Hypothesis
Draft Junkie
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Certainly my ideas in this thread for an offseason overhaul will be more drastic than I would expect the FO to do...but I've decided that I want to have a bit of fun anyhow....so here goes.
Coaches
HC - Ken Whisenhunt:
I am still a staunch supporter for Whiz as a head coach. When he can just be a HC, he's done well. However, he needs to realize he can't do it all and needs to delegate the responsibilities of OC to someone else.
OC - Gary Kubiak
Highly regarded as one of the best offensive minds in recent years. Get's the most out of his players and knows how to call a game to his teams strengths. Not a horrible HC, but is at his best when only having to concentrate on offense. Also very adept at developing young quarterbacks.
This would most likely mean a change from a power run blocking scheme to a zone run blocking scheme...which may present a slight problem, however watching Sendlein, Keith and Lutui (he may be big, but his mobility is actually pretty good), I think they could be just fine in a ZBS.
DC - Marvin Lewis
Excellent Defensive Coordinator. Aggressive play caller and has a good eye for defensive talent and his players go to war for him. Very good at developing his young talent and is well respected in the locker room. Again, another case where I feel that he is a better DC than he is a HC.
RB Coach - Jim Skipper
Someone else mentioned this in another thread (so feel free to take the credit when you read this). But I agree...he has done wonders in Carolina with JStew and DeAngelo. Assuming Fox gets fired and a new regime is brought in he would be an excellent addition.
TE Coach - Geep Chryst
Another Carolina regime change casualty. This would be his third tour of duty here in AZ. But he gets results from his TE's. He's also been instrumental in making his TE's effective blockers in the running game.
Free Agency
Defense
Chinedum Ndukwe, SS Cincinnati:
Underrated and under used young strong safety in Mike Zimmers system in Cincinnati. Has good size (6'2, 224lbs), range, playmaking ability, very hard hitter and can cover most TE's, RB's and 3rd and 4th receivers. Struggles when asked to cover 1's and 2's. Hasn't gotten consistent playing time but has grown each year. Is truly an all out effort guy. Very high motor. Also very involved in the community and is an all 'round nice guy. Need an eventual replacement for ADub.
Plus, I'd love to hear Wolfley talk about this guy..."the doom train" or "_______ just got nuked by Ndukwe" eh...anway...lets continue.
Richard Marshall, CB Carolina:
Here is a young, but very physical corner who is playing on a poor team with very little help. Decent size, at 5'11 and 190 lbs, is a sure tackler in run support and his cover skills are pretty good. Won't beat out DRC but will compete with Toler. The loser of that competition would make a very nice nickel corner.
David Harris, ILB NY Jets:
Here is my big splash on defense in FA this year. He is an outstanding ILB with the size, strength and range to play either the SILB or WILB in a 3-4. He plays with very good awareness and is aggressive. Pair him with Daryl Washington and our ILB's just became one of the most athletic pair of ILB's in the league. Paris Lennon is overachieving right now but he'd be better served as a backup and Gerald Hayes isn't getting younger and would be better as a reserve imo. Neither Paris nor Hayes are strong in coverage. Having a pair of ILB's that can cover is essential in a 3-4 defense.
Having just re-signed Revis, and still needing to re-sign Mangold and Ferguson, and taking on Cromarties contract, the Jets might find it hard to keep Harris.
Travis Johnson, DE San Diego Chargers:
Violent player with an attitude. Has had off the field, and on the field character issues, but not horribly serious. Would provide DE depth, assuming Bryan Robinson leaves, leaving D. Williams and Gabe Watson as the NT's. Should one of them go down and Branch has to fill in, Travis would be a suitable DE in this situation.
Offense
Kyle Orton, QB Denver Broncos
I believe I heard he is under contract through next season but many sites still have him listed as a FA. If he is allowed to hit FA this season, I jump at the chance to get him.
He has grown every year he has been in the league. His accuracy is there and his mental game is improving at a good rate. He's making better decisions and has some zip on the ball. Makes his decisions fast and gets rid of the ball. Seems to have a better handle on reading defenses. Is playing in a vertical passing offense with lesser talent and is getting the job done. I think he'd excel with the receivers we have.
Bo Scaife, TE Tennessee Titans
I like Patrick and think Dray has alot of potential to be a good TE in this league, but Scaife is a proven pass catching TE. He's not elite but he is a solid route runner and even being a little on the light side, he is pretty solid in run blocking.
Ryan Harris, OT Denver Broncos
6'5 300lb Tackle who is mobile enough to play the ZBS. Plays with fluidity but needs to add strength.
Draft
1. Robert Quinn, OLB N. Carolina
6'5 270 lbs. He is an outstanding athlete with very impressive fluidity. Has an arsenal of pass rush moves that most collegiate players don't have. Plays smart and within the system. Rarely loses containment or over pursues a play.
