What We Now Can Expect From The Cardinals

[Mitch]

1. Anquan Boldin is not going anywhere. All the reasons point in that direction:

a) The teams that need a WR are in a position to draft a good one early in this draft...a draft that is about as deep at WR prospects as a draft ever has been...and #1 type WRs to boot: check messers Crabtree, Macklin, Heywood-Bey, Nicks, Britt, Tate...and while Percy Harvin won't necessarily be thought of as a #1 type WR, he's so speedy and dynamic that he has first rounder written all over him.

b) The perception around the league is that Boldin, because he is not a speed threat, is not a #1 type WR, and thus teams would be loathe to pony up #1 WR money on him. I am not saying this perception is right, per se, but it is what it is. No team is going to offer a 1st and 3rd for him, and rip up his contract to the tune of $8-9M a year, especially when they can draft a #1 type in the first round. For example, Philadelphia has 2 first rounders, which they can use on taking a T and a WR, as in say William Beatty or Eben Britton and Darrius Heywood-Bey or Kenny Britt...two picks that would be sure to delight Donovan McNabb. Jacksonville at #8 might even have a chance to select Michael Crabtree if the run on tackles goes as predicted. Why would they give up the #8 pick for Boldin? And the Giants? Fuggetabouit. Nicks or local star Britt will be their choice at #25.

c) Boldin's injury history will discourage most from having to give up two high draft picks and offer a 4 year $36M contract.

d) And probably most significantly, Kurt Warner wants Q right next to him in the huddle.

Will the Cardinals re-sign Boldin? Not this year. Possibly next depending on how this year goes.

2. Leinart isn't going anywhere. The reasons are:

a) Leinart's own lack of interest in being traded. Had he expressed such an interest after the Warner signing, he might have generated some interest from the Lions and the Jets...and possibly even the Broncos if they are truly open to trading Cutler...but Leinart seems comfy with his current situation and has put the onus on the team to generate any trade talk, which is the most fitting segue into reason b...

b) The Cardinals handling of the Leinart situation last summer (combined with Leinart's public display of debauchery) did not cast Leinart in any kind of a positive light around the league. The perception is that if Leinart could not beat out a 37 year old for the job, regardless of the fact that Warner played at a Pro Bowl level, then he must not be all that good...which is why he slipped in the draft to begin with. And, quite frankly, other than the excellent showing Leinart put on during the MNF game versus the Bears, he really hasn't done much to convince his detractors that he is a franchise type QB.

Had the Cardinals billed the TC QB battle between Leinart and Warner as even steven...the scenario might have shed a more positive light on Leinart, especially due to Warner's brilliance. However, the replays of the Raider pre-season game where Leinart was flat-out awful is what the rest of the league remembers...teams don't really even care or perhaps even know about how solid he was in the other pre-season games. They all saw the Raider gaffes over and over. Is this fair? No. But the way the Cardinals were insisting that Leinart was the man...and for all the others to see how he fell from grace following that performance was the key.

Will Leinart ever be the QBOF for the Cardinals? Could the Cardinals coaches have encouraged Leinart to hang in there with the notion that Warner may be really only on a one year contract, depending on how he holds up this year? I really don't think so, especially since Whiz felt the urgency to re-sign Brian St. Pierre on the first day of free agency.

I know most of you don't believe me or want to believe me...but if, Gid forbid, Warner gets hurt, and the Cardinals are in the playoff hunt and playing big-time meaningful games, we will the know who the real #2 QB is. All I am saying is, don't be too shocked if St. Pierre gets the nod.

