William Gay signs with Cardinals

[TJ]

I agree, with two caveats. First, we need to get CC signed to a long-term contract. It will be extremely embarrassing and cost us lots of money, if we do get to keep him, if we don't.

I'm confident Campbell will be extended, but probably not until July or August, before or during preseason.

The other is that I just feel that our WR position is not good enough moving forward, and I can't help but think that we messed up in not taking advantage of the deep FA WR pool.

If we do sign D. Bell and he becomes the starting LT, we don't need to draft an offensive lineman with our first pick, leaving the opportunity to address the wide receiver position in the first-round. As I indicated before, Floyd or Blackmon (if he falls) would both be excellent choices and complimentary pieces to Fitz.

The draft is also very deep at wideout this season.

 

[Bodha]

INT's is a nice attribute but hardly a sign of a good or bad CB. Ike Taylor is a good CB and has 13 his entire 9 year career. Does that mean Marshall is a better CB then Ike Taylor?

Pitt CB's as a whole do not create a lot of INT's historically. Surprisingly their Safeties do but not their CB's.

'Good' is a pretty loose description of Ike. Hes the best they have. Steelers have historically been very weak at CB, it has nothing to do with their scheme. CB is CB. When the balls in the air, knock it away or pick it.

And yes, Marshall is far better than Ike, thats not even a question. Ignore INTs.

I don't think that's fair. Yes, William Gay was the 11th-best starter on Pittsburgh's defense, but it's a really good defense. Even if Gay is the 11th-best starter on our defense, he's an absolute upgrade over A.J. "Remember Him" Jefferson and/or a Greg Toler who might be 70% back from a severe knee injury. CBs don't get picks in Pittsburgh's system. They're the last line of defense most of the time in three-deep coverages.

Absolutely hes better than Jefferson, but whats that say? Jefferson is borderline cut material.

I dont hate Gay, he just pales in comparison to what we lost.

Gay is not a terrible player, far from it. He is an average corner who knows the system and will be expected to play nickel which he can do well...and dude can tackle

He is bad. Hes the Mike Adams of the Steelers nation. Ask any fan and theyll tell you hes their favorite whipping boy down there.

He does know the system, that a plus. But hes not great player in it regardless.

Just looking at the INT numbers seems to be a bit of an oversimplification to me. Last year our defense managed just 4 INTs over the final 9 games (NOTE - I'm not counting the INT on the hail mary in the SF game that PP made at the half). We went 7-2. Not saying you can count on our defense to be as locked down in the red zone as we were last year, but Gay knows the system and fits the system. Given how that system looked the last half of the season, I'm perfectly fine with this being the replacement for Marshall (and assume the price tag is cheaper - but we'll see what the #s look like).

Of course not, INTs dont mean everything. Not at all. But dont downplay them too much. Are sack #'s not that important when judging OLB's? See what I mean.

not the world, but they are telling.


Again, so FYI to everyone, I dont dislike Gay. We needed CB depth, we went out and got a veteran whos familiar with Horton, thats a solid start. But dont get the impression that hes nearly the player Marshall was. We still need to upgrade the CB position through the draft. Lots of talent in there this year.

 

[Stout]

I'm confident Campbell will be extended, but probably not until July or August, before or during preseason.
If we do sign D. Bell and he becomes the starting LT, we don't need to draft an offensive lineman with our first pick, leaving the opportunity to address the wide receiver position in the first-round. As I indicated before, Floyd or Blackmon (if he falls) would both be excellent choices and complimentary pieces to Fitz.

The draft is also very deep at wideout this season.

I'm not confident Campbell will be extended, because it is not our MO. Also, I think the deadline to do a long-term deal is in July, so I don't think we can do it in August.

The problem with drafting WRs is that you can't realistically expect them to contribute right away. Sure, a few teams (including us) have been spoiled by a few star players, but they usually take 3 years to hit their stride. We need a #2 WR right now.

 

[PDXChris]

Pretty cool how quick he is becoming part of the team.

You must be registered for see images

 

[TJ]

I'm not confident Campbell will be extended, because it is not our MO. Also, I think the deadline to do a long-term deal is in July, so I don't think we can do it in August.

You're right. Mid July deadline. Forgot about that. i still have faith that a deal will be struck before then. AW had his extension done in June a few years ago, so it's not out of the question it can happen. Campbell has indicated he wants to stay. The team wants him to stay. I wouldn't ruminate over it until July.

