Saturday Thoughts: Predicted Starters

[Mitch]

Predicted Starters...once hitting starts and things start to shake out:

QB 7-Leinart
RB 32-James
FB 45-Smith
TE 82-Pope
LT 79-Ross
LG 69-Gandy
C 50-Johnson
RG 76-Lutui
RT 75-Brown
FL 81-Boldin
WR 11-Fitzgerald

LOLB 56-Okeafor
LDE 94-Smith
NT 78-Branch
RDE 90-Dockett
ROLB 92-Berry
LILB 58-Dansby
RILB 54-Hayes
LCB 26-Hood
SS 24-Wilson
FS 47-Francisco
RCB 25-Green

2nd Teams

QB-Warner/Boyd/Korrodi
RB-Shipp/Arrington/Baylark/Ayanbadejo
FB-Castille/Vercher/Snow
TE-Bienemann/Patrick/Bronson
LT-Mitchell/Gorin
LG-M. Brown/Hameister-Reis
C-Leckey/Sendlein
RG-E. Brown/Johnson/Downing
RT-Wells/Vallejo
FL-Spurlock/Morey/Breaston/Prall/Merritt
WR-Johnson/McCoy/Trannon/Watkins

LOLB-Pace
LDE-Bailey/Blagman
NT-Watson/Clancy/Kolodziej
RDE-Cooper/Lewis
ROLB-Blackstock/Tafoya
LILB-Beisel/B. Johnson/Tagafau
RILB-Davis/Schable/Holloway
LCB-Rolle/R. Brown
SS-Milligan/Gulley
FS-Holt/Keeler
RCB-Hunter/Bain/Ware/Adams

Roster Prediction

QB (3): Leinart, Warner, Boyd
RB (3): James, Shipp, Arrington
FB (2): Smith, Castille
TE (3): Pope, Bienemann, Patrick
OT (3): Ross, L. Brown, Wells
OG (4): Gandy, Lutui, E. Brown, M. Brown
OC (2): Johnson, Leckey
FL (4): Boldin, Spurlock, Morey
WR (3): Fitzgerald, Johnson, McCoy

OLB (4): Okeafor, Berry, Pace, Blackstock
DE (4): Smith, Dockett, Bailey, Cooper
NT (3): Branch, Watson, Clancy
ILB (4): Dansby, Hayes, Beisel, Davis
CB (5): Hood, Green, Rolle, Bain, Hunter
S (4): Wilson, Francisco, Milligan, Holt

ST (3): Player, Hodel, Rackers

PS (8): QB-Korrodi; FB-Vercher; G-Hameister-Reis; G-Johnson; T-Vallejo; WR-Trannon; WR-Breaston; LB-Schable.

 

[Goldfield]

I think our OLB look bad.

I think Berry is the odd man out this year.

 

[BACH]

Pace will beat out Berry as a 3-4 OLB IMO

 

[BullheadCardFan]

Mitch,

I have to agree with you on Rolle ... if he doesn't show a big improvement then Hood will start ahead of him ...

 

[football karma]

Based on Grimm's evaluation of Wells, the odds are very low that he isnt in the starting lineup -- if he cant cut it at guard, he goes to tackle

 

[BigRedRage]

Based on Grimm's evaluation of Wells, the odds are very low that he isnt in the starting lineup -- if he cant cut it at guard, he goes to tackle

Where did you read Grimm's evaluation of Wells? All I have read was "they played well at the end of the year"

 

[ItsInTheCards]

Predicted Starters...once hitting starts and things start to shake out:

QB 7-Leinart
RB 32-James
FB 45-Smith
TE 82-Pope
LT 79-Ross
LG 69-Gandy
C 50-Johnson
RG 76-Lutui
RT 75-Brown
FL 81-Boldin
WR 11-Fitzgerald

LOLB 56-Okeafor
LDE 94-Smith
NT 78-Branch
RDE 90-Dockett
ROLB 92-Berry
LILB 58-Dansby
RILB 54-Hayes
LCB 26-Hood
SS 24-Wilson
FS 47-Francisco
RCB 25-Green

2nd Teams

QB-Warner/Boyd/Korrodi
RB-Shipp/Arrington/Baylark/Ayanbadejo
FB-Castille/Vercher/Snow
TE-Bienemann/Patrick/Bronson
LT-Mitchell/Gorin
LG-M. Brown/Hameister-Reis
C-Leckey/Sendlein
RG-E. Brown/Johnson/Downing
RT-Wells/Vallejo
FL-Spurlock/Morey/Breaston/Prall/Merritt
WR-Johnson/McCoy/Trannon/Watkins

