MadCard's Offseason Projection V1.0

[joeshmo]

I believe it was a Conditional 7th unless Gorin met some performace clause then it would become a 6th.

The only clause was that if Gorin was cut it would be a 7th rounder, if he made the 53 man roster it would be a 6th.

 

[Twist18]

I like this plan, but I don't think that Charles Grant is going to make it to free agency. I think you're looking at Justin Smith, Chris Kelsay, and maybe Patrick Kearney as your DE options.

I really like the thinking in bringing in Napoleon Harris. It's a risk, but I think it's a risk you have to take. Let him compete for the SLB job with Brandon Johnson and Darryl Blackstock.

I agree with you that the bottom part of our roster at cornerback stinks. Adding a free agent and a draft choice is essential. We need to keep 5 solid cornerbacks on the roster going into the regular season. If we retain Macklin, we have three.

I don't like Terrance Holt, and I've explained why. I would rather have Ken Hamlin. I really don't think that Harris is going to demand a "big" free agent contract (if he does, we could sign a guy like Chris Claiborne to play SLB for a year or two). Hamlin's worth the extra cost if he makes it to the market. He's a playmaker. I agree that I don't want to go to war with Francisco as the only option at FS. That guy blew a ton of coverages and he's not ready to run the defense.

The only other guy that I really disagree on is Eric Johnson. He's like the white Freddie Jones. He's a perennial tease who's always injured. He's a cross between Freddie Jones and Kevin Kasper. He's a waste of money, and I'd almost rather see Adam Bergen and his butterhands out on the field.

I'd much rather see David Martin come in to compete for the TE job. He's a more physical presence and probably a better blocker.

Martin comes from Green Bay? Lee is the one tight end that caught my eye from them.

 

[vinnymac]

lee is the catching te. martin is the blocking te. on that note, the cardinals defence made martin look like an all pro.

 

[Goodyear Card]

Alan Branch would be a good pick if Thomas is not available but I would prefer one of the DEs over a DT. Also if Thomas is not picked in the 1st round then we would have to take a serious look at selecting an OT in the second round. OT is our biggest need even if we sign/franchise Davis.

 

[MadCardDisease]

I like this plan, but I don't think that Charles Grant is going to make it to free agency. I think you're looking at Justin Smith, Chris Kelsay, and maybe Patrick Kearney as your DE options.

I really like the thinking in bringing in Napoleon Harris. It's a risk, but I think it's a risk you have to take. Let him compete for the SLB job with Brandon Johnson and Darryl Blackstock.

I agree with you that the bottom part of our roster at cornerback stinks. Adding a free agent and a draft choice is essential. We need to keep 5 solid cornerbacks on the roster going into the regular season. If we retain Macklin, we have three.

I don't like Terrance Holt, and I've explained why. I would rather have Ken Hamlin. I really don't think that Harris is going to demand a "big" free agent contract (if he does, we could sign a guy like Chris Claiborne to play SLB for a year or two). Hamlin's worth the extra cost if he makes it to the market. He's a playmaker. I agree that I don't want to go to war with Francisco as the only option at FS. That guy blew a ton of coverages and he's not ready to run the defense.

The only other guy that I really disagree on is Eric Johnson. He's like the white Freddie Jones. He's a perennial tease who's always injured. He's a cross between Freddie Jones and Kevin Kasper. He's a waste of money, and I'd almost rather see Adam Bergen and his butterhands out on the field.

I'd much rather see David Martin come in to compete for the TE job. He's a more physical presence and probably a better blocker.

Excellent points.

I wouldn't mind Justin Smith or Patrick Kearny if Grant resigns with New Orleans.

Eric Johnson is a risk and I agree that it might be more prudent to sign a TE who is a better blocker. Obviously Daniel Graham would be my first choice but I was trying to be realistic. I'm not sure David Martin would help us with run blocking. If we want more of a run blocking TE I would go after Reggie Kelly from Cinci.

 

[Twist18]

Excellent points.

I wouldn't mind Justin Smith or Patrick Kearny if Grant resigns with New Orleans.

Eric Johnson is a risk and I agree that it might be more prudent to sign a TE who is a better blocker. Obviously Daniel Graham would be my first choice but I was trying to be realistic. I'm not sure David Martin would help us with run blocking. If we want more of a run blocking TE I would go after Reggie Kelly from Cinci.

I think Justin Smith will be franchised. Kearney has been injured much like BB. Kelsay would be one I would be interested in tho.

I wonder if the Cards would be interested in Kleinsasser if he is cut from the Vikings? Injury risk as well but there are no better H-Back blockers than K.

