Steve Keim interview on Bickley & MJ

[Stout]

I love Potter at tackle, but I don't have any idea how they could possibly play him at guard. He needs to add strength for the tackle position, and doesn't have enough to play inside.

 

[Totally_Red]

I agree with you. I didn't take away what Mitch heard at all.

In fact he made it a point to say there would be good quarterbacks in the 2nd round. I clearly came away that they were probably not going for a quarterback in the 1st.

He did say that in some ways Glennon reminded him of Matt Schaub when he saw him before the draft.

He did say that they were lucky to be able to see Potter and Massie play and be able to evaluate them and that they showed promise.

But he also said that no matter how good someone has looked they would take any opportunity to upgrade, either at starters or backups.

It wouldn't surprise me to see Warmack as the pick at 7.

I agree! Based on that interview and what he and BA have said about Kevin Kolb, there is no way we are reaching for a quarterback at #7 overall. That pick will be used on the offensive or defensive line IMO, probably offensive line. My best guess is either Chance Warmack or Eric Fisher. No doubt in my mind that we won't reach for a quarterback in round one.

For once I won't have to hold my breath and worry about Rod Graves screwing up the draft.

 

[cardpa]

The Whisenhunt era was a stepping stone for this franchise. The Arian era is the next step up toward respectability and a team that will always be in the hunt. Hopefully a bad year would be 8-8 or at worse 7-9. Even the best franchises have years like that but only for a season or two.

 

[Duckjake]

No. Whis changed the culture, that's totally different.

Please explain.

 

[SunsTzu]

Please explain.

I was being facetious.

 

[DoTheDew]

Great synopsis of DB's and MJ's interview with SK, CT!

Here's what I took away from it:

1. Glennon may well be the pick at #7. Keim said, "I'm a homer (NC St.)"...but the way he talked up Glennon's upside and as enthusiastic as he was in assessing Glennon's strengths, I would say Glennon is now at the center of discussion with the #7 pick.

It also makes sense from the standpoint of why hire Tom Moore and not get him the opportunity to put his stamp on the QBOF.

2. Potter and Levi will be in the mix at LT---with possibly Potter kicking down to guard of Levi prevails. There clearly is some excitement about Potter moving forward.

3. Massie is here to stay at RT.

4. If healthy, Ryan Williams is the feature RB.

5. Keim already feels comfortable that we have the horses (DD, CC, DW, DC, etc.) to be a dominant defensive front. This suggests to me that if we go for Glennon at #7---we will target the guard spot at #38.

1. All the talk of not reaching for a position of need means unless Glennon has a phenomenal combine, there's no way we take him at 7. If he's the target, it's most likely a trade down or trade up from the 2nd scenario.

2. Quite possible. Personally, I hope Levi is the one they think about moving. No Grimm/Whiz around to blindly be loyal to the guy. Our blindside tackle needs quick feet. Levi is more of a mauler.

3. He better be.

4. "If healthy." We had damn well better find a solid #2 back in the "unlikely" event that Ryan Williams gets hurt again. Someone far more talented than LSH needs to be his backup.

5. Agreed we won't be targeting defense, but don't ignore Keim's emphasis on not taking need over BPA. He means it when he says that. If one of the elite pass rushers somehow slides to the 2nd round, we're not going to pass on him just because offense is a bigger issue.

 

[JeffGollin]

1. All the talk of not reaching for a position of need means unless Glennon has a phenomenal combine, there's no way we take him at 7. If he's the target, it's most likely a trade down or trade up from the 2nd scenario.

2. Quite possible. Personally, I hope Levi is the one they think about moving. No Grimm/Whiz around to blindly be loyal to the guy. Our blindside tackle needs quick feet. Levi is more of a mauler.

3. He better be.

4. "If healthy." We had damn well better find a solid #2 back in the "unlikely" event that Ryan Williams gets hurt again. Someone far more talented than LSH needs to be his backup.

