Off-Season Plan V. 4.0: The Players I Want

[Mitch]

By the end of free agency and the draft in April, the Cardinals will hopefully have addressed their most important personnel needs:

Priorities on Offense:

1. Upgrade the QB situation
2. Solidify the offensive line
3. Add much needed speed


This offense is about as slow as NFL offenses get. Everything about this offense the last few years has been slow---even breaking the huddle was slow---snapping the ball was slow---running routes was slow.

All the talk has been that we are set at WR with Larry Fitzgerald, Michael Floyd and Andre Roberts.

We are not set there...not yet.

Look at it this way---why have we struggled so much versus the Seahawks?

Because, as much as I hate to say it, CBs Richard Sherman and Brandon Browner are not only bigger than Fitz and Floyd, they are equally or more more athletic.

They stick to Fitz and Floyd like pesky cellophane on your hand.

They are even at the point now where they know how to bait the Cardinal QBs into thinking Fitz or Floyd is open.

As for Roberts, he is more quick than fast...but he doesn't often play super quick or fast.

The first thing I would do if I were BA is I would hire a track coach and have him work with Fitz, Floyd, Roberts and Byrd on their speed. All four of them have to play faster this year.

The second thing I would do is add two speed WRs in order to create the mismatches the Cardinals desperately need in order to put points on the board and to take away the constant bracketing and double-teaming of Fitzgerald.

Add:

1. 2 QBs
2. 2 OL
3. 2 Speed WRs
4. 2 TEs
5. 1 RB

2 QBs:

1. Brandon Weeden (QB, 6-3, 230, 2, Browns). Weeden would be an excellent fit with Arians and Moore. He's got the size (6-4, 230) and the arm strength for BA's offense. His salary for the next three years is immensely affordable:

2013: $757,000
2014: $1,120,000
2015: $1,490,000

We give up our 4th round pick (#100).

2. Drew Stanton, QB, 6-3, 243, 7, Colts. Stanton knows the system, loves playing for BA and wants a chance to start. We give it to him. He is very affordable---he has even said himself that the money could come later if he becomes the starter.

2 OL:

It seems very clear from BA's and SK's remarks that they feel comfortable with the trio of Levi Brown, Bobby Massie and Nate Potter at tackle.

I happen to agree with that assessment because each has shown ability and will be much better coached and protected (TE chip help when needed). If we had only two I would say draft one---but we have three, so in the draft I am going to look to add key players elsewhere.

1. Ramon Foster G, 6-6, 325, 5, Steelers. BA and HC helped groom this kid in Pittsburgh. He's big, strong and physical. Becomes the starting RG.

2. Travis Frederick, C/G, 6-4, 338, Wisconsin. #38 pick. Love this kid. A pile mover.

2 WR:

1. Donny Avery, WR, 5-11, 200, 6, Colts. Was BA's field stretcher for the Colts---a poor man's Mike Wallace---very similar speed.

2. Tavon Austin, WR, 5-9, 174, West Virginia. #7 pick. Blue Chip playmaker, made to order for BA's bubble screens and slot quick hitters. Home run potential every time he touches the ball. Calls himself the "best all-around player in the draft," and he is correct. Look at what BA did with T.Y. Hilton---and then apply it to Austin and man oh man what an explosive offense this becomes.

Note: My thinking as to the #7 has evolved, obviously. Here is my thought: the best three, most productive and dynamic football players in this draft are (1) Chance Warmack; (2) Jarvis Jones; (3) Tavon Austin. I believe that Warmack and Jones will be off the board---if Warmack isn't, he's the choice at #7 and I come back with WR David Patton or D'Andre Hopkins at #38---if Jones isn't, he's the choice at #7, and I keep the draft just as it is, but try to convert Fozzy Whittaker to a slot WR or I make a deal to try to add WR Marquis Goodwin in the draft.

My worry is that Chip Kelly and the Eagles will take Tavon Austin at #4.

I will say this---whoever takes Tavon Austin will have the rest of the league saying dang---I believe when all is said and done, most of the teams will have him ranked in their top 10.

Tavon Austin is a game changer. DCs around the NFL will have fits trying to account for him.

2 TE:

1. Dustin Keller, 6-2, 250, 5, Jets. Best FA pass catcher not named Gonzalez. Becomes BA's version of Heath Miller in the red zone.

2. Jake Sudfeld, TE, 6-7, 255, Nevada. Pick #164. Opened some eyes in the East-West Shrine game coming off a 45/598/13.3/9 TD breakout season.