 

[kerouac9]

I think Justin Smith will be franchised. Kearney has been injured much like BB. Kelsay would be one I would be interested in tho.

I wonder if the Cards would be interested in Kleinsasser if he is cut from the Vikings? Injury risk as well but there are no better H-Back blockers than K.

That's flat wrong. Kerney has missed 7 total games in the past 8 seasons. This season he suffered a torn pectoral in Week 9, which is why he was out. But he's been one of the top 3 or 4 players on Atlanta's defense for the past 5 years, three of which he registered double-digit sacks playing from the strongside end position.

Kleinsasser hasn't missed a game either in the past two seasons. The problem with him is that he can't catch.

 

[kerouac9]

Oh, and I think I'd rather have Andre Gurode as a C/G than Flloyd Womack, who is kind of a crappier version of Reggie Wells.

 

[devilfan02]

That's flat wrong. Kerney has missed 7 total games in the past 8 seasons. This season he suffered a torn pectoral in Week 9, which is why he was out. But he's been one of the top 3 or 4 players on Atlanta's defense for the past 5 years, three of which he registered double-digit sacks playing from the strongside end position.

.

Kearney would be a great signing. He IS durable and is known league wide as one of the hardest workers in the game. He's constantly in the weight room or watching film. We could use that aspect to go along with his on-field leadership and our defense would be upgraded in several categories

 

[BullheadCardFan]

Oh, and I think I'd rather have Andre Gurode as a C/G than Flloyd Womack, who is kind of a crappier version of Reggie Wells.

We could definitely use an upgrade at center ... keep Leckey for depth and get rid of Step ...

 

[Twist18]

That's flat wrong. Kerney has missed 7 total games in the past 8 seasons. This season he suffered a torn pectoral in Week 9, which is why he was out. But he's been one of the top 3 or 4 players on Atlanta's defense for the past 5 years, three of which he registered double-digit sacks playing from the strongside end position.

Kleinsasser hasn't missed a game either in the past two seasons. The problem with him is that he can't catch.

You are right on Kerney. Last season was the first he missed games but Kleinssasser missed all of 2004 except one game and at least 3 games each of his first four seasons. I always thought his main forte was blocking anyway. Jer,maine Wiggins has been their pass catching TE the last few years, who may also be in danger of the axe.

 

[BigRedArk]

Getting Patrick Kearney would also allow us to keep Chike at RDE with Berry backing him up or vice versa and then we could seriously consider Branch at DT at #5. I agree we are putting a lot of high draft picks and FA signings in the intrerior DL but like CB's it seems like you can't have too many good DT's.

 

[kerouac9]

Hey, MCD. What would you think about signing a guy like T.J. Duckett to be the Jerome Bettis-type physical back that Whis would want? The Steelers signed Duce Staley a couple years back, and that didn't work out, but Duckett has far fewer miles on his tires than Staley did, and is a legit load to bring down with some breakaway ability.

If he can be had for $2 million a year on a three year deal, that would be super-sweet.

 

[MadCardDisease]

Well several franchise moves have been made that requires me to make updates to my original offseason plan. Not keeping Leonard Davis really threw a monkey wrench into my plans also. However my mock draft currently hasn't changed much.

Draft Picks:
1. Alan Branch DT Mich
Stopping the run should be the number on priority on defense.

2. Josh Wilson CB Maryland
Very fast and fluid CB who can cover the fastest of NFL WRs

3. Craig Davis WR LSU
Speedster who can go deep and help in the return game

4. James Martin T Boston College
Good big prospect at tackle

5. Jordan Palmer QB UTEP
Has all the physical tools to be a great QB like his brother Carson. However he lacks good technique and dicipline. Worth taking a shot at and trying to develop into our #2 guy when Warner retires in a year or two.

7. Orenthal O'Neal FB Ark St
O'Neal will give Whisenhunt the quaility blocking FB that he is looking for.


Big Free Agent Signings:
1. Patrick Kerney DE Atl
Big, strong and fast. With Berry coming off an injury plagued season and starting to show his age, Kerney would be an instant starter who reminds me of a more athletic version of KVB.

2. Jon Stinchcomb OT New Orleans
Stinchcomb becomes the best option for us at Offensive Tackle with the loss of Davis. Signing him is almost a necessity.

3. Al Johnson C Dal
Johnson could come rigth in and compete with Leckey for the starting job at Center. Isn't the best run blocker but excells in the passing game.

4. Daniel Graham TE NE
With NE franchising Samuels, Graham is sure to become a free agent. He instantly becomes one of the best Free Agents on the Market. Graham is an all around TE that can Block just as well as he can catch the ball.


