Taking All Requests

[Mitch]

It's my 59th birthday and we were just sent home from school at 11 AM due to the weather. Therefore, i am home and would love to spend the afternoon writing about the Cardinals.

Do you have any requests? Questions about UFAs? Draft prospects? Want a mock du jour?

Your wish is my command.

Thank all of you for the well wishes. They mean a lot to me.

 

[BigRedRage]

I request you to have a great birthday!

 

[oaken1]

Happy Birthday.




James Hurst OT North Carolina......................... I am really high on drafting this kid in round three...IMO he is the ideal prototype for the system we run here....and I believe with our coaching staff he will develop quickly and be anchoring our left side by next season...with spot sub duty this season at both tackle spots..

Would love to see how you evaluate the kid.

 

[Buckybird]

How about thoughts on the top 6-7 upcoming draft eligible QBs, how they would or wouldn't fit in with the Cards. Thx Mitch

I honestly feel this is a great draft to possibly draft a QBOF & hope this position ultimately doesn't eventually get BA fired because he always wants the vet! My guys I like...Manziel, Garrapallo & the Bama kid whom I think is flying wayyyyy low on the possible nfl player he may become!

 

[Duckjake]

Yes, Why do offensive linemen run down field on screen plays and never block anybody? Just look around like they were sight seeing.

 

[Mitch]

I request you to have a great birthday!

Thank you, BBR, kind sir.

 

[Totally_Red]

Request: the Cardinals are going to need another running back, probably from the draft. Who would be some good candidates for B.A.'s system, e.g. versatile and good pass protectors who can catch the ball out of the backfield and play special teams?

Thanks and happy birthday!

 

[Mitch]

Happy Birthday.




James Hurst OT North Carolina......................... I am really high on drafting this kid in round three...IMO he is the ideal prototype for the system we run here....and I believe with our coaching staff he will develop quickly and be anchoring our left side by next season...with spot sub duty this season at both tackle spots..

Would love to see how you evaluate the kid.

Here's Hurst versus South Carolina & Clowney

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=41ow8gODsPg

LT James Hurst, 6-6, 310, North Carolina

Plusses:

* Good competitor
* Good size
* Good, long arms
* Can steer DEs wide

Minuses:

* Tries a lot of cut blocks and misses too many
* Not a natural knee bender
* Plays top heavy
* Footwork is inconsistent
* Not a real mauler in the running game.

Conclusion:

Not a natural NFL LT---best chance is at RT.

Value:

Picks: 125-150.

 

[BigRedRage]

Thank you, BBR, kind sir.

What are YOUR top 3 FA LT prospects for our team?

 

[Mitch]

How about thoughts on the top 6-7 upcoming draft eligible QBs, how they would or wouldn't fit in with the Cards. Thx Mitch

I honestly feel this is a great draft to possibly draft a QBOF & hope this position ultimately doesn't eventually get BA fired because he always wants the vet! My guys I like...Manziel, Garrapallo & the Bama kid whom I think is flying wayyyyy low on the possible nfl player he may become!

I like the three you like, Bucky.

Manziel has the "it" factor. Love his fiery approach to the game and his escapability will drive DCs and opposing defenses nuts. But, in the NFL, Manziel has to learn how to dive under hits, rather than take them on as he did at A&M.

Garoppolo, to me, is a first round prospect. He too has the "it" factor---he's a leader with a take charge personality. Some compare him to Tony Romo---which I get, but I think Garoppolo is a little more tenacious than Romo. What has sold me on him is his combination of maneuverability and that good, quick, tight release.

McCarron intrigues me as well. Smart player who throws a better deep ball than he gets credit for, while possessing the nice feel and touch for underneath passes.

The other QB I like is David Fales. Love his accuracy and his ability to find that extra second of time before locating his target.

 

[Buckybird]

I like the three you like, Bucky.

Manziel has the "it" factor. Love his fiery approach to the game and his escapability will drive DCs and opposing defenses nuts. But, in the NFL, Manziel has to learn how to dive under hits, rather than take them on as he did at A&M.

Garoppolo, to me, is a first round prospect. He too has the "it" factor---he's a leader with a take charge personality. Some compare him to Tony Romo---which I get, but I think Garoppolo is a little more tenacious than Romo. What has sold me on him is his combination of maneuverability and that good, quick, tight release.

McCarron intrigues me as well. Smart player who throws a better deep ball than he gets credit for, while possessing the nice feel and touch for underneath passes.

