Super Bowl Weekend Cardinals' FA & Draft Special

[Mitch]

Players We Re-Sign to New Contracts:

* WR Larry Fitzgerald
* DE Darnell Dockett
* LS Mike Leach
* OLB Marcus Benard

Players We Lose to FA:

* NT Dan Williams (to TEN)
* CB Antonio Cromartie (to NYJ)
* LB Larry Foote (to NYJ)
* DE Tommy Kelly (to ATL)
* TE Rob Housler (to DAL)
* LB Sam Acho (to WAS)
* G Paul Fanaika (to SD)

Players We Likely Release:

* C Lyle Sendlein
* TE John Carlson
* WR Ted Ginn, Jr.

FA Additions:

* G/T Joe Reitz---IND (6-7, 323, 5, Western Michigan): Big, strong and versatile. Started 8 games for BA in Indy.

* TE Jermaine Gresham---CIN (6-5, 260, 6, Oklahoma). Highest TE blocking grade per PFF. 62/460/7.9/5-TD in 2014. 280/2,722/9.7/24-TDs career.

* DT Stephen Paea---CHI (6-1, 300, 5, Oregon St.) Bench pressing phenom---strong and quick in middle---33 tackles/6 sacks/2 forced fumbles in 2014.

* OLB Jabaal Sheard---CLE (6-2, 264, 5, Pittsburgh). Frostee Rucker's old teammate and a tenacious edge force versus run and pass (6.5 sacks in 2014, 5.5 sacks in 2013).

* CB Buster Skrine---CLE (5-9, 185, 5, Chattanooga). More tackles and interceptions than Cromartie this past season.

2015 Cardinals Draft:

Trade: Steve Keim trades down 5-7 picks from #24 and adds a 3rd rounder as he did last year.

1. ILB Benardrick McKinney (6-5, 245, Mississippi St.). The new captain, Dansby-style, of the Cardinals' defense. Can fill, finish, chase and cover.

2. C/T Cameron Erving (6-6, 302, Florida St.). Takes over at C. Supremely talented and versatile. If he's taken, Keim goes with G Laken Tomlinson (6-3, 320, Duke).

3A.RB Tevin Coleman (6-1, 210, Indiana). Big back with surprising agility and speed.

3B. WR/KR Jamison Crowder (5-9, 175, Duke). Takes over for Ginn. This kid is in the T.Y. Hilton mode.

4. G John Miller (6-2, 321, Louisville). Talented, strong and athletic. If he's not on the board, then Keim takes his teammate G/T Jamon Brown (6-6, 350, Louisville).

5. RB John Crockett (6-0, 202, North Dakota St.). Another big RB? Hey, the Seahawks, Packers and 49ers have two big RBs. Sure works for them.

6A. T Eric Lefeld (6-5, 309, Cincinnati). Tough, gritty. A sleeper at RT or switch to guard.

6B (comp. pick). OLB James Vaughters (6-2, 254, Stanford). Has the talent, but hasn't quite put up the numbers.

7. CB Nick Marshall (6-1, 210, Auburn). His conversion at the Senior Bowl from QB to CB was very intriguing given his size, athleticism and aggressiveness.

Happy Super Bowl Weekend my friends! I think the way Brady and the Pats can exploit the middle of defenses via the pass and power runs that they have as good a shot as any team in the NFL right now to take down the Seahawks.

 

[BW52]

Players We Re-Sign to New Contracts:

* WR Larry Fitzgerald
* DE Darnell Dockett
* LS Mike Leach
* OLB Marcus Benard

Players We Lose to FA:

* NT Dan Williams (to TEN)
* CB Antonio Cromartie (to NYJ)
* LB Larry Foote (to NYJ)
* DE Tommy Kelly (to ATL)
* TE Rob Housler (to DAL)
* LB Sam Acho (to WAS)
* G Paul Fanaika (to SD)

Players We Likely Release:

* C Lyle Sendlein
* TE John Carlson
* WR Ted Ginn, Jr.

FA Additions:

* G/T Joe Reitz---IND (6-7, 323, 5, Western Michigan): Big, strong and versatile. Started 8 games for BA in Indy.

* TE Jermaine Gresham---CIN (6-5, 260, 6, Oklahoma). Highest TE blocking grade per PFF. 62/460/7.9/5-TD in 2014. 280/2,722/9.7/24-TDs career.

* DT Stephen Paea---CHI (6-1, 300, 5, Oregon St.) Bench pressing phenom---strong and quick in middle---33 tackles/6 sacks/2 forced fumbles in 2014.

