Taking All Requests

[Mitch]

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!

Thank you, Jay C.

My thing with speed receivers is---they have to command the ball, otherwise they are just token players. This is why I loved DeSean Jackson coming out of California.

In this draft, the guy I love is Brandin Cooks of Oregon St. who I think will be even better and more productive than T.Y. Hilton. Talk about commanding the ball...this past season: 128/1,730/16TDs...his career: 2226/3,272/24.

Some people say, oh draft a speed guy in the 5th round---but there are few speed guys in the 5th round who are going to be difference makers in your offense.

Josh Huff of Oregon (62/1140/12TDs in 2013 and a career of 144/2366/24TDs) is not quite as blazing fast or sudden as Cooks, but he's a ball magnet and a heckuva playmaker.

The wild card is the kid from Baylor, Tevin Reese, who caught 38 passes for 867 yards (a whopping 22.8 ypc) and 8 TD and went 187/3,102/24TDs for his career.

I am hoping for one of those three and don't mind taking them earlier than expected because they are going to go fast.

I think adding a legit speed WR would open up the entire offense. Because of that, I place a lot of value in the position.

 

[Catfish]

Have a truly great birthday my friend. By the way, you sent me to the dictionary with (perspicacious). That is a really good word. Thanks for the learning opportunity.

I know that you are having a truly wonderful time talking football on the board today, so I know you are doing something very close to your heart on this shut-in day. Stay healthy and happy buddy.

I was wondering if you have any feelings for how the negotiations with Patrick Peterson may go this off season? Do you view his not ruling out a 'holdout', as a red flag for this off season? If you would rather not touch this subject right now, I understand.

 

[desertdawg]

Happy B-day bruddah man!!

 

[Mitch]

Have a truly great birthday my friend. By the way, you sent me to the dictionary with (perspicacious). That is a really good word. Thanks for the learning opportunity.

I know that you are having a truly wonderful time talking football on the board today, so I know you are doing something very close to your heart on this shut-in day. Stay healthy and happy buddy.

I was wondering if you have any feelings for how the negotiations with Patrick Peterson may go this off season? Do you view his not ruling out a 'holdout', as a red flag for this off season? If you would rather not touch this subject right now, I understand.

Thank you, Catish---especially, as always, for your perspicacity!

I feel divided about the Peterson contract---if signing him now means he will play more physically and return to being the most dynamic punt returner in the league (when we need him to be)---then, that increases our chances of winning the NFC West and home field advantage in the playoffs.

On the other hand, if it means that we won't be able to sign a key need player or two, that decreases our chances. The Cardinals have him under contract for two more years as it is and he's making a healthy salary of over $5,000,000 this year, which for a fourth year player isn't too shabby.

But here's where having Mike Disner in the house can be a real boon---in that Disner can figure out a way to pay Peterson and not have it affect the team's ability to add talent this year and hopefully not so much beyond this year.

The key is arriving at an agreeable figure. A hefty signing bonus up front is probably a big part of the answer.

What do you (and everyone) think the Cardinals should do?

 

[Mitch]

Happy B-day bruddah man!!

Thanks, dawg, carpe diem, my brud!

 

[Catfish]

Thank you, Catish---especially, as always, for your perspicacity!

I feel divided about the Peterson contract---if signing him now means he will play more physically and return to being the most dynamic punt returner in the league (when we need him to be)---then, that increases our chances of winning the NFC West and home field advantage in the playoffs.

On the other hand, if it means that we won't be able to sign a key need player or two, that decreases our chances. The Cardinals have him under contract for two more years as it is and he's making a healthy salary of over $5,000,000 this year, which for a fourth year player isn't too shabby.

But here's where having Mike Disner in the house can be a real boon---in that Disner can figure out a way to pay Peterson and not have it affect the team's ability to add talent this year and hopefully not so much beyond this year.

The key is arriving at an agreeable figure. A hefty signing bonus up front is probably a big part of the answer.

