kerouac9
Klowned by Keim
All right, Leonard Davis is in all likelihood gone, and he’s not coming back. That said, the Cards should have in place a plan to replace him and staunch the bleeding on the roster. Hopefully, Rod Graves has learned that you can’t improve a roster by trying to plug holes created in free agency with draft picks. That was the #1 positive lesson of the Denny Green Era, and as Cardinal fans, we can only hope that it sticks.
The free agency crop in this period is thin at the top, which means that the Cardinals are going to have to move quickly to secure the best free agents. Fortunately, Rod Graves and the rest of the front office has shown a willingness to do so in the signing of running back Edgerrin James at the opening of the 2006 free agency period. It is essential that the Arizona Cardinals take the necessary steps to lock up their most coveted 1 or 2 free agents in the first day or two of the signing period.
Right now, coaches and scouts must be evaluating the talent on the roster to see who can be effective heading in to 2007. Already, reports are beginning to leak out that free safety Aaron Francisco will be taking a starting job. Also, cornerbacks Eric Green and Antrel Rolle will likely be given starting opportunities heading into camp to show that it was Denny Green’s quick hook and lingering injury that were holding back their development. This position will not be a concern for a starter in free agency. Further, the underachieving Orlando Huff will be replaced on the roster with Karlos Dansby at the all-important and playmaking position of Weakside linebacker. This opens a spot at the Strongside position that doesn’t have an apparent player aside from previous disappointment Calvin Pace. Oddly, the current market suggests that better free agent solutions will be available for the weakside position, but it is unclear that any of these options would produce better than Dansby.
The sad truth is that the best free agent prospect at offensive left tackle is Leonard Davis. It seems likely that current starting right tackle Reggie Wells will be moving into the left tackle spot for the Cardinals in 2007, at the very least for off-season activities. Wells will likely be aided by the presence of a tight end next to him in most offensive snaps.
The only positions where the Arizona Cardinals should truly feel safe going into free agency are quarterback (manned well by Matt Leinart, Kurt Warner, and John Navarre) and wide receiver (filled by Pro Bowlers Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald with above average third WR Bryant Johnson and a host of other depth players). Every other position should be seen as a possible place to improve the roster.
The coaching staff has also stated that they’re interested in becoming more physical along the interior of both offensive and defensive lines, as well as adding talent at tight end and fullback. They’ll also be looking to add depth to various positions around the roster.
This is still a young team. Another important lesson of the Dennis Green Era should have been that the team should look for (relatively) young free agents who will improve with time and experience, who are hungry to justify their value, and not players who have proven themselves and are looking for a last payday and to get out of the league still able to stand tall.
The Cardinals should have a plan. A plan is not hopes pinned on a handful of players; a plan includes contingencies that can be acted upon if Plan A happens to fail. If I were in the front office, this would be my plan heading into free agency, which is set to begin on March 1, 10:00 p.m. Arizona time (Bolded players represent names that would likely make headlines and command large salaries and bonuses; only expect at a maximum three of these players total).
OFFENSIVE RIGHT TACKLE (starter):
1. Jon Stinchcomb (Saints), 6’5”, 315 lbs., 28.
2. Tony Pashos (Ravens), 6’6”, 320 lbs., 27.Signed by the Jacksonville Jaguars
3. Marc Columbo (Cowboys), 6’8”, 320 lbs., 28.
4. Langston Walker (Raiders), 6’8”, 345 lbs., 28.
OFFENSIVE GUARDS (depth)
1. Andre Gurode (Cowboys), 6’4”, 312 lbs., 29. Re-signed to a six-year contract by the Dallas Cowboys
2. Derrick Dockery (Redskins), 6’6”, 325 lbs., 27.
3. Sean Mehan (Buccaneers), 6’3”, 301 lbs., 27.
OFFENSIVE CENTERS (depth)
1. Al Johnson (Cowboys), 6’5”, 311 lbs., 28.
2. Rich Braham (Bengals), 6’4”, 305 lbs., 36. Announced retirement
FULLBACK (starter)