* OLB Jabaal Sheard---CLE (6-2, 264, 5, Pittsburgh). Frostee Rucker's old teammate and a tenacious edge force versus run and pass (6.5 sacks in 2014, 5.5 sacks in 2013).

* CB Buster Skrine---CLE (5-9, 185, 5, Chattanooga). More tackles and interceptions than Cromartie this past season.

2015 Cardinals Draft:

Trade: Steve Keim trades down 5-7 picks from #24 and adds a 3rd rounder as he did last year.

1. ILB Benardrick McKinney (6-5, 245, Mississippi St.). The new captain, Dansby-style, of the Cardinals' defense. Can fill, finish, chase and cover.

2. C/T Cameron Erving (6-6, 302, Florida St.). Takes over at C. Supremely talented and versatile. If he's taken, Keim goes with G Laken Tomlinson (6-3, 320, Duke).

3A.RB Tevin Coleman (6-1, 210, Indiana). Big back with surprising agility and speed.

3B. WR/KR Jamison Crowder (5-9, 175, Duke). Takes over for Ginn. This kid is in the T.Y. Hilton mode.

4. G John Miller (6-2, 321, Louisville). Talented, strong and athletic. If he's not on the board, then Keim takes his teammate G/T Jamon Brown (6-6, 350, Louisville).

5. RB John Crockett (6-0, 202, North Dakota St.). Another big RB? Hey, the Seahawks, Packers and 49ers have two big RBs. Sure works for them.

6A. T Eric Lefeld (6-5, 309, Cincinnati). Tough, gritty. A sleeper at RT or switch to guard.

6B (comp. pick). OLB James Vaughters (6-2, 254, Stanford). Has the talent, but hasn't quite put up the numbers.

7. CB Nick Marshall (6-1, 210, Auburn). His conversion at the Senior Bowl from QB to CB was very intriguing given his size, athleticism and aggressiveness.

Happy Super Bowl Weekend my friends! I think the way Brady and the Pats can exploit the middle of defenses via the pass and power runs that they have as good a shot as any team in the NFL right now to take down the Seahawks.

Wow Mitch...............interesting thoughts.I can see your Cards FA signings and losses.Bringing in that many FAs?Releasing Ginn-yes,Sendlein-no,
Carlson-he did okay this year.I can see Reitz as depth .You also have Anthony Steen coming back at OG recovered from injury for depth.Paea if Wiliams leaves.that makes sense.Skrine CB,Sheard OLB-?
Draft-1.McKinney ILB-as a round 1 pick? I dunno about that.
Erving C- rather go other direction
3.Coleman-okay
3A-WR-KR- no thanks,Cards got bigger needs to address first.
4.John Miller OG-He`s a bruiser but is he athletic enough for BA schemes?
5.Crockett RB- ?
6.Lefeld T_G-more new blood for OLine
6CVaughters LB-why not?
7.Marshall DB-why not a project for rd 7?

Nice job Mitch,I don`t expect a lot of it to happen but who knows?

 

[juza76]

thank u mitch
thats a very good scenario for us

but i read somewhere the compensatory it s gonna be an extra 7th round pick(jim dray)

 

[Snakester]

Nice read Mitch. If we release Sendlein then I want Steve Wisnewski as our new center. I like your other FA picks. The only one I don't know is Reitz. Getting Gresham, Sheard and Paea are all solid moves. I am wanting a pass rusher or one of the top two RBs with our first round pick. Taking a guard with our second rounder would be a good move if we don't get one in free agency.

 

[az jam]

I don't think they will release Sendlein and Foote will probably either retire or play another year with the Cards. I like your draft picks , in fact Draftcountdown.com in their latest mock also has the Cards taking McKinney in the first round. Here is what they say:

ARIZONA CARDINALS: BENARDRICK MCKINNEY, LB, MISSISSIPPI ST.

Scouting Report
The Cardinals already have one of the most intimidating defenses in the league but the addition of a playmaking linebacker could really take things to the next level. Especially with the future of Daryl Washington in doubt following another lengthy suspension for violating the leagues substance abuse policy, not to mention both John Abraham and Sam Acho hitting the open market. Perhaps the most intriguing thing about Benardrick McKinney of Mississippi St. is his versatility since he could realistically play inside or outside and in either an even or odd front. McKinney is limited in coverage but is big and strong with the ability to plug the gaps and rush the passer.

