Why Fitz?

[vikesfan]

Well teams needs are different every year. What if WAS or DET or NYG needed a WR well then Fitz is gone before JAX.

The fact is TSN has Fitz rated in the top 3 as a player. DG is making Fitz a top 3 choice? That is ludicrous look where TSN rates him. Look where most professionals rate him.

Professionals look at film. They see how a player plays. He was 2nd in Heisman voting as a sophmore. He caught 28 TDs.

This kid is a legitimate top 3 pick. If Fitz doesn't come out people would be saying Roy Williams is a legitimate top 3 pick.

Yeah Fitz might turn out not to be as good as some WR taken later. But which one? And what about the busts later - at least he won't be as big a bust risk.

Why bother taking anyone in the first round then trade out of the first round every year and take second round players instead.
Cause some second round players will turn out better then some first round players.


This isn't taking Pace or a K in the first round. This is taking a legit top 3 player in the top 3. If SD or OAK take him and the Cards lose out then what or JAX trades up to get him - then you will believe he was legit at #3 but if DG says he is legit at #3 you don't believe him.

Why is that what if Parcells or Reid say Fitz is legit do you then believe it but if DG says it you dismiss it. That is condescending and patronizing.

 

[kerouac9]

Well teams needs are different every year. What if WAS or DET or NYG needed a WR well then Fitz is gone before JAX.

The fact is TSN has Fitz rated in the top 3 as a player. DG is making Fitz a top 3 choice? That is ludicrous look where TSN rates him. Look where most professionals rate him.

Professionals look at film. They see how a player plays. He was 2nd in Heisman voting as a sophmore. He caught 28 TDs.

This kid is a legitimate top 3 pick. If Fitz doesn't come out people would be saying Roy Williams is a legitimate top 3 pick.

Yeah Fitz might turn out not to be as good as some WR taken later. But which one? And what about the busts later - at least he won't be as big a bust risk.

Why bother taking anyone in the first round then trade out of the first round every year and take second round players instead.
Cause some second round players will turn out better then some first round players.


This isn't taking Pace or a K in the first round. This is taking a legit top 3 player in the top 3. If SD or OAK take him and the Cards lose out then what or JAX trades up to get him - then you will believe he was legit at #3 but if DG says he is legit at #3 you don't believe him.

Why is that what if Parcells or Reid say Fitz is legit do you then believe it but if DG says it you dismiss it. That is condescending and patronizing.

Repeating "He's a Top 3 Pick!" over and over doesn't make it so, even if it is Denny Green that's also doing the repeating. The FACT of the matter is that Larry Fitzgerald doesn't stand out from many of the WRs in this class in any way. The Huddle Report says this: "Larry has three skills that separate him from most receivers. Oddly enough, these skills are learned skills and not natural. They are: great concentration, strong hands and looking at the QB after he makes his move on a DB to free himself." If Larry's skills can be learned, why pass over a better prospect that has attributes that can't be learned? That's the real question that I want to hear answered before I jump on the Larry Fitzgerald bandwagon.

Do you have an answer that is not Denny Green-related?

 

[joeshmo]

That's something. Say that Fitz isn't drafted by the Cards at #3 overall. Where does he fall to? Jacksonville? Do the Giants drop everything (QB, Gallery, what-have-you) and take him? The Browns? Maybe the Falcons?

Same thing could have been said about Suggs last year or countless other players. Just becuase he isnt picked by pick #3 doesnt mean he isnt worth that pick.

Fitz is a "legitimate choice" at #3 because Denny Green keeps insisting he is. I think that he's a legitmate Top 10 choice, but I'm still unconvinced of what he brings to the table that Roy Williams or even Reggie Williams doesn't.

I got to say this is completly bunk statement.

Fitz is a legit #1 not becuase Denny Green says so, becuase every draft publication, draft gurus and scouts have Fitz as a top 5 player and for good reason. Here is a draft site that ranks the players according to there average rank according to 13 other draft 100 top players lists: http://www.allsortssports.com/NFLDraftPlayerRanks/Top100.asp

Fitz is #1 on Mel Kpers List, gbnreport, Huddle report, and there are countless more I can name off. And even more who have him in at least in the top 5 players.