3. The Cardinals' draft? Whiz doesn't thow out smoke screens...and he basically told us what the team's priorities are: TE, FB and OLB. No mention of RB and no mention of C. And, if you go back and read what Whiz has said the other two years you will see that he tips his hand. What does this mean?

a) Forget about C Alex Mack or most likely any center in the first three or four rounds. Did you read or hear how effusive Whiz was in his praise of C Lyle Sendlein? Whiz loves the kid's make-up and loves his effort and think he is going to develop into one of the best centers in the league.

b) Forget about a RB at #31...unless, perhaps, Knowshon Moreno were to slide there...which he won't. There is a stronger reason than people think as to why the Cardinals have held onto Edge. We will see a speed back/kickoff returner taken in this draft and it probably will be Kory Sheets, Jeremiah Johnson or Glen Coffee in round 4 or Mike Goodson, Devin Morre or Tyrell Sutton in round five.

c) The #31 pick will be either TE Brandon Pettigrew or OLB Connor Barwin (or possibly Michael Johnson, Alex English, Paul Kruger or Clint Sintim). Drafting Barwin would potentially save Whiz a roster spot at TE seeing as Barwin could and would double there.

The thing is...for those of you who are worried about players being labeled "projects"...all the players in the draft are projects...the Cardinals really don't expect any rookie to start right away...look at DRC...it took him a half a year to start, even though his talent was off the charts in TC...

What Barwin will be able to do as a rookie is be a situational pass rusher (which the team desperately needs) and be a situational receiving TE. That versatility makes Barwin extremely attractive.

As for Pettigrew...he's a special talent...and Whiz might be fed up enough with the others in the system to get'r done once and for all with Pettigrew...although even he is no lock to start immediately and there are some red flags on him (felony charge of hitting an officer while intoxicated).

4. This is the way the Cardinals' draft is likely to go:

1. Connor Barwin, 34OLB/TE, Cincinnati.

2. Lawrence Sidbury, 34OLB, Richmond.

3. Sherrod Martin, FS, Troy.

4. Kory Sheets, RB, Purdue.

5. Everette Predescleaux, 34DE, Northern Iowa.

6. David Johnson, TE/FB, Arkansas St.

7A. Jasper Brinkley, 34ILB, South Carolina.

7B. Rich Ohrnberger, G, Penn St.

I actually could see the Cardinals making a trade with Philly...possible moving down from #63 or #95 to get two picks a 3rd and a 5th or a 4th and 5th. If that's the case, add another 5th rounder.

 

[Perfectionist]

Mitch, nice stuff. I don't know why but I still have doubts that Q will be here next year if the right deal came along. Maybe its your point when you say all players in the draft are projects. Philly thinks it is a super bowl contender and Q is a proven force. For that reason, I would not be surprised if Q is gone next year. (I personally hope he is wearing a Cardinals uniform next year.)

 

[LVG]

Thanks Mitch. Always enjoy reading your stuff, and appreciate the time and effort you put into it.

 

[ASUCHRIS]

Philly thinks it is a super bowl contender and Q is a proven force. For that reason, I would not be surprised if Q is gone next year. (I personally hope he is wearing a Cardinals uniform next year.)

Which is exactly why we shouldn't trade Q to any contender, especially in the NFC. Ship him to the Raiders or another AFC team, the Cards should be contenders the next two years, no need to set up the possibility of Q coming back and biting us in the ass.

 

[Buckybird]

Mitch, me likey this draft. I love the fact we prioritize or biggest weakness, OLB and pass rush. I posted earlier the same scenario (with a Boldin trade) to get English and Sintim with our two #1's. I also had them selecting Sheets and not putting at RB at the top of their draft board. This a pass first team so why reach for a RB when your biggest need (and reason we lost the SB) is guys who can get to the QB. I'm kind of scared of Barwin because he only played DE only 1 season, but put up terrific sack numbers. If the Cards want to finish business by winning a ring, drafting pass rushers is their #1 priority!!!

 

[Crazy Canuck]

c) The #31 pick will be either TE Brandon Pettigrew or OLB Connor Barwin (or possibly Michael Johnson, Alex English, Paul Kruger or Clint Sintim). Drafting Barwin would potentially save Whiz a roster spot at TE seeing as Barwin could and would double there.

This isn't College ball or when players wore leather helmets and played on both sides of the ball. If he's selected, he'll be trained to play one position.

Jack of all trades and master of none is a receipe for a short, unproductive career.

My sense is that Barwin is this year's flavour of the month going into the draft, and I'll stick with Mike Mayoch's projection that he's a second or third rounder.