LOLB-Pace
LDE-Bailey/Blagman
NT-Watson/Clancy/Kolodziej
RDE-Cooper/Lewis
ROLB-Blackstock/Tafoya
LILB-Beisel/B. Johnson/Tagafau
RILB-Davis/Schable/Holloway
LCB-Rolle/R. Brown
SS-Milligan/Gulley
FS-Holt/Keeler
RCB-Hunter/Bain/Ware/Adams

Roster Prediction

QB (3): Leinart, Warner, Boyd
RB (3): James, Shipp, Arrington
FB (2): Smith, Castille
TE (3): Pope, Bienemann, Patrick
OT (3): Ross, L. Brown, Wells
OG (4): Gandy, Lutui, E. Brown, M. Brown
OC (2): Johnson, Leckey
FL (4): Boldin, Spurlock, Morey
WR (3): Fitzgerald, Johnson, McCoy

OLB (4): Okeafor, Berry, Pace, Blackstock
DE (4): Smith, Dockett, Bailey, Cooper
NT (3): Branch, Watson, Clancy
ILB (4): Dansby, Hayes, Beisel, Davis
CB (5): Hood, Green, Rolle, Bain, Hunter
S (4): Wilson, Francisco, Milligan, Holt

ST (3): Player, Hodel, Rackers

PS (8): QB-Korrodi; FB-Vercher; G-Hameister-Reis; G-Johnson; T-Vallejo; WR-Trannon; WR-Breaston; LB-Schable.

Breaston on the PS? thats completely throwing away a pick, because there's no way he makes it out of waivers.

McCoy and Spurlock? Doubtful. Trannon and Breaston make it before those 2. Evan Prall will probably be on the PS.

Schable is a FB that was a converted DE by Denny. He will be cut outright, and a guy like Brandon Snow would make it on the PS at FB before him.

Antonio Smith is not starter quality. Rodney Bailey or Chris Cooper will be higher on the depth chart than him. Cooper and Bailey are bigger, stronger, and have a lot more experience.

I think Korrodi is absolutely going to give Boyd a run for his money. Big arm, makes quick decisions, and he's also much bigger than Shane.

I think its possible that Clancy may be one of the guys that's cut to make room for the rookies. Dockett and Branch starting in the 4-3, with Watson spelling them from time to time.

I think its possibly that it'll be 50-50 in terms of 4-3 and 3-4 with the change fully coming to 3-4 in 2008.

 

[football karma]

Where did you read Grimm's evaluation of Wells? All I have read was "they played well at the end of the year"

I dont recall if it was AZ Rep or something the Cards did themselves--

but Grimm explained that Wells was moved to guard because he "has all the tools" Grimm wanted -- the athleticism to get out and pull, block people in space, etc. Grimm said that at tackle, a player is pretty much stuck on that side -- but at guard, they can be pulled from side to side, used to trap, etc.

This came out right around the time of the first minicamp

 

[Twist18]

What about DT Lewis for the PS? Is he not eligible?

I think you will have a vet TE such as Tuman, which may be a cap casualty in Pitt as the 2nd TE.

 

[Mitch]

I think our OLB look bad.

I think Berry is the odd man out this year.

I actually think, Beerz, that Berry, provided he stays healthy, will be the key to our much improved pass rush.

 

[Mitch]

Based on Grimm's evaluation of Wells, the odds are very low that he isnt in the starting lineup -- if he cant cut it at guard, he goes to tackle

Once the hitting starts, en fuego, Wells will return to tackle, as Grimm will see that he does not get a strong enough push at the point of attack at guard. This is why I see Gandy sliding over to LG...and I don't rule out Milford Brown either, especially if he picks up where he left off last year.

 

[Zeno]

I just don't see Francisco beating out Holt or Rolle going to nickel back. If it does happen then this coaching staff truly will reward starting spots based on play in training camp and preseason and not on salary or draft position. I hope thats the case.

I just want the best players playing in the right positions right from the get go, I am so tired of watching the lineup get changed as often as it has the past couple of seasons, especially when nearly everyone on here saw it wasn't always the most competitive lineup we could have taking the field. May the best man win, no matter where they were drafted or how much they were signed for!

 

[Mitch]

Breaston on the PS? thats completely throwing away a pick, because there's no way he makes it out of waivers.

McCoy and Spurlock? Doubtful. Trannon and Breaston make it before those 2. Evan Prall will probably be on the PS.

Schable is a FB that was a converted DE by Denny. He will be cut outright, and a guy like Brandon Snow would make it on the PS at FB before him.

Antonio Smith is not starter quality. Rodney Bailey or Chris Cooper will be higher on the depth chart than him. Cooper and Bailey are bigger, stronger, and have a lot more experience.

I think Korrodi is absolutely going to give Boyd a run for his money. Big arm, makes quick decisions, and he's also much bigger than Shane.

