I think the Cardinals will be going after Cousins

[AsUpRoDiGy]

I get it.You don`t like Lamar Jackson.Kid has plus arm.Plus athletic ability.Great character.Hard worker.I know he is still a work in progress to be NFL ready .So are all the rest of the QBs in the draft.Mayfield will be Terry Beban version 2.

It's not that I don't like him...I think he has a ton of potential, but right now he's just extremely raw as a QB. If the Cards grabbed him in the 2nd round I'd be elated. Just don't think he's worth a 1st with how much work he needs.

 

[Veer]

I really like Mayfield. Like Jackson too. Something to consider is Mayfield was beaten out by Mahomes at Texas Tech and transfered to Oklahoma. He will be 23 years old on draft day. No big deal at all. But Jackson will only be 21 years old on draft day and has much more room to develop as a passer.

Mayfield really should have come out last season when there was no sure top QB tier in the draft. Looking at his unreal Air Raid stats from 2016, there wasn't really room to improve. Just more of the same in 2017. Jackson has improved every year, but there isn't much perspective to further elevate his game at Louisville considering their bad OL and weapons.

Either of them would be a great choice for us at 15 or via a reasonable trade up. Keim was fooled in the last draft and hopefully learned his lesson. Still can't believe Keim has aggressively traded for Budda, whom I love, but neglected the QB position. Mahomes or Watson wouldn't have cost much more than Budda in the 2nd.

 

[Gandhi]

Either of them would be a great choice for us at 15 or via a reasonable trade up. Keim was fooled in the last draft and hopefully learned his lesson. Still can't believe Keim has aggressively traded for Budda, whom I love, but neglected the QB position. Mahomes or Watson wouldn't have cost much more than Budda in the 2nd.

In some ways I think they will pay the prize this year for not trading up for one of the quarterbacks last year. In my opinion you don’t just sit back and hope he will slide far enough if you believe someone is your future franchise quarterback. Then you pursue him aggressively. Obviously, we don’t know if they did try to move up, but it’s just as obvious that they didn’t try hard enough.

This year I would trade up to select Sam Darnold. I just think he will be a great NFL quarterback, and though my thoughts could easily change until the draft, he is my guy for now. That said, my point is actually more that I would like them to target someone and then go aggressively after him. Last year both the Chiefs and Texans were far down the list of teams, yet they only paid a first round pick the year after (and the Chiefs also paid a third round pick) to come all the way up. I know it’s different when you are trading into the top five or ten, though. In 2016 the Eagles paid a first-, third- and fourth round pick that year as well as their first round pick the year after to get to the second overall pick along with a fifth rounder. They originally had the #8 pick, so it might not be completely comparable, but I tend to think that prize might be acceptable for the chance at a stud franchise quarterback.

If a more accurate comparison is what the Rams gave up to go from #15 to the first overall pick, I would not do it. They paid a first-, two second-, and a third round pick that year as well as their first- and third round pick the next year. They got the first overall, a fourth- and a sixth round selection in return. I think that is too rich for an unknown commodity, but I am, however, not talking about trading up to the #1 pick.

 

[JeffGollin]

Prediction: We'll add a veteran QB before the draft.

Reason: SK hates to be forced into making draft decisions pressured by "need." He'd want maximum latitude over who to draft, whether to draft or when.

 

[BW52]

Prediction: We'll add a veteran QB before the draft.

Reason: SK hates to be forced into making draft decisions pressured by "need." He'd want maximum latitude over who to draft, whether to draft or when.

Agree with you Jeff.I still think Cards draft a QBOF .I think it depends who is available at #15.It depends on who Cards sign as QB also.If its a older veteran i think Cards could go for a QB at 15.If they sign a younger guy who will be around for a few years i think Cards wait until RD 2 or 3 for a young QBOF.I think it all comes down to who is available when the pick is up.