Plus if you want to compare Fitz with Roy that is completly fine with me becuase a valid arguemnt can be made for both of them as the #1 WR. But to even compare Reggie Williams to Fitz talent level will be a huge one sided debate in Fitz favor and if anyone has seen both of these players play on film for more then one game you will understand this.

 

[joeshmo]

The FACT of the matter is that Larry Fitzgerald doesn't stand out from many of the WRs in this class in any way. The Huddle Report says this: "Larry has three skills that separate him from most receivers. Oddly enough, these skills are learned skills and not natural. They are: great concentration, strong hands and looking at the QB after he makes his move on a DB to free himself." If Larry's skills can be learned, why pass over a better prospect that has attributes that can't be learned? That's the real question that I want to hear answered before I jump on the Larry Fitzgerald bandwagon.

Do you have an answer that is not Denny Green-related?

I will take a shot at this. First of all who says that the first sentence is so called FACT. Fitz and Roy do both stand out from the rest of the WR class. And just look at where Fitz and Roy are located on anyones player rankings compared to ther other WR's and you will see what I mean.

Next if those are the things that Larry already knows far more then any of the other WR's then he can move on to learn other things or refine what he already knows, while the other WR's are still trying to play catch up with Larry's skill level.

And since we are throwing out Huddle report quotes how about this one,

"He puts the DB on his back and shields him from the ball. That is a move used for years by the big time WR’s. Most of them will be in the Hall of Fame. Most of them as fast as Larry. It does not take a genius to figure that Larry will have a big impact in the NFL. He will not be satisfied with stats. He will try to improve every year. He wants to be one of the best ever to play the game. The teams that pass on him may just be passing on greatness. Larry might be downgraded because of the lack of speed. BIG MISTAKE!"

 

[az240zz]

NOT FACTUAL!

Emotional response based on skewed perception gestated by an unhealthy affliction of hero worshipping at it's extremest level. Unable to seperate opinion from a fact. This will lead to a life of unfulfilled expectations predicated on others performance. Doomed for failure.

HANFDBB

Wow didn't realize this doubled as a pysch board.

 

[Krangodnzr]

Why not Fitz?

1. Fitz adds another strong weapon to our offense. The offense is much closer to being a strength than the defense.

2. He is a great character guy, and won't embarrass the organization.

3. A big (6'3, 225) strong (20 reps) receiver, who excels at catching the jump ball. He'll be a big time threat in the redzone.

4. Takes pressure off Anquan, and gives McCown a good receiving corps to work with. Bryant Johnson will be helped as well, since he won't have to carry the burden of being covered as heavily.

 

[joeshmo]

Why not Fitz?

Now that is the Better Question.

 

[Cbus cardsfan]

I say trade down to 7 and draft Wilfork.

Please,the Cards can't ruin my draft 2 years in a row.Last year passing on Lefty was completely insane.Then to turn around and take this year's Jimmy Kennedy would be even worse.I don't mind trading down to 7 but only if we get Roy Williams,Sean Taylor,or Kellen Winslow.We need playmakers and those 3,along with Fitz,are the ones that fit the mold. To ansewr the question,why Fitz? Why not?He's rated by many as the best player in the draft.He comes with no baggage and he has teh ability to make the big catch. The guy who posted that some scout said all of Fitz, skills can be taught is an idiot(the scout,not the poster).Concentration and the ability to catch the ball in traffic are two things that cannot be taught.Otherwise,all the WR's would have that ability.How many guys do you see making catches like Cris Carter or Lynn Swann? That is one of the most idiotic statements i have read in awhile.

 

[Chopper0080]

The reason that you take Fitz is fairly obvious and have been stated.

-He is a great character guy WITH TREMENDOUS SKILL! Individuals have agrued on this board for years that it is not the best thing for your organization to add only "good character" guys because they don't usually have talent. Now we have the chance to get one that does.