I think its possible that Clancy may be one of the guys that's cut to make room for the rookies. Dockett and Branch starting in the 4-3, with Watson spelling them from time to time.

I think its possibly that it'll be 50-50 in terms of 4-3 and 3-4 with the change fully coming to 3-4 in 2008.

IITCards: I think that Michael Spurlock will be the surprise of camp...and that he will win the punt return job. Arrington, Shipp and occasionally Morey will be the kickoff returners. Just a hunch, but Breaston winds up on the IR...and don't be so sure that he will be claimed if he's waived. WR cuts in early September are usually the toughest and not too many teams have spots available.

LeRon McCoy has far more upside than Trannon, as long as McCoy remains healthy. McCoy has the talent to be a good #2 WR. Trannon isn't fast enough. I think Trannon is kept on the PS and perhaps will get groomed as a TE for 2008. The kid's a strong blocker and a nice target over the middle. With some added weight he could be a legitimate TE prospect.

A.J. Schable is a real wild card. He's one of the better special teams players on the squad...he's tough and is a sure tackler. Go back and watch the MNF game versus the Bears, he and Francisco were in on virtually every special teams tackle...except, ugh, the Hester return.

I think that because Schable is too small to play DE and is such a good tackler, the team will try him at ILB.

I totally disagree about Antonio Smith...he's made to order as 3-4 DE...he is quicker and almost just as strong as Bailey...and is much more athletic than Cooper. That said, I like Bailey and Cooper as depth players at the position...ones who can rotate in every third or fourth series.

I agree that Korrodi has a decent shot of challenging for the #3 QB position. I also think it's possible that Whiz will keep 2 QBs and have Korrodi ready on the practice squad.

Kendrick Clancy, without question, is on the hot seat. The Giants still love this guy...why not trade him back to them?

If that happens either Jonathan Lewis or Ross Kolodziej would stick instead...which, in part, answers your good question, Twist18. Yes, Lewis is practice squad eligible as this is his second year. And chances are that he would be on the PS if he is waived. The DT situation is crowded...and Lewis' most natural position in the 3-4 is as a quick penetrating NT...he doesn't seem big enough to play 3-4 DE.

 

[joeshmo]

What about DT Lewis for the PS? Is he not eligible?

I think you will have a vet TE such as Tuman, which may be a cap casualty in Pitt as the 2nd TE.

I think Lewis was active for only 6 games last year or something like that. So he is in fact eligible for the PS.

 

[kerouac9]

A.J. Schable is not eligible for the practice squad because he was active for 11 games last season.

Also, he's 6-3, 281. How is this "too small" for DE/OLB? He's 2 inches taller and 15 lbs heavier than Dwight Freeney?

 

[ItsInTheCards]

A.J. Schable is not eligible for the practice squad because he was active for 11 games last season.

Also, he's 6-3, 281. How is this "too small" for DE/OLB? He's 2 inches taller and 15 lbs heavier than Dwight Freeney?

he played FB last year. He hasn't played d-line since 2005 at South Dakota. Denny converted him, and Whis hasn't put him back, so it's pretty likely, especially with the depth at both positions that he wont make it anywhere

IITCards: I think that Michael Spurlock will be the surprise of camp...and that he will win the punt return job. Arrington, Shipp and occasionally Morey will be the kickoff returners. Just a hunch, but Breaston winds up on the IR...and don't be so sure that he will be claimed if he's waived. WR cuts in early September are usually the toughest and not too many teams have spots available.

LeRon McCoy has far more upside than Trannon, as long as McCoy remains healthy. McCoy has the talent to be a good #2 WR. Trannon isn't fast enough. I think Trannon is kept on the PS and perhaps will get groomed as a TE for 2008. The kid's a strong blocker and a nice target over the middle. With some added weight he could be a legitimate TE prospect.

A.J. Schable is a real wild card. He's one of the better special teams players on the squad...he's tough and is a sure tackler. Go back and watch the MNF game versus the Bears, he and Francisco were in on virtually every special teams tackle...except, ugh, the Hester return.

I think that because Schable is too small to play DE and is such a good tackler, the team will try him at ILB.

I totally disagree about Antonio Smith...he's made to order as 3-4 DE...he is quicker and almost just as strong as Bailey...and is much more athletic than Cooper. That said, I like Bailey and Cooper as depth players at the position...ones who can rotate in every third or fourth series.

I agree that Korrodi has a decent shot of challenging for the #3 QB position. I also think it's possible that Whiz will keep 2 QBs and have Korrodi ready on the practice squad.

Kendrick Clancy, without question, is on the hot seat. The Giants still love this guy...why not trade him back to them?