1 RB:

1. Reggie Bush, RB, 6-0, 203, 8, Dolphins. The Cardinals have been targeting him in FA...he is affordable and upgrades the speed on offense and has made very good strides running inside the tackles. Right kind of RB for the zone blocking scheme.

Priorities on Defense

1. Add edge rushers
2. Settle the secondary
3. Decide on starter at SILB

In House Re-Signings:

1. Greg Toler, CB
2. Stewart Bradley, LB (rework contract)
2. Kerry Rhodes, SS (move to SS---and sign to a new 2 year deal)
3. Rashad Johnson, S
4. Quenton Groves, OLB

Free Agent Signings:

1. Victor Butler, OLB, 6-2, 249, 5, Cowboys. Edge rusher with talent.

2. Daryl Tapp, OLB, 6-1, 270, 9, Eagles. TB adds Tapp as situational rusher.

Draft Additions:

69. David Amerson, CB, 6-3, 194, North Carolina St. #69 pick. Had 13 interceptions in 2011---Steve Keim struck gold with the last NC State DB he drafted in the 3rd round: Adrian Wilson.

133. Michael Buchanon, DE/OLB, 6-6, 240, Illinois. Broke his jaw last summer and lost 20 pounds while it was wired shut, which affected his strength this past season. Very good edge athlete who has length and speed.

166. Duke Williams, FS, 6-0, 190, Nevada. Pick #166. Sprinter's background---he's fast and rangy---plus, he's a good, strong hitter.

FA Recap:

QB Drew Stanton (2/$3M + incentives)
G Ramon Foster (3/$7M)
WR Donnie Avery (3/$6M + incentives)
TE Dustin Keller (4/$20M)
RB Reggie Bush (3/$12M)
OLB Victor Butler (3/$9M)
OLB Daryl Tapp (1/$2M)

2013 FA Cap Hit: $19.5M

Players Released or Traded:

QB Kolb
RB Wells
WR Doucet
SS Wilson

Players Restructured or Released:

G Colledge
G/C Snyder
TE King
LB Bradley
S Rhodes
CB Gay

Draft Recap:

7. Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia
38. Travis Frederick, C/G, Wisconsin
69. David Amerson, CB, North Carolina St.
100. Traded to the Browns for QB Brandon Weeden
133. Michael Buchanan, OLB/DE, Illinois
164. Jake Sudfeld, TE, Nevada
166. Duke Williams, S, Nevada

Checklist:

Offense:

1. *Upgrade at QB---Brandon Weeden & Drew Stanton
2. *Solidify the Offensive Line---Ramon Foster and Travis Frederick
3. *Improve Speed---Tavon Austin, Reggie Bush and Donnie Avery

Defense:

1. *Upgrade Edge Rush---Victor Butler, Daryl Tapp and Michael Buchanan
2. *Settle the Secondary---Greg Toler, Rashad Johnson, David Amerson and Duke Williams, plus Kerry Rhodes (reworked)
3. *Decide on an ILB---Stewart Bradley (reworked)

Next Vacation: April 15-20, the week before the draft---I will be revisiting the FA and Mock Drafts then.

"You can't always get what you want---but if you try sometime, you just might find---" (Jagger/Richard)

 

[Goldfield]

I think your priorities QB, oline, speed. Is 100% correct.

I like the idea of Reggie Bush. 2 top speed receivers to complement Fitz n Floyd.

But nothing will change if we don't fix the interior of the ol. I like Snyder at center since were financially stuck with him for a year or two. I want two new guards. If its through the draft or free agent or mo ing Brown inside. Something needs to be changed.

I think Potter, Massie, Brown are fine at tackle for now. We need to get better inside so we can establish a run game. To take pressure off the QB.

 

[Dan H]

I think Weeden would cost much more than a fourth.

 

[Snakester]

My first three picks would be Eric Fisher, Kyle Long and Tank Carridine. I agree about giving Bradley a shot. I would release gay and Snyder. Draft our QB next year because there will be some real good ones then. Also let's get the O-line fixed this year. If we don't take Fisher first then Jarvis Jones would be my pick. It's time we finally fix the line and get a top pass rusher. I like your pick of Travis Frederick. I think he could be a solid center.

 

[Bodha]

I hate everything bout the Tavon Austin pick.


Picks like that are how we've found ourselves in our current situation. Disregard major needs and draft CBs, and WRs and skill positions when we have no Oline or QB or pass rusher.


This is one of the best Oline classes in recent memory. If we draft anything less than 2-3 Olinemen, itll be an abomination.