 

[joeshmo]

I like McKinney, his speed to size, to athleticism ratio are off the charts. Seems to play like he loves the game, aggressive, and likes to tackle. BUT, while he has the athletic ability to cover anyone, he for lack of a better word sucks at it. I have to wonder if it is a instincts thing, a scheme thing, or a coaching thing. I hope it is the latter two and not the first.

As for RB, I highly doubt we draft one. RB will without a doubt be a free agent priority. No way Arians goes with even more youth at the position then he already has. Keep an eye on CJ Spiller who the cards were testing trade waters on prior to him getting injured before the trade deadline.

 

[slanidrac16]

Championship!

 

[Finito]

I really don't think we let all those key players leave especially Dan Williams and Kelly. Cromartie might take more somewhere else.

I would love a draft with McKinney and Erving at the top. I really like Erving we really really need dominate interior lineman that can actually get a push. Idk if McKinney will be there but I would be very happy with him in the middle.

 

[Mitch]

Wow Mitch...............interesting thoughts.I can see your Cards FA signings and losses.Bringing in that many FAs?Releasing Ginn-yes,Sendlein-no,
Carlson-he did okay this year.I can see Reitz as depth .You also have Anthony Steen coming back at OG recovered from injury for depth.Paea if Wiliams leaves.that makes sense.Skrine CB,Sheard OLB-?
Draft-1.McKinney ILB-as a round 1 pick? I dunno about that.
Erving C- rather go other direction
3.Coleman-okay
3A-WR-KR- no thanks,Cards got bigger needs to address first.
4.John Miller OG-He`s a bruiser but is he athletic enough for BA schemes?
5.Crockett RB- ?
6.Lefeld T_G-more new blood for OLine
6CVaughters LB-why not?
7.Marshall DB-why not a project for rd 7?

Nice job Mitch,I don`t expect a lot of it to happen but who knows?

I think you might be correct about the Sendlein decision---I know he is highly valued in the organization, and rightly so. However, I think Steve Keim is going to start doing what the Patriots do---and make personnel decisions on whether the player's salary is commensurate with his production. In Sendlein's case, his cap figure for 2015 is $4.275M...of which $3.125M can be saved on the cap. So, basically, is Sendlein's value to the team worth $4.275M? It's the 8th highest cap figure of active players on the roster.

As Gary (Snakester) and Catfish have pointed out...making a run at C Steve Wisniewski (OAK) could be a boon for the Cardinals, that is if they don't f-tag him. Plus, with Ted Larsen and Anthony Steen in the mix at center and a good draft for centers, it's quite possible that Keim may either ask Sendlein to take a pay cut, or release him. There's a FA C A.Q. Shipley (IND) who played for BA and C Rodney Hudson (KC) is a UFA who heads into year 5 with good experience and upside.

 

[Mitch]

thank u mitch
thats a very good scenario for us

but i read somewhere the compensatory it s gonna be an extra 7th round pick(jim dray)

Thanks about the 7th round comp. pick, Juza. I guessed a 6th---maybe that was a little too hopeful!

 

[Mitch]

Nice read Mitch. If we release Sendlein then I want Steve Wisnewski as our new center. I like your other FA picks. The only one I don't know is Reitz. Getting Gresham, Sheard and Paea are all solid moves. I am wanting a pass rusher or one of the top two RBs with our first round pick. Taking a guard with our second rounder would be a good move if we don't get one in free agency.

Joe Reitz heads into his 5th year (his prime) having starter's experience at both guard and tackle. He has been the Colts' plug and play swing o-lineman and he's played quite well every time they have used him, as BA did in 2012. I could definitely see BA and HG (his o-line coach at Indy) hop on him to be the starter at RG and have the versatility to slide over to RT if need be.

The young UFA ILB that intrigues me for Dansby's WILB spot is Akeem Ayers (NE). He's the kind of athletic, good-sized and fast ILB the Cardinals need. Plus Ayers can play WOLB if and when D-Wash returns. Or he and D-Wash could team up in the middle---man they could be dynamic in the straight and X middle blitzes.

With Ayers on board then we could go in a different direction in the first round.

 

[Mitch]

I like McKinney, his speed to size, to athleticism ratio are off the charts. Seems to play like he loves the game, aggressive, and likes to tackle. BUT, while he has the athletic ability to cover anyone, he for lack of a better word sucks at it. I have to wonder if it is a instincts thing, a scheme thing, or a coaching thing. I hope it is the latter two and not the first.

