFan]

The saying goes, dont mess with something that is working, not something that is not working. I wouldnt wait around for another year hoping for the O-line to gel, when it was one of the worst in the league.

The problem with this premise for the Cards is that none of our Olineman have proved they can stay healthy enough to play with a SWISS WATCH let alone perform like one. Adding a guy is more than OK, it's essential. 2 to 3 thru FA and 1 to 3 in the draft.

I agree that we shouldn't tinker too much, I would blow up the entire mess and start over. OK, so BIG still starts at some position.

 

[Redheart]

... I kind of feel he might have a Thomas Jones turnaround if his confidence isn't shot...

Wouldn't a "Jake Plummer turnaround" be more appropriate analogy?

 

[WildBB]

Green will be drafting looking for immediate impact. If the 2006 Cardinals do not improve, he will be out of a job. He will not pick a QB in the top few rounds.

I personally would like to get Cutler. It will be interesting if Cutler or a Leinart/Young drops and is available what will happen. Will the ownership step in and tell Green to pick the QB?

The 2nd QB picked last year (Aaron Rogers) wasn't picked until #25 by Green Bay. Then Washington traded up (#27 I think) to draft Jason Campbell. I don't think Cutler would or should go any higher than them.

If we wanted Cutler we'd have to trade into the bottom of the 1st round, dealing our 2nd and poss. a 3rd. Not going to happen , IMO. Still too many holes to fill.

 

[PACardsFan]

Pick up Patrick Ramsey when he is cut by Washington

I'm not so sure about Ramsey. Gibbs is arguably the greatest coach of all time. If he would let Ramsey go, are we sure we want him?? I lived in MD while Gibbs was winning Super Bowls (plural) & have a tremendous amount of respect for his judgement. I just can't imagine that Gibbs would let this guy go if he thought Patrick even had a lick of potential. They have 50 yr old starter & no one really know if Campbell can be a starter in this league. Even money says the Skins promise Ramsey something in order to keep him around.