 

[juza76]

It's not that

Agree with you Jeff.I still think Cards draft a QBOF .I think it depends who is available at #15.It depends on who Cards sign as QB also.If its a older veteran i think Cards could go for a QB at 15.If they sign a younger guy who will be around for a few years i think Cards wait until RD 2 or 3 for a young QBOF.I think it all comes down to who is available when

thats a passive plan, we can trade our first a second and next year second to move at spot 7-9 and get one of the qb they like

 

[oaken1]

Agree with you Jeff.I still think Cards draft a QBOF .I think it depends who is available at #15.It depends on who Cards sign as QB also.If its a older veteran i think Cards could go for a QB at 15.If they sign a younger guy who will be around for a few years i think Cards wait until RD 2 or 3 for a young QBOF.I think it all comes down to who is available when the pick is up.

i have simialr thoughts... however if they sign an older vet I think it is more likely they trade up in round one.
I am pretty sure they will be aggressive in the QB hunt. I am also pretty sure they had to make some promises when they hired a head coach.

Personally, I would like to see them sign Teddy Bridgewater to a "safe" contract...one that protects the team if his knee isnt fixed and if his head cant get over what happened to his knee. TeddyB is only 25 and even if he only returns to pre injury form he can provide us with solid game management and we can win with him.... but he more than likely still has plenty of room to improve,...he only played two seasons after all. He gives us a "vet" while also giving us a "young QB" who can start for 10-12 years if need be.

Then draft a QB at 15... or draft Vita Vea at 15, then trade up in the second and steal Lamar Jackson... but I am pretty sure Jackson wont make it past pick 45

 

[slanidrac16]

i have simialr thoughts... however if they sign an older vet I think it is more likely they trade up in round one.
I am pretty sure they will be aggressive in the QB hunt. I am also pretty sure they had to make some promises when they hired a head coach.

Personally, I would like to see them sign Teddy Bridgewater to a "safe" contract...one that protects the team if his knee isnt fixed and if his head cant get over what happened to his knee. TeddyB is only 25 and even if he only returns to pre injury form he can provide us with solid game management and we can win with him.... but he more than likely still has plenty of room to improve,...he only played two seasons after all. He gives us a "vet" while also giving us a "young QB" who can start for 10-12 years if need be.

Then draft a QB at 15... or draft Vita Vea at 15, then trade up in the second and steal Lamar Jackson... but I am pretty sure Jackson wont make it past pick 45

Now here is a plan I could live with!

 

[Solar7]

In some ways I think they will pay the prize this year for not trading up for one of the quarterbacks last year. In my opinion you don’t just sit back and hope he will slide far enough if you believe someone is your future franchise quarterback. Then you pursue him aggressively. Obviously, we don’t know if they did try to move up, but it’s just as obvious that they didn’t try hard enough.

This year I would trade up to select Sam Darnold. I just think he will be a great NFL quarterback, and though my thoughts could easily change until the draft, he is my guy for now. That said, my point is actually more that I would like them to target someone and then go aggressively after him. Last year both the Chiefs and Texans were far down the list of teams, yet they only paid a first round pick the year after (and the Chiefs also paid a third round pick) to come all the way up. I know it’s different when you are trading into the top five or ten, though. In 2016 the Eagles paid a first-, third- and fourth round pick that year as well as their first round pick the year after to get to the second overall pick along with a fifth rounder. They originally had the #8 pick, so it might not be completely comparable, but I tend to think that prize might be acceptable for the chance at a stud franchise quarterback.

If a more accurate comparison is what the Rams gave up to go from #15 to the first overall pick, I would not do it. They paid a first-, two second-, and a third round pick that year as well as their first- and third round pick the next year. They got the first overall, a fourth- and a sixth round selection in return. I think that is too rich for an unknown commodity, but I am, however, not talking about trading up to the #1 pick.

So you want Darnold, think he's "the guy," but don't want to move up to #1 to take him? He's not going to slide if he's the best.

 

[Jetstream Green]

So you want Darnold, think he's "the guy," but don't want to move up to #1 to take him? He's not going to slide if he's the best.

Really... sincerely Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers

 

[Solar7]

Really... sincerely Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers

Rodgers is a one-off, miracle story. So is Brady, but Brady is also a completely different story. That's hitting on a 5th round pick.

thats a passive plan, we can trade our first a second and next year second to move at spot 7-9 and get one of the qb they like

Oldest team in the NFL last year. If we give up next year's second, that's so much ammunition for a team that currently stands to trend downwards this year.

 

[Cardiac]

Rodgers is a one-off, miracle story. So is Brady, but Brady is also a completely different story. That's hitting on a 5th round pick.


Oldest team in the NFL last year. If we give up next year's second, that's so much ammunition for a team that currently stands to trend downwards this year.

to pick nits Brady was a 6th rd pick, 199th overall.