Small Free Agent Signings:

1. Napoleon Harris LB Minn
Athletic with good size and speed. Can cover any TE. Will allow Dansby to be moved to WSLB.

2. Reggie Howard CB Carolina
A very quick CB who is much needed by the Cardinals

3. Terrance Holt S Det
Great instincts with good ball skills. Is a great open field tackler. Isn't afraid to support stopping the run. Would compete with Francisco at FS.

4. Ron Dayne RB Hou
Dayne is a big back that could be used in short yardage situations. Similar to how Bettis was used in Pittsburg towards the end of his career.

Hold overs from 2006 Roster:

1. David Macklin CB
If the price is right he is worth keeping as a nickle corner

2. James Darling LB
Provides good depth at LB and is a quality contributer on special teams.

 

[Mulli]

i heart the picks of Craig Davis and Palmer.

 

[MadCardDisease]

Hey, MCD. What would you think about signing a guy like T.J. Duckett to be the Jerome Bettis-type physical back that Whis would want? The Steelers signed Duce Staley a couple years back, and that didn't work out, but Duckett has far fewer miles on his tires than Staley did, and is a legit load to bring down with some breakaway ability.

If he can be had for $2 million a year on a three year deal, that would be super-sweet.

I agree that we need a big back for those short yardage situations and Duckett would be a nice fit. I think we would have a better chance at landing Ron Dayne however and he would fit similarly to Duckett.

 

[kerouac9]

I agree that we need a big back for those short yardage situations and Duckett would be a nice fit. I think we would have a better chance at landing Ron Dayne however and he would fit similarly to Duckett.

Dayne had better production last season. I think that he might get more interest and a better contract. Danyne's been sneakily successful when he's got chances. I wonder if he won't stay in Houston on an extention before all is said and done.

Honestly, I really, really like T.J. Duckett as a player and hope that the Cards find a way to get him. I think that he'll play under Edge succesfully. He's a load with sneaky breakaway speed. Kind of what a lot of people here think that Marcel Shipp is, only Duckett really is that kind of player.

 

[MadCardDisease]

Dayne had better production last season. I think that he might get more interest and a better contract. Danyne's been sneakily successful when he's got chances. I wonder if he won't stay in Houston on an extention before all is said and done.

Honestly, I really, really like T.J. Duckett as a player and hope that the Cards find a way to get him. I think that he'll play under Edge succesfully. He's a load with sneaky breakaway speed. Kind of what a lot of people here think that Marcel Shipp is, only Duckett really is that kind of player.

I like Duckett also but I think several teams would want him. They might even want him to compete as thier starter. I'd take him in a heart beat though.

 

[kerouac9]

I like Duckett also but I think several teams would want him. They might even want him to compete as thier starter. I'd take him in a heart beat though.

I wonder whom, though? The Jets, obviously. But there aren't a lot of starting RB jobs available. Maybe with the Giants? Maybe in Denver? Houston (though I think they keep Dayne)? Not Oakland. Cleveland?

 

[MadCardDisease]

Now that the Combine is over I've slightly rearranged my mock draft for the Cardinals. I got to watch almost the entire combine this weekend because I had surgury on Friday and was stuck on the couch for 3 days.

The biggest change from my past mocks is obviously the first pick in Gaines Adams.

Draft Picks:
1. Gaines Adams DE Clem
I was initially "iffy" on Adams because of his lack of size and I questioned his athletic ability. Well he proved me wrong at the Combine. This guy is an amazing athlete who is quick and shows great balance. Plus he is athletic enough that he can drop into coverage if needed allowing Clancy to throw all kinds of looks at the opposing offense. Even if Berry comes back we will have a great rotation at DE and will be able to keep our guys fresh all throughout the season. Plus Berry is approaching the end of his contract and is getting up there in age.

2. Ryan Kalil C USC
I'm torn on this pick. I really want Josh Wilson CB Maryland. But Kalil proved he has what it takes at the senior bowl and the combine. I initially thought that Kalil might drop to the 3rd or 4th round. That obviously won't happen now. I'd be happy with either Wilson or Kalil with this pick but will default to Kalil because we need to build our lines up first. Plus Kalil will push Leckey for the starting position right away.

3. James Martin T Boston College
Originally I had Martin going to us in the 4th round. He is another guy who had a great senior bowl and looked fantastic at the combine. We need depth at offensive tackle and Martin would be a good choice.

4. Craig Davis WR LSU
Speedster who can go deep and help in the return game. Initially I had us selecting him in the 3rd round. However he was overshadowed at the combine by guys like Calvin Johnson and teammate Dwayne Bowe. I think this will allow us to snag him in the 4th.

