Mitch
Crawled Through 5 FB Fields
Based on reports and BA's press conferences---from what players have been garnering praise---and where there has been relative silence---here's my interpretation, knowing fully-well that much can change once the pads come on.
QB (2): Palmer; Stanton
There just isn't a lot of buzz surrounding Matt Barkley---the fact that BA&SK were so quick to re-sign Stanton as the #2 and were so vocal about adding a young QB does not speak well for Barkley's present and future in AZ. Not sure if Barkley has much trade value---but maybe they can recover the 7th rounder they gave up for him?
Not hearing much about Jake Coker either---but at least he is a possible PS candidate.
With roster spots being so competitive...it looks more and more like BA will keep 2 QBs and stash one on the PS.
RB (4): Johnson, D.; Johnson, C.; Ellington; Williams
The 4th RB will likely come down to K. Williams and S. Taylor and my prediction is that K. Williams will win the KR job, which seals the deal. Plus, BA has always been quicker to hand the ball to Williams than Taylor when such scenarios presented themselves.
TE (4): Fells; Gresham; Niklas; Momah
Carson Palmer has been raving about Fells and Gresham. Obviously, Niklas has to stay healthy and show improvement. Thus, the 4th TE will likey come down to Ifeanyi Momah and Gerald Christian, and while BA has expressed concern that Momah has gained a little too much weight and has looked somewhat sluggish, he still has the edge on Christian, although should Christian begin to stand out on STs, he could supplant Momah or possibly Niklas on the roster.
OL (9): Veldheer; Iupati; Shipley; Mathis; Humphries; Watford; McClain; Wetzel; Boehm
Word is that A.Q. Shipley's hold on the starting C spot is strong at this point, as Evan Boehm has been trying to learn the offense. It's quite likely that Boehm will get a redshirt year a la D.J. Humphries.
BA has been raving about the work of Watford, McClain and Wetzel. The fact that Watford can play center, guard and tackle, means that he and either McClain or Wetzel can be the 6th and 7th active OL on game days.
While Wetzel is primarily a RT and thus not an ideal candidate to be a "swing" tackle, the coaches are ok with that because they feel that if they need a backup at LT they can play D.J. Humphries there and fill in the RT spot with Watford or Wetzel.
Steve Keim could still add another tackle at some point---but, if Watford and Wetzel play well in camp and in the pre-season games, they could prevail.
As for Cole Toner, the fact that he was moved immediately to guard would suggest a transition year of sorts for him. As a late 5th round draft pick, chances are good that he would clear waivers and be able to be signed to the PS. 5th and 6th round picks are now very much PS types.
If Toner can come close to equalling the play on Antoine McClain, then, because he has 4 years with the club, he would earn the roster spot. But, McClain will be tough to beat out because of his physical prowess.
WR (5): Fitzgerald; Floyd; Brown, Jo.; Nelson; Brown, Ja.
This group appears to be set, the only question is whether Brittan Golden, Jaxson Shipley or rookie sleepers Amir Carlisle or Chris Hubert can win make the team via ST's value. Golden is well-liked by the coaches and his teammates. He made some strides on STs last year. Shipley is perhaps a better possession receiver and punt returner. Carlisle and Hubert have serious wheels.
NT (2): Peters; Bryant
Peters looks to be in good shape and in high spirits. His versatility is a plus. Bryant was a key substitute last year when Bettcher needed to stack the line versus the run.
The question is whether Xavier Williams can beat out Bryant. Coaches typically prefer to go with the younger guy if the competition is close.
DE (5): Gunter; Campbell; Nkemdiche; Rucker; Mauro
Mauro has been more of a factor in the DE rotation than Ed Stinson, thus Stinson has to have a big camp in order to stick.
ILB (4): Minter; Bucannon; Fua; Clemons.
The interesting addition here is Clemons as Bucannon's backup.
The question is whether Alani Fua or Gabe Martin can be a backup to Minter. Both Fua and Martin have STs value. As does UDFAs Lamar Louis and Mathias Farkey.
OLB (5): Golden; Jones; Okafor; Okpalaugo; Riddick
Steve Keim has been anxious to see what Okafor, Okpalaugo, Riddick and Wagenmann look like when the pads go on, which is why he hasn't yet made a move to sign Dwight Freeney. But, with Wagenmann suffering yet another foot injury, perhaps it is time to sign Freeney. One would think Freeney would have the upper hand on any of three backups.
CB (5): Peterson; Bethel; Williams; Miller; Brooks
The buzz is that Cariel Brooks has been drawing consistent praise. The coaches like Asa Jackson too as a physical CB---so it is going to be quite a dogfight. Plus, Elie Bouka has outstanding CB traits and can return punts---so, if he can be 100% healthy, then he could win the #5 CB spot.
The thing is---the coaches are confident that if Bethel struggles, if they don't want to rush Williams or Miller into a starting role, they can start Mathieu or Branch at RCB.
S (5): Jefferson; Mathieu; Swearinger; Branch; Christian
The coaches love the depth and versatility they have in this group.
ST (3): Catanzaro, Butler; Dillon
As of right now it appears that these three have the upper hand, although Butler will be challenged by Swanson and Dillon is in a very close competition with Canaday.