My picks:

1. Eric Fisher LT CMU
2. Kasheem Greene OLB Rutgers
3. Brian Schwenke C/G - Cal

 

[Mitch]

I think your priorities QB, oline, speed. Is 100% correct.

I like the idea of Reggie Bush. 2 top speed receivers to complement Fitz n Floyd.

But nothing will change if we don't fix the interior of the ol. I like Snyder at center since were financially stuck with him for a year or two. I want two new guards. If its through the draft or free agent or mo ing Brown inside. Something needs to be changed.

I think Potter, Massie, Brown are fine at tackle for now. We need to get better inside so we can establish a run game. To take pressure off the QB.

Ramon Foster and Travis Frederick---if Frederick's off the board, how about Larry Warford of Kentucky?

Another G to keep an eye on in FA is Donald Thomas (Patriots)---lots of upside and Jason Licht knows him well.

 

[Mitch]

I think Weeden would cost much more than a fourth.

I read from a Cleveland beat writer that the Browns would likely take a 4th if they give up a 4th for Alex Smith.

Today the Browns are reporting support for Weeden, but that may be to try to maintain his trade value. He does not seem to be a fit for Norv Turner's offense.

 

[Mitch]

My first three picks would be Eric Fisher, Kyle Long and Tank Carridine. I agree about giving Bradley a shot. I would release gay and Snyder. Draft our QB next year because there will be some real good ones then. Also let's get the O-line fixed this year. If we don't take Fisher first then Jarvis Jones would be my pick. It's time we finally fix the line and get a top pass rusher. I like your pick of Travis Frederick. I think he could be a solid center.

The problem is, Gary, BA has made it clear that he likes the tackle trio of Brown, Massey and Potter.

BA also said his forte is scouting RBs and WRs---and I think that if he can address the G situation by signing a player he likes and trusts in Ramon Foster and possibly adding Donald Thomas as well---and he manages to sign Reggie Bush---it frees him up to fix the lack of WR speed that has allowed teams to bracket Fitz the whole game and that has made it all the more difficult for the QBs to move the chains.

Tavon Austin is the most dynamic and electrifying skill player in the draft---he would be to our offense what Patrick Peterson is to our defense.

I like all three of your picks a lot---Fisher is having an A+ post-season following an A+ career, albeit versus mid-level comp. Not sure if he's ready to start from day one---but he should be by mid-season.

Kyle Long is very inexperienced but has elite DNA and looks to be a very quick study. His T/G versatility is a real plus.

Tank Carradine---too bad about the ACL or he's be going a lot higher. But, it appears he's making good progress in his rehab and could be ready by TC.

 

[Mitch]

I hate everything bout the Tavon Austin pick.


Picks like that are how we've found ourselves in our current situation. Disregard major needs and draft CBs, and WRs and skill positions when we have no Oline or QB or pass rusher.


This is one of the best Oline classes in recent memory. If we draft anything less than 2-3 Olinemen, itll be an abomination.

My picks:

1. Eric Fisher LT CMU
2. Kasheem Greene OLB Rutgers
3. Brian Schwenke C/G - Cal

The question to ask is, what player would be more dynamic and integral to the success of the offense, Tavon Austin or Eric Fisher??? In looking closely at BAs offense in Indy and Pitt, there's no question the answer is Austin---especially because he will bring the whole secondary up to try to help contain him which will open up the vertical passing game---

He makes everyone around him better---and the offense much more difficult to defend.

The Cardinals are not going to draft a tackle with the #7 pick---the coaches do not see this as a priority and do not want to over-draft at the position as we now have invested 1st, 4th and 7th round picks in the current group.

Love Greene from Rutgers---where do you play him, outside or in? Can he be effective rushing the edge at his diminutive height and size? I think he's an inside 34 LB. Works for me if we release Stewart Bradley.

Schwenke is another great choice---might be a bit high to take him at #69, however. If we hang on to Snyder and Sendlein, do you still make the pick?

I like Travis Frederick because he can start out at RG and slide over to center when the time is right.

Also, I am high on Senio Kelemete---I thought he played well versus the 49ers.

We have some good young pieces to the puzzle already---they need the coaching and cohesiveness.

 

[JeffGollin]

I still love me some Schwenke.

Looks like an animal for a guy who can run a 4.99. Plus the 31 reps suggests he can root out or stone those big defensive interior linemen and protect the inside part of the pocket.

 

[Mitch]

I still love me some Schwenke.

Looks like an animal for a guy who can run that fast. Plus his lifting was impressive.

Agree. If we keep the pick at #100, Schwenke's my choice.