5. John Beck QB BYU
I'm back on the Beck band wagon. He is smart, athletic and has a quick release. I think it is time for Navarre to go.

7. Orenthal O'Neal FB Ark St
O'Neal will give Whisenhunt the quality blocking FB that he is looking for.

 

[Zeno]

4. Craig Davis WR LSU
Speedster who can go deep and help in the return game. Initially I had us selecting him in the 3rd round. However he was overshadowed at the combine by guys like Calvin Johnson and teammate Dwayne Bowe. I think this will allow us to snag him in the 4th.

He probably won't last that long....

"Cameron (Choctaw,OK): Mel, you have WR Craig Davis at number 18 on the Big Board. I haven't heard anything about him during the senior bowl or the NFL combine. Whats going on with Davis? Where do you see him being drafted?

Mel Kiper: (1:14 PM ET ) He didn't run quite as well as he did in the spring. He's got excellent size. He's a physical receiver. He'll block, he'll catch in traffic. He ran a 4.37 in the spring. He made a lot of clutch catches. He will block as well as any receiver in this draft. He played in the shadow of Bowe. He's a very underrated college standout. If he doesn't go in the late first, early second, something's wrong."

 

[vinnymac]

I am just curious USC WR, Steve Smith, is ranked in the draft. He played well for the trojans.

 

[MadCardDisease]

He probably won't last that long....

"Cameron (Choctaw,OK): Mel, you have WR Craig Davis at number 18 on the Big Board. I haven't heard anything about him during the senior bowl or the NFL combine. Whats going on with Davis? Where do you see him being drafted?

Mel Kiper: (1:14 PM ET ) He didn't run quite as well as he did in the spring. He's got excellent size. He's a physical receiver. He'll block, he'll catch in traffic. He ran a 4.37 in the spring. He made a lot of clutch catches. He will block as well as any receiver in this draft. He played in the shadow of Bowe. He's a very underrated college standout. If he doesn't go in the late first, early second, something's wrong."

That's the first time I've seen Davis listed as a late first early second rounder. I think he lasts easily intill the thrid and maybe slips into the fourth.

 

[Rolling Thunder]

Kiper's not going to be 2-3 rounds off on his projection. He talks to scouts, he's got a good feel for where teams have some of these guys ranked.

 

[Gandhi]

Now that the Combine is over I've slightly rearranged my mock draft for the Cardinals. I got to watch almost the entire combine this weekend because I had surgury on Friday and was stuck on the couch for 3 days.

The biggest change from my past mocks is obviously the first pick in Gaines Adams.

Draft Picks:
1. Gaines Adams DE Clem
I was initially "iffy" on Adams because of his lack of size and I questioned his athletic ability. Well he proved me wrong at the Combine. This guy is an amazing athlete who is quick and shows great balance. Plus he is athletic enough that he can drop into coverage if needed allowing Clancy to throw all kinds of looks at the opposing offense. Even if Berry comes back we will have a great rotation at DE and will be able to keep our guys fresh all throughout the season. Plus Berry is approaching the end of his contract and is getting up there in age.

2. Ryan Kalil C USC
I'm torn on this pick. I really want Josh Wilson CB Maryland. But Kalil proved he has what it takes at the senior bowl and the combine. I initially thought that Kalil might drop to the 3rd or 4th round. That obviously won't happen now. I'd be happy with either Wilson or Kalil with this pick but will default to Kalil because we need to build our lines up first. Plus Kalil will push Leckey for the starting position right away.

3. James Martin T Boston College
Originally I had Martin going to us in the 4th round. He is another guy who had a great senior bowl and looked fantastic at the combine. We need depth at offensive tackle and Martin would be a good choice.

4. Craig Davis WR LSU
Speedster who can go deep and help in the return game. Initially I had us selecting him in the 3rd round. However he was overshadowed at the combine by guys like Calvin Johnson and teammate Dwayne Bowe. I think this will allow us to snag him in the 4th.

5. John Beck QB BYU
I'm back on the Beck band wagon. He is smart, athletic and has a quick release. I think it is time for Navarre to go.

7. Orenthal O'Neal FB Ark St
O'Neal will give Whisenhunt the quality blocking FB that he is looking for.

Not sure on the first pick.

The others I would buy into, though I think it is a little bit confusing with all the good players through the rounds and where they will occur in the draft.

Take Ryan Kalil. Before scouting combine nearly a sure second rounder. Now almost a given first rounder.

Yesterday the defensive backs worked out at RCA Dome, maybe pushing some great players down to us in the second round.

My point being that the limits are quiet floating.

Anyway, that is kind of philosophical. Sorry.

I rest my case, or at least I am going to bed.