If that happens either Jonathan Lewis or Ross Kolodziej would stick instead...which, in part, answers your good question, Twist18. Yes, Lewis is practice squad eligible as this is his second year. And chances are that he would be on the PS if he is waived. The DT situation is crowded...and Lewis' most natural position in the 3-4 is as a quick penetrating NT...he doesn't seem big enough to play 3-4 DE.

In regards to McCoy, health is a big problem, much like Bert. You can't count on them to make it through an entire season unscathed. Trannon could be a Vincent Jackson-type receiver, and I think his 6'6 frame is going to be immensely advantageous to his roster chances.

The three TEs will more than likely be Pope, Bieneman, and Patrick. With all 3 only being 23 (Patrick) and 24 (Pope, Bieneman), there's no need for a project at TE.

I think I also read that Jonathan Lewis is up to 340 or thereabout. He actually gained weight since last year, and is probably now more of a hole plugging, slow run stuffer. Last year he played at around 312.

 

[Goldfield]

I actually think, Beerz, that Berry, provided he stays healthy, will be the key to our much improved pass rush.

I hope your right, I just dont think he can make it at OLB.

 

[Goodyear Card]

Ross at LT scares the **** out of me. He is an overpaid backup player. I hope he proves me wrong and turns around 180 degrees from the previous years.

Rolle will be much improved this year. Hopefully he will be allowed to play up on the WR this year and with better support from the safety position he will look a lot better.

I just ordered a 61" Samsung LED TV. I can't wait for the season to start.

http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-HLT61...1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1180203790&sr=8-1

 

[Crimson Warrior]

That's a well thought out post WM.

Our first round (top ten) pick from just two years ago relegated to nickel duty.

Hmmm. If I we're a gambling man, I would bet against that. It's not out of the realm of possibility, and I have doubts if rolle is good enough to start in the NFL, but he'll probably get one chance from Wiz .

 

[Mitch]

That's a well thought out post WM.

Our first round (top ten) pick from just two years ago relegated to nickel duty.

Hmmm. If I we're a gambling man, I would bet against that. It's not out of the realm of possibility, and I have doubts if rolle is good enough to start in the NFL, but he'll probably get one chance from Wiz .

I think you are right, CW. And, don't get me wrong. I hope Rolle starts and plays well. But, we have yet to see him cover anyone consistently well in his two years and should that continue, he will have to be relegated to the nickle.

As for the nickle, I could envision Clancy shifting Eric Green to nickel back and Rolle playing RCB, as Green, with his speed and quickness is better suited to play the nickel.

 

[Redsz]

Kendrick Clancy, without question, is on the hot seat. The Giants still love this guy...why not trade him back to them?

Maybe someone can explain to me where this notion is coming from?

As far as I know, Kenrdick Clancy is the starting NT.

He is the best run stuffing tackle we have on the roster and we have two unproven players behind him (although I did like what I saw from Watson).

He doesn't have a high cap number and yet he is on the hot seat?

 

[Bobcat]

Predicted Starters...once hitting starts and things start to shake out:


ST (3): Player, Hodel, Rackers WR-Breaston;

PS (8): QB-Korrodi; FB-Vercher; G-Hameister-Reis; G-Johnson; T-Vallejo; WR-Trannon; WR-Breaston;[/QUOTE]

Are you nutz...!!! WR-Breaston was brought in not as a wide out but a punt and kick-off returner. If you put him on the PS he will be taken by some other team probably while he is put on waviers...!!! This thinking is what has kept the Cardinals as doormat's for years.


BOBCAT

 

[Redsz]

Once the hitting starts, en fuego, Wells will return to tackle, as Grimm will see that he does not get a strong enough push at the point of attack at guard. This is why I see Gandy sliding over to LG...and I don't rule out Milford Brown either, especially if he picks up where he left off last year.

Based on what I have seen of Wells over his career, I certainly hope so.

I don't think he is strong enough for the interior of the line (even with all the pulling the LG has to do). I think going up against our D line is going to show that.

I actually think Mike Gandy (as you listed) has a real shot at that LG spot. He is a better run blocker, is lighter (listed at 310) and has good foot speed because he used to be a former TE. He would be a solid LG in this scheme.

 

[Redsz]

Ross at LT scares the **** out of me. He is an overpaid backup player. I hope he proves me wrong and turns around 180 degrees from the previous years.

With Ross, I believe less is more.

As long as the scheme doesn't ask him to freakin' reach block (like he had to last year) then he will be much better.

 

[kerouac9]

I actually think Mike Gandy (as you listed) has a real shot at that LG spot. He is a better run blocker, is lighter (listed at 310) and has good foot speed because he used to be a former TE. He would be a solid LG in this scheme.

Where did you see he used to be a TE? I haven't seen that anywhere?