 

[oaken1]

Rodgers is a one-off, miracle story. So is Brady, but Brady is also a completely different story. That's hitting on a 5th round pick.


Oldest team in the NFL last year. If we give up next year's second, that's so much ammunition for a team that currently stands to trend downwards this year.

why so doomy gloomy solar?

"currently stands to trend downwards this year."... thats pretty extreme... the truth is, if we just extend Drew Stanton we stand to be static.
we have been a .500 team the last two seasons... if we dont make big moves to get our long term QB RIGHT now,... then "trending downwards" is the best thing that can happen to us...because it will at least put us in position to draft a QB.

if we trade the farm and it works,... then the value we paid for said QB is actually less because rather than a top five pick we threw in a 20-25 pick... which, based upon what we have done with those picks in the last few years, well...we aint losing much.

we have seen proof that nearly any warm body under center can take this team to a .500 season.... and even free agents can make our team "younger"

Rodgers wasnt a "miracle"... by many he was projected as the #1 overall pick...and his time sweating in the green room is legendary. ARod slid because he was a Jeff Tedford QB and prior to him none of Tedfords QB's had made good pro's
Tedford had produced with guys like Trent Dilfer, Billy Volek, Akili Smith and Joey Harrington. Tedford employed an early version of the air raid style offense
one might say Rodgers ordeal in the green room on draft day is a big reason why teams now scout the player more than scout the stats...scouting the "Player" is why Philly had confidence in drafting wentz from lowly north dakota state...where Wentz competed against powerhouses like Weber state and Youngstown.

we have no reason to be gloomy. Our team is pretty good. Even if it turns out that Nick Foles is starting for us next season we should still be in the playoff hunt.

a young QB will slide on draft day. Rather he turns out to be Aaron Rodgers or Billy Volek remains to be seen... but the opportunities will be there.
sadly, with the rams and niners both looking to be on the rise,...we could actually get better as a team and still be fighting with seattle for the last spot in the division. The NFCWest is about to be the toughest division in football again.

 

[Solar7]

to pick nits Brady was a 6th rd pick, 199th overall.

Oops, I knew that. Still.

 

[Cardiac]

Oops, I knew that. Still.

Oh I agree. Think of Brady in the 6th rd, Montana in the 3rd rd, Brees in the 2nd rd, Warner undrafted, Unitas in the 9th rd..........I'm sure there are more examples non first rd elite QB's. Thing is for every one of these there are thousands of crappy QB's drafted after rd 1.

 

[Solar7]

why so doomy gloomy solar?

"currently stands to trend downwards this year."... thats pretty extreme... the truth is, if we just extend Drew Stanton we stand to be static.
we have been a .500 team the last two seasons... if we dont make big moves to get our long term QB RIGHT now,... then "trending downwards" is the best thing that can happen to us...because it will at least put us in position to draft a QB.

if we trade the farm and it works,... then the value we paid for said QB is actually less because rather than a top five pick we threw in a 20-25 pick... which, based upon what we have done with those picks in the last few years, well...we aint losing much.

we have seen proof that nearly any warm body under center can take this team to a .500 season.... and even free agents can make our team "younger"

Rodgers wasnt a "miracle"... by many he was projected as the #1 overall pick...and his time sweating in the green room is legendary. ARod slid because he was a Jeff Tedford QB and prior to him none of Tedfords QB's had made good pro's
Tedford had produced with guys like Trent Dilfer, Billy Volek, Akili Smith and Joey Harrington. Tedford employed an early version of the air raid style offense
one might say Rodgers ordeal in the green room on draft day is a big reason why teams now scout the player more than scout the stats...scouting the "Player" is why Philly had confidence in drafting wentz from lowly north dakota state...where Wentz competed against powerhouses like Weber state and Youngstown.

we have no reason to be gloomy. Our team is pretty good. Even if it turns out that Nick Foles is starting for us next season we should still be in the playoff hunt.

a young QB will slide on draft day. Rather he turns out to be Aaron Rodgers or Billy Volek remains to be seen... but the opportunities will be there.
sadly, with the rams and niners both looking to be on the rise,...we could actually get better as a team and still be fighting with seattle for the last spot in the division. The NFCWest is about to be the toughest division in football again.