The other QB I like is David Fales. Love his accuracy and his ability to find that extra second of time before locating his target.

Any chance we take one of 3 though I'm sure Manziel is likely out considering what it would cost.

 

[Mitch]

Request: the Cardinals are going to need another running back, probably from the draft. Who would be some good candidates for B.A.'s system, e.g. versatile and good pass protectors who can catch the ball out of the backfield and play special teams?

Thanks and happy birthday!

Thanks, T-R. I may be wrong but I am convinced that BA&SK are going to add a veteran UFA RB. Funny but MJD was just brought up by one of the pundits (I forget which one) as a potential signing for the Cardinals.

I don't think BA views The Juke as a bell cow RB. I think he fashions him as a combo RB/WR in the Darren Sproles model.

The other RBs that may intrigue are Ben Tate and LaGarrett Blount.

It wouldn't totally surprise me if they re-sign Mendy because of how he improved down the stretch---but, Mendy really doesn't break any tackles or get the kind of forward push a bell cow RB should---and the fumbles are a real problem.

What BA doesn't get nearly enough credit for is his patience and his commitment to pounding the rock. I think we are going to see even more of it this year, because BA knows that it makes Carson Palmer a better QB.

 

[Mitch]

What are YOUR top 3 FA LT prospects for our team?

If the Raiders don't re-sign or f-tag, Veldheer, I think he is the guy. He's just coming into his prime and has already earned Carson Palmer's trust. Plus, he isn't going to break the bank.

There will be interest in Brandon Albert, but Steve Keim is not going to overpay on him, whereas the Dolphins might.

Looks like the Ravens and Monroe are trying to get a deal done---and when the Ravens want someone Ozzie usually gets it done.

Anthony Collins is the wild card here and quite frankly he may be the best pass blocker of the bunch.

So---I think it is going to be Veldheer or Collins.

 

[Mitch]

Any chance we take one of 3 though I'm sure Manziel is likely out considering what it would cost.

So much will depend on what BA&SK are able to accomplish in free agency and whether a QB they like is on the board in the round they want to take him.

Forget about #20---unless every need is met in free agency. The Cardinals are going to get an immediate starter at that spot---and believe BA when he says you draft QBs in the 1st round to play them immediately---and that is not in the plans.

 

[Reddog]

The other RBs that may intrigue are Ben Tate and LaGarrett Blount.

It wouldn't totally surprise me if they re-sign Mendy because of how he improved down the stretch---but, Mendy really doesn't break any tackles or get the kind of forward push a bell cow RB should---and the fumbles are a real problem.

Happy Birthday Mitch. How much snow has fallen at your place? As for the post, another reason I could see him resigning Mendy is because he needs to get off to a fast start this year and he didn't have that luxury with Palmer last year. He may be willing to settle a little because he knows what he has in Mendy and he knows the pass protection. I like Blount but I suspect NE will resign him. What do you think of his pass protection?

 

[Southpaw]

Sent home from school? What grade are you in?

 

[Reddog]

If the Raiders don't re-sign or f-tag, Veldheer, I think he is the guy. He's just coming into his prime and has already earned Carson Palmer's trust. Plus, he isn't going to break the bank.

There will be interest in Brandon Albert, but Steve Keim is not going to overpay on him, whereas the Dolphins might.

Looks like the Ravens and Monroe are trying to get a deal done---and when the Ravens want someone Ozzie usually gets it done.

Anthony Collins is the wild card here and quite frankly he may be the best pass blocker of the bunch.

So---I think it is going to be Veldheer or Collins.

I assume if Palmer is that fond of Veldheer he would lobby him and the Cards and shy of a Tag by Oakland why wouldn't he test the market. It would just drive his price up. If he isn't going to break the bank then I can't se the Raiders being willing to pay him what the Tag will cost this year.

 

[Totally_Red]

Thanks, T-R. I may be wrong but I am convinced that BA&SK are going to add a veteran UFA RB. Funny but MJD was just brought up by one of the pundits (I forget which one) as a potential signing for the Cardinals.

I don't think BA views The Juke as a bell cow RB. I think he fashions him as a combo RB/WR in the Darren Sproles model.

The other RBs that may intrigue are Ben Tate and LaGarrett Blount.

It wouldn't totally surprise me if they re-sign Mendy because of how he improved down the stretch---but, Mendy really doesn't break any tackles or get the kind of forward push a bell cow RB should---and the fumbles are a real problem.