Pettigrew isn't likely to be around at 31.

(Enjoyed the read as usual... even the "goofy" recycling of Brian St-Pierre as saviour if and when the time comes for him to throw his second pass in an NFL game. And, unless there was a lot more than sharing a bong at Matt's party, I think the use of the loaded term "debauchery" is a bit much.)

 

[az jam]

Really hard to figure out what is going on with the Bolden situation. I somewhat disagree with your assessment of his worth. Rookie WRs historically take at least two full years to develop. Both the Eagles and Giants want a proven wr (especially the Eagles McNab). Boldin was the starter in the last pro bowl. He is considered the toughest wr after the catch. I think teams will anti up draft choices to get him. But who knows, I have been wrong before.

Draft wise Barwin will be an excellent pick and learn the OLB position. He doesn't have to be rushed. However I Really like RB Andre Brown of North Carolina State with the 2nd round pick but you may be right with Whis not taking a runner until day two. Javon Ringer or Mike Goodson could be a surprise 4th round pick.

Overall, Good job Mitch on your draft picks. Just remember that I am older than you and have been making draft projections much longer which basically means I have made many more mistakes!!!

 

[WildBB]

1. Anquan Boldin is not going anywhere. All the reasons point in that direction:


2. Leinart isn't going anywhere. The reasons are:

Boy from (extensive) earlier rants you sure have done a 180 degree turn. Your definitely not alone in that though.

 

[WildBB]

I actually could see the Cardinals making a trade with Philly...possible moving down from #63 or #95 to get two picks a 3rd and a 5th or a 4th and 5th. If that's the case, add another 5th rounder.

I'd rather move down up to 10 deep into the 2nd and pick up an extra early 4th.

 

[Skkorpion]

Very good read, Mitch.

 

[binkar]

3. The Cardinals' draft? Whiz doesn't thow out smoke screens...and he basically told us what the team's priorities are: TE, FB and OLB. No mention of RB and no mention of C. And, if you go back and read what Whiz has said the other two years you will see that he tips his hand. What does this mean?

Nice write-up Mitch I enjoyed reading it, but I tend to disagree on this one point. I am not saying we will definitely draft a RB, but I don't think Wiz not mentioning it means much.

With Edge being so publicly unhappy I don't think they would declare their need for a RB when they already have 3 (technically 4 but we won't count Vincent). That would further assure Edge that we have no future plans for him and we are just "holding him hostage".

Given the sensitivity of the situation I just think the Cards wouldn't publicly state they were going to draft a RB.

 

[PJ1]

I doubt we take a TE with our first pick. I would like Boldin moved and still believe their will be interest. We need help in other areas. If Plaxico goes to prison the Giants will have a big need...Drafting WR's is not an easy thing to do....Many so called great picks don't make it.

 

[SuperSpck]

Coach says:

Whisenhunt: To me, I think it's important that if you have a physical runner, that he is always falling forward, always moving his feet.
But I think to me it's also about having more than one back. I think you gotta have two backs with a little bit of difference. One that is maybe an inside pounder that can get you those positive yards and another that can do some things in space for you, and your ability to mix those up. Because I don't know if there is one back that can carry the entire load game in and game out for you.
​

Unless Coach thinks Wright is that guy who plays in space the team can't rule out a RB.
In addition to draft day crazyness that says you'll never know which player you may find in your lap I think RB's still a position the team'll be likely to pick in the first.

It's true that Leinart's body of work has it's valleys, but it's got more peaks than just the Monday night game.
Leinart set a rookie record with his 400+ yard day against Minnesota in 2006, in half his starts he's had games with over 60% completion rate.
A great win @ SF the same year and a gutty win against SEA in 07.
He flashed as a rookie, but had rookie moments.
It looks like he hit the sophmore wall after that.

That said... he's never had a game with more than 2 TD passes and when things start falling apart they unravel badly. His YPC leave a lot to be desired. But he's young and he can still grow.

Can Pierre beat him out? Sure, a team can be pretty deep at QB, that's how Warner got his start as a Ram (the team could have gone after a FA QB remember).
This preseason'll tell us a lot about what's to come.