We need to get younger, bigger and much much more athletic at OLB. Quinn is just as dangerous playing the run as he is rushing the passer.
*Note 1: I'd really like to take Luck with this pick, but doubt he's there
*Note 2: Quinn is serving a questionable academic suspension
2. Joseph Barksdale, OT LSU
He might last until the early 2nd round, but won't last much beyond that. At 6'6 and 318lbs, he has very good size, but what is impressive about him is his technique. He uses his hands very well, but his ability to slide, and his knee bend and balance are what are impressive. Has very good potential to become a good LT in this league.
3. Steven Friday, OLB Virginia Tech
I was tempted to go with Justin Houston here, but I like Friday's polish as a pass rusher slightly more. Both have good size. Both are tenacious, and they both have good work ethics. It would be hard to go wrong with either of them in my opinion.
If we're going to stick with the 3-4, we're going to need to stock up on OLB's.
4. Mario Harvey, ILB Marshall
Running a 3-4, we're going to have to stock up on LB's period. Here is a sleeper. At 6'0 250lb, he has good size for an SILB. But what he also has is a great ability to shed blocks and get after the ball. He has very good lateral movement and is a very secure tackler. He would rather wrap you up and take you down than go for the highlight reel hits. Can drop into coverage too. Is reported to have ran a sub 4.4 40 yard dash.
5. Clint Boling, G Georgia
Here is a guard who stands at 6'5 305lbs, who is athletic enough to sub for Georgia's injured left tackle and do a suitable job. Has a good head on his shoulders. Another candidate for Kubiak's ZBS.
6. Nate Williams, SS Washington
Unless you're considered an elite SS, they usually tend to drop to later rounds. Nate isn't elite, but he's very smart and is a leader. He can cover...something our current SS can't do.
7. Justin Rogers, CB/KR Richmond
Another Mike Adams, only 2" taller. High effort, high energy guy. Not afraid to mix it up. Has good cover skills and sticks to his man. His 7 interceptions in 2009 tied school record for a season. Dangerous with the ball in his hands be it from an INT, fumble recovery or kick return. Could be an effective PR for us as LSH has the KR spot locked down.
Oops...I didn't draft a QB
I think as long as we can grab one via FA...and continue to develop Skelton and Hall...hopefully with Skelton having surpassed Hall on the depth chart...that we'll be ok. I'd like to have Luck, but outside of him, I'm not big on any of the rest. Heh...I might even grab Alex Smith to be my 3rd string qb. He can't be worse than Brian St. Pierre.
Coaches
HC - Ken Whisenhunt:
I am still a staunch supporter for Whiz as a head coach. When he can just be a HC, he's done well. However, he needs to realize he can't do it all and needs to delegate the responsibilities of OC to someone else.
OC - Gary Kubiak
Highly regarded as one of the best offensive minds in recent years. Get's the most out of his players and knows how to call a game to his teams strengths. Not a horrible HC, but is at his best when only having to concentrate on offense. Also very adept at developing young quarterbacks.
This would most likely mean a change from a power run blocking scheme to a zone run blocking scheme...which may present a slight problem, however watching Sendlein, Keith and Lutui (he may be big, but his mobility is actually pretty good), I think they could be just fine in a ZBS.
DC - Marvin Lewis
Excellent Defensive Coordinator. Aggressive play caller and has a good eye for defensive talent and his players go to war for him. Very good at developing his young talent and is well respected in the locker room. Again, another case where I feel that he is a better DC than he is a HC.
RB Coach - Jim Skipper
Someone else mentioned this in another thread (so feel free to take the credit when you read this). But I agree...he has done wonders in Carolina with JStew and DeAngelo. Assuming Fox gets fired and a new regime is brought in he would be an excellent addition.
TE Coach - Geep Chryst
Another Carolina regime change casualty. This would be his third tour of duty here in AZ. But he gets results from his TE's. He's also been instrumental in making his TE's effective blockers in the running game.
Free Agency
Defense
Chinedum Ndukwe, SS Cincinnati:
Underrated and under used young strong safety in Mike Zimmers system in Cincinnati. Has good size (6'2, 224lbs), range, playmaking ability, very hard hitter and can cover most TE's, RB's and 3rd and 4th receivers. Struggles when asked to cover 1's and 2's. Hasn't gotten consistent playing time but has grown each year. Is truly an all out effort guy. Very high motor. Also very involved in the community and is an all 'round nice guy. Need an eventual replacement for ADub.
Plus, I'd love to hear Wolfley talk about this guy..."the doom train" or "_______ just got nuked by Ndukwe" eh...anway...lets continue.
Richard Marshall, CB Carolina:
Here is a young, but very physical corner who is playing on a poor team with very little help. Decent size, at 5'11 and 190 lbs, is a sure tackler in run support and his cover skills are pretty good. Won't beat out DRC but will compete with Toler. The loser of that competition would make a very nice nickel corner.