What do you (and everyone) think the Cardinals should do?

Mitch, I really am stumped on the Peterson issue. My initial feeling was to postpone acting on this , as we have time remaining on his contract. Then came the interview where he would not rule out the possibility of a 'holdout'. That really scares me, (especially in light of his obvious increasing dis-interest in punt returning duties). I sincerely hope that Keim and Disner can find a way to keep him happy without costing us the ability to address a couple of key signings in free agency that are needed this off season. This is so far out of my realm of thought that I am left standing simply as an interested party in this situation. Even during my career in law enforcement, I was not good as a negotiator. I could achieve results when appealing to a person's sense of right and wrong, but negotiating was a field that I had no real success at. I guess that is why I feel so uneasy about this situation this off season. I am so very happy that we have Keim and Disner to deal with these type situations. I hope they can keep it civil, and achieve a modicum of success. But (hope) is all I have here. I don't want to have a renegade invade the great chemistry in the locker room.

 

[Totally_Red]

Thank you, Catish---especially, as always, for your perspicacity!

I feel divided about the Peterson contract---if signing him now means he will play more physically and return to being the most dynamic punt returner in the league (when we need him to be)---then, that increases our chances of winning the NFC West and home field advantage in the playoffs.

On the other hand, if it means that we won't be able to sign a key need player or two, that decreases our chances. The Cardinals have him under contract for two more years as it is and he's making a healthy salary of over $5,000,000 this year, which for a fourth year player isn't too shabby.

But here's where having Mike Disner in the house can be a real boon---in that Disner can figure out a way to pay Peterson and not have it affect the team's ability to add talent this year and hopefully not so much beyond this year.

The key is arriving at an agreeable figure. A hefty signing bonus up front is probably a big part of the answer.

What do you (and everyone) think the Cardinals should do?

Regarding the Patrick Peterson situation, I would think whatever Cleveland does with Joe Haden would/could be a blueprint. Then we'll see if the Darrelle Revis contract {$16 million per year every year-no signing bonus} was an outlier or not. According to OTC, no other cornerback averages over $10.6 million per year.

 

[Mitch]

Regarding the Patrick Peterson situation, I would think whatever Cleveland does with Joe Haden would/could be a blueprint. Then we'll see if the Darrelle Revis contract {$16 million per year every year-no signing bonus} was an outlier or not. According to OTC, no other cornerback averages over $10.6 million per year.

Great point.

 

[DoTheDew]

Under the assumption that Seattle and SF are taking a step back due to cap situation and attrition, can you describe a realistic path that we can overtake the division next season, with our ~9.5m cap space, ~4m of which will be going to our draft picks? Clearly, 5.5m to work with isn't enough to bring back Dansby and sign a starting LT. Who do we cut? Who do we sign? Who do we draft that puts us in the best position to win the division in 2014 with what we have to work with?

 

[BW52]

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.

Happy birthday Mitch.The next birthday is the scary one.You kind of realize "where in the hell did life go?".
My line of thinking is I would rather see Cards draft someone for LT instead of spending a bunch signing a FA.I lke Taylor Lewan who has a mean streak (Most experts on the Cards board feel he will be a bust.He can be a upgrade at either T position IMHO. Another couple of Guys who can play LT are Yankey and Zack Martin although both are thought by some to be better OGs.Either way I would have no problem with Cards taking any of the 3 in round one and if Cards decide Martin or Yankey is the player who is their choice a LT can be drafted in RDs 2-3.What say you?
O-Line is Cards biggest problem IMHO.

This is a draft with many pass rushers and TEs.So those Spots can be later options.

 

[RugbyMuffin]

I request you to have a great birthday!

+1

 

[RugbyMuffin]

Who is going to play these positions in 2014 ?