The problem with drafting WRs is that you can't realistically expect them to contribute right away. Sure, a few teams (including us) have been spoiled by a few star players, but they usually take 3 years to hit their stride. We need a #2 WR right now.

You can if they have the talent level to be picked in the first round.. It's the late round guys that need 3 or so years to develop. With that mindset, Andre Roberts should be fine seeing as he's entering his 3rd nfl season, but you see guys like AJ Green and Julio Jones make impacts as 1st round rookies in their first season all of the time. I'm not 100% sold on Roberts or Doucet as #2 options. Personally, I'd be more confident in Floyd or Blackmon.

Unless the guy played at a small school, first round WR is the one position where you can make a fair assessment of his future production after his first season.

 

[Chopper0080]

First off, I really like the William Gay signing because he strengthens a young CB unit, and is a hard working/versatile player. I'm much more confortable with Peterson, Toler, Gay, Jefferson and Adams with Marshay Green, and Crezdon Butler fighting for a spot than having Jefferson a sneeze away from starting again. He just isn't ready yet.

My remaining off-season priorities...

1-DeMetrius Bell-LT
2-London Fletcher-ILB
3-Clark Haggens-OLB
4-Mike Leach-LS
5-Vonnie Holliday-DE
6-Sign a P

Kick ass in the draft

Sign Calais Campbell

 

[NJCardFan]

Aaaaaand another ex-Steeler. Whiz does know there are other quality FA's that played for the other 30 teams.

 

[crisper57]

Like the signing for depth. Really hoping Toler is progressing in his recovery because he did show flashes of being a really solid CB before the injury.

 

[PJ1]

First off, I really like the William Gay signing because he strengthens a young CB unit, and is a hard working/versatile player. I'm much more confortable with Peterson, Toler, Gay, Jefferson and Adams with Marshay Green, and Crezdon Butler fighting for a spot than having Jefferson a sneeze away from starting again. He just isn't ready yet.

My remaining off-season priorities...

1-DeMetrius Bell-LT
2-London Fletcher-ILB
3-Clark Haggens-OLB
4-Mike Leach-LS
5-Vonnie Holliday-DE
6-Sign a P

Kick ass in the draft

Sign Calais Campbell

If it plays out like this it would be an awesome off season in my opinion.

 

[Crazy Canuck]

First off, I really like the William Gay signing because he strengthens a young CB unit, and is a hard working/versatile player. I'm much more confortable with Peterson, Toler, Gay, Jefferson and Adams with Marshay Green, and Crezdon Butler fighting for a spot than having Jefferson a sneeze away from starting again. He just isn't ready yet.

My remaining off-season priorities...

1-DeMetrius Bell-LT
2-London Fletcher-ILB
3-Clark Haggens-OLB
4-Mike Leach-LS
5-Vonnie Holliday-DE
6-Sign a P

Kick ass in the draft

Sign Calais Campbell

Leach's wife, via Twitter, indicated that he re-signed. Again, via Twitter, Holliday says the Cards and he are talking and Cardschatter believes Haggans will be back. London Fletcher is said to be waiting on the Washington CAP debacle to conclude before re-signing with the Redskins.

 

[AzStevenCal]

First off, I really like the William Gay signing because he strengthens a young CB unit, and is a hard working/versatile player. I'm much more confortable with Peterson, Toler, Gay, Jefferson and Adams with Marshay Green, and Crezdon Butler fighting for a spot than having Jefferson a sneeze away from starting again. He just isn't ready yet.

My remaining off-season priorities...

1-DeMetrius Bell-LT
2-London Fletcher-ILB
3-Clark Haggens-OLB
4-Mike Leach-LS
5-Vonnie Holliday-DE
6-Sign a P

Kick ass in the draft

Sign Calais Campbell

I like your list but if there's a punter out there that's worth anything I'd move that to the top of the priority list. We can't go into next season with high expectations AND Zastudil, they just don't go together.

Steve

 

[Chopper0080]

I like your list but if there's a punter out there that's worth anything I'd move that to the top of the priority list. We can't go into next season with high expectations AND Zastudil, they just don't go together.

Steve

I'm expecting the Cardinals to add on ein the draft which is why it isn't higher on the list.

 

[WildBB]

I'm not confident Campbell will be extended, because it is not our MO. Also, I think the deadline to do a long-term deal is in July, so I don't think we can do it in August.

The problem with drafting WRs is that you can't realistically expect them to contribute right away. Sure, a few teams (including us) have been spoiled by a few star players, but they usually take 3 years to hit their stride. We need a #2 WR right now.

