Mitch
Crawled Through 5 FB Fields
In assessing the Cardinals' greatest needs prior to the draft, these were the areas I focussed on:
1-Cardinal Tough
---adding toughness to a team that desperately needs it.
2-Improving the Cardinals' weakest areas: the outside pass rush, the left tackle position and the strong inside linebacker position.
3-Adding Players Who are Good Fits in the "Dink and Dunk" Offense, the Steeler-type 34 Defense and on Special Teams.
4-Adding Players Who Are Self-Starters and Are Highly Motivated.
Cardinal Tough:
Plusses: Peterson, Acho, Sherman
Question Marks: Williams, Housler, Sturdivant, Carter, Sampson
Improving the Cardinals' Weakest Areas:
A. The Outside Pass Rush---while Acho has a good motor and works his tail off, he dropped to the 4th round because he is only an average pass rusher.
This area was a major whiff for the Cardinals in a draft that was a good 10 players deep in very good edge rushers. This was my biggest disappointment in the draft and has been for the past several drafts.
When is it ever going to happen?
Ironically, two of our Division Rivals, who already have significantly more talent on the edge than we do, cashed in on adding edge talent:
SF: Aldon Smith (7) and Bruce Miller (239)
STL: Robert Quinn (14)
Now our left tackle will be even more challenged...
B. The Left Tackle Position
Total whiff...although the draft wasn't loaded with LT prospects---and the 4 best LT candidates, by far, were taken in the first round.
Every knowledgeable Cardinals' fan knows that Levi Brown does not have the ability to stifle good edge rushers---and yet---the Cardinal coaches continue to believe otherwise. Let's hope the Cardinals have an answer in free agency.
C. Strong Inside Linebacker.
Quan Sturdivant dropped to the 6th round because he is not an impact tackler---he's more of a drag-you-down arm tackler. He has good range and very good size and ahtleticism---but lacks the step up and smash you in the mouth instinct/mentality. These were the areas that concerned me about Karlos Dansby.
We still here in Arizona haven't had a step up and smash you in the mouth SILB in years...in years!
We need tough intimidators on this defense...not finesse guys.
Now---maybe Ray Horton lights a fire under Sturdivant and Sturdivant responds. He is physically capable.
There are better SILB propects on the UCFA list:
Nicholas Bellore will smash you in the mouth. So will Mario Harvey, even though he's not as tall as you'd prefer...but so what. Like Ray Horton preaches, "I want small guys who can hit."
But---again---there were some very good SILB prospects in this draft that were available in the third round as most of us expected them to be---but the Cardinals felt that drafting a situational TE was more important...which I still do not even remotely comprehend as a priority, even though I am happy we finally got a TE receiving target---that is, if he is ever utilized and thrown to.
System Fits:
Peterson---with his versatility and athletic prowess he fits into ANY system. And the great thing is, he will be coached up by Ray Horton and DeShea Townshend---and maybe Horton won't be afraid to start a rookie like his predecessor was. Plus, imagine what PP7 is going to do for our return game. Projection: Immediate starter at CB.
Williams---a better fit than Beanie Wells because Williams is quicker to the holes, is shiftier in the open field and is a much better pass receiver. Projection: will assume the #2 RB role behind Tim Hightower and will get 10-12 touches a game.
Housler---is an excellent fit in the dink and dunk. Projection: situational TE who will be flexed into the slot or motioned into it.
Acho---has to make the conversion from college DE to pro SOLB, but has the smarts and aggressiveness to convert quickly. Projection: backup SOLB to Clark Haggans, but used to spell Haggans a couple of times a game. May get some looks as the LDE in the 4 man rush.
Sherman---a superb fit for a variety of reasons. First of all, he becomes the new Sean Morey on STs---the lead blocker on kickoffs---and one of the leading tacklers on cover teams. Secondly, he becomes the team's FB who will lead the way for Hightower and Williams when the offense is in the 2 back sets---and at times will be kept in to block in passing situations. Remember how Whiz tried to use Spach, Patrick and Dray in that role and they got blown up? Well, this Sherman Tank won't. Projection: starter at FB and STs ace.
Sturdivant---unless he becomes a more instinctive (in terms of stepping up) and physcial tackler, he won't see much PT at SILB. What I wonder is: will Ray Horton and John Lott try to put 15 more pounds on him and move him to the outside? That may be his more natural position. Projection: practice squad to start with...moved up to the roster when ready.
Carter---Whiz told him he would play 34DE, which thrilled Carter because---here we go again---like Alan Branch, he doesn't want to play NT. What I question is whether he has the agility to play 34DE. He has the strength in running situations and seems like a hard worker. Projection: practice squad.
Sampson---good fit in the dink and dunk. Has short area slippery-ness and strength---good hands and RAC ability---and can sneak by you deep on occasion. Projection: practice squad.
Self Starters?
Peterson---this kid dares to be great. Yes, no question.