5. Agreed we won't be targeting defense, but don't ignore Keim's emphasis on not taking need over BPA. He means it when he says that. If one of the elite pass rushers somehow slides to the 2nd round, we're not going to pass on him just because offense is a bigger issue.

I pretty much agree with BPA, Glennon. Levi and Williams, except I'm less optimistic about Levi.

 

[CFLredzoned]

I like that he emphasized we're always looking to improve a position and create competition. It gave me the impression that while satisfied with what Potter and Massie have done, if they have the chance to upgrade there, they will.

 

[Chopper0080]

Having thought about our draft situation and reading everyone's thoughts (Keim, Arians), I think it is more likely they trade up from the 2nd round for a QB than picking a QB at #7. Just a feeling.

A pass rushing DE will be a priority, though I can't see one before the 3rd round. I wouldn't be shocked if the Cardinals used their 3rd rounder on Datone Jones, UCLA or Cornellius Carradine, Florida St. Both are kind of tweeners and can be used in multiple fronts.

At RB, I think Arians is trying to push Wells by talking up Ryan Williams. I know Arians likes the zone rushing ability of Williams, but I can't see him and Keim throwing away Wells without a serious plan to replace him. Consider a high draft pick or big name FA is probably out of the question here.

One thing to consider, for all of the Mike Glennon talk, Tyler Bray has pretty similar skills and measurables. Keep this in mind as the offseason progresses. Glennon will go 1st round, but Bray might be available in the 2nd.

 

[Totally_Red]

Having thought about our draft situation and reading everyone's thoughts (Keim, Arians), I think it is more likely they trade up from the 2nd round for a QB than picking a QB at #7. Just a feeling.

A pass rushing DE will be a priority, though I can't see one before the 3rd round. I wouldn't be shocked if the Cardinals used their 3rd rounder on Datone Jones, UCLA or Cornellius Carradine, Florida St. Both are kind of tweeners and can be used in multiple fronts.

At RB, I think Arians is trying to push Wells by talking up Ryan Williams. I know Arians likes the zone rushing ability of Williams, but I can't see him and Keim throwing away Wells without a serious plan to replace him. Consider a high draft pick or big name FA is probably out of the question here.

One thing to consider, for all of the Mike Glennon talk, Tyler Bray has pretty similar skills and measurables. Keep this in mind as the offseason progresses. Glennon will go 1st round, but Bray might be available in the 2nd.

Hopefully a lesson was learned when Graves and Whis foolishly traded away Tim Hightower in training camp, then Williams and Wells got hurt. Even if we draft a rookie, I doubt that Wells is released before the final cut, if then. LSH is a free agent and Williams has played two games in two years. You can never have too many running backs.

 

[Duckjake]

5. Agreed we won't be targeting defense, but don't ignore Keim's emphasis on not taking need over BPA. He means it when he says that. If one of the elite pass rushers somehow slides to the 2nd round, we're not going to pass on him just because offense is a bigger issue.

But our offense is no longer a bigger issue. Without Russ "Professor Matador" Grimm coaching the offensive line the Cards QBs won't have to only throw 2 yard passes because if they held the ball any longer they'd get killed. The RBs will actually get to the los and find creases to run through. You won't even recognize our QBs when you see them dropping back, setting their feet, and not having a defender right in their face so they can actually look for the 2nd or 3rd option and not have to throw off their back foot.

We have the best of both worlds with Bruce Arians. We have Ken Whisenhunt without Russ Grimm.

 

[JeffGollin]

But our offense is no longer a bigger issue. Without Russ "Professor Matador" Grimm coaching the offensive line the Cards QBs won't have to only throw 2 yard passes because if they held the ball any longer they'd get killed. The RBs will actually get to the los and find creases to run through. You won't even recognize our QBs when you see them dropping back, setting their feet, and not having a defender right in their face so they can actually look for the 2nd or 3rd option and not have to throw off their back foot.

We have the best of both worlds with Bruce Arians. We have Ken Whisenhunt without Russ Grimm.

