Saturday Thoughts: Training Camp Surprises

[Walter Mitchell]

In Alphabetical Order:

1. Blake, Jeff. Makes everyone around him better.

2. Boldin, Anquan. Don't be surprised if the talented and gritty Seminole emerges from training camp as the team's starting flanker.

3. Burton, Charles. Pass rushing ability could very well earn this young man a roster spot.

4. Bush, Steve. Continues to impress by virtue of his versatility and mettle.

5. Darling, James. Great attitude, hustle and tenacity enable Darling to figure prominently in the defensive schemes.

6. Diamond, Lorenzo. Pass catching prowess gives Diamond a chance to make squad either if he beats Mike Banks out or is kept as a fourth TE (Bush doubles as second string FB).

7. Dwyer, Nate. Run stuffing DT/NT takes his game to the next level.

8. Eason, Nijrell. Versatile DB is one the major surprises at camp. Has matured into a rock solid defender and special teamer.

9. Foster, Larry. Will figure well in the team's WR rotation, but his special team's play will be eye popping.

10. Hayes, Gerald. Gifted athlete who plays his best against the best will earn the starting strong side LB position enabling Ray Thompson to shift to the weak side.

11. Hodgins, James. Not only will he show that he's the best blocking FB in recent Cardinal history, he will open some eyes with his ability to catch the ball and run over would-be tacklers.

12. Jackson, Dexter. Awesome talent with charisma. Makes the entire defense more aggressive and focused. Team leader on defense.

13. Kasper, Kevin. While he may appear to be the odd WR out, don't bet on it. Kasper is a gamer and a catalyst who is drawn like a magnet to the center of the action. Don't be surprised if he leads the team in TD receptions this preseason.

14. Moore, Alton. Situational pass rusher deluxe. May even push for a starting job. Has the size and speed most of the others lack.

15. Nelson, Rhett. Raw as a green banana, but very gifted. Needs to have a high learning curve to make the roster, but stands a good chance to at least make the practice squad.

16. Pace, Calvin. Everything we hoped for and more. Good, solid player with a great head on his shoulders. Starts from day one.

17. Rhinehart, Coby. Takes technique and competiveness to a higher level and battles Duane Starks tooth and nail for the starting LCB job. Remains a key cog on special teams.

18. Scobey, Josh. High octane runner who plays on full throttle.

19. Shelton, L.J. Becomes the top notch bookend the Cardinals have been hoping for in all aspects of his game. Will sign a major long term deal by season's end.

20. Shipp, Marcel. Where Shipp will surprise is in the passing game where he will emerge as a Larry Centers type threat out of the backfield.

21. Simnjanovski, Brian. A longshot to beat out Scott Player, but, like Tim Duncan, will make things interesting for the coaching staff.

22. Smith, Emmitt. Refueled and re-energized and ready to prove he's still on top of his All-Pro form. Improves the attitude of the entire football team.

23. Spikes, Cameron. Coaches will be so intrigued with his ability to open holes that sliding Pete Kendall over to center becomes an even greater possibility at some point.

24. Thompson, Raynoch. Was good last year, will be even better this year and will garner some Pro Bowl consideration. Will turn heads as an edge rusher/blitzer from the weak side.

25. Wells, Reggie. Brings excellent athleticism and balance to the tackle position. Surprisingly mature approach endears him to coaches and teammates.

26. Wragge, Tony. Diligent and hard nosed player proves he's a keeper.

 

[JeffGollin]

Assuming you mean "potential" surprises and not sure-fire surprises, I agree 100%.

 

[arthurracoon]

Interesting

What do you think about Levar Fisher?
Who will be our starting LB's?

 

[Walter Mitchell]

Arthurraccoon: Levar Fisher has the talent to be a starter. He's a rangy LB and potentially ferocious hitter. The question is, will injuries continue to hamper his development? He may need a couple of years to assimilate into the NFL, as Ray Thompson did.

