On The Clock: Arizona Cardinals (ESPN)

[Shzm13]

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando
Team needs: Running back, outside linebacker, offensive line, tight end

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Charles LeClaire/Getty Images If available, it would be difficult for the Cardinals to pass on Pittsburgh running back LeSean McCoy. Dream scenario: The Cardinals need a franchise running back. Finding one with the 31st overall choice would help Arizona at quarterback, along the offensive line and on defense. Ohio State's Chris Wells, Georgia's Knowshon Moreno or Pittsburgh's LeSean McCoy would be logical candidates if they remained available at No. 31. The Cardinals are undergoing a makeover at the position. Edgerrin James appears on his way out. J.J. Arrington is already gone. Tim Hightower showed some ability as a rookie, but he did not distinguish himself as the answer. A renewed commitment to the ground game helped the Cardinals advance through the NFC playoffs last season. A more dynamic threat in the backfield would take that running game to a higher level.
Plan B: The Cardinals are in good position to help their roster even if one of the top running backs isn't available to them in the first round. They could use a young outside linebacker. This draft appears strong in that area. They could use help at tight end, another position considered to have depth. And if one of the top centers is on the board -- California's Alex Mack comes to mind -- Arizona could always go in that direction.


Scouts Inc.'s take: "It all depends on what happens with Anquan Boldin. If they do deal him by draft day, that would yield a first-round pick or more. I think Ken Whisenhunt and Russ Grimm deep down have their Steeler roots and they would love to be more balanced. They are good coaches. They realize their strengths. Their running backs are atrocious, so they go with what they do well. But if they deal Boldin, that might give them the resources to become a balanced offense. At the minimum, they are taking a back and they probably do that regardless. If you have more picks, you take a back and a center or tackle. Grimm is a great coach. Give him someone to mold. [Left tackle] Mike Gandy got destroyed in the Super Bowl and you are not going to have a power running game with Lyle Sendlein at center." -- Matt Williamson of Scouts Inc.

Who has final say: Team president Michael Bidwill and general manager Rod Graves make the call in consultation with Whisenhunt. Steve Keim heads the college scouting department.




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[WildBB]

Very accurate report. We could very well trade down for a team needing a WR or Mack.

 

[Buckybird]

Trade Q and fill both areas of need, RB and OLB. 1a) Larry English 1b) LeSean McCoy

 

[WildBB]

Trade Q and fill both areas of need, RB and OLB. 1a) Larry English 1b) LeSean McCoy

How far is Philly under the CAP again?

 

[Goldfield]

First time I read an outsiders take on the Cards and be correct.

I agree, use Boldin to add balance to this roster.

 

[Cards Czar]

How far is Philly under the CAP again?

It was around 40 Mil a week after the FA period. Dont know the amount as of today.

 

[Skkorpion]

Thanks for posting that, Shzm. Mike Sando is a good read and does his homework. However, Scouts Inc. has not yet covinced me they are worth taking seriously but this report makes some sense.

 

[Dr. Jones]

If we trade Boldin and get #21 we should attack Beanie Wells if he is available. Then Mack at #31.

But the trade shouldn't happen.

 

[john h]

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando
Team needs: Running back, outside linebacker, offensive line, tight end

You must be registered for see images attach

Charles LeClaire/Getty Images If available, it would be difficult for the Cardinals to pass on Pittsburgh running back LeSean McCoy. Dream scenario: The Cardinals need a franchise running back. Finding one with the 31st overall choice would help Arizona at quarterback, along the offensive line and on defense. Ohio State's Chris Wells, Georgia's Knowshon Moreno or Pittsburgh's LeSean McCoy would be logical candidates if they remained available at No. 31. The Cardinals are undergoing a makeover at the position. Edgerrin James appears on his way out. J.J. Arrington is already gone. Tim Hightower showed some ability as a rookie, but he did not distinguish himself as the answer. A renewed commitment to the ground game helped the Cardinals advance through the NFC playoffs last season. A more dynamic threat in the backfield would take that running game to a higher level.
Plan B: The Cardinals are in good position to help their roster even if one of the top running backs isn't available to them in the first round. They could use a young outside linebacker. This draft appears strong in that area. They could use help at tight end, another position considered to have depth. And if one of the top centers is on the board -- California's Alex Mack comes to mind -- Arizona could always go in that direction.


Scouts Inc.'s take: "It all depends on what happens with Anquan Boldin. If they do deal him by draft day, that would yield a first-round pick or more. I think Ken Whisenhunt and Russ Grimm deep down have their Steeler roots and they would love to be more balanced. They are good coaches. They realize their strengths. Their running backs are atrocious, so they go with what they do well. But if they deal Boldin, that might give them the resources to become a balanced offense. At the minimum, they are taking a back and they probably do that regardless. If you have more picks, you take a back and a center or tackle. Grimm is a great coach. Give him someone to mold. [Left tackle] Mike Gandy got destroyed in the Super Bowl and you are not going to have a power running game with Lyle Sendlein at center." -- Matt Williamson of Scouts Inc.

Who has final say: Team president Michael Bidwill and general manager Rod Graves make the call in consultation with Whisenhunt. Steve Keim heads the college scouting department.




Article


Video

It makes so much sense to trade Boldin for a higher 1st round pick that is just has to happen. I think it could happen on draft day and at the draft. I also think the Cardinals already have a trading partner such as the Jets or Eagles and all will wait to see just how the draft breaks down in the first 10-15 picks.

 

[WildBB]

It makes so much sense to trade Boldin for a higher 1st round pick that is just has to happen. I think it could happen on draft day and at the draft. I also think the Cardinals already have a trading partner such as the Jets or Eagles and all will wait to see just how the draft breaks down in the first 10-15 picks.