 

[D-Dogg]

Mitch, nice stuff. I don't know why but I still have doubts that Q will be here next year if the right deal came along. Maybe its your point when you say all players in the draft are projects. Philly thinks it is a super bowl contender and Q is a proven force. For that reason, I would not be surprised if Q is gone next year. (I personally hope he is wearing a Cardinals uniform next year.)

After their losses, Q won't get them to the NFC title game next year. They lost the heart of their D and their O is another year older and deeper in debt. Q will only help the development of the young gun they do have.

I'd be fine trading Q for picks with Philly, as he won't make them unstoppable, but the extra picks COULD make us unstoppable.

 

[Cbus cardsfan]

I agree that Q likely won't be traded but teams are kidding themselves if they think they are going to get production out of a Kenny Britt,et al, that even remotely matches Boldin's production.

Leinart will beat out St.Savior. You're right, people are judging Leinart on one bad half in a pre-season game.Pretty stupid if you ask me.

I can't see Barwin playing both ways. Let's just hope he'd see the field at 1 position as a rookie. BTW, i'd hate if we picked him.

I agree we probably won't take a RB at 31 unless Wells or Moreno happen to fall.

Mack, despite what Whiz says, could easily be the choice. Whiz may not send out smoke screens, who really knows, but they will hopefully take the best player available and if it's Mack, then so be it.

I like the players in your draft but you may have them all a round early. But the Cards have to factor that in if they are targeting one of those guys since they are picking at the bottom of every round.

 

[Garthshort]

Mitch, thank you for a nice analysis. I agree/differ on the following:
1. Boldin (agree).
2. I think Whiz is not being realistic about the team's needs. There is no, or very little, depth at ILB, especially behind Hayes. And our DT depth/rotation is VERY thin, basicly Kenny Iwebema to back up DD and CC. Haven't read anything that the coaches are very high on Banks, so I think that both positions are a BIG need.
3. ML simply hasn't gotten a fair evaluation. TC should change that. IMO, if KW goes down, I'd be very, very, very surprised if ML didn't come in.
4. RB is a need, and while I don't think we'll take one in the first, I think we will in the second, and it might be Green.
5. TE, not until the 5th or 6th round.

My draft guess is a DT or ILB in the first, RB in the second, and DE/OLB in the third, DT or ILB in the fourth, FS (nickle safety) in the fifth, TE in the sixth, FB and DE/OLB in the seventh.

 

[cgolden]

Very nice write-up and great mock. Barwin and Sidbury would be a great set up young OLB's.

 

[cgolden]

2. I think Whiz is not being realistic about the team's needs. There is no, or very little, depth at ILB, especially behind Hayes. And our DT depth/rotation is VERY thin, basicly Kenny Iwebema to back up DD and CC. Haven't read anything that the coaches are very high on Banks, so I think that both positions are a BIG need.

I think the ILB and defensive lines are pretty much set. Whether we're sold on guys like Highsmith or Hobson, I think they're the depth at ILB this season. That might not sound like a great scenerio is Dansby or Hayes goes down, but neither does starting any rookie that you're going to find in this draft (outside of Ray Mau...). At defensive line there is tons of depth. At the nose they've got Watson, Branch and B Robinson and at defensive end they've got DD, CC, Iwebema and B Robinson. There are 'long shot' guys who could help as well with Keilen Dykes, Jason Banks and free agent signee Rodney Leslie. I could see adding some guys as late round picks if you want to upgrade the depth, but spending a first round pick on a ILB or defensive lineman seems like improving some already strong and relatively young units.

