Harry
ASFN Consultant and Senior Writer
I think the offense will become a second class passenger. Obviously assistance is needed but it’s not the main focus of the rebuild. A few positions are obvious. Except for Dortch the WR group is disposable. There’s a minor argument for Wilson. However, limited speed, fragility, inability to separate and mediocre route running aren’t big endorsements. He’s smart, somewhat athletic, has good hands and could develop if he could stay on the field. I make him a waste of a space. He flashed ability at best but couldn’t sustain it. This group needs a big dog. Fortunately they are in position to get one. Still I think Monti will go OT first. He can still get a useful WR if he attacks round 1. Of course one is not enough. A third round possession receiver and a functional FA, not one like Pascal, would help. I might even draft 3. The real question is Harrison. If he’s on the board when the Cards pick I take him unless I can safely move down and still get him. I suppose I could be overwhelmed by a lower placed team (top 12) that would move up and take a QB and offer say their pick and 2 future number ones. Harrison is a generational player who will make any QB better. You don’t pass sure thing stars.
I think TE will have a decent base if Swaim recovers. They could always pick up an affordable free agent. Decent receivers will open up the field for McBride whose ceiling is nearly unlimited.
Then there’s the OL. Nothing here is certain. I wouldn’t be shocked to see Humphries traded if the Cards take a round 1 OT. Clearly LG has been a bottomless pit. Froholdt still has much to learn, but I think they view him as an unusually good fit for this offense. Hernandez has been average at best but he’ll likely do for now. Johnson is interesting. He struggled some but that’s not a disqualifying factor. Transitioning to the NFL is tough. It’s a big leap. Not everybody does it in one step. Give Johnson a little room to grow, I think he has immense potential. So get the best LG they can get and decide which way to go at OT. There are good LG free agents. They could draft another one in early round 3, but not if they play a rookie at LT. P
I know some may be thinking draft an OT, play him at guard and move him next season. The problem is neither Alt nor Fashnu has any real experience at guard. Latham is seen more as a RT, but he has played guard. Taking him would mean moving Johnson to LT. I should point out there are analysts who believe Johnson will be even more effective playing LT. Still I can’t envision a line of a LT acclimating, a new LG and a rookie RT. It usually takes half a season for a new line to jell and play in a coordinated fashion. If they’re determined to go OT, it would seem the best strategy would be to sign the best available free agent LG. Then they can either move Johnson or start the new guy at LT. It is important to add a few capable, flexible depth linemen.
Another somewhat confusing puzzle is RB. Clearly Conner continues to be the main back. He’s been outstanding this season and shows no signs of age deterioration. As to Carter, we haven’t seen much of him, but from what I have seen he seems a worthy backup, capable of starting a few games should Connor be injured. He used to be an effective receiver, though that’s not been much of a part of this offense. The confusing part starts when you get to Demercado. I like him, but despite having the longest RB run this season, he’s not a true breakaway back. He appears to be the best pass protector against rushers. Sadly he is not a good receiver. He’s not terrible, but I’d make him below average. He’s a decent scrimmage runner. He has little power but uses blockers well, has a nose for a gap. Sop, he’s decent insurance. They logically will draft a back in round 3 or later who displays speed and decent hands, but probably doesn’t run much between the tackles.
As to QB, we’ve milked the Murray question for all it’s worth. The backup spot is the concern. If the Cards were a Super Bowl contender I’d opt for an experienced backup. As it is I’m fine with Tune. I still think he has potential to be a useful QB. Still if he never plays his game won’t develop.
The offensive need is simple. Build a WR corp. Construct a line capable of run blocking and giving Murray time to throw most of the time. LG and WR are the major concerns. This is doable in one offseason. The key will be how quickly the line can develop into a unit after it’s formed.
I think TE will have a decent base if Swaim recovers. They could always pick up an affordable free agent. Decent receivers will open up the field for McBride whose ceiling is nearly unlimited.
Then there’s the OL. Nothing here is certain. I wouldn’t be shocked to see Humphries traded if the Cards take a round 1 OT. Clearly LG has been a bottomless pit. Froholdt still has much to learn, but I think they view him as an unusually good fit for this offense. Hernandez has been average at best but he’ll likely do for now. Johnson is interesting. He struggled some but that’s not a disqualifying factor. Transitioning to the NFL is tough. It’s a big leap. Not everybody does it in one step. Give Johnson a little room to grow, I think he has immense potential. So get the best LG they can get and decide which way to go at OT. There are good LG free agents. They could draft another one in early round 3, but not if they play a rookie at LT. P
I know some may be thinking draft an OT, play him at guard and move him next season. The problem is neither Alt nor Fashnu has any real experience at guard. Latham is seen more as a RT, but he has played guard. Taking him would mean moving Johnson to LT. I should point out there are analysts who believe Johnson will be even more effective playing LT. Still I can’t envision a line of a LT acclimating, a new LG and a rookie RT. It usually takes half a season for a new line to jell and play in a coordinated fashion. If they’re determined to go OT, it would seem the best strategy would be to sign the best available free agent LG. Then they can either move Johnson or start the new guy at LT. It is important to add a few capable, flexible depth linemen.
Another somewhat confusing puzzle is RB. Clearly Conner continues to be the main back. He’s been outstanding this season and shows no signs of age deterioration. As to Carter, we haven’t seen much of him, but from what I have seen he seems a worthy backup, capable of starting a few games should Connor be injured. He used to be an effective receiver, though that’s not been much of a part of this offense. The confusing part starts when you get to Demercado. I like him, but despite having the longest RB run this season, he’s not a true breakaway back. He appears to be the best pass protector against rushers. Sadly he is not a good receiver. He’s not terrible, but I’d make him below average. He’s a decent scrimmage runner. He has little power but uses blockers well, has a nose for a gap. Sop, he’s decent insurance. They logically will draft a back in round 3 or later who displays speed and decent hands, but probably doesn’t run much between the tackles.
As to QB, we’ve milked the Murray question for all it’s worth. The backup spot is the concern. If the Cards were a Super Bowl contender I’d opt for an experienced backup. As it is I’m fine with Tune. I still think he has potential to be a useful QB. Still if he never plays his game won’t develop.
The offensive need is simple. Build a WR corp. Construct a line capable of run blocking and giving Murray time to throw most of the time. LG and WR are the major concerns. This is doable in one offseason. The key will be how quickly the line can develop into a unit after it’s formed.