-He has exceptional hands and polish. The most difficult aspects of making the leap from college to the NFL at the wide receiver position are the area of Fitzgerald's strengths. He has great hands so that the QB will feel comfortable getting him the ball and therefore developing a bond between the two. Fitz runs great routes which cuts down on the ability of cornerbacks to jump his routes and make plays on the ball. This also builds a connection between the receiver and the QB because the QB knows that the receiver will be where he is supposed to be. He adjusts to and catches bad balls with plus size and athleticism, which helps ensure coverage is rolled to his side. This opens up the field. Many of these are similar traits to what Quan did last year. You can only double so many guys in the passing game.

-He is less of a risk to be a bust (with the exception of major injury). This is because he is hard working (will work on areas that need improvement in his game), smart (can handle the offensive playbook), and a team player that leads by example (won't "me" his teammates to death, and will work to earn his place which is great with the vets).

Larry Fitzgerald is a very good and safe pick for a franchise trying to turn around its image and history. Yes he might not be the best player in the draft BUT he definitely won't be Thomas Jones.

 

[Stout]

Why not Fitz?

1. Fitz adds another strong weapon to our offense. The offense is much closer to being a strength than the defense.

2. He is a great character guy, and won't embarrass the organization.

3. A big (6'3, 225) strong (20 reps) receiver, who excels at catching the jump ball. He'll be a big time threat in the redzone.

4. Takes pressure off Anquan, and gives McCown a good receiving corps to work with. Bryant Johnson will be helped as well, since he won't have to carry the burden of being covered as heavily.

1. We already have Fitz on the roster...Anquan Boldin. Fitz won't open up the running game by forcing the safeties to respect him. I love the guy's game, but he's not the outside burner we need.

2. Who cares? Haven't we already shown we should draft based on character?

3. See # 1. You have a bit more of a point here, as he's probably better at the jump ball in the red zone than Quan is, but that alone shouldn't dictate us drafting him.

Bottom line: He's a hugely talented kid that can definitely help. Problem is, given our current receiver situation, I don't think he's the guy that can help us the most. Of course, that's just my opinion, and I'm not saying people that want to draft him are wrong. I'll even be all right with the pick if/when it happens. I'd just rather go another direction, as I'm sure many here already know

 

[Crazy Canuck]

I say trade down to 7 and draft Wilfork.

I say trade down to 7 and draft Hall

 

[Krangodnzr]

I say trade down to 7 and draft Hall

If we trade down to 7, that's who I would want.

Imagine if we could add Cleveland's #2....

1. Deangelo Hall, cornerback, Virginia Tech
2a. Marcus Tubbs, defensive tackle, Texas
2b. Bob Sanders, safety, Iowa

 

[Krangodnzr]

1. We already have Fitz on the roster...Anquan Boldin. Fitz won't open up the running game by forcing the safeties to respect him. I love the guy's game, but he's not the outside burner we need.

Two Anquans are better than one. Fitz has pretty good speed, and with Bry-John (NOT BJ ) on the roster, I doubt the safeties could stack the box like last season

2. Who cares? Haven't we already shown we should draft based on character?

David Boston. Case closed. Character counts. Not to the extent that I would want us to only draft character guys. But it is a bonus that guys like Taylor, Winslow, and a few others don't have.

3. See # 1. You have a bit more of a point here, as he's probably better at the jump ball in the red zone than Quan is, but that alone shouldn't dictate us drafting him.

But that isn't the only reason to draft him. Fitz has exceptional hands, probably better than any player on our roster including Anquan. He also has the size to go over the middle as well.

Bottom line: He's a hugely talented kid that can definitely help. Problem is, given our current receiver situation, I don't think he's the guy that can help us the most.

I'm not exactly sold on our receiver situation. Granted, BJ will probably develop, but his upside isn't exactly star-level. Fitz has hall of fame-type potential, IMO, unlike most of the other top prospects.

Of course, that's just my opinion, and I'm not saying people that want to draft him are wrong. I'll even be all right with the pick if/when it happens. I'd just rather go another direction, as I'm sure many here already know

I know, I know....draft Big Ryen Leaflisberger.