 

[john h]

1. Anquan Boldin is not going anywhere. All the reasons point in that direction:

a) The teams that need a WR are in a position to draft a good one early in this draft...a draft that is about as deep at WR prospects as a draft ever has been...and #1 type WRs to boot: check messers Crabtree, Macklin, Heywood-Bey, Nicks, Britt, Tate...and while Percy Harvin won't necessarily be thought of as a #1 type WR, he's so speedy and dynamic that he has first rounder written all over him.

b) The perception around the league is that Boldin, because he is not a speed threat, is not a #1 type WR, and thus teams would be loathe to pony up #1 WR money on him. I am not saying this perception is right, per se, but it is what it is. No team is going to offer a 1st and 3rd for him, and rip up his contract to the tune of $8-9M a year, especially when they can draft a #1 type in the first round. For example, Philadelphia has 2 first rounders, which they can use on taking a T and a WR, as in say William Beatty or Eben Britton and Darrius Heywood-Bey or Kenny Britt...two picks that would be sure to delight Donovan McNabb. Jacksonville at #8 might even have a chance to select Michael Crabtree if the run on tackles goes as predicted. Why would they give up the #8 pick for Boldin? And the Giants? Fuggetabouit. Nicks or local star Britt will be their choice at #25.

c) Boldin's injury history will discourage most from having to give up two high draft picks and offer a 4 year $36M contract.

d) And probably most significantly, Kurt Warner wants Q right next to him in the huddle.

Will the Cardinals re-sign Boldin? Not this year. Possibly next depending on how this year goes.

2. Leinart isn't going anywhere. The reasons are:

a) Leinart's own lack of interest in being traded. Had he expressed such an interest after the Warner signing, he might have generated some interest from the Lions and the Jets...and possibly even the Broncos if they are truly open to trading Cutler...but Leinart seems comfy with his current situation and has put the onus on the team to generate any trade talk, which is the most fitting segue into reason b...

b) The Cardinals handling of the Leinart situation last summer (combined with Leinart's public display of debauchery) did not cast Leinart in any kind of a positive light around the league. The perception is that if Leinart could not beat out a 37 year old for the job, regardless of the fact that Warner played at a Pro Bowl level, then he must not be all that good...which is why he slipped in the draft to begin with. And, quite frankly, other than the excellent showing Leinart put on during the MNF game versus the Bears, he really hasn't done much to convince his detractors that he is a franchise type QB.

Had the Cardinals billed the TC QB battle between Leinart and Warner as even steven...the scenario might have shed a more positive light on Leinart, especially due to Warner's brilliance. However, the replays of the Raider pre-season game where Leinart was flat-out awful is what the rest of the league remembers...teams don't really even care or perhaps even know about how solid he was in the other pre-season games. They all saw the Raider gaffes over and over. Is this fair? No. But the way the Cardinals were insisting that Leinart was the man...and for all the others to see how he fell from grace following that performance was the key.

Will Leinart ever be the QBOF for the Cardinals? Could the Cardinals coaches have encouraged Leinart to hang in there with the notion that Warner may be really only on a one year contract, depending on how he holds up this year? I really don't think so, especially since Whiz felt the urgency to re-sign Brian St. Pierre on the first day of free agency.

I know most of you don't believe me or want to believe me...but if, Gid forbid, Warner gets hurt, and the Cardinals are in the playoff hunt and playing big-time meaningful games, we will the know who the real #2 QB is. All I am saying is, don't be too shocked if St. Pierre gets the nod.

3. The Cardinals' draft? Whiz doesn't thow out smoke screens...and he basically told us what the team's priorities are: TE, FB and OLB. No mention of RB and no mention of C. And, if you go back and read what Whiz has said the other two years you will see that he tips his hand. What does this mean?

a) Forget about C Alex Mack or most likely any center in the first three or four rounds. Did you read or hear how effusive Whiz was in his praise of C Lyle Sendlein? Whiz loves the kid's make-up and loves his effort and think he is going to develop into one of the best centers in the league.

b) Forget about a RB at #31...unless, perhaps, Knowshon Moreno were to slide there...which he won't. There is a stronger reason than people think as to why the Cardinals have held onto Edge. We will see a speed back/kickoff returner taken in this draft and it probably will be Kory Sheets, Jeremiah Johnson or Glen Coffee in round 4 or Mike Goodson, Devin Morre or Tyrell Sutton in round five.

c) The #31 pick will be either TE Brandon Pettigrew or OLB Connor Barwin (or possibly Michael Johnson, Alex English, Paul Kruger or Clint Sintim). Drafting Barwin would potentially save Whiz a roster spot at TE seeing as Barwin could and would double there.

