Harry
ASFN Consultant and Senior Writer
There are several key factors here that must be evaluated. First the Cards must prioritize their needs. They’ve been stocking up on picks and cap space, but it’s no sure thing they can fill every need. Then they have to decide what to attack in free agency and what can wait until the draft. They have to decide how current players fit into the projected schemes not only as starters but backups for insurance. I’m going to make a series of posts to indicate how I would approach this rebuild.
While I’ve laid out that I think Gannon wants to anchor on the defense and lower what the offense must accomplish. He’d prefer the running game dominate the opposing offense, keeping the defense fresh. Ideally the passing game would be opportunistic, taking shots set up by rushing. Both units must be focused on limiting turnovers.
Starting with their needs, since Gannon is a defense first guy, I expect them to look there first. Some needs are obvious. They have to improve the pass rush. Ojulari shows promise, but doesn’t project to be an unstoppable force. The Cards need a commanding force to pressure the passer. The DL also lacks an power anchor to shutdown running games. There are some functional rotation guys, like Stills, but they lack presence in the middle. Strong is decent but worn down. Both of these DL positions are hard to fill, but it’s hard to build an effective defense without impact players at both of them. These might be the most critical spots to fill to realize the defense Gannon envisions.
At ILB the Cards have White who is solid, though vulnerable to the pass. Barnes and Woods could be lived with as backups or rotating starters, if need be, but neither is outstanding. An acquisition here looks unlikely as there are bigger needs, also a low level pickup is unlikely to be better than what the Cards have. On the outside Collins is likely to be allowed to leave. He’s versatile but limited. He just hasn’t excelled at any spot. Ojulari likely is one starter. I see Dimukeje and Gardeck as ideal backups. This could be a position to target a pass rusher. I think the Cards will likely target that role at either DE or OLB depending on available options. If the Cards want a premier weapon, they are in position to get one in the draft, where they are more affordable.
One of the most challenging areas is CB. The Cards have some potentially effective young players. Williams looks at least solid. I like Clark, but there seems to be a lower opinion in the mind of the coaching staff. Hamilton is a solid backup who should be retained. The remainder of the roster showed little development. One capable starter, preferably a vet, needs to be obtained.
The starting safeties should stay with the team. Ideally depth should be improved. BTW I expect many to disagree with me.
While I’ve laid out that I think Gannon wants to anchor on the defense and lower what the offense must accomplish. He’d prefer the running game dominate the opposing offense, keeping the defense fresh. Ideally the passing game would be opportunistic, taking shots set up by rushing. Both units must be focused on limiting turnovers.
Starting with their needs, since Gannon is a defense first guy, I expect them to look there first. Some needs are obvious. They have to improve the pass rush. Ojulari shows promise, but doesn’t project to be an unstoppable force. The Cards need a commanding force to pressure the passer. The DL also lacks an power anchor to shutdown running games. There are some functional rotation guys, like Stills, but they lack presence in the middle. Strong is decent but worn down. Both of these DL positions are hard to fill, but it’s hard to build an effective defense without impact players at both of them. These might be the most critical spots to fill to realize the defense Gannon envisions.
At ILB the Cards have White who is solid, though vulnerable to the pass. Barnes and Woods could be lived with as backups or rotating starters, if need be, but neither is outstanding. An acquisition here looks unlikely as there are bigger needs, also a low level pickup is unlikely to be better than what the Cards have. On the outside Collins is likely to be allowed to leave. He’s versatile but limited. He just hasn’t excelled at any spot. Ojulari likely is one starter. I see Dimukeje and Gardeck as ideal backups. This could be a position to target a pass rusher. I think the Cards will likely target that role at either DE or OLB depending on available options. If the Cards want a premier weapon, they are in position to get one in the draft, where they are more affordable.
One of the most challenging areas is CB. The Cards have some potentially effective young players. Williams looks at least solid. I like Clark, but there seems to be a lower opinion in the mind of the coaching staff. Hamilton is a solid backup who should be retained. The remainder of the roster showed little development. One capable starter, preferably a vet, needs to be obtained.
The starting safeties should stay with the team. Ideally depth should be improved. BTW I expect many to disagree with me.
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