As for RB, I highly doubt we draft one. RB will without a doubt be a free agent priority. No way Arians goes with even more youth at the position then he already has. Keep an eye on CJ Spiller who the cards were testing trade waters on prior to him getting injured before the trade deadline.

In the games I saw, McKinney was good in coverage. He reacts quickly to the pass and drops into coverage very quickly and smoothly. I didn't see to many passes in his area---but I did see him charge up on underneath passes and blow them up, which he did several times this year in the LSU game.

I would love to see the Cardinals sign C.J. Spiller---BA was saying last year that he was hoping to get another RB like Andre Ellington, so as to keep the play calling consistent. I guess the question most of us have is---don't we need a power type lead RB?

 

[Solar7]

I see no way we release Sendlein. I know a lot of posters here think he can't get enough push, but the organization has been unwaveringly happy with his ability to make all of the calls on the line and be a lunch pail type player. If his contract were coming to an end, I could understand, but still.

Otherwise, I don't have a lot of qualms with your predictions, but I do hope we find a way to retains Williams.

 

[Buckybird]

Good stuff & info Walter! You really know players brotha & hope this team adds 3-4 fast nasty LBs.

You've been dead on with Kuechly, Kerrigan etc on players the Cards could've drafted in the past. Imagine how great this D could've been

I look forward to your analysis going forward because this is an important offseason. Need a RB who can tote the Rock!!!

 

[Mitch]

I really don't think we let all those key players leave especially Dan Williams and Kelly. Cromartie might take more somewhere else.

I would love a draft with McKinney and Erving at the top. I really like Erving we really really need dominate interior lineman that can actually get a push. Idk if McKinney will be there but I would be very happy with him in the middle.

The thing about Dan Williams is---I see the Cardinals being out-bid for him in FA, beyond what they would be willing to afford. I would love to see Big Dan back---they key, imho, is getting a deal done prior to the start of FA.

As for Tommy Kelly---I think the only way they bring him back is if they don't work out a re-structure with Darnell Dockett. With Dockett back, and with Frostee Rucker, Ed Stinson, Kareem Martin and Josh Mauro as depth, signing Kelly may be superfluous.

 

[Mitch]

I see no way we release Sendlein. I know a lot of posters here think he can't get enough push, but the organization has been unwaveringly happy with his ability to make all of the calls on the line and be a lunch pail type player. If his contract were coming to an end, I could understand, but still.

Otherwise, I don't have a lot of qualms with your predictions, but I do hope we find a way to retains Williams.

BA has stated very emphatically his praise of Sendlein. It will be an interesting business decision to see if Steve Keim is willing to pay Sendlein $4.275M this year...also...when Keim factors in the current depth at the position (Ted Larsen, Anthony Steen) and a draft rich in good centers.

 

[Mitch]

Good stuff & info Walter! You really know players brotha & hope this team adds 3-4 fast nasty LBs.

You've been dead on with Kuechly, Kerrigan etc on players the Cards could've drafted in the past. Imagine how great this D could've been

I look forward to your analysis going forward because this is an important offseason. Need a RB who can tote the Rock!!!

Yeah, Bucky, BA was telling Mike Florio yesterday how one key aspect of his focus is to "get faster on defense."

I think that BA&SK are going to go out of their way to upgrade the talent level at LB so that their in-house promotion of James Bettcher to DC has the best possible chance to succeed.

 

[Buckybird]

Yeah, Bucky, BA was telling Mike Florio yesterday how one key aspect of his focus is to "get faster on defense."

I think that BA&SK are going to go out of their way to upgrade the talent level at LB so that their in-house promotion of James Bettcher to DC has the best possible chance to succeed.

The Hawks ain't going anywhere soon as the team to beat & it's a tough road to win a Lombardi on the road, so winning the West is almost a must. Bowles actually shut down Wilson for the most part last year in Seattle & this year as well there. You beat them by limiting his big runs & running the Rock right down the gut of that D like Dallas did. Gordon & Gurly would look good in red as well. Plenty of ways bask could go in adding talent.

If we drafted 1 of the 2 I wonder if BA would ever consider switching Ellington to WR? Hmmmm

 

[Cbus cardsfan]

Not a bad plan but it still doesn't address the Cards biggest need, a pure pass rusher. I believe Sheard plays the same spot as Okafor so I wouldn't really count him as an upgrade. Finding a way to get Randy Gregory from Nebraska or Shane Ray should be a priority. It may not be feasible but it should definitely be looked into.

Tevin Coleman in the 3rd would be a complete steal. In the end, he may be the 1st RB off the board.