 

[BigRedMO]

I dont see logic of picking any WR at #3 either. Moss has so much influence (sarcasm). Maybe I am tuning to the wrong station but I have not seen Moss in a Super Bowl yet. I do not believe I have seen Terrel Owens in a Super Bowl either. A #3 pick is going to be expensive. Only pick worth the risk at that expensive level is a franchise QB or pass rushing demon.

 

[Stout]

I know, I know....draft Big Ryen Leaflisberger.

Boy, if it wasn't for that smilie, and the fact I know you ain't that dumb...

You have fair enough points. I think he'll be a heckuva player, no doubt about it. I just think that other players will help us more, perhaps not immediately, but in the long run. It'd be gravy to have our guy come in, start and contribute on day one, but the chances of that happening aren't good. We can't continue to count on rookies starting from day one---it doesn't work out most of the time.

 

[BigRedMO]

I am from MO and have been a fan of the Big Red since the Coryell days of the 70s. After '98 season I thought they had turned the corner and finally were headed in right direction. However last year was a low for me as a fan. I for first time, since I started subscribing to NFL package in 97, did not subscribe. Signing Emitt Smith (P.R. stunt) and Blake a huge mistake while not addressing real needs like pass rush really demoralized me. Most points allowed, fewest poinst scored tells me this team is at least a couple years away from winning.

At this point the only thing that will renew my fanatical interest in the team is a big name big impact number one pick in the draft. A wide receiver does not have the impact of a QB or a pass rushing defensive end because he catches at most 10 balls a game. It is probably not going to occur but for me to regain my interest it will take winning or a big name guy like Eli Manning. Neither winning nor Manning seem likely to occur.

 

[CardinalChris]

Other than intangibles, I'm not sure what makes Fitz a better prospect than even Charles Rogers or Andre Johnson were last season.

Johnson has stone hands. Rogers is more like Fitz, but lacks the ability to "go get" a ball like Fitz. His hands are amazing, not that Rogers are poor, but Fitz has world class hands. And to me, I'll take cimilar talent with those intangibles. Those become important. I'm telling you, this kid is special. Double and tripple teams don't matter. What's really nice is if he's drafted and played at SE, he'll get doubled (in theory) more than Boldin. Not only will that free up Quan, but Fitz is good enough to fight off double teams and still make an impact while playing the SE position.

Now would I cry if he goes #2? No, I'd love a Taylor. But to say "we have a good WR and some high draft picks behind him, so let's not draft him cheats us of talent in the long run. Isn't that the BPA method?

 

[Capital Card]

At this point the only thing that will renew my fanatical interest in the team is a big name big impact number one pick in the draft. A wide receiver does not have the impact of a QB or a pass rushing defensive end because he catches at most 10 balls a game. It is probably not going to occur but for me to regain my interest it will take winning or a big name guy like Eli Manning. Neither winning nor Manning seem likely to occur.

First off, I have to respect you as a long time fan; however, I disagree with several of your points.

A wide receiver can have a huge impact on the game. Since you didn't renew your Sunday Ticket subscription last year, you missed Charles Rodgers single handedly beat the crap out of us.

The Rams aren't "The Greatest Show on Turf" because of their defense, it's their WR corps that has carried them and their poor QB's and defense.

Also of note, WR's that make 10 catches a game end up in the Hall of Fame. I'm not sure what the single game sack record is for a DE, but I'm sure it isn't anywhere near 10.

Rookie QB's? I don't proclaim to know if Eli, Ben, or Luke will be successful pro's, but right now I trust Denny when he say's that Josh gives us our best hope to win this year and probably next year too.

Our big name impact addition happened back in February with the hiring of Dennis Green. I haven't been this optimistic for the team since Bugel came to town. We have a new coach, with a near HOF resume. We have last years offensive ROY. Reports from mini-camp is that real teaching is going on between the coaches and the players. Word is that players are going to be held accountable. Imagine that. Plus, we are 5 days away from bringing in a new batch of draftee's.

Life as a Cardinal fan doesn't get much better than this!!!

Go Cards!!!