 

[Bodha]

The question to ask is, what player would be more dynamic and integral to the success of the offense, Tavon Austin or Eric Fisher??? Fisher. Dynamic? Fisher. Integral? Fisher x100. How much does a WR help you run the ball? He doesnt. Olineman do. Who gives the QB time to get that ball to that "Super dynamic, explosive Tavon Austin?" Olineman and Eric Fisher do. Tavon cannot do his job without Fisher. Not the other way around

The Cardinals are not going to draft a tackle with the #7 pick---the coaches do not see this as a priority and do not want to over-draft at the position as we now have invested 1st, 4th and 7th round picks in the current group.
Of course they see it as a priority. That same group was dead last in sacks allowed last year. 2nd to last in running (if not dead last). And by 1st round pick are you referring to Levi? Jason Smith, the 2nd overall pick (...in 2009..That was only 4 years ago), isnt even on his 2nd team of his career anymore. Its all about production. I dont care if we had 10 1st round picks sunk in the Oline. If the players arent performing, you keep trying till you get it right.

Love Greene from Rutgers---where do you play him, outside or in? Can he be effective rushing the edge at his diminutive height and size? I think he's an inside 34 LB. Works for me if we release Stewart Bradley.
Has to be outside. Hes a rush specialist and also very good in coverage. Hes a little undersized so he cant play inside

Schwenke is another great choice---might be a bit high to take him at #69, however. If we hang on to Snyder and Sendlein, do you still make the pick?
Schwenke is great

I still love me some Schwenke.

Looks like an animal for a guy who can run a 4.99. Plus the 31 reps suggests he can root out or stone those big defensive interior linemen and protect the inside part of the pocket.

He stood out like a sore thumb (which is a good thing) day 1.

LOVE Schwenke. He looked like the next Pro Bowl center today. Reminds me of Mangold alot.

 

[Mitch]

I see Tavon Austin as a better, more dynamic, far more proven commodity than Eric Fisher. To each his own.

Can't see Khaseem Greene being able to beat NFL LTs.

Can see him inside the 34, however---has same body type and skill set as Navarro Bowman and Lavonte David, two of the smaller but very effective ILBs...both of whom I was hoping the Cardinals would select.

Either that or he's a 43 weakside OLB, but again can he rush the edge with consistent success in the NFL?

Agree on Schwenke.

 

[Bodha]

I see Tavon Austin as a better, more dynamic, far more proven commodity than Eric Fisher.

Thats different from what you said before. You said "More integral to the success of the offense". Thats Fisher. Not even close.

Yes Austin is more proven and more dynamic. But He cant do what he does without an Oline to give the QB time.

Can't see Khaseem Greene being able to beat NFL LTs.

Can see him inside the 34, however---has same body type and skill set as Navarro Bowman and Lavonte David, two of the smaller but very effective ILBs...both of whom I was hoping the Cardinals would select.

Either that or he's a 43 weakside OLB, but again can he rush the edge with consistent success in the NFL?

Agree on Schwenke.

The most successful past rushers in this league, with a couple exceptions, are speed guys. Thats Greene. They bend and get under the Ts. We have Calais to bull rush guys. We need speed.

*Washington is a pure speed guy, and at ILB, he notched 9 sacks.

 

[Duckjake]

*Washington is a pure speed guy, and at ILB, he notched 9 sacks

.

That was all scheme not so much speed. Washington had 9 sacks. Acho had 7 in half a season in 2011 and he's no speed guy. The problem is they haven't had a top pass rusher in his prime since Berry in 2004. That's why the Cards have had so many different guys each season, like Berry, Okeafor, Dansby and Wilson and Acho along with Campbell and Dockett, as their top sack guys. Because they have to scheme to get players to the QB.

 

[Bodha]

.

That was all scheme not so much speed. Washington had 9 sacks. Acho had 7 in half a season in 2011 and he's no speed guy. The problem is they haven't had a top pass rusher in his prime since Berry in 2004. That's why the Cards have had so many different guys each season, like Berry, Okeafor, Dansby and Wilson and Acho along with Campbell and Dockett, as their top sack guys. Because they have to scheme to get players to the QB.

Washingtons had alot to do with speed. They had that big article about the time between the snap and the sack was something incredible.


Achos was 100% scheme.

And also, 7 sacks for an OLB is embarassing. Ware has 7 by week 3 every year. Couple fellas (one of which is a Dlineman) had 20 last year. So dont say Achos 7 sacks are anything to get excited about.

 

[Duckjake]

Washingtons had alot to do with speed. They had that big article about the time between the snap and the sack was something incredible.


Achos was 100% scheme.