Projected Starters (Primary Backup):

Defense

LDE Kyle Vanden Bosch (Dennis Johnson)

LDT Wendell Bryant (Russell Davis)

RDT Marcus Bell (Barron Tanner)

RDE Calvin Pace (Alton Moore)

SLB Gerald Hayes (James Darling)

MLB Ronald McKinnon (Tony Gilbert)

WLB Raynoch Thompson (Levar Fisher)

LCB Duane Starks (Coby Rhinehart)

SS Adrian Wilson (Nijrell Eason)

FS Dexter Jackson (Justin Lucas)

RCB David Barrett (Renaldo Hill)

Offense

QB Jeff Blake (Josh McCown)

RB Emmitt Smith (Marcel Shipp)

FB James Hodgins (Steve Bush)

TE Freddie Jones (Steve Bush)

FL Anquan Boldin (Bryan Gilmore)

LT L.J. Shelton (Reggie Wells)

LG Pete Kendall (Cameron Spikes)

C Jason Starkey (Pete Kendall)

RG Leonard Davis (Chris Dishman/Tony Wragge)

RT Anthony Clement (Raleigh Roundtree)

WR Jason McAddley (Bryant Johnson)

 

[jmr667]

Originally posted by Walter Mitchell
Arthurraccoon: Levar Fisher has the talent to be a starter. He's a rangy LB and potentially ferocious hitter. The question is, will injuries continue to hamper his development? He may need a couple of years to assimilate into the NFL, as Ray Thompson did.

Projected Starters (Primary Backup):

Defense

LDE Kyle Vanden Bosch (Dennis Johnson)

LDT Wendell Bryant (Russell Davis)

RDT Marcus Bell (Barron Tanner)

RDE Calvin Pace (Alton Moore)

SLB Gerald Hayes (James Darling)

MLB Ronald McKinnon (Tony Gilbert)

WLB Raynoch Thompson (Levar Fisher)

LCB Duane Starks (Coby Rhinehart)

SS Adrian Wilson (Nijrell Eason)

FS Dexter Jackson (Justin Lucas)

RCB David Barrett (Renaldo Hill)

Offense

QB Jeff Blake (Josh McCown)

RB Emmitt Smith (Marcel Shipp)

FB James Hodgins (Steve Bush)

TE Freddie Jones (Steve Bush)

FL Anquan Boldin (Bryan Gilmore)

LT L.J. Shelton (Reggie Wells)

LG Pete Kendall (Cameron Spikes)

C Jason Starkey (Pete Kendall)

RG Leonard Davis (Chris Dishman/Tony Wragge)

RT Anthony Clement (Raleigh Roundtree)

WR Jason McAddley (Bryant Johnson)

This has got to be far and away the best depth this team has had in years. A season for all the young WR's to mature, add some DB depth (or young guys like Rhett develop), and a DLineman next year...

 

[Krangodnzr]

I have to disagree about Fisher. If healthy, he is a better player than Hayes. He reminds me of a young Derrick Brooks, though he is now bigger than Brooks ever has been.

He is now, according to Wildman, around 240 at 6'2. He has more speed than any other linebacker on our roster, though he needs playing time to even out his instincts (learn to anticipate playaction and misdirecton).

 

[Cards Czar]

Originally posted by Walter Mitchell
Arthurraccoon: Levar Fisher has the talent to be a starter. He's a rangy LB and potentially ferocious hitter. The question is, will injuries continue to hamper his development? He may need a couple of years to assimilate into the NFL, as Ray Thompson did.