I don't think the NYJ are in the Boldin mix simply because they can't re-work his contract. They're to close to the cap limit. Not really an option. I don't think he's going anywhere, mtl. We'll just have to continue to suffer with the most amazing passing team in the league.

What Philly does with all it's open cap space, I have no clue. They would need to come up with more than a first to entice us though, that's for sure.

 

[Totally_Red]

I'm not sure LeSean is the real McCoy. I'd pass on him at #31. I'd take an O-lineman or a pass rusher and draft a RB in the second. Wells or Moreno are no-brainers IMO. McCoy, not so much.

 

[Goldfield]

I am not a Moreno fan.

I'd be very happy with Wells or McCoy in the first, or Greene in the second or third.

 

[az jam]

It's not a great year for Rbs, especially in the first round. Cards need to go Best Player Available which would most likely mean a DE/OLB or offensive linemen (i.e. Center). They can pickup a rb in rounds 2 or 3 depending on who is on their board.

 

[Shzm13]

I am not a Moreno fan.

Whys that?

 

[lauraw]

i'm a knowshon moreno and beanie wells fan!!

 

[Goldfield]

Whys that?

I just dont see that special talent. He is talented and has great size and speed combo. I just dont see that "thing" that good/great RB's have.

 

[Shzm13]

I just dont see that special talent. He is talented and has great size and speed combo. I just dont see that "thing" that good/great RB's have.

And what happens to be that 'thing?'

Knowshon has solid vision, is elusive, and physical. He runs between the tackles and is as hard a worker as you will see. He doesnt have elite break-away speed, but his ability to make defenders miss and will to churn out the extra yards more than makes up for it. Unlike Edge, Moreno hits the hole hard with a nice burst of speed.

Imo hes going to be the best back of this years draft.

 

[overseascardfan]

I must be part of the minority that think we need a pass rusher in Round 1 and maybe Round 2 as well. Getting both Clint Sintim/Larry English and Lawrence Sidbury would solve our pass rush need for a long time. We could probably get James Davis in Round 3, especially if we could move up in the round.

 

[WildBB]

And what happens to be that 'thing?'

Knowshon has solid vision, is elusive, and physical. He runs between the tackles and is as hard a worker as you will see. He doesnt have elite break-away speed, but his ability to make defenders miss and will to churn out the extra yards more than makes up for it. Unlike Edge, Moreno hits the hole hard with a nice burst of speed.

Imo hes going to be the best back of this years draft.

 

[WildBB]

I must be part of the minority that think we need a pass rusher in Round 1 and maybe Round 2 as well. Getting both Clint Sintim/Larry English and Lawrence Sidbury would solve our pass rush need for a long time. We could probably get James Davis in Round 3, especially if we could move up in the round.

Probably wouldn't have to move up to get Davis. If Moreno is there , they won't hesitate though.

 

[Pariah]

I wish we'd gotten Fred Taylor to pair with TH for one yearso we could put off the need to a young RB until the end of next season.

We need that day-1 RB just as badly as we need the OLB pass rusher.

JMHO

 

[PACardsFan]

I'm not sure LeSean is the real McCoy. I'd pass on him at #31. I'd take an O-lineman or a pass rusher and draft a RB in the second. Wells or Moreno are no-brainers IMO. McCoy, not so much.

I think you're wrong about McCoy. He will be a very good pro & has excellent vision to go along with a lot of wiggle & surprising power. I watch a lot of Big East football & this guy impresses me. I think he'll a career similar to Curtis Martin (another Pitt guy). He will give the Cardinals a dimension that they currently don't have. He is the perfect compliment to Hightower, whereas Moreno is somewhat similar to Hightower. I'm OK if we don't go RB, but if we do, then McCoy is the guy we want. Grimm would absolutely love this guy.

 

[Second Deck]

I am not a Moreno fan.

I'd be very happy with Wells or McCoy in the first, or Greene in the second or third.

I watched Moreno tear up the ASU defense last year and was very impressed. If he is there at 31 I would not hesistate taking him.

I also would not trade Boldin without trying very hard to work a long term deal but if it is going to take over 8 mil a year I would trade.

 

[WildBB]

I think you're wrong about McCoy. He will be a very good pro & has excellent vision to go along with a lot of wiggle & surprising power. I watch a lot of Big East football & this guy impresses me. I think he'll a career similar to Curtis Martin (another Pitt guy). He will give the Cardinals a dimension that they currently don't have. He is the perfect compliment to Hightower, whereas Moreno is somewhat similar to Hightower. I'm OK if we don't go RB, but if we do, then McCoy is the guy we want. Grimm would absolutely love this guy.

If we target McCoy we should trade down. Brown or McCoy should be available somewhere mid-second round. There will be a lot of prospects that could make an impact there. It's really what we should do this yr. and it should be easier to do with a late 1st rounder.

Unless Moreno is there.

 

[WildBB]

I think you're wrong about McCoy. He will be a very good pro & has excellent vision to go along with a lot of wiggle & surprising power. I watch a lot of Big East football & this guy impresses me. I think he'll a career similar to Curtis Martin (another Pitt guy). He will give the Cardinals a dimension that they currently don't have. He is the perfect compliment to Hightower, whereas Moreno is somewhat similar to Hightower. I'm OK if we don't go RB, but if we do, then McCoy is the guy we want. Grimm would absolutely love this guy.

Another thing about McCoy is that he has skills but is he explosive enough?
He didn't test very well at the pro day, and missed the combine due to illness.

Brown on the other hand put up exceptional numbers and should be available into the top part of the 2nd round.

Per Ddog.com
Brown is vastly talented, led the nation in rushing in 2008 with 1,822 yards and 17 TDs. At the combine he ran a 4.51 forty and had the top vertical jump at 41.5". The only thing he doesn't have over Moreno is the competion. So they're close though.