Well, I didn't say we will trend down, but with quite a bit of reloading to do on offense, and two new schemes to learn, I don't think it would shock anyone if we finished with less wins. And yeah, to your point, if we trend downwards, it may give us a better shot at a real QB of the future somewhere down the line.

Rodgers was still a miracle in that quarterbacks that fall that far in the first round generally don't go on to be surefire first ballot hall of famers.

I'm not super gloomy, just mitigating risk. We have a team with enough current gaps in it that retaining as many picks as we can is important. You already said you're willing to make a move on a free agent and be open to a QB at 15, which is all my argument is. Don't trade the farm to move up for the third QB, or worse. Stand pat and take him if he gets close, if you like him.

 

[Solar7]

Oh I agree. Think of Brady in the 6th rd, Montana in the 3rd rd, Brees in the 2nd rd, Warner undrafted, Unitas in the 9th rd..........I'm sure there are more examples non first rd elite QB's. Thing is for every one of these there are thousands of crappy QB's drafted after rd 1.

And tons in round 1, haha. It's a mess everywhere.

 

[oaken1]

Well, I didn't say we will trend down, but with quite a bit of reloading to do on offense, and two new schemes to learn, I don't think it would shock anyone if we finished with less wins. And yeah, to your point, if we trend downwards, it may give us a better shot at a real QB of the future somewhere down the line.

Rodgers was still a miracle in that quarterbacks that fall that far in the first round generally don't go on to be surefire first ballot hall of famers.

I'm not super gloomy, just mitigating risk. We have a team with enough current gaps in it that retaining as many picks as we can is important. You already said you're willing to make a move on a free agent and be open to a QB at 15, which is all my argument is. Don't trade the farm to move up for the third QB, or worse. Stand pat and take him if he gets close, if you like him.

well in the end you will likely be happy. SK has proven he possesses little tiny balls on draft day...and trading up for a QB takes at least a healthy average set of balls.
Thats my biggest concern with Keim... it looks like he is playing his own version of moneyball, especially on draft day... he is way more likely to trade back than up...which is all fine and good as long as we are happy being an average team...picking around 15 every year...winning an occasional playoff game...etc etc..

but game changers are drafted in the top 10... and so far we have not been the franchise to "get lucky" and have a player drop in our lap(unless you count DJ) like Big Ben did with Pittsburgh or Rodgers did with Green Bay

we are way more likely to be okey doked and sit pat while someone else trades one pick in front of us and drafts the exact player we wanted and needed

Its like someone tied a piece of cake to a string,..and they are pulling it slowly, leading little stevie Keim across the playground,.... he fervently lusts for that delectable looking cake,...all the while never knowing everyone else is cleaning the prime rib out behind him... but then the cake slides through a pile of doggy poo...stevie throws his hands up in frustration and disappointment,...then he turns to see what else is at the buffet,...and its all gone and little stevie is left standing there alone, looking around, wondering where everyone went...

he can continue to be laughed at by other GM's on draft day,...or he can grow a set of balls and do what he has to do to get this team over the hump.

my guess is, it will be the former

 

[Solar7]

well in the end you will likely be happy. SK has proven he possesses little tiny balls on draft day...and trading up for a QB takes at least a healthy average set of balls.
Thats my biggest concern with Keim... it looks like he is playing his own version of moneyball, especially on draft day... he is way more likely to trade back than up...which is all fine and good as long as we are happy being an average team...picking around 15 every year...winning an occasional playoff game...etc etc..

but game changers are drafted in the top 10... and so far we have not been the franchise to "get lucky" and have a player drop in our lap(unless you count DJ) like Big Ben did with Pittsburgh or Rodgers did with Green Bay

we are way more likely to be okey doked and sit pat while someone else trades one pick in front of us and drafts the exact player we wanted and needed

Its like someone tied a piece of cake to a string,..and they are pulling it slowly, leading little stevie Keim across the playground,.... he fervently lusts for that delectable looking cake,...all the while never knowing everyone else is cleaning the prime rib out behind him... but then the cake slides through a pile of doggy poo...stevie throws his hands up in frustration and disappointment,...then he turns to see what else is at the buffet,...and its all gone and little stevie is left standing there alone, looking around, wondering where everyone went...

he can continue to be laughed at by other GM's on draft day,...or he can grow a set of balls and do what he has to do to get this team over the hump.

my guess is, it will be the former

I doubt there's any GMs laughing at Steve Keim, who has helped the Cardinals be the 7th winningest team in the NFL in his tenure.