Williams---this past injury-riddled, less productive season humbled him a great deal (it was reported that some coaches at VT thought Williams got a little too full of himself after his big year in 2009) and now he has the opportunity he's dreamed of...but he is going to have to deal with the awkwardness of the Beanie Wells situation. However, I think this is a kid who dreams big and is willing to work hard to accomplish his goals. Yes.
Housler---very mature and diligent. Yes.
Acho---is the epitome of a self-starter. Yes.
Sherman---Whiz likes gym rats, well this kid will be the first one in, last one out. Yes.
Sturdivant---he will be motivated to prove his talent. Yes.
Carter---pushed himself hard this past year and saw the value and reward of hard work. Yes.
Sampson---with his age comes maturity. Yes.
Grades:
1-Cardinal Tough? C+
2-Improving Weakest Areas: D
3-Acquiring Fits: B
4-Acquiring Self-Starters: A
Overall Grade: C+/B-
Comment: The organization's philosophy of how to build a championship caliber team and roster remains in question. This draft was the kind of draft a team makes when it already has strength at the key positions.
This was a draft that was focused on adding situational players. There may not be many present or future starters in this draft. Peterson and Sherman should become starters this year. The others will have to rise above the existing and future competition.
When a team keeps having to use high drafts at the same positions---while ignoring its greatest needs---that's a recipe for failure.
This draft puts further doubt on the team's scouts' understanding of how to draft for the Steeler-type 34 defense. Hopefully, once ensconsed in the draft preparations, Ray Horton can exert his infuence.
The good news is---it looks as if Whiz is now drafting players who fit the dink and dunk. Hopefully, he will realize that Levi Brown is not a dink and dunk LT---sooner rather than later.
Which leads to the question of free agency.
Michael Bidwill has vowed that the Cardinals are going to be "aggressive." This has been his mantra throughout his ticket sales PR campaign.
One has to wonder, however, what Bidwill's definition of aggressive is. This draft was not an aggressive draft---and what this draft has done is put enormous pressure on free agency---and quite frankly, based on the team's typically dilatory and passive aggressive free agency procedures, does anyone have confidence that Bidwill will follow through?
Would it surprise you if the one big move is to sign a QB and little else will be done to improve the rest of the team? That may be what Bidwill's talking about when he says aggressive: the team will sign a veteran QB.
I sincerely hope Michael Bidwill is good on his word---and---that he recognizes that this is one soft football team he has on his hands now---and that adding the veteran QB is only one of several key additions the team needs to make in order to make a legitimate run to recapture the NFC West division crown.
1-Cardinal Tough
---adding toughness to a team that desperately needs it.2-Improving the Cardinals' weakest areas: the outside pass rush, the left tackle position and the strong inside linebacker position.
3-Adding Players Who are Good Fits in the "Dink and Dunk" Offense, the Steeler-type 34 Defense and on Special Teams.
4-Adding Players Who Are Self-Starters and Are Highly Motivated.
Cardinal Tough
:Plusses: Peterson, Acho, Sherman
Question Marks: Williams, Housler, Sturdivant, Carter, Sampson
Improving the Cardinals' Weakest Areas:
A. The Outside Pass Rush---while Acho has a good motor and works his tail off, he dropped to the 4th round because he is only an average pass rusher.
This area was a major whiff for the Cardinals in a draft that was a good 10 players deep in very good edge rushers. This was my biggest disappointment in the draft and has been for the past several drafts.
When is it ever going to happen?
Ironically, two of our Division Rivals, who already have significantly more talent on the edge than we do, cashed in on adding edge talent:
SF: Aldon Smith (7) and Bruce Miller (239)
STL: Robert Quinn (14)
Now our left tackle will be even more challenged...
B. The Left Tackle Position
Total whiff...although the draft wasn't loaded with LT prospects---and the 4 best LT candidates, by far, were taken in the first round.
Every knowledgeable Cardinals' fan knows that Levi Brown does not have the ability to stifle good edge rushers---and yet---the Cardinal coaches continue to believe otherwise. Let's hope the Cardinals have an answer in free agency.
C. Strong Inside Linebacker.
Quan Sturdivant dropped to the 6th round because he is not an impact tackler---he's more of a drag-you-down arm tackler. He has good range and very good size and ahtleticism---but lacks the step up and smash you in the mouth instinct/mentality. These were the areas that concerned me about Karlos Dansby.
We still here in Arizona haven't had a step up and smash you in the mouth SILB in years...in years!
We need tough intimidators on this defense...not finesse guys.
Now---maybe Ray Horton lights a fire under Sturdivant and Sturdivant responds. He is physically capable.
There are better SILB propects on the UCFA list:
Nicholas Bellore will smash you in the mouth. So will Mario Harvey, even though he's not as tall as you'd prefer...but so what. Like Ray Horton preaches, "I want small guys who can hit."
But---again---there were some very good SILB prospects in this draft that were available in the third round as most of us expected them to be---but the Cardinals felt that drafting a situational TE was more important...which I still do not even remotely comprehend as a priority, even though I am happy we finally got a TE receiving target---that is, if he is ever utilized and thrown to.