David Harris, ILB NY Jets:
Here is my big splash on defense in FA this year. He is an outstanding ILB with the size, strength and range to play either the SILB or WILB in a 3-4. He plays with very good awareness and is aggressive. Pair him with Daryl Washington and our ILB's just became one of the most athletic pair of ILB's in the league. Paris Lennon is overachieving right now but he'd be better served as a backup and Gerald Hayes isn't getting younger and would be better as a reserve imo. Neither Paris nor Hayes are strong in coverage. Having a pair of ILB's that can cover is essential in a 3-4 defense.
Having just re-signed Revis, and still needing to re-sign Mangold and Ferguson, and taking on Cromarties contract, the Jets might find it hard to keep Harris.
Travis Johnson, DE San Diego Chargers:
Violent player with an attitude. Has had off the field, and on the field character issues, but not horribly serious. Would provide DE depth, assuming Bryan Robinson leaves, leaving D. Williams and Gabe Watson as the NT's. Should one of them go down and Branch has to fill in, Travis would be a suitable DE in this situation.
Offense
Kyle Orton, QB Denver Broncos
I believe I heard he is under contract through next season but many sites still have him listed as a FA. If he is allowed to hit FA this season, I jump at the chance to get him.
He has grown every year he has been in the league. His accuracy is there and his mental game is improving at a good rate. He's making better decisions and has some zip on the ball. Makes his decisions fast and gets rid of the ball. Seems to have a better handle on reading defenses. Is playing in a vertical passing offense with lesser talent and is getting the job done. I think he'd excel with the receivers we have.
Bo Scaife, TE Tennessee Titans
I like Patrick and think Dray has alot of potential to be a good TE in this league, but Scaife is a proven pass catching TE. He's not elite but he is a solid route runner and even being a little on the light side, he is pretty solid in run blocking.
Ryan Harris, OT Denver Broncos
6'5 300lb Tackle who is mobile enough to play the ZBS. Plays with fluidity but needs to add strength.
Draft
1. Robert Quinn, OLB N. Carolina
6'5 270 lbs. He is an outstanding athlete with very impressive fluidity. Has an arsenal of pass rush moves that most collegiate players don't have. Plays smart and within the system. Rarely loses containment or over pursues a play.
We need to get younger, bigger and much much more athletic at OLB. Quinn is just as dangerous playing the run as he is rushing the passer.
*Note 1: I'd really like to take Luck with this pick, but doubt he's there
*Note 2: Quinn is serving a questionable academic suspension
2. Joseph Barksdale, OT LSU
He might last until the early 2nd round, but won't last much beyond that. At 6'6 and 318lbs, he has very good size, but what is impressive about him is his technique. He uses his hands very well, but his ability to slide, and his knee bend and balance are what are impressive. Has very good potential to become a good LT in this league.
3. Steven Friday, OLB Virginia Tech
I was tempted to go with Justin Houston here, but I like Friday's polish as a pass rusher slightly more. Both have good size. Both are tenacious, and they both have good work ethics. It would be hard to go wrong with either of them in my opinion.
If we're going to stick with the 3-4, we're going to need to stock up on OLB's.
4. Mario Harvey, ILB Marshall
Running a 3-4, we're going to have to stock up on LB's period. Here is a sleeper. At 6'0 250lb, he has good size for an SILB. But what he also has is a great ability to shed blocks and get after the ball. He has very good lateral movement and is a very secure tackler. He would rather wrap you up and take you down than go for the highlight reel hits. Can drop into coverage too. Is reported to have ran a sub 4.4 40 yard dash.
5. Clint Boling, G Georgia
Here is a guard who stands at 6'5 305lbs, who is athletic enough to sub for Georgia's injured left tackle and do a suitable job. Has a good head on his shoulders. Another candidate for Kubiak's ZBS.
6. Nate Williams, SS Washington
Unless you're considered an elite SS, they usually tend to drop to later rounds. Nate isn't elite, but he's very smart and is a leader. He can cover...something our current SS can't do.
7. Justin Rogers, CB/KR Richmond
Another Mike Adams, only 2" taller. High effort, high energy guy. Not afraid to mix it up. Has good cover skills and sticks to his man. His 7 interceptions in 2009 tied school record for a season. Dangerous with the ball in his hands be it from an INT, fumble recovery or kick return. Could be an effective PR for us as LSH has the KR spot locked down.
Oops...I didn't draft a QB
I think as long as we can grab one via FA...and continue to develop Skelton and Hall...hopefully with Skelton having surpassed Hall on the depth chart...that we'll be ok. I'd like to have Luck, but outside of him, I'm not big on any of the rest. Heh...I might even grab Alex Smith to be my 3rd string qb. He can't be worse than Brian St. Pierre.
Not quite that good, but both of us did like his upside. Duck, we just can't get lucky enough to have a great QB on the Redbirds roster.