Steve Keim has said that he is keeping his eyes on potential additions via free agency, waivers or trades.
Thoughts?
QB (2): Palmer; Stanton
There just isn't a lot of buzz surrounding Matt Barkley---the fact that BA&SK were so quick to re-sign Stanton as the #2 and were so vocal about adding a young QB does not speak well for Barkley's present and future in AZ. Not sure if Barkley has much trade value---but maybe they can recover the 7th rounder they gave up for him?
Not hearing much about Jake Coker either---but at least he is a possible PS candidate.
With roster spots being so competitive...it looks more and more like BA will keep 2 QBs and stash one on the PS.
RB (4): Johnson, D.; Johnson, C.; Ellington; Williams
The 4th RB will likely come down to K. Williams and S. Taylor and my prediction is that K. Williams will win the KR job, which seals the deal. Plus, BA has always been quicker to hand the ball to Williams than Taylor when such scenarios presented themselves.
TE (4): Fells; Gresham; Niklas; Momah
Carson Palmer has been raving about Fells and Gresham. Obviously, Niklas has to stay healthy and show improvement. Thus, the 4th TE will likey come down to Ifeanyi Momah and Gerald Christian, and while BA has expressed concern that Momah has gained a little too much weight and has looked somewhat sluggish, he still has the edge on Christian, although should Christian begin to stand out on STs, he could supplant Momah or possibly Niklas on the roster.
OL (9): Veldheer; Iupati; Shipley; Mathis; Humphries; Watford; McClain; Wetzel; Boehm
Word is that A.Q. Shipley's hold on the starting C spot is strong at this point, as Evan Boehm has been trying to learn the offense. It's quite likely that Boehm will get a redshirt year a la D.J. Humphries.
BA has been raving about the work of Watford, McClain and Wetzel. The fact that Watford can play center, guard and tackle, means that he and either McClain or Wetzel can be the 6th and 7th active OL on game days.
While Wetzel is primarily a RT and thus not an ideal candidate to be a "swing" tackle, the coaches are ok with that because they feel that if they need a backup at LT they can play D.J. Humphries there and fill in the RT spot with Watford or Wetzel.
Steve Keim could still add another tackle at some point---but, if Watford and Wetzel play well in camp and in the pre-season games, they could prevail.
As for Cole Toner, the fact that he was moved immediately to guard would suggest a transition year of sorts for him. As a late 5th round draft pick, chances are good that he would clear waivers and be able to be signed to the PS. 5th and 6th round picks are now very much PS types.
If Toner can come close to equalling the play on Antoine McClain, then, because he has 4 years with the club, he would earn the roster spot. But, McClain will be tough to beat out because of his physical prowess.
WR (5): Fitzgerald; Floyd; Brown, Jo.; Nelson; Brown, Ja.
This group appears to be set, the only question is whether Brittan Golden, Jaxson Shipley or rookie sleepers Amir Carlisle or Chris Hubert can win make the team via ST's value. Golden is well-liked by the coaches and his teammates. He made some strides on STs last year. Shipley is perhaps a better possession receiver and punt returner. Carlisle and Hubert have serious wheels.
NT (2): Peters; Bryant
Peters looks to be in good shape and in high spirits. His versatility is a plus. Bryant was a key substitute last year when Bettcher needed to stack the line versus the run.
The question is whether Xavier Williams can beat out Bryant. Coaches typically prefer to go with the younger guy if the competition is close.
DE (5): Gunter; Campbell; Nkemdiche; Rucker; Mauro
Mauro has been more of a factor in the DE rotation than Ed Stinson, thus Stinson has to have a big camp in order to stick.
ILB (4): Minter; Bucannon; Fua; Clemons.
The interesting addition here is Clemons as Bucannon's backup.
The question is whether Alani Fua or Gabe Martin can be a backup to Minter. Both Fua and Martin have STs value. As does UDFAs Lamar Louis and Mathias Farkey.
OLB (5): Golden; Jones; Okafor; Okpalaugo; Riddick
Steve Keim has been anxious to see what Okafor, Okpalaugo, Riddick and Wagenmann look like when the pads go on, which is why he hasn't yet made a move to sign Dwight Freeney. But, with Wagenmann suffering yet another foot injury, perhaps it is time to sign Freeney. One would think Freeney would have the upper hand on any of three backups.
CB (5): Peterson; Bethel; Williams; Miller; Brooks
The buzz is that Cariel Brooks has been drawing consistent praise. The coaches like Asa Jackson too as a physical CB---so it is going to be quite a dogfight. Plus, Elie Bouka has outstanding CB traits and can return punts---so, if he can be 100% healthy, then he could win the #5 CB spot.
The thing is---the coaches are confident that if Bethel struggles, if they don't want to rush Williams or Miller into a starting role, they can start Mathieu or Branch at RCB.
S (5): Jefferson; Mathieu; Swearinger; Branch; Christian
The coaches love the depth and versatility they have in this group.
ST (3): Catanzaro, Butler; Dillon
As of right now it appears that these three have the upper hand, although Butler will be challenged by Swanson and Dillon is in a very close competition with Canaday.
Steve Keim has said that he is keeping his eyes on potential additions via free agency, waivers or trades.
Thoughts?
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