I get your analogy, but I see this more like a man who gets his paycheck and puts half of it on scratchers, hoping to get rich immediately, instead of the man who takes half of his paycheck and soundly invests it each month. Guy #2 is more likely to come out on top in the end.

 

[oaken1]

I doubt there's any GMs laughing at Steve Keim, who has helped the Cardinals be the 7th winningest team in the NFL in his tenure.

I get your analogy, but I see this more like a man who gets his paycheck and puts half of it on scratchers, hoping to get rich immediately, instead of the man who takes half of his paycheck and soundly invests it each month. Guy #2 is more likely to come out on top in the end.

and 7th winningest is what we will remain

maybe in a few years we can draft Brandon Peters in the sixth round

 

[GimmedaBall]

Great thread and lots of ideas being tossed around.

My preference would be either Cousins or Smith. Either one over the QB who would be available at our draft slot. Also, way too much draft capital to move up to the front of the round #1 and gamble big time on an unknown. Give me a vet who has shown he can play vs NFL defenses. I don't want to see the Cards go through two+ years of rookie QB agony and mistakes---and eventually having to give up on the guy. Our chances of hitting on a Wentz or Goff are pretty slim.

We don't need a QBOTF. We need a QB of the here-and-now. We need continuity of solid play at QB, a strong run game, a dominating defense. We have enough pieces to accomplish the run game and the D, just need that vet QB who can step in a provide competent QB play.

 

[WisconsinCard]

thats a passive plan, we can trade our first a second and next year second to move at spot 7-9 and get one of the qb they like

Not going to happen, any move up will include at least 2-firsts, IMO.

 

[WisconsinCard]

If and this is a big if we were to get Flip as our OC, I think him and KC could be a match made in heaven. One that could take us to the super bowl.

 

[Buckybird]

If and this is a big if we were to get Flip as our OC, I think him and KC could be a match made in heaven. One that could take us to the super bowl.

Imo Kirk is just good enough to get you to 8-8 & maybe a playoff game once out of every 5 years or so & bad enough to get you beat.

Mike I just haven’t seen him put his team on his back & carry a team when needed especially late in games. Imo that’s what separates the great ones from the good ones. Hell I don’t even think Cousins is as good as Carson.

It sure is funny that the Skins would rather franchise they guy 2 or possibly 3 years in a row & pay him $25 mil a year instead of locking him up. Hmmmm

 

[Veer]

Imo Kirk is just good enough to get you to 8-8 & maybe a playoff game once out of every 5 years or so & bad enough to get you beat.

Mike I just haven’t seen him put his team on his back & carry a team when needed especially late in games. Imo that’s what separates the great ones from the good ones. Hell I don’t even think Cousins is as good as Carson.

It sure is funny that the Skins would rather franchise they guy 2 or possibly 3 years in a row & pay him $25 mil a year instead of locking him up. Hmmmm

The Kirk Cousins that is just good enough to get you to 8-8 and a wildcard game here and there is the Kirk Cousins of the Washington Redskins. They haven't had a good defense ever since I can think of, not even an average defense. They had no weapons for Cousins this season. He did very well with Pierre Garcon and Desean Jackson, leading them to the playoffs despite no defense and no run game. When Vernon Davis, Jamison Crowder and Josh Doctson are your best weapons that's clearly underwhelming. Their OL fell apart just like ours because of injury. Their run game with Kelley and Perine was among the the worst I've ever seen. Our defense and David Johnson would be a huge upgrade from what Cousins had in Washington. Cousins as a starter:

2017: 4,093 yards 27 TD 13 INT 64.5%
2016: 4,917 yards 25 TD 12 INT 67.1%
2015: 4,166 yards 29 TD 11 INT 69.8%

That's better than Palmer at this stage of his career. Only Palmer's MVP type season with us and one early MVP type season with the Bengals was better than that. Cousins understands the game, defenses, coverages and is very accurate. He excels in the intermediate passing game which is the most important aspect in today's NFL. His arm isn't the strongest but certainly above average and NFL caliber. Accuracy over arm strength anyday. Really good TD:INT ratio. I wouldn't complain if Keim goes after him aggressively. With Cousins we turn into a legit contender.