 

[Mitch]

Not a bad plan but it still doesn't address the Cards biggest need, a pure pass rusher. I believe Sheard plays the same spot as Okafor so I wouldn't really count him as an upgrade. Finding a way to get Randy Gregory from Nebraska or Shane Ray should be a priority. It may not be feasible but it should definitely be looked into.

Tevin Coleman in the 3rd would be a complete steal. In the end, he may be the 1st RB off the board.

You and I have had a similar discussions about this each year---and I give you a lot of credit because the Cardinals did actually try to trade up from #20 into the top 10 in the draft to take OLB Anthony Barr---the player you were urging the Cardinals to pursue.

To be able to trade up to take Ray or Gregory this year would be even more difficult from #24. But, i can see Steve Keim trying to move up if either of them is still on the board during picks 10-14. I think Dante Fowler of Florida might be on Keim's radar as well.

Last year, as you know, I was hoping first for Ryan Shazier (I think you were too despite his size issues)---as an all-around speed LB---then Dee Ford and Kyle Van Noy. At #20 the Cardinals could have had Dee Ford but elected to trade down, and missed out when the Chiefs took him at #23---although I think Deone Bucannon was the player they wanted anyway.

This year---there could be some intriguing edge OLB options at #24---namely Vic Beasley, Bud Dupree, Hau'oli Kikaha, Eli Harold and Lorenzo Mauldin. Of those five, in terms of the pass rush alone, I prefer Dupree and Kikaha. I like Beasley, but I don't think he's strong enough to fit the Cardinals' mold.

For that reason, I think that in terms of what the Cardinals want at OLB/DE, that Jabaal Sheard fits the mold perfectly, because he is powerful enough to set the edge and to bull rush when needed and he's quick enough to swim over and around the tackle.

The Cardinals are leery of pure speed edge rushers because they want edge rushers who will define the edge of the pocket (not get quickly steered wide of it and thus leave gaping holes for Wilson and Kaepernick to exploit) so as to funnel the QB into the traffic inside. They want a controlled rush. Sheard would provide exactly that and because he can shed define the pocket's edge, disengage from the tackle and get to the ball quickly, he could be good for 10+ sacks in their system---just as Okafor could be when he plays a full season. What a wonderful surprise he was this year!

As for Tevin Coleman---how well he runs at the combine will dictate where he is taken. If he runs a 4.4, he'll be picked in the 2nd round. If he runs a 4.5, I think he very well could be on the board in round three, because there is a fairly deep group of talented RBs in this draft.

 

[juza76]

You and I have had a similar discussions about this each year---and I give you a lot of credit because the Cardinals did actually try to trade up from #20 into the top 10 in the draft to take OLB Anthony Barr---the player you were urging the Cardinals to pursue.

To be able to trade up to take Ray or Gregory this year would be even more difficult from #24. But, i can see Steve Keim trying to move up if either of them is still on the board during picks 10-14. I think Dante Fowler of Florida might be on Keim's radar as well.

Last year, as you know, I was hoping first for Ryan Shazier (I think you were too despite his size issues)---as an all-around speed LB---then Dee Ford and Kyle Van Noy. At #20 the Cardinals could have had Dee Ford but elected to trade down, and missed out when the Chiefs took him at #23---although I think Deone Bucannon was the player they wanted anyway.

This year---there could be some intriguing edge OLB options at #24---namely Vic Beasley, Bud Dupree, Hau'oli Kikaha, Eli Harold and Lorenzo Mauldin. Of those five, in terms of the pass rush alone, I prefer Dupree and Kikaha. I like Beasley, but I don't think he's strong enough to fit the Cardinals' mold.

For that reason, I think that in terms of what the Cardinals want at OLB/DE, that Jabaal Sheard fits the mold perfectly, because he is powerful enough to set the edge and to bull rush when needed and he's quick enough to swim over and around the tackle.

The Cardinals are leery of pure speed edge rushers because they want edge rushers who will define the edge of the pocket (not get quickly steered wide of it and thus leave gaping holes for Wilson and Kaepernick to exploit) so as to funnel the QB into the traffic inside. They want a controlled rush. Sheard would provide exactly that and because he can shed define the pocket's edge, disengage from the tackle and get to the ball quickly, he could be good for 10+ sacks in their system---just as Okafor could be when he plays a full season. What a wonderful surprise he was this year!