 

[Bellingham Mike]

Reggie Williams is going to be the best pro, just watch.

 

[vikesfan]

Uh STL won a SB with a 3 WR set. Okay.

So if we don't draft Fitz. People won't stack 8 in the box? Uh this is the way it works:
they stack 8 in the box and double team Boldin. That leaves 1 CB to take the WR.

Guess what if we draft Fitz and have Boldin they have to use 2 men to cover EACH WR. If Fitz or Boldin get singled you throw the ball to the team.

4.47 is plenty fast for WR. He can get open deep by MOVES. Isn't B Johnson the speed WR?

This arguement is silly. A WR gives this team a chance on offense - the only other thing would be a big time RB but there is not 1 in the draft.

You cannot single cover Boldin and Fitz,
let me repeat you cannot single cover Boldin and Fitz.

 

[Russ Smith]

(FACT) Because DG needs another WR to run the sets he likes.

(FACT in terms of odds) Because the WR you get in the top 5 is a safer pick then a WR later in the draft.

.

ston woul

so if we draft roy or mike williams top 5 they will be better than if we picked them later?

DG prefers LF because he knows him so well he "trusts" him more than anyone else. that's not a bad thing but it is related to his relationship with him. it's like saying eli manning would be as highly rated if his last name were blanston and his father and brother were comedians.

 

[Stout]

Uh STL won a SB with a 3 WR set. Okay.

So if we don't draft Fitz. People won't stack 8 in the box? Uh this is the way it works:
they stack 8 in the box and double team Boldin. That leaves 1 CB to take the WR.

Guess what if we draft Fitz and have Boldin they have to use 2 men to cover EACH WR. If Fitz or Boldin get singled you throw the ball to the team.

4.47 is plenty fast for WR. He can get open deep by MOVES. Isn't B Johnson the speed WR?

This arguement is silly. A WR gives this team a chance on offense - the only other thing would be a big time RB but there is not 1 in the draft.

You cannot single cover Boldin and Fitz,
let me repeat you cannot single cover Boldin and Fitz.

I love how you annoint Fitz a sure-fire star, when not only has he NEVER played a down of NFL football, but rookie WRs rarely make a big impact for their teams. Yeah, good, solid argument there. Sure.

 

[BigRedMO]

Green thinks McCown gives best chance to win now. The Cardinals scored the least and allowed the most. I think that has been done only once before in the NFL. That is truly a statement of ineptitude and lack of talent. I seriously question any persons' judgement who thinks he is going to make the Cardinals competitive this year. It is not going to happen. The Big Red has so many serious problems on offense and defense.

I want a coach who is realistic with this team and has a long term plan for success. I have had enough of the unrealistic cheer leading that McGinnis was famous for. The realistic goal is to plan and work towards being competitive in 2 or 3 years. Trade your way up to a position to get Manning or trade your way down to get numbers. I stilll believe no WR is worth a #3 pick. Remember Roy Green a #4th round pick, Pat Tilley #4th round pick, Jackie Smith #10th round, Mel Gray #6th round.

PS It is not just the sacks a DE gets. It is the pressure on every passing down. He effects every single pass attempt by the other team.

 

[vikesfan]

ston woul

so if we draft roy or mike williams top 5 they will be better than if we picked them later?

DG prefers LF because he knows him so well he "trusts" him more than anyone else. that's not a bad thing but it is related to his relationship with him. it's like saying eli manning would be as highly rated if his last name were blanston and his father and brother were comedians.

No. Roy or Mike belong at the top. If Fitz was not in the draft then Roy or Mike would be considered the top WRs. Fitz pushed them down cause he is BETTER.

No DG prefers Fitz because he is the best WR in the draft. Because he is faster then Mike and more polished then Mike. Because he is more polished then Roy and runs patterns better then Roy. And was more productive then both men.

All that other stuff is BS. DG likes BPAs. I think Fitz is in the BPA of all the WRs and is right there with Eli/Ben (QBs always get a higer BPA), Taylor and Winslow and Gallery. Roy and Mike very very close to this group.

 

[slinslin]

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