I think Floyd is good enough coming out to be a legit #2 from the git-go.
Then in a yr. or two to be a #1a.

 

[Chopper0080]

Leach's wife, via Twitter, indicated that he re-signed. Again, via Twitter, Holliday says the Cards and he are talking and Cardschatter believes Haggans will be back. London Fletcher is said to be waiting on the Washington CAP debacle to conclude before re-signing with the Redskins.

I've heard most of this as well, which is why this list really has only two wild cards which are DeMetrius Bell and London Fletcher.

 

[chickenhead]

Originally Posted by Crazy Canuck
If, Horton, his former position coach wants him, I want him.

To me, this really is the key element. Horton wanted him.

+2. This feels more promising than Grimm wanting Faneca, for example. Although I certainly had higher hopes for that signing as well.

 

[Arizona's Finest]

I think there is alot of MLB value out there right now and would make sense to get a bargain guy to come in and be part of the rotation. Fletcher would be ideal IMO.

Problem is these guys are coming off the board (Lofton, McClain) so might need to move in and get a good value.

 

[Chopper0080]

and I guess I should specify, my kick ass draft goes liek this...

1-David DeCastro - OG - Stanford
2-Trade
3-Shea McClellin - OLB - Boise St.
4-Bobbie Massie - OT - Ole Miss
5-Ryan Broyles - WR - Oklahoma
6a-Senio Kelemente - OG - Washington
6b-Jerry Franklin - ILB - Arkansas
7-Joe Long - OT - Wayne St.

comprised of 1 starting RG, 1 developmental LG, 1 rush OLB, 1 development SILB, 1 developmental slot WR, 1 potential LT, 1 potential RT.

4 offensive linemen, 2 linebackers, and 1 WR. NO safeties available late that I really value, and RB & CB & QB don't seem to fit with our current roster.

 

[Cbus cardsfan]

and I guess I should specify, my kick ass draft goes liek this...

1-David DeCastro - OG - Stanford
2-Trade
3-Shea McClellin - OLB - Boise St.
4-Bobbie Massie - OT - Ole Miss
5-Ryan Broyles - WR - Oklahoma
6a-Senio Kelemente - OG - Washington
6b-Jerry Franklin - ILB - Arkansas
7-Joe Long - OT - Wayne St.

comprised of 1 starting RG, 1 developmental LG, 1 rush OLB, 1 development SILB, 1 developmental slot WR, 1 potential LT, 1 potential RT.

4 offensive linemen, 2 linebackers, and 1 WR. NO safeties available late that I really value, and RB & CB & QB don't seem to fit with our current roster.

I agree, that would be a kick ass draft for sure.

 

[JeffGollin]

McClellan's below my radar (& I watched a lot of Boise in recent years).

Broyles is this year's Schofield (ACL - expected to sit out 2012).

Other than McClellan (who might be great) and waiting a year for Broyles, indeed it is El Kicko Asso.

 

[Stout]

Pittsburgh sports talk radio guys today have been lamenting the loss of Gay. That makes me rather happy about the signing

 

[Cardiac]

First off, I really like the William Gay signing because he strengthens a young CB unit, and is a hard working/versatile player. I'm much more confortable with Peterson, Toler, Gay, Jefferson and Adams with Marshay Green, and Crezdon Butler fighting for a spot than having Jefferson a sneeze away from starting again. He just isn't ready yet.

My remaining off-season priorities...

1-DeMetrius Bell-LT
2-London Fletcher-ILB
3-Clark Haggens-OLB
4-Mike Leach-LS
5-Vonnie Holliday-DE
6-Sign a P

Kick ass in the draft

Sign Calais Campbell

I highly doubt the Cards are looking to add a FA ILB this year. They like Lennon, have a bunch of money already invested in Bradley, obiviously love D Wash and just re-signed Walker. I do expect them to draft one to develop and at the very least replace Walker at some point.

I'm expecting the Cardinals to add on ein the draft which is why it isn't higher on the list.

In response to Azsteve in regards to a punter. So which player in your KA draft does not get drafted to take the Punter?

and I guess I should specify, my kick ass draft goes liek this...

1-David DeCastro - OG - Stanford
2-Trade
3-Shea McClellin - OLB - Boise St.
4-Bobbie Massie - OT - Ole Miss
5-Ryan Broyles - WR - Oklahoma
6a-Senio Kelemente - OG - Washington
6b-Jerry Franklin - ILB - Arkansas
7-Joe Long - OT - Wayne St.

comprised of 1 starting RG, 1 developmental LG, 1 rush OLB, 1 development SILB, 1 developmental slot WR, 1 potential LT, 1 potential RT.