Projected Starters (Primary Backup):

Defense

LDE Kyle Vanden Bosch (Dennis Johnson)

LDT Wendell Bryant (Russell Davis)

RDT Marcus Bell (Barron Tanner)

RDE Calvin Pace (Alton Moore)

SLB Gerald Hayes (James Darling)

MLB Ronald McKinnon (Tony Gilbert)

WLB Raynoch Thompson (Levar Fisher)

LCB Duane Starks (Coby Rhinehart)

SS Adrian Wilson (Nijrell Eason)

FS Dexter Jackson (Justin Lucas)

RCB David Barrett (Renaldo Hill)

Offense

QB Jeff Blake (Josh McCown)

RB Emmitt Smith (Marcel Shipp)

FB James Hodgins (Steve Bush)

TE Freddie Jones (Steve Bush)

FL Anquan Boldin (Bryan Gilmore)

LT L.J. Shelton (Reggie Wells)

LG Pete Kendall (Cameron Spikes)

C Jason Starkey (Pete Kendall)

RG Leonard Davis (Chris Dishman/Tony Wragge)

RT Anthony Clement (Raleigh Roundtree)

WR Jason McAddley (Bryant Johnson)

Questions:

1. I think ButterBean Tanner will get beat out by Dwyer.

2. Where does Wakefield and King fit in.

3. I really like Alton Moore. It was said last year he looked like the best DE we had but got hurt but he needs to bring it this year and not wing it. (I am a homer, his first name is where i live in Ill.).

3. Keep Kendall a OG. I think Grace will suprise us this year. Not too high on Starkey.

Would ask more but don't want to get too over zelious.


Navy Mike

When I bleed its always Cardinal Red!

 

[Cardiac]

Originally posted by Zona99
Questions:

1. I think ButterBean Tanner will get beat out by Dwyer.

2. Where does Wakefield and King fit in.

3. I really like Alton Moore. It was said last year he looked like the best DE we had but got hurt but he needs to bring it this year and not wing it. (I am a homer, his first name is where i live in Ill.).

3. Keep Kendall a OG. I think Grace will suprise us this year. Not too high on Starkey.

Would ask more but don't want to get too over zelious.


Navy Mike

When I bleed its always Cardinal Red!

1) I hope so.

2) Great question. Obviously the Cards like Wakefield or they would not have extended his contract. He is in the 3 man rotation at DE while being in the mix at DT on pass plays. I haven't seen King play at all.

3a) Most fans who have seen him play love Moore. I'm not so sure the Cards are as high on him since they drafted 2 DE's, pursued Holliday etc, and resigned Wakefield. Hope everyone is right and he makes a splash this year.

3b) If Kendell does well at C and either Wragge, Spikes or Roundtree play well at OG then I like the move of Kendall to C. He is very smart, uses great technique and is the perfect player to call the blocking schemes on the O-line. It might also help him health wise.

 

[Cardiac]

Walter,

I always look forward to your Saturday posts! You are in a league by yourself for optomism with this team. If even a 3rd of your predictions are correct this will be a great year for the Cards.

I doubt Rhinehart comes close to starting, if the Cards had drafted a CB on the 1st day then I doubt he even makes the team. Hill, as of now is the 3rd CB.

Kasper is now a long shot to make the team. The Cards are too high on Gilmore and McAddley for them not to make the team. Of course Boldin and Johson will not be cut. The team traded for Foster so I would be shocked if they don't keep him. Now with the Cards trading TJ for Walker I just can't see Kasper making the squad. I agree that Kapser did well last year but the Cards obviously don't feel the same way.

Is Burton the NFLE player? If so I'd be shocked if he makes the roster. Just way too many players on this unit. 2 draftees this year plus Darling added as a FA and 2nd roundrs in Fisher and Thompson. Mac won't cut McKinnon. Woods and Young are also ahead of Burton on the depth chart. Burton has to be fantastic this summer to make the squad.

Again, I love your posts and look forward to next weeks installment.

 

[seesred]

You are the man Walter. Great thinking and for the most part I agree with your thoughts. Enjoed reading them. Getting excited more and more everyday. Going to go to the San Diego pre season making reservations today!

GBR

 

[spanky]

Walter......not bad at all.