1. In between the tackles RB.

2. The 2nd TE position.

3. Right Tackle

4. Right Guard

5. Both OLBer positions

6. Strong and Free Safety

 

[Mitch]

Under the assumption that Seattle and SF are taking a step back due to cap situation and attrition, can you describe a realistic path that we can overtake the division next season, with our ~9.5m cap space, ~4m of which will be going to our draft picks? Clearly, 5.5m to work with isn't enough to bring back Dansby and sign a starting LT. Who do we cut? Who do we sign? Who do we draft that puts us in the best position to win the division in 2014 with what we have to work with?

I think we will be surprised at how much cap room SK and Mike Disner create through releasing players and/or reworking contracts (like Dockett's, e.g.). SK has said that the Cardinals are going to be very aggressive in free agency and that they have a plan. No one could have predicted what Keim and Disner came up with last year---and, Dew, I really don't think we can come close at this point to knowing what the plan is. I do think SK wants to re-sign Dansby. If the price is right on Winston, they will re-sign him. Other than that, it's all pure speculation.

 

[Mitch]

Happy birthday Mitch.The next birthday is the scary one.You kind of realize "where in the hell did life go?".
My line of thinking is I would rather see Cards draft someone for LT instead of spending a bunch signing a FA.I lke Taylor Lewan who has a mean streak (Most experts on the Cards board feel he will be a bust.He can be a upgrade at either T position IMHO. Another couple of Guys who can play LT are Yankey and Zack Martin although both are thought by some to be better OGs.Either way I would have no problem with Cards taking any of the 3 in round one and if Cards decide Martin or Yankey is the player who is their choice a LT can be drafted in RDs 2-3.What say you?
O-Line is Cards biggest problem IMHO.

This is a draft with many pass rushers and TEs.So those Spots can be later options.

Thanks, BW. I feel quite certain that the LT position will be addressed in free agency and not in the draft. The only scenario where they will use the draft for adding a LT is if their top UFA LT candidates all out-price themselves. Lewan may not even be on the board at #20. Nor may Martin, and Yankey belongs at guard. That said, I am not sure that Lewan or Martin is the type of LT BA&SK want. Honestly, I think they would just as soon stick with Sowell in the belief that he will improve and that he's just as good as Lewan or Martin. This, imho, is what BA was referring to when he said that LT is not the team's biggest need---in other words---we are not going to reach for a tackle at #20. But, all that is moot if free agency goes the way Steve Keim intends.

 

[Mitch]

Who is going to play these positions in 2014 ?

1. In between the tackles RB.

2. The 2nd TE position.

3. Right Tackle

4. Right Guard

5. Both OLBer positions

6. Strong and Free Safety

Thanks, Ruggs.

My best guesses:

RB Donald Brown (Ellington all-purpose, Taylor---short yardage)

TE Housler---Ballard/Dray (one of those two)---Fells/Hardy (one of those two)---a draft pick

RT Winston/Sowell/Massie competition

RG Fanaika/Watford/Johnson competition

LOLB Shaughnessy (2-3 year deal)

ROLB Abraham (plus a draft pick)

SS Chris Clemons

FS Rashad Johnson/Tryann Mathieu/Tony Jefferson

What do you (everyone) think?

 

[juza76]

mitch first happy birthday then i want know your ranking about 3-4 outside linebacker( top 5)
and safety position.
thank u

 

[cardncubfan]

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

Here is Greg Cosells take on Manziel.

http://msn.foxsports.com/southwest/story/nfl-analyst-johnny-manziel-looked-almost-undraftable-021314

 

[cardncubfan]

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.

Happy Birthday Mitch!

Didn't Brown fumble a lot last year?

 

[Arizona's Finest]

Happy Bday Mitch. I would love a breakdown on just how good Brandon Albert is and how he has fared one on one with some of the best pass rushers in the league....

 

[Arizona's Finest]

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.

Think he is redundant with Ellington IMO. We need a between the tackles thumper for the goal line IMO. Not sure Taylor can be that guy just yet.

Would love Kadeem Carey for that role but not sure they want to go that young at RB. Im intrigued if MJD can be had on a 1 year low money deal because of lack of interest (highly likley IMO) that would be a neat 1 year rental. You dont count on him too much with Ellington but could also be a surprise 1000 yd guy if healthy.