And also, 7 sacks for an OLB is embarassing. Ware has 7 by week 3 every year. Couple fellas (one of which is a Dlineman) had 20 last year. So dont say Achos 7 sacks are anything to get excited about.

Acho didn't start until the 7th game of the season. So yes it was something to get excited about especially for a rookie who played DE in college and was playing for a team that hasn't had a player with double digit sacks since 2004 which is the only time since 1999.

 

[Bodha]

Acho didn't start until the 7th game of the season. So yes it was something to get excited about especially for a rookie who played DE in college.

? Hes not the first.

There may be just as many LBs in this league who were DEs in college, then there are LBs who were LBs in college.


I like Acho. Id like him to continue be a starter, in the spot OBS currently fills. We need a premier rusher. A Jarvis Jones. A Khasheem Greene (My 2nd round pick). Someone who doesnt need scheme to get sacks. A guy who gets them on his own.

 

[Duckjake]

? Hes not the first.

There may be just as many LBs in this league who were DEs in college, then there are LBs who were LBs in college.


I like Acho. Id like him to continue be a starter, in the spot OBS currently fills. We need a premier rusher. A Jarvis Jones. A Khasheem Greene (My 2nd round pick). Someone who doesnt need scheme to get sacks. A guy who gets them on his own.

Try to stay on topic. The deal is the guy had 7 sacks in 10 games as a starter and was a rookie who had never played OLB in a 3-4 before. Which was something to get excited about in 2011.

Sadly that production didn't carry over to 2012 and I agree about Acho being the SOLB. Something I've been saying since he was drafted.

 

[Bodha]

Try to stay on topic. The deal is the guy had 7 sacks in 10 games as a starter and was a rookie who had never played OLB in a 3-4 before. Which was something to get excited about in 2011.

Sadly that production didn't carry over to 2012 and I agree about Acho being the SOLB. Something I've been saying since he was drafted.

He played all 16 games last year. Starter or not, 4 sacks is terrible.

7 sacks in a 10 start season is equally terrible.

 

[DoTheDew]

It's a good upgrade WR in FA. There's suddenly a glut of quality WRs due to hit the FA market. This will drive the price down of second tier guys.

As it stands right now you have:

Greg Jennings
Mike Wallace
Dwayne Bowe
Wes Welker
Danny Amendola
Brian Hartline
Donnie Avery
Austin Collie
Victor Cruz
Steve Breaston

Just some of the names out there. IMO we can easily find a quality #2 WR for relatively cheap given the amount of talent that's going to be on the market. We should have the position secured before the draft and if BPA at that point is a WR, it would be in our best interests to trade down and stockpile picks.

The last thing this team needs right now is another first round WR.

 

[DoTheDew]

Washingtons had alot to do with speed. They had that big article about the time between the snap and the sack was something incredible.


Achos was 100% scheme.

And also, 7 sacks for an OLB is embarassing. Ware has 7 by week 3 every year. Couple fellas (one of which is a Dlineman) had 20 last year. So dont say Achos 7 sacks are anything to get excited about.

Only 4 players in the entire league averaged over 1 sack per game last year. There were only 6 LB in the entire league with 10+ sacks.

Your standards are ridiculously high.

http://espn.go.com/nfl/statistics/player/_/stat/defense/sort/sacks/year/2012/seasontype/2

Acho isn't an elite pass rusher but he's certainly not bad and definitely is above average.

 

[Duckjake]

He played all 16 games last year. Starter or not, 4 sacks is terrible.

7 sacks in a 10 start season is equally terrible.

LOL that projects to 11.5 sacks for 16 games. That would have been the second highest sack total for an Arizona player since 1999. By a rookie who didn't think Arizona was the armpit of the NFL. People would have been touting him for All-Pro.

 

[Vermont Maverick]

Like that plan, except one speed reciever will do it. Probably can't do all that cap-wise, but adding what we can from that list seems very legit.

My change: Don't get cute with #1; take Warmack or a pass rusher, and eliminate Victor Butler or the second round guard. Butler is getting some love, I bet he gets some good coin.

 

[JeffGollin]

He played all 16 games last year. Starter or not, 4 sacks is terrible.

7 sacks in a 10 start season is equally terrible.

Not so fast Bodha.

In Horton's scheme, different guys were featured tacklers/sackers in different schemes. In many cases, one guy would sacrifice his sack or tackle total so that another guy could clean up the play.

If you explore the pass-pressure production of the Cardinal defense in its broadest sense (pressures, sacks, hurries) from Outsiders or one of the other stat sites, I believe you'll find that we ranked pretty high as a "team."