1. Ovie Mughelli (Ravens), 6’1”, 255 lbs., 27.
2. Cory Schlesinger (Lions), 6’, 247 lbs., 35.
3. Fred McCrary (Falcons), 6’, 247 lbs., 34.
TIGHT ENDS (starter)
1. Daniel Graham (Patriots), 6’3”, 257 lbs., 28. Signed by the Denver Broncos
2. Reggie Kelly (Bengals), 6’4”, 255 lbs., 30.
3. Donald Lee (Packers), 6’4”, 248 lbs., 27.
DEFENSIVE TACKLE (rotational)
1. Ian Scott (Bears), 6’3”, 302 lbs., 25.
2. Robaire Smith (Titans), 6’4”, 310 lbs., 29.
3. Terdell Sands (Raiders), 6’7”, 335 lbs., 27. Already re-signed by the Oakland Raiders
4. Ron Edwards (Chiefs), 6’3”, 315 lbs., 28.
DEFENSIVE END (depth)
1. Patrick Kearney (Falcons), 6’5”, 273 lbs., 30.
2. Chris Kelsay (Bills), 6’4”, 275 lbs., 27.Re-signed by the Buffalo Bills
3. Dewayne White (Buccaneers), 6’2”, 273 lbs., 27.
OUTSIDE LINEBACKER (starter)
1. Adalius Thomas (Ravens), 6’2”, 270 lbs., 30.
2. Joey Porter (Steelers), 6'3", 250 lbs., 30.
3. Napoleon Harris (Vikings), 6’2”, 255 lbs., 28.
4. Pete Sirmon (Titans), 6’2”, 237 lbs., 30.
4. Scott Shanle (Saints), 6’2”, 245 lbs., 27. Re-signed by the New Orleans Saints
5. Tully Banta-Cain (Patriots), 6’2”, 250 lbs., 27.
CORNERBACK (depth)
1. Roderick Hood (Eagles), 5’11”, 196 lbs., 25.
2. Lenny Walls (Chiefs), 6’4”, 192 lbs., 27.
3. Travis Fisher (Rams), 5’10”, 189 lbs., 28.
4. Jamar Fletcher (Lions), 5’10”, 186 lbs., 28.
If I were running the Arizona Cardinals, to this list I’d add two players that would make my team better: Seahawks’ safety and playmaker Ken Hamlin (6’2”, 209 lbs., 26) and erstwhile tailback of the Falcons and Redskins T.J. Duckett (6’, 254 lbs., 27). Hamlin would easily outperform Aaron Francisco for the starting job while allowing Francisco to return to his most effective position as a third safety in nickel packages. Duckett would provide a physical presence in the backfield to complement Edgerrin James as well as a superior short-yardage option. I think that the Cardinals would also be well-advised to retain the services of safety Robert Griffith at least into training camp to provide more depth at the safety position as well as much-needed leadership and experience.
Look for the Arizona Cardinals to add between 7 and 10 players in free agency. Which leads to the 2007 NFL Draft. It’s really early to start mock drafting, before the NFL Combine kicks off next week and individual Pro Days begin, but if Rod Graves and the rest of the Cardinals are efficient and effective in free agency, they should be able to continue to draft along the best player available philosophy instituted under Dennis Green. With that in mind, I would like to see the Arizona Cardinals’ draft break down somewhere along these lines:
1. (5th overall) Gaines Adams, DE, Georgia; Jamaal Anderson, DE, Alabama; or Alan Branch, DT, Michigan.
2. (38th overall) Daymeion Huges, CB, Cal; Quentin Moses, DE, Georgia; or Marcus McCauley, CB, Fresno St.
3. (69th overall) Buster Davis, LB, Florida State; Aaron Rouse, S, Virginia Tech; or Doug Free, OT, Northern Illinois.
4. (101st overall) Quinn Pitcock, DT, Ohio State; James Martin, OT, Boston College, or Martrez Milner, TE, Georgia.
5. (132nd overall) Doug Datish, OC, Ohio State; Mansfield Wrotto, OG, Georgia Tech; or Dallas Baker, WR, Florida.
7. (196th overall) Herbert Taylor, OT, TCU; Dan Mozes, OC, West Virginia; or LeRon McClain, FB, Alabama.
It all begins in 11 days, and the Arizona Cardinals must be ready to spring into action and furiously work the phones if they’re going to be successful in the 2007 season. Free agents are going to go quickly in this market; we should know within the first 10-14 days of free agency whether or not the 2007 Cardinals are the Titanic.