System Fits:
Peterson---with his versatility and athletic prowess he fits into ANY system. And the great thing is, he will be coached up by Ray Horton and DeShea Townshend---and maybe Horton won't be afraid to start a rookie like his predecessor was. Plus, imagine what PP7 is going to do for our return game. Projection: Immediate starter at CB.
Williams---a better fit than Beanie Wells because Williams is quicker to the holes, is shiftier in the open field and is a much better pass receiver. Projection: will assume the #2 RB role behind Tim Hightower and will get 10-12 touches a game.
Housler---is an excellent fit in the dink and dunk. Projection: situational TE who will be flexed into the slot or motioned into it.
Acho---has to make the conversion from college DE to pro SOLB, but has the smarts and aggressiveness to convert quickly. Projection: backup SOLB to Clark Haggans, but used to spell Haggans a couple of times a game. May get some looks as the LDE in the 4 man rush.
Sherman---a superb fit for a variety of reasons. First of all, he becomes the new Sean Morey on STs---the lead blocker on kickoffs---and one of the leading tacklers on cover teams. Secondly, he becomes the team's FB who will lead the way for Hightower and Williams when the offense is in the 2 back sets---and at times will be kept in to block in passing situations. Remember how Whiz tried to use Spach, Patrick and Dray in that role and they got blown up? Well, this Sherman Tank won't. Projection: starter at FB and STs ace.
Sturdivant---unless he becomes a more instinctive (in terms of stepping up) and physcial tackler, he won't see much PT at SILB. What I wonder is: will Ray Horton and John Lott try to put 15 more pounds on him and move him to the outside? That may be his more natural position. Projection: practice squad to start with...moved up to the roster when ready.
Carter---Whiz told him he would play 34DE, which thrilled Carter because---here we go again---like Alan Branch, he doesn't want to play NT. What I question is whether he has the agility to play 34DE. He has the strength in running situations and seems like a hard worker. Projection: practice squad.
Sampson---good fit in the dink and dunk. Has short area slippery-ness and strength---good hands and RAC ability---and can sneak by you deep on occasion. Projection: practice squad.
Self Starters?
Peterson---this kid dares to be great. Yes, no question.
Williams---this past injury-riddled, less productive season humbled him a great deal (it was reported that some coaches at VT thought Williams got a little too full of himself after his big year in 2009) and now he has the opportunity he's dreamed of...but he is going to have to deal with the awkwardness of the Beanie Wells situation. However, I think this is a kid who dreams big and is willing to work hard to accomplish his goals. Yes.
Housler---very mature and diligent. Yes.
Acho---is the epitome of a self-starter. Yes.
Sherman---Whiz likes gym rats, well this kid will be the first one in, last one out. Yes.
Sturdivant---he will be motivated to prove his talent. Yes.
Carter---pushed himself hard this past year and saw the value and reward of hard work. Yes.
Sampson---with his age comes maturity. Yes.
Grades:
1-Cardinal Tough
? C+2-Improving Weakest Areas: D
3-Acquiring Fits: B
4-Acquiring Self-Starters: A
Overall Grade: C+/B-
Comment: The organization's philosophy of how to build a championship caliber team and roster remains in question. This draft was the kind of draft a team makes when it already has strength at the key positions.
This was a draft that was focused on adding situational players. There may not be many present or future starters in this draft. Peterson and Sherman should become starters this year. The others will have to rise above the existing and future competition.
When a team keeps having to use high drafts at the same positions---while ignoring its greatest needs---that's a recipe for failure.
This draft puts further doubt on the team's scouts' understanding of how to draft for the Steeler-type 34 defense. Hopefully, once ensconsed in the draft preparations, Ray Horton can exert his infuence.
The good news is---it looks as if Whiz is now drafting players who fit the dink and dunk. Hopefully, he will realize that Levi Brown is not a dink and dunk LT---sooner rather than later.
Which leads to the question of free agency.
Michael Bidwill has vowed that the Cardinals are going to be "aggressive." This has been his mantra throughout his ticket sales PR campaign.
One has to wonder, however, what Bidwill's definition of aggressive is. This draft was not an aggressive draft---and what this draft has done is put enormous pressure on free agency---and quite frankly, based on the team's typically dilatory and passive aggressive free agency procedures, does anyone have confidence that Bidwill will follow through?
Would it surprise you if the one big move is to sign a QB and little else will be done to improve the rest of the team? That may be what Bidwill's talking about when he says aggressive: the team will sign a veteran QB.
I sincerely hope Michael Bidwill is good on his word---and---that he recognizes that this is one soft football team he has on his hands now---and that adding the veteran QB is only one of several key additions the team needs to make in order to make a legitimate run to recapture the NFC West division crown.
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Signing Bulger or standing pat IMO spells the end of the Fitz era in AZ
)
What a joke.