The thing is...for those of you who are worried about players being labeled "projects"...all the players in the draft are projects...the Cardinals really don't expect any rookie to start right away...look at DRC...it took him a half a year to start, even though his talent was off the charts in TC...

What Barwin will be able to do as a rookie is be a situational pass rusher (which the team desperately needs) and be a situational receiving TE. That versatility makes Barwin extremely attractive.

As for Pettigrew...he's a special talent...and Whiz might be fed up enough with the others in the system to get'r done once and for all with Pettigrew...although even he is no lock to start immediately and there are some red flags on him (felony charge of hitting an officer while intoxicated).

4. This is the way the Cardinals' draft is likely to go:

1. Connor Barwin, 34OLB/TE, Cincinnati.

2. Lawrence Sidbury, 34OLB, Richmond.

3. Sherrod Martin, FS, Troy.

4. Kory Sheets, RB, Purdue.

5. Everette Predescleaux, 34DE, Northern Iowa.

6. David Johnson, TE/FB, Arkansas St.

7A. Jasper Brinkley, 34ILB, South Carolina.

7B. Rich Ohrnberger, G, Penn St.

I actually could see the Cardinals making a trade with Philly...possible moving down from #63 or #95 to get two picks a 3rd and a 5th or a 4th and 5th. If that's the case, add another 5th rounder.

Mitch you are the resident expert here so I rarely challenge you on anything. The draft-I have not a clue who we will draft so assume you are going to be as close as anyone. One thing you could be wrong on I think might be trading Boldin. It just makes sense to me that we should trade him. He wants out of here. We have good receivers. We are going to lose him in two years no matter what and surely we should be able to get at least one good draft choice or one good player for him. Not as much as most would like but as you say it is what it is. He had a serious injury last year with a bones smashed in his face. I have no idea if there is any concern from anyone about the possibility of reinjury. His style of reckless play puts him at greater risk than most. How will his attitude be in the locker room? How is his relationship with the coaches? You can probably answer those questions I cannot.

As a RB Edge is old. No doubt about it. He makes a lot of money. What kind of numbers can he put up if he stays? I think we let him go. I think in his mind he is gone.

Other than what I mentioned those are my only comments about your informed opinions which I always respect. My thoughts are based mostly on what seems to be the natural thing to do. Yours are based on experience and inside information unavailable to most of us. I would rarely bet against you. Predicting drafts especially down low if very difficult as you never know who will be available. Most of us, I think, thought a RB would be our #1. Mostly we are wrong when it comes to who the Cardinals will draft even when drafting very high.

 

[WildBB]

5. TE, not until the 5th or 6th round.

Whis wants a solid all around guy. I'd say that the order of necessity if there really is one is:

1- Every down RB
2- 3/4 OLB prospect
3- C, OG to challenge incumbents
4- TE (see above)
5- FS
6- KR/ST's
7- DL

The first four could be interchangeable. As well as the last three. There is going to be very good TE prospects available at the ends of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd rounds. They may pull the trigger on one. I wouldn't be surprised.

 

[JeffGollin]

It's hard to scope out the likelihood of our drafting individual players, because we don't know how Cardinal scouts rate them nor how they'd be viewed as fitting within our offensive and defensive systems (or how much the coaches rate the intangibles - i.e. work ethic, coachability etc. - that don't show up on many scouting recaps).

That said - I think two drafting principles will govern this year's Cardinal draft: (1) a continuation of Best Athlete Available (adjusted slightly for position need and system-fit) and (2) greater emphasis on dominant physical or athletic attributes (i.e. height, weight, speed, jumping ability, ball skills, agility).

A drastic change in drafting strategy - away from drafting targeted players a round early (to make sure we got them) and toward drafting best players available (so that we maximize value for the pick) resulted in a gradual upgrade of the talent on our roster, because, instead of getting guys rated one round worse than when we picked, we started getting guys rated at least part of a round better than where we were picking. There's no reason to change that strategy.