We won’t know until much later if the team is one of those Carnival Cruises where everyone gets sick two days in and walks off the gangplank booing.
The free agency crop in this period is thin at the top, which means that the Cardinals are going to have to move quickly to secure the best free agents. Fortunately, Rod Graves and the rest of the front office has shown a willingness to do so in the signing of running back Edgerrin James at the opening of the 2006 free agency period. It is essential that the Arizona Cardinals take the necessary steps to lock up their most coveted 1 or 2 free agents in the first day or two of the signing period.
Right now, coaches and scouts must be evaluating the talent on the roster to see who can be effective heading in to 2007. Already, reports are beginning to leak out that free safety Aaron Francisco will be taking a starting job. Also, cornerbacks Eric Green and Antrel Rolle will likely be given starting opportunities heading into camp to show that it was Denny Green’s quick hook and lingering injury that were holding back their development. This position will not be a concern for a starter in free agency. Further, the underachieving Orlando Huff will be replaced on the roster with Karlos Dansby at the all-important and playmaking position of Weakside linebacker. This opens a spot at the Strongside position that doesn’t have an apparent player aside from previous disappointment Calvin Pace. Oddly, the current market suggests that better free agent solutions will be available for the weakside position, but it is unclear that any of these options would produce better than Dansby.
The sad truth is that the best free agent prospect at offensive left tackle is Leonard Davis. It seems likely that current starting right tackle Reggie Wells will be moving into the left tackle spot for the Cardinals in 2007, at the very least for off-season activities. Wells will likely be aided by the presence of a tight end next to him in most offensive snaps.
The only positions where the Arizona Cardinals should truly feel safe going into free agency are quarterback (manned well by Matt Leinart, Kurt Warner, and John Navarre) and wide receiver (filled by Pro Bowlers Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald with above average third WR Bryant Johnson and a host of other depth players). Every other position should be seen as a possible place to improve the roster.
The coaching staff has also stated that they’re interested in becoming more physical along the interior of both offensive and defensive lines, as well as adding talent at tight end and fullback. They’ll also be looking to add depth to various positions around the roster.
This is still a young team. Another important lesson of the Dennis Green Era should have been that the team should look for (relatively) young free agents who will improve with time and experience, who are hungry to justify their value, and not players who have proven themselves and are looking for a last payday and to get out of the league still able to stand tall.
The Cardinals should have a plan. A plan is not hopes pinned on a handful of players; a plan includes contingencies that can be acted upon if Plan A happens to fail. If I were in the front office, this would be my plan heading into free agency, which is set to begin on March 1, 10:00 p.m. Arizona time (Bolded players represent names that would likely make headlines and command large salaries and bonuses; only expect at a maximum three of these players total).
OFFENSIVE RIGHT TACKLE (starter):
1. Jon Stinchcomb (Saints), 6’5”, 315 lbs., 28.
2. Tony Pashos (Ravens), 6’6”, 320 lbs., 27.Signed by the Jacksonville Jaguars
3. Marc Columbo (Cowboys), 6’8”, 320 lbs., 28.
4. Langston Walker (Raiders), 6’8”, 345 lbs., 28.
OFFENSIVE GUARDS (depth)
1. Andre Gurode (Cowboys), 6’4”, 312 lbs., 29. Re-signed to a six-year contract by the Dallas Cowboys
2. Derrick Dockery (Redskins), 6’6”, 325 lbs., 27.
3. Sean Mehan (Buccaneers), 6’3”, 301 lbs., 27.
OFFENSIVE CENTERS (depth)
1. Al Johnson (Cowboys), 6’5”, 311 lbs., 28.
2. Rich Braham (Bengals), 6’4”, 305 lbs., 36. Announced retirement
FULLBACK (starter)
1. Ovie Mughelli (Ravens), 6’1”, 255 lbs., 27.
2. Cory Schlesinger (Lions), 6’, 247 lbs., 35.
3. Fred McCrary (Falcons), 6’, 247 lbs., 34.
TIGHT ENDS (starter)