The logic is certainly there, Duck, but one bitter lesson of pro football is that "you can't be sure it will happen until it happens." I like the coaching moves on offense a whole lot, but will be afraid to take a deep breath until I see competent QB's actually performing behind a competent OL.

 

[Duckjake]

The logic is certainly there, Duck, but one bitter lesson of pro football is that "you can't be sure it will happen until it happens." I like the coaching moves on offense a whole lot, but will be afraid to take a deep breath until I see competent QB's actually performing behind a competent OL.

How could any Cardinal fan feel otherwise?

 

[52brandon]

But our offense is no longer a bigger issue. Without Russ "Professor Matador" Grimm coaching the offensive line the Cards QBs won't have to only throw 2 yard passes because if they held the ball any longer they'd get killed. The RBs will actually get to the los and find creases to run through. You won't even recognize our QBs when you see them dropping back, setting their feet, and not having a defender right in their face so they can actually look for the 2nd or 3rd option and not have to throw off their back foot.

We have the best of both worlds with Bruce Arians. We have Ken Whisenhunt without Russ Grimm.

I'm excited to have an OC with OL background and an OL coach AND asst OL coach. We actually have a STAFF to teach these guys. I think we may actually develop young guys now...

 

[Duckjake]

I'm excited to have an OC with OL background and an OL coach AND asst OL coach. We actually have a STAFF to teach these guys. I think we may actually develop young guys now...

Do you think the new coaches will actually assign someone to block outside rushers? I'm pumped too that Arians immediately started addressing the Cardinals #1 problem, the offensive line.

 

[52brandon]

Do you think the new coaches will actually assign someone to block outside rushers? I'm pumped too that Arians immediately started addressing the Cardinals #1 problem, the offensive line.

yup. I think it will be an immediate impact. With is love for TEs and the staff that really knows that area of focus, I expect to see improved blocking from day 1. And our OTs looked pretty good at year end. I'm extremely excited to see how it plays out. I couldn't be happier with the choices on the offensive side of the ball. I'm way skeptical of the D coaching staff, aside from our DB coach. But I'm gonna wait and see before I declare the D ruined. At least DD seems pumped, so I hope the rest of the guys follow suit

 

[WildBB]

Having thought about our draft situation and reading everyone's thoughts (Keim, Arians), I think it is more likely they trade up from the 2nd round for a QB than picking a QB at #7. Just a feeling.

A pass rushing DE will be a priority, though I can't see one before the 3rd round. I wouldn't be shocked if the Cardinals used their 3rd rounder on Datone Jones, UCLA or Cornellius Carradine, Florida St. Both are kind of tweeners and can be used in multiple fronts.

At RB, I think Arians is trying to push Wells by talking up Ryan Williams. I know Arians likes the zone rushing ability of Williams, but I can't see him and Keim throwing away Wells without a serious plan to replace him. Consider a high draft pick or big name FA is probably out of the question here.

One thing to consider, for all of the Mike Glennon talk, Tyler Bray has pretty similar skills and measurables. Keep this in mind as the offseason progresses. Glennon will go 1st round, but Bray might be available in the 2nd.

I think they try to trade back into the 1st after their initial pick, for a QB, if the one they want is there in the 20's. Glennon or Wilson, I'm guessing. If we trade back a little from #7 we definately have more ammo to do that.

If they wait till their pick in the 2nd, both should be gone and then your down to Barkley and Nassib probably. Don't think anyone else is worthy of a high 2nd.

Bray should be available in the 3rd. Jones and Manuel thereafter.

 

[cardsfanmd]

Just a WAG (wild-assed guess) but, if I wanted to boost my chances of landing a blue chip O lineman at #7 or wanted to boost the value of the #7 pick in order to trade down, I'd talk up how good some of the other top prospects are - especially the QB's.

This.

 

[CardsSunsDbacks]

Glennon = Derek Anderson, John Skeleton, and Ryan Lindley.

No thanks.