Last year, there was a noticeable swing in the kind of guys we drafted toward guys who either ran faster than anyone and jumped higher than anyone (DRC), was taller and had longer arms than anyone (Campbell) or was incredibly talented for a 7th round pick (Keith). Part of the reason we could do so was because we had enough talent at each position to make it possible to roll the dice on potential without much risk. Here too, I'd look for us to draft really athletically gifted athletes.

I think this will mean (sound of some of you "old school" guys swallowing your tongues) more attention to workout scores (but not at the expense of game-day production).

I also think we can throw "position-need" out the window as we try to scope out picks and prepare mocks.

Instead, I think we'll wind up with 8 really gifted athletes but will have to rely on Lady Luck for all or most of them to actually address a position need.

This means that - rather than definitely or definitely not drafting a RB: If the right RB is available at the right time, we'll grab him. Otherwise, no. Following the "dominant athlete" theme, I'd keep my eyes on Wells (size), Moreno (speed & agility) and Brown (versatility at a high level).

Other "dominant athletes" we might target at their appropriate slot in the draft:

WR: Tiquan Underwood, Mike Thomas, Johnny Knox,

OT: William Beatty

OC: Eric Wood (30 BP; Under 5.00 for the forty)

DE: Brian Orapko (will be gone, but he does have freaky athleticism), Larry English (agility), Tyson Jackson (4.95 @296 lbs),

DT: Ziggy Hood (4.92, off-the-charts agility numbers and 35 bench press reps at 300 lbs)

OLB: Connor Barwin (also said to be high-character player)

ILB: (Although Scott McKillup ran a 4.64 @ 244, he's only 5-11.

CB: Darius Butler, Sherrod Martin, Jason McCourty, Terrail Lambert - and keep an eye on Macho Harris (who redeemed a 4.68 forty with a 4.46).

S: David Bruton

These are guys who (as I see it) are (mostly unheralded) dominant athletes who also perform at a high level as FB players.

 

[D-Dogg]

DT: Ziggy Hood (4.92, off-the-charts agility numbers and 35 bench press reps at 300 lbs)

That guy is going to be a very good football player in the NFL. I would love to have him on our squad.

 

[WildBB]

That guy is going to be a very good football player in the NFL. I would love to have him on our squad.

He's the reason I asked if CC could be moved to the outside (BBerry's Will spot). Guilty.

I like Jaron Gilbert a lot too.

 

[Big Deal]

c) The #31 pick will be either TE Brandon Pettigrew or OLB Connor Barwin (or possibly Michael Johnson, Alex English, Paul Kruger or Clint Sintim). Drafting Barwin would potentially save Whiz a roster spot at TE seeing as Barwin could and would double there.

This isn't College ball or when players wore leather helmets and played on both sides of the ball. If he's selected, he'll be trained to play one position.

Jack of all trades and master of none is a receipe for a short, unproductive career.

My sense is that Barwin is this year's flavour of the month going into the draft, and I'll stick with Mike Mayoch's projection that he's a second or third rounder.

Pettigrew isn't likely to be around at 31.

(Enjoyed the read as usual... even the "goofy" recycling of Brian St-Pierre as saviour if and when the time comes for him to throw his second pass in an NFL game. And, unless there was a lot more than sharing a bong at Matt's party, I think the use of the loaded term "debauchery" is a bit much.)

LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks for the laugh, classic material.

 

[NuttinButTDs]

Mitch - always love reading your stuff, but I am absolutely stunned by your reversal. Your expectations are different from your predictions (technically, your expectations are your predictions)


Prediction: Ben Patric have a breakout year in 2009.
Pope Will once again be a threat in the red zone, possibly catching as many as 5 or 6 TDs.
No WR or TE will be drafted this year.

Any yet your first round draft is possible TE

Other predictions
Leinart is traded to the New York Jets
The Cardinals will draft a QB at some point in the draft this year, thus making Palko's chances of sticking very slim.
Edge is released and is signed by the Baltimore Ravens to split time with fellow Hurricane Willis McGahee.
Hightower becomes the team's starting RB

Happy Friday