What BA doesn't get nearly enough credit for is his patience and his commitment to pounding the rock. I think we are going to see even more of it this year, because BA knows that it makes Carson Palmer a better QB.

Thanks Mitch! You may be right on the veteran RB. They should come cheap and would nicely compliment the two young guys.

 

[BigRedRage]

If the Raiders don't re-sign or f-tag, Veldheer, I think he is the guy. He's just coming into his prime and has already earned Carson Palmer's trust. Plus, he isn't going to break the bank.

There will be interest in Brandon Albert, but Steve Keim is not going to overpay on him, whereas the Dolphins might.

Looks like the Ravens and Monroe are trying to get a deal done---and when the Ravens want someone Ozzie usually gets it done.

Anthony Collins is the wild card here and quite frankly he may be the best pass blocker of the bunch.

So---I think it is going to be Veldheer or Collins.

Thanks for the info. I just want the best guy, long term and at a good price to keep building the team. Hopefully Keim feels the same way. After seeing BA has only completed one full season at LT, he has me worried for a big contract.

 

[Mitch]

Happy Birthday Mitch. How much snow has fallen at your place? As for the post, another reason I could see him resigning Mendy is because he needs to get off to a fast start this year and he didn't have that luxury with Palmer last year. He may be willing to settle a little because he knows what he has in Mendy and he knows the pass protection. I like Blount but I suspect NE will resign him. What do you think of his pass protection?

Thanks, Reddog. I think we've had about 5-6 inches in the last three hours. It was supposed to turn to sleet/rain, but it doesn't look that way right now. Whiteout conditions for sure.

Good point about Mendy and BA is fiercely loyal. There were a couple of times this past year where I was thinking Mendy would be relegated to the bench for good, but BA kept talking him up and trotting him back out there.

Blount is still working on his techniques in all areas of his game. The talent is there, but the discipline is the question.

The UFA RB I haven't mentioned yet is Donald Brown of Indy. Brown has the kind of feet and acceleration BA loves and Brown is a good in pass pro. I could see Brown being high on the BASK list.

What do you think?

 

[Mitch]

Thanks Mitch! You may be right on the veteran RB. They should come cheap and would nicely compliment the two young guys.

Yeah, the more I think of it, T_R, I think Donald Brown is high on the BASK list. Has the feet and is good in pass pro.

What do you (and everyone) think of Donald Brown?

I like him for our offense a lot.

 

[Cardiac]

Happy BD Mitch.

How about some info on OLBers who are great pass rushers. Any that might drop to us in rd1 or you would take a flyer on in later rounds. Do you like Van Noy as much as several posters do?

 

[Mitch]

Thanks for the info. I just want the best guy, long term and at a good price to keep building the team. Hopefully Keim feels the same way. After seeing BA has only completed one full season at LT, he has me worried for a big contract.

I think you said the key thing, BBR..."at a good price." Steve Keim seems to be committed to paying market value.

If SK can't get market value, he will draft a tackle. That simple.

 

[Jay Cardinal]

Happy Birthday Mitch.

My question is regarding speed receivers in the draft. Who do you think stands out? Any late round gems like TY Hilton or Andre Ellington?

Stay warm and enjoy the day off!

 

[Mitch]

Happy BD Mitch.

How about some info on OLBers who are great pass rushers. Any that might drop to us in rd1 or you would take a flyer on in later rounds. Do you like Van Noy as much as several posters do?

Thanks, Cardiac.

I really think Van Noy is a perfect fit for the Cardinals' defense. He has the length, the speed, the cover ability, the edge rush ability and the chase the QB ability. The dude can throw the blanket on TEs. What I am not sure of is whether he can be effective with his hand down in a 4 man rush. In time I think he can...which is why it would be great to have him learn the tricks of the trade from John Abraham.

I also see this kind of versatility in Trevor Reilly of Utah.

The smallish OLB/DE prospects like Shazier and Ford don't appear to fit what Todd Bowles wants. He likes length and athleticism on the edges.

Also in the Bowles' mode?

Trent Murphy, 6-4, 261, Stanford
Adrian Hubbard, 6-5, 246, Alabama
Larry Webster, 6-6, 240, Bloomsburg
Jackson Jeffcoat, 6-5, 245, Texas
Kareem Martin, 6-5, 260, North Carolina

Of these I like Murphy's tenacity, Webster's strength (in the Shaughnessy mode) and Martin's pass rush ability.

What players do you (everyone) like?