4 offensive linemen, 2 linebackers, and 1 WR. NO safeties available late that I really value, and RB & CB & QB don't seem to fit with our current roster.

If the Cards do sign Bell then I doubt they take 2 OT's. With the recent additions of Snyder and College I doubt we draft 2 OG's. At most I see 3 O-lineman drafted and that's due to BPA lining up so that we take one that we didn't expect to still be there in rds 5 thru 7 and LOVE his potential.

Having typed all that I wouldn't mind your KA draft if it came to be.

 

[JeffGollin]

If the Cards do sign Bell then I doubt they take 2 OT's. With the recent additions of Snyder and College I doubt we draft 2 OG's...

Most of your concerns seem to assume the Cards would draft for need (or to state it more correctly "not draft to avoid a surplus").

If the Cards seek "value" in each round and the best player happens to be a G or a T, I don't think they'd be too concerned with overstocking a position.

Reasoning: (1) Bell's durability & the need to develop young talent behind both he and Levi. (2) Snyder's usefulness as a swingman to eventually replace an aging Bridges. (3) our need to develop young talent at both guards behind College and to push & eventually replace Snyder.

Worst thing that could happen is that we get overloaded and have to trade one or two surplus guys.

 

[Chopper0080]

I highly doubt the Cards are looking to add a FA ILB this year. They like Lennon, have a bunch of money already invested in Bradley, obiviously love D Wash and just re-signed Walker. I do expect them to draft one to develop and at the very least replace Walker at some point.




In response to Azsteve in regards to a punter. So which player in your KA draft does not get drafted to take the Punter?



If the Cards do sign Bell then I doubt they take 2 OT's. With the recent additions of Snyder and College I doubt we draft 2 OG's. At most I see 3 O-lineman drafted and that's due to BPA lining up so that we take one that we didn't expect to still be there in rds 5 thru 7 and LOVE his potential.

Having typed all that I wouldn't mind your KA draft if it came to be.

If the Cards sign Bell, and they are looking to improve the OL, I draft two OTs and cut Bridges. If Bell gets injured either Massie steps in or Browm slides over. If Brown slides over Snyder steps in at RT. If DeCastro gets injured Snyder steps in at RG. If Colledge gets injured, either Kelemente slides in or Snyder slides over. It would be a very versatile group. We would carry 9 offensive linemen if Long wasn't on the practice squad, and would have backups at every position. (DeCastro/Kelemente/Snyder at OC)

As far as the P goes, the biggest openings would be Broyles, Franklin, or Long. Ideally, I hate the thought of taking a P this year in the draft.

As far as ILB, keep in mind that LBs are rare in that they can cnotribute on special teams while you are waiting for them to develop. Franklin would beat out Reggie Walker in my opinion or cause the team to cut Bradley (though I doubt it).

 

[Chopper0080]

McClellan's below my radar (& I watched a lot of Boise in recent years).

Broyles is this year's Schofield (ACL - expected to sit out 2012).

Other than McClellan (who might be great) and waiting a year for Broyles, indeed it is El Kicko Asso.

McClellin was an average DE who looks to be a very solid OLB in a 3-4. Not a wow athlete, but very comparable to Brooks Reed who was drafted by the Texans last year.

 

[Cardiac]

Most of your concerns seem to assume the Cards would draft for need (or to state it more correctly "not draft to avoid a surplus").

If the Cards seek "value" in each round and the best player happens to be a G or a T, I don't think they'd be too concerned with overstocking a position.

Reasoning: (1) Bell's durability & the need to develop young talent behind both he and Levi. (2) Snyder's usefulness as a swingman to eventually replace an aging Bridges. (3) our need to develop young talent at both guards behind College and to push & eventually replace Snyder.

Worst thing that could happen is that we get overloaded and have to trade one or two surplus guys.

Well I did allow for taking a 3rd O-lineman if he was the BPA and of course there is always the option to trade out of a spot if your "needs" board isn't lined up with how the draft is unfolding.

Your drafting of 4 O-lineman comes with the premise that the Cards (you) don't like almost any of the current unit. I agree that upgrades are needed and we haven't invested draft picks in the O-line in the past 4 years but it's MHO that drafting 4 in 1 year is swinging the pendulum to far and an over correction.