1. Daniel Graham (Patriots), 6’3”, 257 lbs., 28. Signed by the Denver Broncos
2. Reggie Kelly (Bengals), 6’4”, 255 lbs., 30.
3. Donald Lee (Packers), 6’4”, 248 lbs., 27.
DEFENSIVE TACKLE (rotational)
1. Ian Scott (Bears), 6’3”, 302 lbs., 25.
2. Robaire Smith (Titans), 6’4”, 310 lbs., 29.
3. Terdell Sands (Raiders), 6’7”, 335 lbs., 27. Already re-signed by the Oakland Raiders
4. Ron Edwards (Chiefs), 6’3”, 315 lbs., 28.
DEFENSIVE END (depth)
1. Patrick Kearney (Falcons), 6’5”, 273 lbs., 30.
2. Chris Kelsay (Bills), 6’4”, 275 lbs., 27.Re-signed by the Buffalo Bills
3. Dewayne White (Buccaneers), 6’2”, 273 lbs., 27.
OUTSIDE LINEBACKER (starter)
1. Adalius Thomas (Ravens), 6’2”, 270 lbs., 30.
2. Joey Porter (Steelers), 6'3", 250 lbs., 30.
3. Napoleon Harris (Vikings), 6’2”, 255 lbs., 28.
4. Pete Sirmon (Titans), 6’2”, 237 lbs., 30.
4. Scott Shanle (Saints), 6’2”, 245 lbs., 27. Re-signed by the New Orleans Saints
5. Tully Banta-Cain (Patriots), 6’2”, 250 lbs., 27.
CORNERBACK (depth)
1. Roderick Hood (Eagles), 5’11”, 196 lbs., 25.
2. Lenny Walls (Chiefs), 6’4”, 192 lbs., 27.
3. Travis Fisher (Rams), 5’10”, 189 lbs., 28.
4. Jamar Fletcher (Lions), 5’10”, 186 lbs., 28.
If I were running the Arizona Cardinals, to this list I’d add two players that would make my team better: Seahawks’ safety and playmaker Ken Hamlin (6’2”, 209 lbs., 26) and erstwhile tailback of the Falcons and Redskins T.J. Duckett (6’, 254 lbs., 27). Hamlin would easily outperform Aaron Francisco for the starting job while allowing Francisco to return to his most effective position as a third safety in nickel packages. Duckett would provide a physical presence in the backfield to complement Edgerrin James as well as a superior short-yardage option. I think that the Cardinals would also be well-advised to retain the services of safety Robert Griffith at least into training camp to provide more depth at the safety position as well as much-needed leadership and experience.
Look for the Arizona Cardinals to add between 7 and 10 players in free agency. Which leads to the 2007 NFL Draft. It’s really early to start mock drafting, before the NFL Combine kicks off next week and individual Pro Days begin, but if Rod Graves and the rest of the Cardinals are efficient and effective in free agency, they should be able to continue to draft along the best player available philosophy instituted under Dennis Green. With that in mind, I would like to see the Arizona Cardinals’ draft break down somewhere along these lines:
1. (5th overall) Gaines Adams, DE, Georgia; Jamaal Anderson, DE, Alabama; or Alan Branch, DT, Michigan.
2. (38th overall) Daymeion Huges, CB, Cal; Quentin Moses, DE, Georgia; or Marcus McCauley, CB, Fresno St.
3. (69th overall) Buster Davis, LB, Florida State; Aaron Rouse, S, Virginia Tech; or Doug Free, OT, Northern Illinois.
4. (101st overall) Quinn Pitcock, DT, Ohio State; James Martin, OT, Boston College, or Martrez Milner, TE, Georgia.
5. (132nd overall) Doug Datish, OC, Ohio State; Mansfield Wrotto, OG, Georgia Tech; or Dallas Baker, WR, Florida.
7. (196th overall) Herbert Taylor, OT, TCU; Dan Mozes, OC, West Virginia; or LeRon McClain, FB, Alabama.
It all begins in 11 days, and the Arizona Cardinals must be ready to spring into action and furiously work the phones if they’re going to be successful in the 2007 season. Free agents are going to go quickly in this market; we should know within the first 10-14 days of free agency whether or not the 2007 Cardinals are the Titanic.
We won’t know until much later if the team is one of those Carnival Cruises where everyone gets sick two days in and walks off the gangplank booing.
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