 

[Reddog]

Thanks, Ruggs.

My best guesses:

RB Donald Brown (Ellington all-purpose, Taylor---short yardage)

TE Housler---Ballard/Dray (one of those two)---Fells/Hardy (one of those two)---a draft pick

RT Winston/Sowell/Massie competition

RG Fanaika/Watford/Johnson competition

LOLB Shaughnessy (2-3 year deal)

ROLB Abraham (plus a draft pick)

SS Chris Clemons

FS Rashad Johnson/Tryann Mathieu/Tony Jefferson

What do you (everyone) think?

I can see that RB trio working. I still have this pie-in-the-sky dream that Williams could redeem himself and contribute. Not sure they keep him at the $1M.

I really would like to see an upgrade at TE but can't see us going there at 20 if a good pass rusher is available so maybe if they slide, guys like Seferian-Jenkins or Amaro in the 2nd or Fiedorowicz/Niklas a little later.

What is you assumption on a contract that could have us retaining Winston yet still have him compete for the spot? I like the prospects for ROG.

Yes, yes, yes on Shaughnessy and really like Van Noy at 20.

Definitely need help at Safety and Clemons would work but what about corner. If we went Van Noy at 20 and a TE at 52 do you go CB at 84 and if so who do you like that might be there?

 

[Mitch]

mitch first happy birthday then i want know your ranking about 3-4 outside linebacker( top 5)
and safety position.
thank u

Draft, I assume:

OLB (TBs mold---long and athletic):

1. Kyle Van Noy, BYU
2. Trevor Reilly, Utah
3. Trent Murphy, Stanford
4. Larry Webster, Bloomsburg
5. Adrian Hubbard, Alabama

Safeties (thinking SS):

1. Calvin Pryor, Louisville
2. Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, Alabama
3. Jimmy Ward, Northern Illinois
4. Deone Bucannon, Washington St.
5. Craig Loston, LSU

 

[Mitch]

I can see that RB trio working. I still have this pie-in-the-sky dream that Williams could redeem himself and contribute. Not sure they keep him at the $1M.

I really would like to see an upgrade at TE but can't see us going there at 20 if a good pass rusher is available so maybe if they slide, guys like Seferian-Jenkins or Amaro in the 2nd or Fiedorowicz/Niklas a little later.

What is you assumption on a contract that could have us retaining Winston yet still have him compete for the spot? I like the prospects for ROG.

Yes, yes, yes on Shaughnessy and really like Van Noy at 20.

Definitely need help at Safety and Clemons would work but what about corner. If we went Van Noy at 20 and a TE at 52 do you go CB at 84 and if so who do you like that might be there?

I think CB will be one of the big surprises---either they re-sign Antoine Cason or they draft one early---or they get a veteran at a bargain contract.

 

[Reddog]

Draft, I assume:

OLB (TBs mold---long and athletic):

1. Kyle Van Noy, BYU
2. Trevor Reilly, Utah
3. Trent Murphy, Stanford
4. Larry Webster, Bloomsburg
5. Adrian Hubbard, Alabama

Safeties (thinking SS):

1. Calvin Pryor, Louisville
2. Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, Alabama
3. Jimmy Ward, Northern Illinois
4. Deone Bucannon, Washington St.
5. Craig Loston, LSU

Totally with you on Van Noy but there are pleanty that think we are crazy and grade him as R2 material. I would love to see Ward in the 3rd round but suspect he will go in R2.

 

[Mitch]

Totally with you on Van Noy but there are pleanty that think we are crazy and grade him as R2 material. I would love to see Ward in the 3rd round but suspect he will go in R2.

I will tell you what, Reddog---I would be AOK with Van Noy and Ward as #1, #2.

Van Noy, however, is likely going to dazzle at the Combine, and we might even see him on the board at #20. I agree with you about Ward---he's going in round 2.