Questions:
a) Why sign Garcia if Starkey starts at center? Personally, I see Starkey as a potential cut, especially if Kendall moves to center. Grace has more vesatility for depth than Starkey.
b)You seem very high on Dwyer(and I concur), yet you have Tanner in a back up role which is where I see Dwyer.
c)Alton Moore.......played decent in NFLE a year ago. To be honest, he's a unknown to me. Why draft King if Moore has such a great upside?
d)Hayes will be a stud....but will need this year to get his bearings.Don't see him starting in front of Fisher.
e)Rhinehart.....if you are right, he's come along a lot further than I would have guessed.
f)One of Kasper and or Parker gets cut.
g)Scobey over Anderson.....will be fun to see this play out.


I guess we are in agreement about Hodel..........just lightening things up here. Simjanovski over Player......I can see this.

 

[Northern Card]

For those who remember: The coaches were quite disappointed in DWYER, and, I suggest, he's got to get into their good books before the dream of being a key backup... If he's cut, I won't be surprised.

 

[CardinalChris]

If half of those pieces of popcorn popped we'd be in good shape as a team

 

[CardinalChris]

Originally posted by Krangthebrain
I have to disagree about Fisher. If healthy, he is a better player than Hayes. He reminds me of a young Derrick Brooks, though he is now bigger than Brooks ever has been.

He is now, according to Wildman, around 240 at 6'2. He has more speed than any other linebacker on our roster, though he needs playing time to even out his instincts (learn to anticipate playaction and misdirecton).

I loved Hayes and saw him as a late first rounder. Like many MLB, they slid on draft day. I would rather see Hayes play in the middle, but the kid is a stud.

 

[Wildman©]

for reference...

FEI: This thread pretty much tells who said what...


http://arizonasportsfans.com/vb/showthread.php?threadid=9954

 

[Skkorpion]

A few disagreements with Walter:

c Pete Kendall or Steve Grace. My guess is Starkey gets on with his life's work after football.

WR1 Bryan Gilmore
WR2 Jason McAddley
Slot WR Marquise Walker or Anquan Boldin. Kevin Kasper is gone.

P Scott Player keeps his job one more year.
K. Bill Grammatica has saved his job by dropping 15 pounds and working hard.

T. Nate Dwyer is a total bust. He's gone.

RB Josh Scobey will play himself out of a roster spot in preseason.

CB Nijrel Eason - gone
CB/S michael Stone - gone.

LB Charles Burton - gone

DE Dennis Johnson - gone. Total bust.

 

[BACH]

Originally posted by Skkorpion
DE Dennis Johnson - gone. Total bust.

They knew when they drafted him, that he was very raw, but he simply has too much potential. Cut a potential good player at the weakest position on the team - No way!!

 

[Garthshort]

Saturday Thoughts

Walter, very nice article. They belong on the front page. While, I hope you're correct I think you're too optimistic. Of course, at this time of year we're all optimistic to a point. But I believe you went overboard on a few players:
1. Rhinehart ( great ST player/so-so CB)
2. Hayes (doubtful he'll show enough to start THIS year0
3. Moore (I HOPE you're right and I'm wrong but it doesn't seem that the team shares your opinion)
4. Burton (so many LB's on the team that if he makes the PS it will be a huge upset)
5. Johnson (as a 3rd Rd pick I doubt he'll be cut. Remember Darwin Walker)

Needless to say there are a lot more that I agree with than disagree with. Skkorp, make Walter's articles front page stuff.

 

[Skkorpion]

Garth, I have messaged Walter and e-mailed him several times to ask if I could put him on the front page. He has never answered and without a writer's consent, I won't do it.

 

[spanky]

Skorp.....FAR FAR too early to give up on Dennis Johnson.

 

[Crimson Warrior]

thats the best two deep that I think the cardinals have had since 98.

the margin between winning and losing in the NFL is slim. But I would be surprised if we don't win at least seven games this year.

if we get everyone in to camp on time and stay injury free, I bet we win eight or more.