Not guaranteeing that he will be better, but I think there is a reason that he is projected to go as early as top 10 and those other 3 were all 5-6 round draft picks.

 

[JeffGollin]

Not guaranteeing that he will be better, but I think there is a reason that he is projected to go as early as top 10 and those other 3 were all 5-6 round draft picks.

A case could be made for any of the top 6 - 8 QB's going in the top 10 because all you need is one owner or GM to love a guy to draft him that high.

Personally, I don't think any QB (at least at this phase of the offseason) is worth a #7, but because so many QB's are rated fairly close to another and because of the wide divergence of opinion, nothing would surprise me.

 

[Catfish]

The Whisenhunt era was a stepping stone for this franchise. The Arian era is the next step up toward respectability and a team that will always be in the hunt. Hopefully a bad year would be 8-8 or at worse 7-9. Even the best franchises have years like that but only for a season or two.

Great assessment Cardpa: This IS the next step toward respectability, and it is certainly one step above Whiz and Co. I believe Whiz' regime left a lot of untapped talent on the table with our roster due to not teaching technique and fundamentals. I believe there is a considerable amount of upside to be had by going back to the basics with these guys. This new coaching staff, with its broad spectrum of knowledge, and willingness to teach, should be just the bunch to tap that unused talent on our roster and turn it into productivity. That most assuredly is their immediate goal, and if they are successful, we will be in a whole lot better shape than most of us hoped we could be. I look forward to this off-season and TC, (which I hope will remain in Flagstaff). I can visualize a roster that is worked very hard at that altitude, coming into the desert in real football shape for the first time since being in Az. It might be nice to surprise a couple of teams early in the new schedule and pick up a couple of badly needed wins in the first part of the schedule.

 

[Jetstream Green]

I love Potter at tackle, but I don't have any idea how they could possibly play him at guard. He needs to add strength for the tackle position, and doesn't have enough to play inside.

This

 

[Vermont Maverick]

Hopefully a lesson was learned when Graves and Whis foolishly traded away Tim Hightower in training camp, then Williams and Wells got hurt. Even if we draft a rookie, I doubt that Wells is released before the final cut, if then. LSH is a free agent and Williams has played two games in two years. You can never have too many running backs.

Considering that we got Vonnie Holiday and a 6th (turned out to be Justin Bethel) in that deal, and that Hightower was 3rd on the depth chart, also blew out his knee and had significant fumbling problems the previous year, I cannot possibly see where this was "foolish". Additionally Whis was the coach, not the GM.

 

[Vermont Maverick]

Great synopsis of DB's and MJ's interview with SK, CT!

Here's what I took away from it:

1. Glennon may well be the pick at #7. Keim said, "I'm a homer (NC St.)"...but the way he talked up Glennon's upside and as enthusiastic as he was in assessing Glennon's strengths, I would say Glennon is now at the center of discussion with the #7 pick.

It also makes sense from the standpoint of why hire Tom Moore and not get him the opportunity to put his stamp on the QBOF.

2. Potter and Levi will be in the mix at LT---with possibly Potter kicking down to guard of Levi prevails. There clearly is some excitement about Potter moving forward.

3. Massie is here to stay at RT.

4. If healthy, Ryan Williams is the feature RB.

5. Keim already feels comfortable that we have the horses (DD, CC, DW, DC, etc.) to be a dominant defensive front. This suggests to me that if we go for Glennon at #7---we will target the guard spot at #38.

I'm not sure how you read these things, based on what was said? This might be what you think, but not what was said.

The one thing that is very clear is that Keim is a BPA guy all the way. Why would we reach for need in the first, and target a specific position in the second with a BPA philosophy?

I agree with your statement on Potter.

 

[JeffGollin]

Which Potter?

Are we talking about the Potter we finished the season with (i.e. long on talent/short on size & strength)? Or the Potter with an off-season supervised by Lott and ready to kick some butt as our starting LT?

No doubt all Cardinal fans hope it's the second Potter, but pinning hopes on a dude's offseason development is no sure thing.