As for Tevin Coleman---how well he runs at the combine will dictate where he is taken. If he runs a 4.4, he'll be picked in the 2nd round. If he runs a 4.5, I think he very well could be on the board in round three, because there is a fairly deep group of talented RBs in this draft.

when arians talks about speed to add he certainly mean about ILB and FS

 

[Mitch]

when arians talks about speed to add he certainly mean about ILB and FS

Everywhere possible!

 

[don7031]

I don't know if I'd assume that Fitzgerald will restructure for less money. The Cardinals will pay him more than market value, but he's unhappy being a pseudo tight end. He could take less money elsewhere and be a prima donna wide out where he only has to play patty cake with cornerbacks rather than be tasked with blocking linebackers. Maybe add a couple long in the tooth years at the end of his career and walk away from the game instead of hobble.

 

[Cbus cardsfan]

You and I have had a similar discussions about this each year---and I give you a lot of credit because the Cardinals did actually try to trade up from #20 into the top 10 in the draft to take OLB Anthony Barr---the player you were urging the Cardinals to pursue.

To be able to trade up to take Ray or Gregory this year would be even more difficult from #24. But, i can see Steve Keim trying to move up if either of them is still on the board during picks 10-14. I think Dante Fowler of Florida might be on Keim's radar as well.

Last year, as you know, I was hoping first for Ryan Shazier (I think you were too despite his size issues)---as an all-around speed LB---then Dee Ford and Kyle Van Noy. At #20 the Cardinals could have had Dee Ford but elected to trade down, and missed out when the Chiefs took him at #23---although I think Deone Bucannon was the player they wanted anyway.

This year---there could be some intriguing edge OLB options at #24---namely Vic Beasley, Bud Dupree, Hau'oli Kikaha, Eli Harold and Lorenzo Mauldin. Of those five, in terms of the pass rush alone, I prefer Dupree and Kikaha. I like Beasley, but I don't think he's strong enough to fit the Cardinals' mold.

For that reason, I think that in terms of what the Cardinals want at OLB/DE, that Jabaal Sheard fits the mold perfectly, because he is powerful enough to set the edge and to bull rush when needed and he's quick enough to swim over and around the tackle.

The Cardinals are leery of pure speed edge rushers because they want edge rushers who will define the edge of the pocket (not get quickly steered wide of it and thus leave gaping holes for Wilson and Kaepernick to exploit) so as to funnel the QB into the traffic inside. They want a controlled rush. Sheard would provide exactly that and because he can shed define the pocket's edge, disengage from the tackle and get to the ball quickly, he could be good for 10+ sacks in their system---just as Okafor could be when he plays a full season. What a wonderful surprise he was this year!

As for Tevin Coleman---how well he runs at the combine will dictate where he is taken. If he runs a 4.4, he'll be picked in the 2nd round. If he runs a 4.5, I think he very well could be on the board in round three, because there is a fairly deep group of talented RBs in this draft.

Agree that one of the pass rushers I want would have to slide down to the 7-10 range, minimum, to realistically have a shot at acquiring them. I've really never mentioned Gregory much because I don't think it's very realistic for him to slide. There is a chance with Ray though.

With Coleman, I really like him. However, if what I was told is the case, I don't think he'll be on the Cards radar. There's no questioning his talent but Keim and Arians favor intelligent, smart players as much as anything and that's an area where Coleman is said to be lacking.

 

[overseascardfan]

After the Senior Bowl, new players have caught my eye. I am not going to speculate on FA, as I don't know nor will I attempt to speculate on what ARZ will do. I'm sure my draft hopes will change as the draft arrives but for now I'll just do a mock.

#1 - OLB Nate Orchard - No question about his production or his measurables.

#2 - CB Marcus Peters - Excellent size, speed & coverage skills. PP/HB will police him. If Peters happens to be gone then Doran Grant would be my back up plan.

#3 - ILB Phil Dawson - Eye popping stats, smallish ILB from TCU like you know who.

#4 - OG John Miller - Additional talent at the OG position, better run blocker than pass protector but should open some holes for our RB's.

#5 - C Jake Smith - Heir to Sendlein. Actually started 2 years at C, last 2 at C so he's versatile.

#6 - RB Kenny Hilliard - BIG RB at 233 pounds, not a lot of carries as LSU uses multiple RB's. Lack of carries not a bad thing as there is more tread on the tires unlike the big name RB's in this draft.

#7 - WR Kasen Williams - BIG WR at 6'3 217, not really used this year and had some injury issues last year but another big target for Palmer.

ARZ can fill any other holes in FA granted they resolve the Fitz / DD situations quickly enough to free up cap space to sign guys.