 

[RugbyMuffin]

Goodness

Originally posted by CardinalChris
If half of those pieces of popcorn popped we'd be in good shape as a team

You men have mastered metaphors!

I couldn't have put it better.

 

[Walter Mitchell]

Skkorp: Wow, you are playing the Turk here. First of all, we have always differed on Starkey. While he came to the Cardinals on the smallish side, he has gotten stronger and savvier each year. Steven Grace is a good prospect and is probably a year or two away from cracking the starting lineup...more from a mental standpoint than physical. Switching Pete Kendall to center is very intriguing, especially in light of the team's depth at guard. However, the Cardinals appear reluctant to switch Kendall at this time. Under these scenarios, I believe Jason Starkey will prevail.

Kevin Kasper may be gone as you suggest. My point is that he will make it very difficult for the coaches to cut him. If one of the projected top six WRs gets hurt, Kasper sticks for sure. And he still has a chance to work his way into the top six if others struggle.

The Josh Scobey/Damian Anderson battle is going to be fierce. Anderson may get the nod because he's a little more versatile and perhaps the better special teams player. I still think Scobey will have an excellent camp, which will make the coaches' decision all the more difficult.

While Dennis Johnson struggled as a freshman, he should be noticeably stronger this year...as should fellow linemate Wendall Bryant.

Garth:

(1) Coby Rhinehart was on the verge of becoming a starter before he blew his knee out on the astro-turf in Minnesota. It's taken him a couple of years to get his leg back to full strength. Now that the knee is 100% again, look for Rhinehart to surprise. He's got very good coverage technique and he's a tough and fundamental tackler.

(2) Gerald Hayes is a playmaker and a flat-out gamer who, like Mac says, "runs downhill." Did you see the performance he turned in against Notre Dame last year? He was spectacular. Once Hayes gets accustomed to the schemes to the point where he can be instinctive, he will be hard to take off the field.

(3) Alton Moore is a pass rushing specialist on a team that lacks pass rushers. If Moore remains healthy and creates edge pressure, he will stick.

(4) Charles Burton has a legitimate shot to make the team. The Cardinals will probably keep seven linebackers. Six of them would appear to be set: McKinnon, Thompson, Darling, Hayes, Fisher, Gilbert. Burton would have to beat out Levar Woods, Greg Jones, Trev Faulk and Michael Young. If Burton is the best pass rusher of the bunch and he can show special teams ability, he very well may make the team.

(5) Dennis Johnson is not a bust. Quite the contrary. I see him as battling KVB and Kenny King for the LDE spot.

Thanks for suggesting that my Saturday Thoughts be posted on the front page. Skkorp did email me when I first started posting on this board to suggest that I submit some of my articles for the front page. While I was thoroughly honored by Skkorp's suggestion, I just wanted to establish myself as a regular fan on the board. At this point I think I have done that and so, Skkorp, if you ever want to print any of my posts on the front page you are more than welcome to do so.

I've written this before and I'll write it again: This board is the most valuable resource I have as an avid Cardinal fan...by far. Skkorp does an awesome job and to all of the posters who are insightful, generous (posting other articles and signing updates), and respectful (we can always agree to disagree, but we don't have to disparage one another in the process)... many many thanks...you are the reason why this board is so outstanding. It's a team effort and this is a great team.

 

[BACH]

Originally posted by Walter Mitchell
I've written this before and I'll write it again: This board is the most valuable resource I have as an avid Cardinal fan...by far. Skkorp does an awesome job and to all of the posters who are insightful, generous (posting other articles and signing updates), and respectful (we can always agree to disagree, but we don't have to disparage one another in the process)... many many thanks...you are the reason why this board is so outstanding. It's a team effort and this is a great team.

I'm 100% behind you on that, Walter

 

[Walter Mitchell]

Thanks, Bach, you're a good man and an excellent poster...very thorough.